Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.035 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1861 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Writes about the trouble he is having using the $5 bills sent from Connecticut and requests no more be sent. Complains about Annapolis calling it a "one horse town" and assures his sister that he will not lose his heart here because he "doubt(s) whether there are any girls here." Says Daly will need a paper signed by the Governor if he is to travel to Annapolis.
Nov 22, 1861 afternoon Yours of the 20th just recd enclosing $5. About coat I hardly know what to say I was not expecting to really get another at present, but perhaps I ought to have one & if the Thompsons can make a good strong one I think I better have, a trifle larger than my present one. I should like the shoulder straps on & 1 cant get them here, in fact you cant get hardly any thing it is a confounded old one horse town. I have plenty of buttons here for the front but no small ones for the sleeves. Mr. T. can put on Connecticut buttons for that I suppose, they will do very well. I am much obliged & sorry to make so much trouble. About the money - the bills - you sent. If this was any kind of a place I could get them changed without any trouble as bills of this size are allowed here but they have so little business with other parts of the country that they are afraid of bills from Md. A report has come in that I have been waiting for & I must close as I have another monthly report to make, its a great job. The horse acted first rate yesterday I was riding a large part of the day on the wharf among the barrels & boxes & every thing & he went first rate because I had a nice raw hide with me & I used it when necessary & found he could behave quite respectably. I am glad Geo is such a good boy. I expected he would be. Ellen need not fear that I shall lose my heart in this place. I doubt whether there any girls here. what do you mean in calling Harland's horse a "tough old teamster", he is a younger horse than mine & has always had the best of care dont believe he was hitched to a team in world. Dont send more money in bills. I think I shall have enough for present but I cant pay what I borrowed with bills. I fear the express on the coat will make it too expensive. Geo better inquire about it before you engage the coat. I suppose you would have telegraphed me before this if Daly was not coming. Must stop Chas. Recd a letter yesterday from Bait from A A Perkins wishing me to come Thur. is it Fendi. 1 cant go very polite & kind note. Daly will need some kind of pass or certificate to come on with, as they stop all colored persons on one of these Railroads 1 dont know which, probably a certificate from Gov. Buckingham would be sufficient or he but he has probably started before this. If you can send a little more money in check in New York I would like & I can return this last $5. I cant pay what I borrowed. so warm I have had my coat off all this morning. Special Requisition For 75 feet of lumber for making targets.
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