Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.195 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 February 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that he has been using the field glass that Miss Greene sent him. Asks advice on what he should write to thank her. Asks how to address her in a letter: "Is she "dear Madame" or what." Also writes that the long lost Harper's Ferry bundle that his family sent finally arrived. Believes that they are traveling to Suffolk and requests a valise rather than his trunk.
Newport News, Monday even. (16th) Dear All, Col. Ward arrived this P.M. bringing Miss Greene's beautiful present to me. Have been out on the bank this afternoon looking at the Monitors &c with it & I really think it the best glass I ever used & others say the same. Do write me immediately what I shall answer her for I desire to write an acceptable note after receiving such a splen- did present. Did you see it? It's pretty large size, very powerful, made for service as well as ornament & altogether just right. If I think to find fault with it I could not except in one point - the size - but I doubt if a smaller one would be as powerful. It is handsomely marked with my name. The ^outside case (perhaps I ought to call it the sling) has a silver plate with the name engraved & on the barrels of the Glass itself the name is stamped in gilt- style old English. I am exceedingly pleased with it & wish to answer the accompanying note soon. She asks if I will accept. You know blessings often come in pairs - so this afternoon what should appear but the long looked for Harper's Ferry bundle I hardly know what to do with the under clothes if you send the trunk I can carry there, but the impression here is that we are going to Suffolk & if so I hardly think it would be best for me to have the trunk & perhaps you had better buy me a new valise if you can get a - real large - one & Col. H. is willing to bring it or you can send by Express to Ft. Monroe. I am really sorry as I was greatly rejoiced at the idea of getting the trunk again & also saving the cost of a valise. If you send a large valise I would like my sash a towel or two, some soap, & several other little things but I cant remember what. Feby 17 7 o'clock A.M. - A rainy day. chilly & unpleasant, Am very well. Recd the Independent last night. Do write often. I dont hear near as often as I write. Time for mail & I close. Please tell me what to write Miss Greene soon. Is she "dear Madame" or what. Love Chas
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.