Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.239 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Suffolk, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 June1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes of his trip to Baltimore to take care of a savings bank matter. Notes that he has seen Cousin Ellen, Becky, John, James and wife and Mrs. Dr. Elisha. Says that he felt unprepared for visiting and feels he made a fool of himself.
Camp of 8th Suffolk June 8, 1863
Dear All, Another day has passed & I have not written as I might and it's nearly mail- time so I can write only a line. Last Thursday I started for Norfolk to execute the savings Bk papers - expected to have gone the day before but deleayed as the Pay master was arrived.) - Arriving at Norfolk I searched the town for a Notary or somebody that could take my acknowledgement & find- ing no one capable I took the boat for the Fortess where I was alike unsuccessful. I therefor called upon Genl Dix's Adjt Genl, col. Fair Review, stated my business & asked leave of absence to visit Baltimore which after a little hesitation, he granted. So off I started for B. within an hour. went up Thursday night & back the next. Had the whole day in B. saw cousin Ellen, Becky & John, James & wife, Mrs. Dr. Elisha - the Dr. was in Washington. I left so unexpectedly that I was not prepared for visiting & had not got my speech ready. I could not talk a bit & altogether I felt & acted like a fool. I had forgotten there was such a man as James Perkins in the world. I sent to Geo. by express $20 - ten dollars in a state Bounty check. I sent money also for Col. Ward & quite an amount from members of my Co. & on none of the receipts did the Ex. Agent put stamps. Was it my business to do so? I dont know any thing about this stamp business & has forgotten all about it. Geo's letter of 5th inst recd this P.M. That's a good joke on the Judge but I should hardly think it a good advertisement for a lawyer. I had to pay the Notary Public in Baltimore a dollar just to sign his name, that was about every thing he did. The trip to B. - cost - some- thing but I enjoyed every moment except the - visiting -. I should have had my photo. taken if I had had no friends & I wanted that more than most any thing else as I do not like to one I have & I shall not get another so good chance in a long time. All wanted to be remembered to all. My call at - Verda's - was as pleasant as any. She gave me some splendid straw- berries. Had dinner at Ellen's & I knew all the time she did not want me but I did not know how to leave. will write again soon. Bundle not recd yet. Best love, Chas
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