Coffin, Charles Carleton (1823-1896) ALS to Nast, Thomas (1840-1902). From Schoff Civil War Collection, Clements Library, University of Michigan. Typescript by Michael D. Gorman, January 2007.

Boston July 19, 66

Thos. Nast Esq.,
          Dear Sir

                      Yours received & photographs also. I do not remember what streets we passed through, except that we walked for a short distance on Main st. If you have a map of Richmond you can probably settle it, as we took the Market route from the river to Jeff Davis' house. We landed a short distance above the Libbey, crossed the canal, & walked straight to Main st, up that a short distance. We turned over on this, & came to a halt, for Mr. Lincoln to rest, before ascending the hill. [page break] The order of procession was six sailors with carbines in advance, led by Capt. Adams, of the Army. The sailors in blue jackets, round, blue, cloth caps. Then Mr. Lincoln leading Tad by his left hand, Capt Admiral Porter at his right. Myself at his left, part of the time leading Tad, who had hard work to get along in the crowd. Capt. Pearson of the Army & our other officer, I don't know who came next, then six more sailors with carbines. This is the order.

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Lincoln wore his overcoat which was quite long, & reached below the knees, & a stove pipe hat. His servant followed, with a shawl on his arm. Those I believe are all the persons in this party. I see that you have made a woman kissing his hand. I did not see that, although it might have taken place. The most impressive scene, to me, was the respect which Lincoln showed to the poor creatures when he removed his hat, while the old negro prayed God to bless him. [page break]
Your conception is very fine & would answer quite as well as most pictures for historical truth. Mr. Raymand's[?] book gives Lincoln in a barouche with the negroes tossing flowers in the carriage. There was nothing of the sort. We rode through the city, after walking to Davis' house, in Weitzel's carriage – a common two seated buggy, with Porter, & Weitzel.
I am to sail for Europe next Wed the 25 in the Persia from N.Y. If you wish for further information, & can make it convenient to run down there I will be pleased to see you. I probably shall be at the 5th Avenue Tues evening, but cannot say certainly. Shall be on the Persia in the forenoon of Wed.
I wish to thank you for the great work you are doing in Harper's Weekly. Our ??? picture of "Why he cant sleep" is better than all the speeches made in Congress during the session.

In haste C. C. Coffin

[image that is being discussed - MDG]

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