William Coit letters and documents

1782-1785

William Coit (1735-1821), known as Captain William Coit, was a shipping merchant from Norwich, Connecticut. Coit was the son of Samuel Coit and Sarah Spalding Coit and the captain of a Connecticut militia regiment during the American Revolution. His daughter Eliza married Dwight Ripley of Norwich. He is sometimes confused with Captain William Coit (1742-1802) of New London, Connecticut, a militia officer and sea captain during the Revolution, and the son of Daniel Coit, town clerk. The collection chiefly comprises letters received at Norwich and New York City from his son, merchant William Coit (1761-1785), at Hartford and New York City, regarding business matters, 1782-1785. Among the commodities mentioned are flour, onions, salt, sugar, spices, rum, and wine. Additions to the collection consist of a letter from William Coit Jr. to his father dated 1784 July 8; a dinner invitation from the senior William Coit to Mr. Caduggin (Cadogan), 1785 November 24; and a statement of account between William Coit and his son, 1784 (25 pieces in all).