Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.019 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Jamaica, Long Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 October 1861 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Describes the presentation of the state banner by the Sons of Connecticut as "mushy." Also writes about coming to enjoy participating in the Dress Parades. Written from Camp Buckingham.
Thursday noon
Octo. 24, '61
A letter from home just rec'd dated 22d inst that seems pretty soon for the distance I receive letters more promptly than when in Hartford. I hope mine are as regular. I suppose I shall have one every day now as one the first came yesterday & another to day. I am very sorry mother is sick still. Going to dinner. If my letters are medicine to mother I will write every day a line at least. our state banner is to be presented this afternoon by the sons of Conn & I shall try to send this by some one who comes over to attend. I should think uncle William would come. has he sent the money to uncle George yet. we have an open fire place & a good fire in the col. room, just back of mine. The entrance to Col's room is through mine. Must form Reg. Love will write more if can Between 4 & 5 P.M. Banner has been presented. I think such performances are all mushy. John Almy made a speech introducing Genl wetmore(?) who was quite lengthy. Harland was very short, he was wise enough to know his men had already stood with hats off too long in the cold west wind. This affair had broken in upon drill hours, and thinking a great many visitors present, it was thought best to have Dress Parade at four instead of five, the hour gained I am now using to write home & hope it will prove a cure all for mother. I get along nicely in every thing I am getting to quite enjoy Dress Parade. I have about the best position, the best except the cols, to see the ceremony. I can see every body but myself. It is a magnificant sight. during the first part of the Parade I stand at one end of the line, the right & only two paces before it & have to give my orders so that they will be heard on the left, an eighth of mile distant against a very strong west wind. I have to scream with all my might.
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