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 #: GLC03603.064 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 January 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that the regiment broke camp and marched to the wharf only to find that the ships were not ready. He, the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major all tried to find rooms at hotels but ended up hiring a small boat to take them to the ship. Is uncertain where they are headed but speaks of stopping at Fort Monroe. Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman."
On board the good ship H J Brookman Jany 6, 1862 we broke camp yesterday in a snow storm about 2 inches deep tents all frozen down & every thing as bad as possible & very cold. Marched down to the wharf & found that our vessels were not ready for us & we must lie until to day. So the Regt went into Quarters in the Navy Yard buildings. Lt. col & I tried to get a room at Hotel but could not the Col. joined us there & all three of us went down to the dock & hired a small boat to carry us 3 & our trunks out to this ship, twas a cold sail but we arrived safely about 5 oclock & found a nice snug cabin just about large enough to hold us & a good hot fire with supper. so here we are. it is a first rate bark & if we are going far nothing could be safer & more comfortable, a very pleasant captain & tip top beds with sheets what do you think of that. I did sleep splendidly last night. The Regt. will be on board this vessel & the steamers to day we go ashore in a few moments. Lt. Col. Terry goes on the steamer Chasseur. Col, Major, Adjt, QMaster, Dr. Storrs & Chaplain on this ship. I suppose the horse goes on a third boat - a schooner. I shall turn him over to the Quarter Master who is responsible I suppose. If anything happens to him I shall look to uncle Samuel. We shall probably sail before you receive this letter. From the composition of the 3d Brigade, I do not think we shall see the hardest part of the fighting, for we have never been drilled as a Brigade & the 11th is too green to do much & the zouaves (53d NYk) about as bad. I expect to write once more for home & probably not again until we make the passage from Annapolis to Fortress Monroe will be about 3 days. The barometer indicates steady fair weather & Capt says we shall have nice. No nothing where we are going sometimes I think but short distance & sometimes a long distance. Cant tell any thing about it. Col. Terry says we are in God's hand & he is happy to know that He knows best what to do with us & he can leave all Him. I have had several good talks with him. Am going ashore boat waiting. 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.