Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.106 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 May 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes about the troubles involved in sleeping in a tent and of his ill luck with receiving boxes sent by his family.
May 14, 1 1/2 A.M. Grand rounds is over & now to bed, properly with sword, sash & c. on, I shall lie down with clothes on only, I mean without sword or sash. Shall not get up to roll-call at 6 A.M. (the first roll-call I have missed) but lie until Guard mounting at - past 7 after which I am released from all duty until 12 M. which time I shall devote to sleep & "Hardee" while in Newbern Saturday I bought a weekly "Progress" which I will send, price 10 cents, they publish a daily also, but this is the first I have seen since the one I sent you long ago. The paper notices the severe rain we had the day & night after we encamped here if it was so unpleas ant in houses what do you think of us in our old tents. We were all afloat, water in some tents 8 inches deep, a large part of my Co. was outside of the tents a great portion of the night & of course were soaked thro', fortunately the next day was clear & warm. My tent leaked like a sieve. I have a bed formed by three camp stools joined together, this I placed in center of the tent - the driest part - this bedstead raised me out of the water & a rubber blanket over me head & all. Kept me pretty dry but I was nearly smothered & could not sleep. our camp has since been moved farther back, to higher ground & well drained & with our new tents we do not fear future rains. I wonder if there is any other country besides No. Carolina where rain falls in a solid mass and from all directions at the same time. I dont like to have you trouble John Almy about sending me things, they will come just as safe by express, I am sorry you wrote col. Mathewson about the Hospt boxes we always had communications with Newbern once or twice a week & knew what was at the Express for us But only small packages could be brought us as means of transportation were very limited every car being needed to carry cannon & ammunition. The box or boxes which the Hospt has not received I think must have been directed to Roanoke and have been used there by the Hawkins zouaves. My cookies & coffee were in those boxes. There has a boat with mail come in this evening & I hope for good long letters from you all, & think the box of goodies will certainly come on it. If I had thought a moment I should not have expected it before as the slightest detention any where would have delayed it until his boat. I have no doubt but that I shall get it now. I do hope I shall hear that you are all well & I want you to realize how comfortable I am fixed with my new tent & nice board floor & with all the good food we get now I am sure I cant but keep well. Good night dear ones all, I think I will lie down. we are to have a Brigade drill day after tomorrow. How I dread it for it will not be pleasant to blunder there. Goodnight again Love to all & everyone uncle Geo, Steve, Ed Clapp, cal & c. May 14, 8 o clock AM Bright & Well.
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