Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

Suffolk, Sunday May 10.
Dear All, The whole Regt with the exception of the few who are on guard are enjoying a day of rest, the first since the 11th ultimo. It was my turn "on the road" - corduroying - to day but I objected because it was Sunday & Capt. Smith who is at present in command of this camp agreed with me & shouldered the responsibility of resting for one day. we are all much excited over the news from Hooker. The N Yk papers did not arrive yesterday as usual but we hear that Hooker crossed back to the Falmouth side because he had heard nothing from Stannard's expedition & we hear it rumored that as stone man was so successful Hooker will immediately recross & reengage the enemy. I pray he may be successful, if defeated I presume Longstreet will revisit - us -. I cannot but think the question of a long or short war will again be settled by the Army of the Potomac, but which way? would it not have been splendid if Stoneman had gone into Richmond instead of halting four miles outside. We hear that even the patrol guard of the city were that day out on a recornais sance & that no troops had been left. Seems to me he almost had it in his power to end the war then & there. But surely no one ought to find fault with him after what he has accom- plished. Hooker in this advance seems to have adopted almost to the better, Burnside's second plan - cavalry raid & all. T'would be almost provoking if he should win under such circumstances. I made Genl Harland quite a long call Friday & spoke with him about the scientific school at N. Haven told him George would probably go. He said it was established about the time he left & at first it did not amount to much but that lately it had been largely endowed & tho' he knew very little about it at present what little he did know was favorable. He said he had no doubt but that the course of studies there favored would much more - valuable - to George than a full course at Yale. He there is very little that is practical in the latter course unless one is studying for one of the three professions. He thinks a thorough knowledge of English Composition is of the highest importance to every one & says that you do not get that at Yale. He is quite strong about it. The weather has been very variable for the last two weeks Last Thursday I was in command of the party at work on the road & wearing only a cap burnt my face so much that my forehead & large part of my face - peeled - & that day was no warmer then several others. The weather since has been cold & rainy until to day. Yours of the 2d & 5th recd. About the vest - I want one good but not particularly fine - strongly made. the shirts I would like large to allow for shrinkage. Sunday 6 1/2 P.M. Am again comfortably settled in my wall tent, it seems spacious enough after living for several weeks in the small one. Must close or miss the mail. Your loving son & bro Chas I would like one or two silk handkerchiefs, one will do, I lost one while "on the road" last week. I shall be real glad to get Mary Hilliard's photo. I like her first rate, but as I have seen the original without falling in love I think I can be trusted with the copy. I hope he is a good - fellow - she is engaged to. I am glad Mr. Sullivan has decided to remain. Wish I could hear one of our old Dr.'s "grand" sermons & your Mrs. - fine singing. Orders just recd to strike tents & return to our camp with the rest of the Brigade. Bully for those orders - they will save me one days work "on the road".