Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.246 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: White House, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Reports an unsuccessful raid on Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. The marching is very difficult due to the extreme heat and that several have died or been maimed by sunstroke. Though none of the men were wounded while they attempted to take the bridge, several were taken prisoner while straggling behind during marching. Mentions that General Getty commanded the expedition, General Harland commanded Coit's division and that Colonel Stedman commanded Coit's brigade.
White House, July 7 '63
Dear All, Returned, to this place this noon, from our unsuccesful raid upon the Fredrbg & Richmond R.R. We have had the most severe marching on this tramp, that we have ever seen - we have marched farther day by day at other times but never during such excessive heat. Several receieved such severe sun stroke as to cause death immediately & others will not recover. A few of our troops were taken prisoners - they were straggling in rear of the column & picked up by rebel cavalry or bush whackers. I think none were killed or wounded in the skirmish at the bridge that it was our object to destroy. The bridge was too strongly defended for our forces - we destroyed the R.R. for a few miles. Genl Getty commanded the expedition & Genl Harland our Division - four Brigades - Col. Stedman our Brigade & we did not like him particularly. Yours of the 2d inst recd to day. Oh I hope Steve Meech's wound will not prove as serious as you seem to fear. We hear that Genl Meade has thus far been successful, has captured twenty thousand prisoners & has Lee in a tight place. The 8th brings back every man from our expedition. A few were sunstruck - none fatally. I am pretty tired of course & my feet very sore but I am - well - we are to leave this place in the morning but whether to return to Portsmouth or to proceed farther North I do not know. Best love affct son & bro Chas
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