Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.285 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes of commanding the regiment in place of Colonel Ward and of embarking to join [General Ulysses] Grant's army. Notes that four of the companies lost all of their baggage when the rebels captured it. Says that he found and sent home Alfred's valise with some of his own things enclosed.
On board an old barge being towed down the James by a big steamer carrying the remainder of our Brigade. Sunday P.M. May 29
Dear All,
Friday we moved our camp a few miles back from the breast wks & nearer Bermuda Hundreds. Here we had a good night's rest as we were allowed to take off our accoutrements & were not roused until after day light. About 4 P.M. yesterday we were again in line and during the evening - very dark & rainy - we marched to the Hundreds. As I am still command ing the Regt I had Col. Ward's horse to ride. I think I can fully appreciate the differences between riding & walking we embarked this A.M. bound I presume for Yorktown or white House to join Grant's Army. We are very crowded on board here & it is hardly possible to have any service but I hope our chaplain will attempt it. Its very hard to remember the day & observe it at such times. I wrote Mrs. Goddard after we recd marching orders Thursday night. Wrote in a hurry & did not know what to say any way.
Yesterday I found Alfred's valise by accident at the Corps Hospital where Col. Ward must have left it. Its just like Col W. I could not get track of it any where & at last came to the con- clusion that it must have been carried up to our camp near Ft. Darling & been captured by the Rebs with our other baggage. I believe I wrote you that four of our cos. lost every thing there. My Co. was one. My private baggage was fortunately not moved so I lost nothing but a shelter tent & blankets. This morning I send Alfred's valise home by Express but could not get a receipt. Thought it was safe any way with Express than in our wagon. If you are writing Mrs. G. please mention it. I have a Sash, the largest of the two & books of tactics in his valise. Fortress Monroe 7 P.M. Hope to get this sent ashore & so I close Best love. I am very well.
Chas
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