Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.321.01 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 September 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes from camp Bermuda about a wooden shelter that has been built for him in camp. He gives more specifications on the papers he is looking for. He writes that he encloses Generals Orders No. 126 as a curiosity.
Camp B. 100's Va. Sept 18, '64
Dear Mo & Bro - sis. not included because she's up in Pomfret and I shall give it to her alone in a day or two. Since the last I have moved - everything bedsteads, sofas, chairs, & c - into a new house that I have caused to be built for me. A Large house too - full ten feet by six & so high that I can stand up straight with hat on & not touch the roof. The walls are of rough pine logs & the roof of shelter tents - the inside walls are beautifully varigated, one side bed sacks, another a rubber blanket & the third newspapers. I have a pole to hang clothes on, a table & shelves made of hard tack boxes & a bedstead of barrel staves. And then my door - to be sure it has no bigger a lock but the latch string is always out - In fact the door is always open but if I must tell the truth I - have - no door but have a grand place to put one. My material was entirely used up when we reached the door & I shall be obliged to wait for another hard tack box. Another "point" in any house is its perfect ventillation As it's built hurridly of rough logs there is always more or lefs space between & recalling all my experience in buildings I cannot remember any more thoroughly ventillated unless it be Sullivan's church in Norwich. what a foolish letter i am writing & Sunday too, perhaps it's because I'm tired. Ani Brigade off. of Day & have been visiting the picket lines - on foot. -
Brigade services this A.M. but I was on the picket line at the time. Mr. Smith has returned & has a service this afternoon & I must close this & attend. I wrote George that the papers I wanted were made out with lead pencil. I saw Lt. Dougherty a day or two since - he says no - in ink. - The handwriting is very peculiar. I only want the papers that will be folded or enveloped together with dates from march 27 62 to Dec 31 62 & also the Return made by Capt. McCall Dec 31 62. Recd a nice long letter from Ellen yesterday evening. Shall answer soon. Regard to all New Haven friends I am rather pleased that you are back in the world again. Pomfret seems a little out. I do hope you will succeed better than you anticipate in your hunt for boarding place. Do write me fully. Best love. You affct son & bro Chas I send the enclose as a curiosity. I think it "beats the dutch".
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