Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.012 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Jamaica, Long Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1861 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Written on blank "Morning Report of Captain" form. Describes the departure from Hartford and their arrival at Staten Island and subsequent trip to Long Island. His brother, George Coit, came to watch the departure of the regiment. Remarks that he wishes he had an assistant. His regiment is under General Burnside.
Octo. 19 '61
Dear mother & all write to say arrived safe at this place Jamaica, L.I. last night slept on floor in a house here the privates were on the ground without tents. Night before last & Yesterday were hours of a life time but I enjoyed them after all. Yesterday my three meals were in one consisting of a few cookies a piece of pie & sponge cake. Had a good warm breakfast this morning & shall be supplied well at a private house hereafter. we went according to orders to Statten Island & were then ordered back to this place this caused us much delay & congruent confusion, altogether it was a time long to be remembered. I have been much bothered in want for a servant shall find one here I think. I cannot get along with my horse without one. That worthwhile camp basket I wished in the sound fifty times. George can tell you all about the going off & how nicely my horse behaved, he had not been used much for a day or two & was "feeling his oats". our Quartermaster says he knows no man can stick to a horses back better than I. he says very few persons could have ridden my horse from the camp to the boat. I have thought since that my sword must have been swinging against him all the time & it seemed to craze him. He is all right now (front of morning report form) We are laying out camp & as I was writing my report I scratch this line home. (vertical) I will try to write soon but privates can command their time I think better than officers. Direct to C.M.C. Adjt 8 Reg Conn vols, Jamaica,L.I. Bushels of love to everybody. we are under Genl Burnside Never felt better in my life, just as well as can be. I have tried to write something I dont know what mail goes soon good love
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