Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.030 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1861 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Writes about having a poor meal and about the camp sutler, who sometimes supplies food to the soldiers. Explains that he was forced to re-submit the monthly report because of the Assistant Adjutant General's incompetence.
Thursday evening Nov 14, 1861. I must write a line before going to work on my muster rolls to acknowledge the receipt of the soldiers and cooks. they came just at the right moment & we should have had rather a light supper without them - a small sausage (4 sausages for 5 men) some very salt ham with hard bread & coffee but this is not a fair sample of our meals they are generally very good but hardly what you would call liberal - this evening there was less than usual & it was so glad to have the sardines to help out, we fin - ished one box & as I have not been in condi - tion to treat lately I was mighty glad to have these. The sutler will commence feeding us tomorrow or next day. I think he will provide well if not we shall buy a camp chest for four & hire a cook, the major thinks this the cheapest & best of course these things were a great deal better coming from Norwich & I paid in accordingly. Friday morning A wet rainy day, no drill this morning Guard mounting is over that I have to go through with rain or shine it is never omitted. Its a good day for me to get up my back writing. I hope to finish it to day. My tent is nice & dry and have a good fire in the underground stove. The Major & I cannot join our tents as we wished. The coln says it would spoil the regularity of the camp & there is a good deal of truth in that it would have been very pleasant but I get along very well as it is. Major gave me a new bit & rein for my bridle last night so I shall not have to buy one as I expected that saves a dollar. Font ever say I do not have enough to eat for I do, & it would be my own fault if I did not for an officer is expected to furnish his own food. I did not mean to write so much about eating when I began but this food from home went right to the spot. I have been at work all day on that uniform - did old monthly report, which I dont think I should have had to make if the acting Asst Adjt Genl had known his business, in fact he showed his ignorance so plainly that the coln told me I need pay no attention to his order but I thought I had better make the spot & save any trouble it is a great job as I have to correct all the company reports before I can make my own from theirs, but it is over now. our news to night is that the transports are on their way back from Carolina to Fort Monroe & Annapolis for reinforcements, if so we shall probably leave soon. But you will know probably before we do. Dr. Lathrop & the chaplain have been calling & have so delayed me that I must close I think very much of Dr. Lathrop Love Chas
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