Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.061 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes about the spacious tent that he and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Terry have made by combining their tents. Also mentions trouble he is having with his horse and says he plans to sell his horse, "the Governor." Adds that he believes he is gaining weight and his jacket is getting snug. This letter was dated by Coit as January 1861 but it was actually written in 1862.
Annapolis. Jany 1, 1861 [1862!] A Happy new year to you all, dear ones at home. wish I could make you a new years call. I was very sorry to miss writing you yesterday I had not a moment to spare did not leave work until after 10 PM. Making muster rolls for payment. Monthly & daily report &c, &c includes moving & I am now living with Lt. Col Andrew Terry in a big marquee & our servants (I have engaged Eastman at 16$ per mo & food) occupy my wall tent, which by the way is the best tent in the Camp. our marquee is larger than the dining room at Home & we have it divided off in to bed room & parlor so it is real nice we live in common sharing expenses equally. Lt. Cols man does cooking & we eat in their tent so we avoid that bother. Eastman at present takes care of both horses, I would sell the Governor for about $25 I think. I can hardly get him off a walk. No one knows what is the matter with him seems to have completely run out. I shall try to trade for a Govern ment horse when we leave. I suppose the teams will be left here. The 51st Regt N York vols with their band were round making New Years calls between 12 & 1 last night & waked us all up so I am pretty sleepy to day & then it is so warm decidedly uncomfortable riding down to town this morning in the sun. Lt. Col. is on his bed blasting away at the 51st & their band for disturbing him last night & I shall be on my bed soon. feel very much like it now. Thought I had a great deal to say but dont know what it is. Lt. col. said yesterday after I moved in with him that he could not think of any reason why he should not like to have me in his tent but now says he has found one that is that the drums follow me. All the calls are sounded at my tent you know so a man cant sleep near me after 6 1/2 AM or before 8 PM. one thing more about horse when I cant use him any longer the Government will have to furnish another as he has been spent in the service. Every one says I am growing fat & I think it must be so for it most sufficates me to wear the coat Thompson presented me. Dont know anything more about leaving we go on as though we were to be here all winter.Good night I am so sleepy. Love to all & every body wonder if Geo. & Ellen are skating to day. Chas. no letter from home yesterday
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