Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.074 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 February 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Believes that the 8th regiment and other regiments in the brigade will sail tomorrow. Gives details of life on the ship including the poor quality of the food, water and sanitation. Also mentions five rebel deserters who had captured a small ship and interacted with the soldiers onboard the Sentinel. Reports that the rebels told the soldiers of the "strong Union feeling" among many of the rebel troops.
Ste. "Sentinel" Feby. 3, Dear mother sister & Brother, Although we have not received orders as yet, I think there is no doubt that we shall sail tomorrow. In addition to the three brigades which sailed from Annaplois we have a fourth commanded by Genl williams. this makes our force much larger than I had supposed & several Regts of this brigade are first rate ones, old & well drilled. The whole Division must foot up to nearly 20,000 perhaps more. several of the inferior regiments will be left be - hind to be brought up after we have landed. The 11th Ct is to remain. I dont know what others. I have not seen Col. Mathewson since leaving Annapolis. Col Kingsbury it is said has or will resign, dont know whether so or not. he has been sick the whole time. We shall be so glad to get on land once more after our month on shipboard. It is tedious I assure you & everything is so dirty on this boat & no accomodations for cleaning. Once a clay we get a little salt water in a basin & wash our noses & the tips of our fingers if the basin is not tipped over before we can do it. we are down to real soldiers rations also salt junk, fat bacon, mackerel, hominy, rice & boiled beans. This cooked at home would not be so bad but every thing is different here. our water is sea water distilled & tastes quite strongly of machinery & is real warm, so warm that it steams as it is pumped from the tank. we hang our canteens out of the windows to cool it. The vessel makes a large part of the water for the fleet. I am ashamed of myself that I am writing such a complaining letter I have nothing to say when I see so many just as worthy so much worse off. I ought to be thankful for my many mercies. I felt very badly yesterday (Sunday) to be obliged to work at a monthly report all day, began Saturday afternoon & did not finish until the table was set for tea yesterday P.M. I do not like this working Sundays & shall be heartily rejoiced when it is over. I sent out my blanks several days ago but there is so much difficulty in communicating between our three vessels that they did not get in until Saturday afternoon. Five soldiers deserted from the rebels came down to the fleet a few days since & brought with them a small schooner which they captured on the way. They say that there is a strong union feeling among even the troops & that but a small proportion of them will fight us, though a few will oppose us to the last. They say they are terribly alarmed & are entirely uncertain where we are to strike. we have a very strong force & every thing necessary to make us successsful & I do not doubt but we shall be. The mail steamer has not gone yet & I hope I can get this aboard she goes North as we go forward. she has been delayed on that account. I hoped you would have recd my first before this but the ship didnt go.
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