Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.076 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5-8 February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
The first part of this letter (5 February) is written while still onboard the Sentinel while the second part (8 February) is written after the Battle of Roanoke. Reports that the 8th Regiment sustained no loses. Coit was not very engaged in this fight and writes only of musket balls being fired over the heads of his regiment after going ashore. Discusses the color guard's flag being flown over the conquered rebel fort. A note at the end says "Oh if I could see you all to night I can now assure you that there is no fun in fighting…"
Ste. Sentinel Feby 5 We started this morning about 10 o'clock & now at 1/2 past four P.M. we are fifteen or twenty miles from Roanoke Island, this has been a magnificent day perfectly clear sky, but rather cool so that I have worn my coat most of the time. The "Sentinel" is among the last vessels in the fleet of sixty sails & it is a fine sight indeed looking ahead as far as the eye can reach extend the vessels of the expedition & every little while one or another band will strike up "Hail Columbia" or some other patriotic air & the wind wafts the strains back to us. It is hard to realize that this is other than an immense excursion. I am sure none of us fully realize the dangers & hardships to be encountered so soon. we are to embark in "light marching order" that is men to carry nothing but blanket in addition to arms & accourerments & 3 days provisions no knapsacks. I intend to wear overcoat with canteen & with sword & one pistol. Bartram will carry the other pistol (he has room & I cannot carry both in my belt) blankets for us both & haver sack with our three days provisions, he will be pretty well loaded down but I dont think we are to march any distance. We have for our three days rations about three pounds of Bologna sausages 50 Cts per lb, three pounds of dried beef & hard tack, this ought to carry us through I think. Feby. 8, 1862. The most desperately fought battle of the war has been decided in our favor to day. but I am writing in the hospital & I am sure I am not in an exulting spirit. 2000 rebels have surrendured themselves & this Island (Roanoke) unconditionally after fighting like demons two days yesterday being bombarded by gunboats, to day a fight between the armies. We landed last night & slept on the wet ground in our blankets. Our landing was not opposed the enemy waiting for us to attack them in their own chosen stronghold. The 8th was not in the fight, we were placed in position to prevent them flanking our troops & to protect retreat if necessary, this was an honorable position but not particularly glorious. Fred, we have fit it as such. we have not a man killed or wounded in the 8th. I saw Beckwith in ward's Co. this morning so he is well. I saw young Treadway last night he said the other brother in Capt. Leggett's co was well but this Co. suffered severly in the fight to day. I have inquired particu larly for Beckwith & Treadway but hear nothing from them, they are not in this hospital & have probably escaped. Capt. Leggitt is severely wounded by a musket ball just above the knee. Col. Russell of the 10th is dead. Killed by the concussion of a cannon ball, there is no wound or even a scratch on him. I must speak of the pluck exhibited by the wounded men. I saw several brought in & the only regret I heard express was that they could fight no longer. Burnside would meet them before they reached the hospital & speak to them. The firing during the four hours of the fiercest fighting was so near in a direct line that a number of musket balls passed over us. We were expecting that we might be ordered forward any moment I never felt cooler or more entirely myself than then but it may be different if I am ever truly engaged. It is assumed that a strong force will remain here & the remainder go to Newberne soon. Good night. (written over orders) Ste. Eastern Queen Feby 1 1862 Col. Harland Comdg 8th Conn Col, You will please forward without delay to this Hd. Qrs. the return of your Regt. for the 31st of Jany. very respectfully Your obednt servt ) no. C. Parkes Brig. Genl. vols. comdg. 3rd Brig. dear mother sister & brother oh if I could see you all to night I can now assure you that there is no fun in fighting & I have no desire to be in one after this days experience. Am very well so is the Coln & all in whom we are interseted It is after mid night I write that this may go by the dispatch boat in the morning. Love of the stongest quality to all Direct 8th Reg Conn vols Burnside Department of No. Carolina via Fortress Monroe
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