Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

Roanoke Island mar. 4, 1862 Dear old home & all the dear ones there, We have orders to go on board tomorrow morning and as Col. Terry has gone up to the house of one of the Islanders to sleep tonight I am left alone in this big tent. I am lonesome and after mature reflections have decided that the pleasantest way for me to pass this evening is in communication with the dear ones & so I indite this my last epistle from the Island. We have now been quartered near the fort that was bombarded by the gun boats the 7th of Feby, for about three weeks (the barracks vacated by the rebels are at one of the forts above.) & were bivouacked. (I dont know how to spell the word & my websters is packed) near our battlefield nearly a week, so we have been on the Island altogether a month lacking three days and in all this time I have not been able to visit any of the forts nor any interesting point except the battle field & the battery there. I much regret this but it cant be helped now. George & in fact all of you asked how I felt during the battle the 8th ult. I am sure I can not tell, about as usual, I believe. The most of our alarm that we experienced was I think early in the morning, caused by the pickets firing. These pickets were stationed in the edge of the swamp within a rod or two of the ground on which we, the 8th, were or had been sleeping. This was just as it became light in the morning, & we were feeling rather blue, wet through sleepy and cold. I expected that the enemy would be upon us in a moment and the 8th being on the nearest flank would be engaged first. I immediately capped my pistol, I had loaded it the night before, and then endeavored to ascertain the location of the Companies and to form our line of battle. Our cos were in a good deal of confusion of course as we came ashore after dark and different cos at different times, and some of the men were considerably excited, but the line was soon formed & the Regt ready for work. Geo. asks how Col. Harland appeared - he called on the Regt to fall in & then quietly went round attending to the execution of the order. Lt. Col. Terry was somewhat interested to say the least, ordered the men to cap their rifles &c which orders Col. Harland immediately countermanded. If the different Regts had been allowed to cap their pieces already loaded we should have been in greater danger from our friends than our foes. The alarm was soon found to be false and the Regt dismissed. I said the 8th was on one flank before long the Regt on the other flank began to move forward up the road and soon met the rebel skirmishers and the battle began. - Col. Harland has been sitting here all evening it is now after taps, so your correspondant will to bed Good night - March 5. 12 oclock we are now engaged in loading troops & baggage on "Sentinal" & I have a chance to send this by captain Fowler who is going home by the return mail steamer. I can only add a line. Am entirely well & strong again. My clothing is all right yet & I need nothing. I hope we shall be paid soon and then I shall send you at least $150. Called on Lt. Col. Mathewson yesterday he is very well. the 11th remains on the Island. There is a large force going on this expedition, dont know when we are going. Since we have been on the Island we have been regaling on fresh shad and sweet potatoes & salt pork & hard bread. Dr. Harrington is with us, dont know whether he bought boxes. Cant state in regard to clothing for men, every thing almost is needed, though the US Government is now supplying us somewhat. I dont know the particulars but the drawers were not woolen & most of our captains refused to accept them. I must close. I hoped to hear from you again before we leave here (we may not start for several days perhaps weeks) I want to know that you are all well & uncle Geo. I think I send four or five letters by the mail, do write often. Always yours mother & sis & bro with love to every body Chas our horses came up this morning & I suppose will go with us I hope so. Gov is fair.