Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.119 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Morehead City, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes of leaving Newbern by train and waiting to board a steam ship that would take the troops to an unknown destination. Before the steam ship can depart, word comes from General Burnside of the capture of Richmond and negates the need for the intended mission. The regiment is ordered back to Morehead City and Coit believes the next step is to head for James River. Mentions a quiet Fourth of July passed by staying in an abandoned barn with the regiment.
Morehead City July 5. I write a few lines to night while the boys (my Co.) lie snoring round me. We arrived here by cars from New Bern July 2 expecting to embark on the Guide immediately for some unknown destination. upon our arrival we found the steamer had not been unloaded & a detail from the Regt were soon at work at it, then another detail worked all night coaling the vessel & a third detail loaded our baggage during the forenoon & at last the boat was ready for us. The Regt marched to the wharf from the houses & sheds where we had been quartered overnight & while we stood in the depot just ready to step aboard the boat, an engine from Newbern came in at full speed bringing dispatches from Genl Burnside informing us of the capture of Richmond & countermanding our former orders. We were therefore ordered back to the quarters we had occupied the previous night & have been here since. To night we have received further dispatches to the effect that Genl McC has met with a repulse before Richmond & we have orders to cook three days rations & go aboard at 9 A.M. tomorrow. We are bound for the James River without much doubt & if the battle & the war is to be decided there I am most happy to think that I shall share it. At no time since leaving old Connecticut have I been in better condition to bear hardship & labor & I truly believe I am in a position to do more real service than at any other time & I feel entirely ready for the move. One of the partners in Moore's scheme was here yesterday, his name is Gardner, said he never saw me looking so "tough", & was real pleasant to see again a familiar face from dear old Norwich, tho' I was not much acquainted with Gardner & only knew him in business. I have not seen Mr Moore. Geo. says my boys went up to Newbern the day we came away I fear I shall not see it at present. I shall take aboard with me tomorrow sixty nine enlisted men, that is the largest Co. in the Regiment. Three are complaining to day but may be well again before we reach Fortress Monroe. Lt. Eaton is a little under the weather to day but is on duty, says he is better to night. Lt. Shepard is well. Yesterday - the fourth - was a very quiet day here, the most so of any fourth I remember, nothing done at all to celebrate the day. I spent the whole day in this old barn with my Co. I must close now as it is late & my lighted candle may disturb the boys who are lying round completely covering the floor, I am lying down as I write it is rather straining to make my pen go but I hope you can read this. will add a line in morning, Goodnight. July 6. 1862 Sunday. A most beautiful Sabbath ^morning down here by the ocean and quite com- fortable for this month. Have just finished a good breakfast at a colored man's house & am on my way back to quarters to see to getting every thing ready for our departure at 9 o'clock. If we sail from here promptly I think we shall reach Fort Monroe Monday morning & go up the James River during thursday. This will be a beautiful day on the ocean & I shall enjoy the sail much - our accom- odations are first rate. I shall try to remember that this is the Lord's day & strive to keep it, but oh how I would delight to keep with you all at home, & go with you all to the old granite church on the hill, I pray this may again be my privilege very speedily. Love to every body. Uncle & Aunt Mary. Steve Meech & Ed Clapp. ^ Col Child &c. but always the best & purest love to my own dear Household. Aff son & bro Chas
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