Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.129 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 July 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Mentions attending a Preparatory Lecture. Declares that pay will be a month late. Writes a quick note before posting the letter that they have just been paid.
Camp at Newport News July 31.
Dear All, I have just returned from Preparatory Lecture the second or third since the Regt left Hartford that I have attended. Very few present - not over twenty. Four officers Lt's Eaton & Shepard a Lt. of Co H & myself. There had been no public notice given & I only knew of it thro' Lt. Eaton in time to attend. I should be most happy to see Mr. Woolley back as our chaplain, he is worth forty like our present. I am sure I did not appreciate him. Mr. Ws prayers at the close of Dress Parade I think were very acceptable to a large proportion of the Regt & the same would be the case now but Mr. Morris after ^the first few evenings^ gave it up & now favors us at Dress Parade only Sundays. Mr Morris is without exception the most unpop ular man here & those least acquainted seem to dislike him most. I am going to dry up right here for I dont feel a bit like writing this evening. Have been officer of the Day for the last twenty four hours (was relieved at 6 P.M.) & it is any thing but pleasant. Am well but all out of money. Can you spare a V or an X until we are paid off. Two month pay was due the 1st July, when it will be in hand I dont know. I have borrowed $10, but that's gone, & all the officers are now living on "tick" or - nothing -, most of us the latter.
Augt 1 - P.M. Just been paid off. Will write
you soon. Very well. Mail going.
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