Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.130 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that they have been ordered away with an unknown destination. Expresses distaste at new enlistees being given bounties. Instead, he believes that the states should draft men and attempt to refill the old regiments. Writes, "I can hardly keep from swearing when I think how everything seems to be so mismanaged, especially the enlistments."
Newport News, Va. Augt 2 Dear All, We are again ordered off with an unknown destination. Am now waiting the arrival of transports where we shall immediately embark. I should not be - surprised - if we went to Washington but hardly think it. (I mean of course when I say Washington between that & Richmond) I shall try to go to Ft. Monroe this PM to send you box of things that I can carry & dont need. The box was packed in a great hurry & I hardly know what is in it but I have plenty left sure. Rec'd your letter, speaking of Genl. Casey's visit, last night. I hope you have not mentioned that I would like to be major, said it in fun, there are hundreds that deserve it more than I do. I am afraid from what you write that you spoke to Gen. Casey about it I do hope not. I hate to leave this camp just now that we have been paid off for with money I can get vegetables & live better than for the past six months, yesterday bought beets, squashes and peaches. I think it is really wicked to pay such bounties to volunteers as the states are offering now. I think the States should draft & if any bounties are paid it should be to the old Regts There is great feelings in all the old Regts about it. I am sure I sometimes think I dont care which way the war goes if those in power manage so unjustly, & very many agree with me & all feel very strongly about it. Why in the name of all Chats holy & right dont they fill up the old Regts. one man there is worth a dozen in the new ones. The new ones wont be good for anything for six months & the Government just pays twice as many officers as it should. I do believe we shall suffer for it. I must stop writing. I can hardly keep from swearing when I think how everything seems to be ^so mismanaged, especially the enlistments. Very best love. Glad Ellen is having so pleasant time. Chas Am very well indeed. Dont repeat what I have written but is true as bible.
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