Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.132 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 August 1862 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Writes of traveling by train to Fredericksburg. Requests news of how the recruitment is going in Connecticut. Does not believe that his regiment will see fighting in Richmond because the Union troops greatly outnumber the rebel troops.
Opposite Fredericksburg Augt 9 Saturday PM 1862 Dear All, We landed the day I wrote that we were waiting our turn & a ride of 15 miles by rail brought us here. How I did enjoy that ride. I did not know before how beautiful hills were but - it is nearly 7 months since we have seen the like. when ever the train stopped it seemed as tho' we should truly melt I never was so hot & then when we reached the depot here we had to march nearly a mile just at noon to the ground fixed on for our camp & after waiting until about 6 PM (we were in a wooded lot) we were ordered back in another direction to this place an- other tramp of about a mile. I perspired all my clothes thro' pant, & coat, money wallet soaked, &c. & its about the same each day here I have lived heretofor in blissful unconsciousness of warm breath. No. Carolina aint a circumstance. Have heard from you all but once since have been here that letter was dated 1st. direct via Washington, Burnsides Expedition. I think I ought to have recd other letters. Have been at work all day packing up all my extra clothing & bedding & my trunk I shall send with the other baggage to Acquia Creek for storage or send home am not decided which. we carry the clothing we have on & a change or two of un derclothing with woolen & rubber blanket. thats about all we three co. officers carry one trunk (my old one) have also had all the men's dress coats &c packed in a box which goes to the creek also. We are getting down to our fighting rig, blouses & light blue pants, just like the privates. Have just been reading the Evening Ed. of Tribune of 8th & cant find where Burnsides Ex. has gone, thats right. I have not seen a reporter since we arrived. dont think they are allowed. We are encamped among high hills on the right bank of the Raphan River & tho' the heat is wonderful, I am feeling better & have more life in me than for months previous, we have a clear air here very different from No. C. went up to Falmouth yesterday morning started about six AM it's a grimy little place. The night we arrived here I went with col. Harland & staff. I am going over to Freds this evening with Lt. Shepard. Lt. col. is not very well tho' better to day he commanded a fatigue party the day we landed & working in the heat affected him, some men that I supposed the toughest in the Regt dropped that day. on board the steamer one of my sergeants had quite a severe sunstroke was out of his head & in danger the whole afternoon. I never had seen a person in that condition before. He went in swimming in the heat of the day. I dont let them now go bathing except morning & night. I want much to know how the enlisting and drafting goes on in old Connt. but particularly in Norwich. I like that word drafting and like to write it thats the way & I hope old Abe is going to spread himself now congress is out of the way. I doubt some what if we shall see more fighting at Richmond we shall be round them soon to thick for them to fight with a chance of success. shall send $300 for Dr. Lathrop's monument probably tomorrow. I think we shall be marching in a few days. Genl Burnside has the entire command here I believe Good bye & best love to all & everybody Affect Son & bro Chas Shall mail this from Fredericksburg
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