Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.135 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes about other regiments moving out of Fredericksburg and reacts to news that Bela Learned was wounded.
Camp of the 8th C.V. Fburg Augt 13, '62 Dear All, This is a - delightfully - cool & pleasant morning very different from the previous days. Experienced very violent wind & rain storms yesterday afternoon. First we noticed the black thunder clouds & then great clouds of dust sweeping over the hills soon it was upon us & so dense was it that at times I could not see across the street. This dust storm continued what seemed a very long time but probably t'was not more than 8 or ten minutes before the big drops of rain began to fall & about this time I found my head had taken the place of the tent pole so gathering up what things I could lay my hands on I crept out & ran into the Lieut s tent until the rain & wind slackened & then with some of the boys to assist raised my tent again. We had a real good rain & this morning the air is so clear & pure, not very warm, tis splendid. Troops have been marching last night & this morning to reinforce Pope. Stephen's division Reno's & part of Parke's. I think no - infantry - Regts are remaining except col. H's brigade & I think we are to remain for the present at least. I do not - particularly - desire to be engaged again butt it is very unpleasant to see so many other Regts moving & be left behind yourself. About twenty officers of the 4th RI Regt have resigned which leaves the Regt in rather a disorganized state perhaps that's why we are left. They are always in our way. Did not know Bela was wounded until recd your letter of the 6th, yesterday. I could not help a real hearty laugh when I read it tho' I am sure I am very sorry, but it seemed so funny. Bela Learned wounded when I left him at home strutting round & trying so hard to get into the service. God has truly been merciful to me. If Bela is home pls remember me most particularly. I was a good deal provoked at Ed. Clapp's talk. He would not relish being drafted I imagine but I really would like it so to be. He would talk so large but I dont believe he would be one to shed any body's blood for the pleasure of dying at home. I would like a few like him in my Co. just for the fun of stopping this eternal talking, we dont allow much of that here. I sent trunk yesterday by Express from Fredericksburg - paid thro - $5.50 - pretty steep - I had packed my hammock in the trunk for George as I thought he would like it but Lt. Eaton came to me & asked the loan of it & I let him take it. I was real sorry for I imagined Geo. stringing it up in the yard & lying off in it while waiting for dinner &c. I had nothing to send as curiosities. I believe there is a piece of a shell picked up inside Fort Macon. I send key in this letter. Lt. Eaton does not get well yet & is thinking of resigning. Hope he wont resign. Have only recd 2 letters from you dated - 1st & 6th - I think my property is exempt from the war tax, can you inquire. Time for mail to leave. Love to every body, but most best love to my own dear mother sister & brother. Hope I can come home & get my trunk when I need it but very much doubt. Aff son & bro Chas
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