Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.139 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes of preparing to leave Fredericksburg: "This is the first time we have shown the enemy our backs, the first time we have been ordered to run and I hope the last time." In a note on the 30th says that they were expecting to fight but that the enemy never appeared. Ends with "Rumor says the enemy is advancing. If so we shall retreat I suppose."
Fredericksburg Thursday Afternoon Augt 28, 1862 Dear All, We have sent off every thing except what we can carry on our backs & are all ready to skedaddle. This is the first time we have shown the enemy our backs the first time that we have been ordered to run & I hope the last time. All baggage is off except the tents & it is rumored that they will be burnt so you see it is a regular secesh skedaddle. I presume we go now to Washington. We get nearer home each time we move. I wrote a letter night before last but forgot to mail it in the morning, so I enclose this. We were on Picket yesterday, got back to camp about 11 this AM, & know very little what Pope has been doing for the last day or two. Am very curious to know. Am very well but do perspire horribly. If we go to Washington perhaps I shall see some of the 18th Regt boys & brave old Genl Casey. I shall burn or destroy my nice mosquito bar lest some rebel should have the benefit of it. Cant carry it. Augt 30 AM still at Fredericksburg. Am very well. Cant think to post this letter. We marched out yesterday PM. Expecting to fight but the enemy did not appear - bivouacked over night guarding a bridge & marched back to camp this AM. Rumor says enemy are advancing. If so we shall retreat I suppose. Love Chas
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