Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.141 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 September 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes of the compliments that the 8th Regiment has received on their marching skills. Describes his uniform fading and the bright uniforms of the new enlistees. Writes, "The large bounties being paid to new Regts are killing the spirits of all the old troops."
I can get all I want to eat here. Washington DC Sept 6, 1862 Well & jolly. Shall probably be encamped in the city a week or ten days tho' perhaps not a day. We are off from 7th street somewhat a long way from Geni Casey, Bela & other Norwich boys. Saw Capt Farns worth yesterday. Was so glad. He was ordered back from the retreat in charge of a baggage train. He is well. Have seen also Mr John R Comstock formerly a grocer in Norwich & Washington Ridge who married the dressmaker. Recd your three letters to the 3rd inst yesterday & paper with Bromleys letter. Bought me a shelter tent yesterday for two dollars. So I can now keep off the dew, it is open at both ends, simply canvas stretched over a pole can just sit up in the center. Have recd several compliments upon our fine marching as we passed up Penn Ave . were supposed to be the - 8th Regulars. - All the Norwich boys are well. Recd an eight page letter from Dr. Pease yesterday. am not supprised that Geo. writes that Dr P. was up late with Jim March one night. He is rather inclined that way. Font any of you get sick taking care of Alice &c. I cant have that. Please remember me to them all. Have fine laugh at the bright uniforms of the new vol's officers. I fear I shall be mistaken for a secesh, as my blouse formerly blue is now gray. Our troops have not (excepting Reno's & one or two other Divisions) fought at all well in the late battles. They have not the least confidence in Pope. McC. I really believe is our best man unless it be Ben Butler or Burnside. I think McC is great but lacks genius. The large bounties paid to new Regts are killing the spirits of all the old troops. I believe there is great truth in that. Best love Affct Bro & son Chas
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.