Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.150 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Antietam Creek, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes that they will be traveling to Pleasant Valley and that he hopes he will be given leave to visit Baltimore for the day to get some new clothes. Says that he is so ashamed of his appearance that he hardly talks to anyone.
Antietam Md Octo 7 Dear All As I wrote last that I had been unwell from the effects of the lime water I write just a line before packing to assure you that "Richard is himself again" (I believe it was Richard, was it not?) We move to day to Pleasant valley between Harper's Ferry & sandy Hook, about six miles from this place I think & all up hill & down. It is understood that we are to remain there for the present but I know nothing about it & of course every thing is uncertain here. I shall do my best to get leave of absence for a day to visit Baltimore for I must have a new blouse or coat of some kind. perhaps a jacket. as my blouse is pretty well worn & has turned a perfect secesh gray so much so that I am more afraid of being shot by the union than the confed. troops & I am really ashamed of my appearance so much so that i dont speak to any one if I can help it. Major Andrew (Prof. Andrew of Marietta College) of the 36th Ohio I have passed several times & recognized but I did not like to introduce myself looking as I did. His Regt is camped near, is in our corps. Charles Rockwell was here a few days since & I sat on a stone beside his horse watching the review for half an hour & after wards saw him at col. Harland's tent & did not speak. Col. Harland has recd to the command of the Brigade. Genl. Getty is to command the Division, He is a Regular. The 21st Col. Dutton's Regt is in our brigade. They are encamped a few miles from here. I have not seen them yet I do not want the coat you have at home. I shall want when you can send - three over shirts made large, those in the trunk have shrunk, & two or three of the undershirts in the trunk, about 3 pairs of Drawers & perhaps one pair of socks. We cant mend & wash well here. No Express matter reaches us now. We have had none since leaving Fredericks burg. Best love & regards to every body. Remember me to Lt. Shepard. I had to make out new muster Rolls yesterday an all day job. could not wait tho' we may not be paid just at present. All are pretty well. Major ward is touched by the water slightly. Very best love From Chas Have recd no letter from home since last wrote.
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