Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.155 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Pleasant Valley, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes that Charlie Johnson left after visiting from Norwich for five days. Writes that he is more homesick than ever and hopes that the 8th Regiment will be sent to Connecticut to recruit new soldiers and supplement their depleted ranks.
Camp of 8th Rg Conn Vols Pleasant Valley Md Octo. 16. PM Dear mother sister & Brother, Recd by Thompson this afternoon your letters from 4th to 13th, muster-rolls & - thirty dollars - in green backs. I guess I am about the richest man in camp. Charlie Johnson left us this noon & just before starting took out his pocket book & handed me two dollars saying that if that would help me any I was welcome to it. ^Twas a loan, of course, not a gift.^ I had not asked him for any & I know that he reserved for himself only enough to carry him to Washington - he said he could replenish there. It was so like him so thoughtful & kind. You cannot imagine, I am sure I can't write, how much I have enjoyed his visit of five days. He made his quarters with Col. Harland & I have passed a very considerable portion of the time there. It did me good even to sit in the tent with him whether any thing was said or not and there he had so much to tell about dear old N all the dear people - boys, girls & babies. He takes off peoples peculiarities so well, I did laugh so to hear him. I was so pleased to think also that in a few days he would be with you & tell you exactly how I am, more and better than any amount of my writings & then I know you will believe what he says & you never seem to half believe what I write. It's a real rainy night & Capt. Smith of Co. E has just returned from Frederick city where he has been unwell for a week or two is going to take a bunk with me. Bah! I wish he was back in Frederick. We are dreadfully short for tents. Are expecting a few more - enough for the officers - in a day or two. We recd this PM orders to cook one day's rations & hold ourselves in readiness to move at any moment. I do not think, at all, we shall move at present. I am very well & living first rate at the mess. For dinner to day we had fresh pork, mashed potatoes, raw tomatoes tip top bread & butter & with the exception of the tomatoes it was not above the average we have them quite often lately. I do not understand whether you have sent the bundle or not. Thompson only gave me the envelope with the muster rolls & letters Geo. Moore I hear is on the way, overland, with a wagon load of things, from New York, & I thought perhaps he might have it. I only saw Thompson a moment & before reading your letters. Shall try to see him again to- morrow & inquire more particularly. I believe I have written you that I have got a new U.S. over coat & so do not care for the old one at present - will write when I need. The brandy & sardines & shirts will be most acceptable but my old trunk is pretty well cramped with Co. books & papers, Lt. Shepard's & my own things, should send Lt S's things home if I could get a chance. How is he? & when will he probably return? would like much to have seen Dr. Coit. I remember him very well. I would like of all things to get a furlough & be with you for a short time at least. Charlie Johnson's visit has made me more homesick than ever. Wish the 8th could go to Connecticut to recruit. I see the papers have it that the 5th will go but I don't think it correct - they had received no such orders yesterday - they are at Frederick city and have a stronger regt - - more men for duty - than we have. Perhaps I can add somewhat to this in the morning, tho' the mail leaves early. Aff son & bro Chas
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