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 #: GLC03603.172 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that the regiment is in Fredericksburg after four days of battle. Reports that the losses to the regiment are 6-8 wounded and one killed. Expresses a feeling of responsibility for the man who was killed.
Sunday, 4 P.M. Dec. 14 Dear All, The Chaplain thinks he will be able to get off a few letters to night or in the morning so I write a line to say I am yet preserved, thro' our main dangers in health & strength. We are lying in one of the streets of Fredericksburg waiting for what we know not. Our loss thus far, this is the fourth day, is not more than six or eight wounded & one killed. The one killed was a member of my present (the 4th) Co, he was one of the volunteers to build the pontoon bridge & stepped forward on the forlorn hope in answer to - my - call. These volunteers made three - unsuccessful attempts & the major of the Engineers then ordered them off. Our position at the Lacy House the first day & the night before was very exciting. One bridge was built almost exactly behind. Very little is doing to day. Skirmishing in front. We have rather been held in reserve thus far. May we continue so. I have thought much of you all knowing that the papers must be publishing the accounts of each day - that tho' the city is in our hands, yet the rebels are as yet hold all the heights back of the city & our attempts to dislodge them are thus far un- successful - & I know the response will be so terrible to you but I know also that you will be offering special prayers for me & I am strengthened by the thought. Every battle, makes us the more dread another. I do not know that I could endure it if I could not pray. Major ward's brother is said, - rumored - to be wounded & perhaps killed. He is in the 14th Connt. John Beckwith was taken with cramps this morning & was taken to the Hospt. So he is out of danger from bullets. Do not know how sick he is but do not think in danger. Love as ever. Chas [upside down bottom margin second page] Shall write when I can but rarely know of an opportunity to send. [top margin first page] - 5 P.M. and no movement. -
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.