Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

What did valise cost? Camp of 8th Rg Conn vols Dec 23 AM Dear All, Night before last I was out in support of a battery, I had command of two companies. I found that lying on the frozen ground without the least shelter was rather cool work. On returning to our Head Qts, at the Lacy House, found we had received orders to pack up & return to our old camp on the hill. So here we are now - about one & a half miles back from the Lacy House & the river - living again in tents. We arrived about 12 M & spent the afternoon, all taking hold, in pitching our tent & building a stone fire place in front. we cut a hole a yard square in the tent front & build the fire place with the opening meeting the hole in the tent, in this way we save all our tent room as the chimney is all outside the tent & as the sides of the tent & sides of the fireplace overlap, it is as tight as tho' no opening had been made. We finished a little after dark & then put fire to it to see if it would draw. This was quite an exciting moment for one we built just previously to occupying the Lacy mansion drew the wrong way, that is down chimney and into the tent, so much so that we evacuated in favor of Mr. smoke. Our new chimney works to a charm & we now keep warm in the coldest weather I think. The tent is warm as toast to day. Dec 24, 1862, 11 AM Had to stop writing & attend a corps review by Genl Sumner yesterday. Have established a new mess since we moved last. Capt Smith, Capt marsh, Lt Shepard, & myself & our boys cook for us, think we shall live certainly as well as ever & cheaper. Your goodies arrived just in time & I am very much obliged. The valise was better than I expected & suits me to a T. & all the eatables tasted so good & came in perfect order as Shepard arrived Saturday last. The Rotarde Beef I put on our table & it was pronounced OK. Shepard brought on a mince pie that Mrs. Currier sent him, twas very nice but the piece I ate made me sick - of soldiering - or in other words, home sick. Just about a year since I had partaken of the like. Shepard is feeling dreadfull blue & talks of resigning &c - I should not cry if he did & yet I am sorry for him as he greatly feels the change from home to our limited accomodations, tells how he was pitied &c there & you know he is not very greatly respected here. Have you seen Genl Burnside's letter, published yesterday, shouldering the responsibility of the battle & crossing. If he is not a real man - "God's noblest work" - then I have never met one. I don't acknowledge Washington ever as his superior in nobility of character or ability. I think his movement across the river was well judged & that information delays & fogs alone defeated him. One little detail of the fight I must relate. At one time a request for more troops was made & he turned to a staff officer & ordered him to go to Genl Hooker (I believe) have his troops come immediately. As the Aid started off, the Genl recalled him & putting spurs to his horse went himself saying "I go myself & then I will know it is done." T'was not long before those troops joined us. Thats Genl B "all over" & I have no doubt it is true as I was told by one who heard it. I do love that man. I do not doubt but this letter will increase his popularity in this army, vastly how different his conduct from so many of our High officials, he has certainly gained a great moral victory if he was unsuccessful in a material matter. Will not this letter also strengthen the Govern- ment? The people will see that for once at last they have been entirely mistaken & this letter acknowledges explicitly that he has recd every assistance has been permitted to make his own time & has in some instances been supplied sooner than he expected. - God bless & preserve Genl Burnside. - we hear the State Legislature has passed a bill requesting the Genl Government to permit the 8th & 11th Regts returning to old Connt to recruit - if the army is to go into winter quarters. - Those few under lined words I consider the death sentence to that bill. My sheet is nearly scratched over & the time is about up. Capt. Marsh resigned a few days ago after the battle & the acceptance reached him this AM. I am very sorry he leaves us, he is a first rate officer but is not strong enough, was unwell all the time we were in Sburg & since but would remain with the Regt, No officer has ever left us with so good a name, so far from any tarnish. I am still enjoying the best of health, I try to be thankful for this greatest blessing. Tomorrow is the 2d Christmas passed away from home I have always hoped the Holidays of '62 & '63 might find me with you all dearest Merry Christmas to all the boys & girls. Chas