Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.186 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 January 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Responds to news that his brother has been considering a job with General Casey's staff by saying that such a chance is not to be dismissed. Qualifies this statement by saying that there is no prestige in being part of the staff of an inactive general and that he would object if his brother were ever to be part of a war. Says that if the regiments were to be consolidated, he would have a chance to quit the service without any harm to the company or his reputation.
Camp Opp. Fredbg Jany 31 Dear mother sister & Bro. Your united episitle of the 27th has just been devoured, (it is now ten o'clock P.M.) and my tentmate being out visiting I embrace the time to answer. First in regards to Geo. & Genl Casey, I cannot but think that it would be a pity to give up his present situation tho' a position of the General's staff is surely not to be dismissed. I sympathize with him in his desire to take & to act a part in this great struggle but there is surely no great - honor - in being a member of the staff of a General who is not likely to be employed in active service & if Genl C. is to take the field again - I - dont wish Geo. to be with him. I have always rejoiced that no one particularly dear to me was ordered to a field of battle. If Geo. is to really enter I dont suppose it possible to find so good a position as the Genl's staff but I dont ever want him there. It would be worth every thing to be with so - good a man. - The expenses of a staff officer are quite heavy tho' considering the losses that a Line officer is subject too, perhaps the difference is not much. I do not want to write to decide this question for I really do not know what is for the best. You at home must decide. I suppose it is - very - doubtful whether he would be able to obtain the place if he should apply. I do not think a Genl can appoint his staff from civil life in which case Geo. would be obliged to obtain a commiss- ion in some Regt & then transferred I presume I think that was the way in Geo. Ripley's case. Perhaps if the old Regts are consolidated I may get a chance to quit the service in a manner entirely honorable & so that I would feel that the service lost nothing by it as there will probably be a surplus of officers in the combination & there would in that case be but few ties to hold me here. Then it might be Geo's turn but I dont like that both be in at the same time. while Dr. Bond was preaching his solumn sermon last Sabbath, I was having a most uncomfortable sail in the crowded boat from Washington to Aquia. The whole day was passed on the road from W. to camp. You ask about my appetite. I ate almost nothing on the way back, not even at the Metropolitan, but it has been a - big - ration that has satisfied me at our camp table. I dont understand it at all, but so it is. I am very sorry the photograph does not suit but I did not expect it would be real good I did not feel in the spirit of it a bit. Forrest Spafford was showing me some that he recd from home lately - one of Mary Bulkeley, of Emma, the Jewitt girl & several others. He wishes one of George very much. Geo. can send one or not as he chooses. Forrest is quite a nice fellow. I have been hoping to get up to the 14th Connt to see Hen Goddard but it is out of the question while this mud lasts. Hope Mary is well before this time & sorry I oculd not see her. I entirely forgot to ask Louisa Meech to send my love to Steve. I was rather absent minded that morning she called I imagine. Are you all - really - as -well as usual -. Mother writes that she was not out at church. Do tell me truly. I am just as well as can be. I fear that Harland will not be confirmed as the senate seem to be opposed to increasing the present number of Brigdrs. I dont think $6.50 a very extravagant price for good bullion shoulder straps. I should call $10.50 for jacket the extravagant part. I did not expect it would cost as much. The last few days have been quite mild & the snow is disappearing rapidly but the roads cannot be in condition for use for quite a time yet. I do not care to have the silver pencil sent me as I do not like the pen & I find Miss W's rubber pencil very handy. I use it entirely as pencil. This sheet is about full & as I intend to write more I will tomorrow begin a new sheet so good night & bestest love
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