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

Camp Opp. Fredericksburg Feby 5, '63 Dear All, We have received orders this evening to have three days rations cooked & every thing in readiness to move at any moment to Aquia Creek to embark on transports bound for Fortress Monroe. The New York papers that we recieve this P.M. informs us of the raid of rebel rams at Charlseton & the temporary raising of the blockade. I was reading the Herald's account when the Adjutant announced to me the order as above & I could not but immediately connect the two. I think some special & unexpected emergency must have called forth the order for the powers that be have been giving Leaves of Absence & Furloughs very freely & every thing looked like a protracted stay here. Only day before yesterday ^Col. ward & two of our officers recieved Leaves for ten days each one of the two was Lt. Goodrich. Judging from the impor- tance that the Rebel Authorities appear to attach to this Raid I think there may be some international question arising from this temporary raising of the blockade which renders the capture of Charleston imperitive. It has been rumored here within the last few days that Genl Burnside had been offered the command of No & So Car- olina but that he had declined being un- willing to interfere with Genl Foster's present prospects but if an immediate movement is to be made upon Charleston it seems to me quite probable that Genl B would com- mand. Oh he is the man - of all others. Of course all the above is mere conjecture & upon no foundation. All that we know is that the - 9th corps - is to embark at Aquia creek & report to Genl Dix at Ft. Monroe. The same order assigns Genl C.F. (I believe it is C.F.) Smith to the command of the old 9th & assigns Genl Sedgewick to the 6th corps. I do not know what these orders apply to any except the 9th corps. I think we shall all rejoice at the idea even of withdrawing from the Grand Army of the Potomac (what a grand hurrah - that's not right either) Particularly shall we rejoice if we are again to be under our Genl Burnside. I am much obliged for the Times you sent, with Raymonds letter, I liked it much & believe it true as Gospel. Yours of 30th recd last night & as I write I have recd Independent of 27th. How I wish I could recieve Miss Greene's present before we embark - it would be so pleasant on ship board tho' I presume it is more than probable that we are only going to Ft. Monroe. I dont succeed in convincing the other officers that we are bound to Charleston & I do not think that such an idea would have entered my head if I had not been reading the account of the doings about there at the very time that I received the orders. Lt. shepard's resignation was recd here to day & I pre sume will be immediately forwarded for acceptance. I wonder if the dismissal of Lts. Morgan, Bronson, &c frightened him. I really feel sorry to have him leave when we have been so long connected but I do not con- sider him a great loss to the service & I imagine he is heartily glad to get out of it & I dont blame him tho' I dont sympathize with that feeling exactly. The Rev. (Lt.) Eaton has been spending a couple of days in the Brigade & made me quite a pleasant call. He intends to visit Norwich soon & I told him to call upon you. Hope you will see Col. Ward while he is in Norwich. I presume he arrived this P.M. - perhaps I would not like to change places with him to night. - Charles Barnes & a Mr. Shepard both of New London have been here to day. I met them at Col. Harland's this A.M. Last night was the first night they had even spent in tents & decidedly cold night it was. They fortu- nately had good quarters. They spoke of Henry & Mrs. (H.) Bond & I sent my regards. Do write me what I shall write to Miss Greene when I receive the glass. Do write soon so that I may be able to answer immediately on receipt. If you have not sent the shoulder straps I think Col. Ward would bring them tho' I know he will not wish to take more. Its been trying to snow & rain to day but little was accomplished either way. Have you got me any photographs yet. I did not intend to come off again without one of mother. Love Chas [top margin first page] We have not recd marching orders, only orders relating to rations &c preliminary to marching. We may not break camp for many days to come. Probably you will know much more than I do now before this letter reaches you.