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

Off Ft. Monroe Va (Sunday) Feby 8, '63 A.M. Dear All, Arrived at the port about mid- night. We seem fated to being round here every few months. I wrote you from camp late Friday night to effect that we were again under orders but probably would not break camp for several days - we were all greatly surprised to receive orders between 3 & 4 o'clock the next morning that the brigade line wound be formed at 5 1/2 A.M. & that we would then proceed to the depot & take cars to Aquia Creek. That's what I call leaving winter quarters at short notice - in reality only about two hours. Both of our contrabands were spending the night with their friends, so we came off with out cooking any rations & were obliged to leave several dollars worth of commissary stores that we had purchased the day before - potatoes, onions flour &c and part of our cooking utensils & table furniture. We did not get away from the depot until 11 1/2 A.M. We remained at Aquia just long enough for me to get a good dinner which was fully appreciated. We embarked on the steamer John Brooks - a Connecticut boat. Sound steamer, nice strong new boat but no accomodations for officers. We have three Regts on board - the 8th 15th & 16th & all the officers are crowded into one room. I suppose I ought to say saloon, & at night as we lie down on the floor, we completely cover it. Col. Harland, Staff, & the comman ders of the three Regts have a nice saloon at the stern of the boat that is small also. I think the boat has been "gutted" since it was chartered by the U.S. to increase its capacity for carrying troops &c. we - know - nothing as to our destination as yet tho' the general opinion on board is that we are to operate some where in this region, but some still incline to the Carolinas The best informed support the first opinion & even say we are to land at Sewell Point but I dont believe any on board knows. After we had arrived at Aquia creek, a Sergeant in the Regt came to me & told me that he saw an Express - box - for me at corps Hd. Qts a day or two before. He would have pleased me better if he had - informed - me a - day or two - before. I was provoked at him. The Express matter at corps Hd. Qts is in major Crosby's care & I hope he will bring it on for me. I cannot imagine what it can be except it be the glass from Miss Greene tho' I should suppose she would have written if she sent by express but we have recd no mails for a few days. There was a mail on the dock for us when we sailed yesterday noon, perhaps that mail will explain the box. It bids fair to be any thing but a quiet Sabbath day - How I wish I could spend the day with you all & that we could all walk to the house of God together. I do think the one Sabbath that I had with you did me great good & I feel a greater dislike than ever to spending this day as we all do here & I have tried to be more particular about my behavior Having been almost entirely without a Sabbath day's privileges for fifteen months I had almost forgotten the regard due the day tho' I have always tried to spend it in some measure different from other days but I now look back to the one Sabbath at home as a truly green spot in a wilderness & I do feel more sensitive as regards my actions on that day. Oh what a difference it would make in our lives if our Sabbaths could be spent at home. I know you will remember me today. I must close & try to get this off to the shore when the boat to supply us with water comes along side. we suppose Burnside is to command us but dont know I do hope he - will - Love & regards to every body, but most & best to my own mother sister & brother Your afff son Chas If we go to No. Carolina I may visit Geo Ripley - that would be pleasant.