Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.200 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 March 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that George should bring a knife and fork with him on his visit. Mentions seeing Kate Lott of New London at the review. Says that he doesn't "think the army is any place for ladies to visit and I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay a great way off." Writes that he believes that General Burnside will once again be in charge of the 9th Corps.
Camp of 8th
Newport News, Mar. 4.
Dear All, I wish you could see me this evening sitting all alone in my cozy little tent. Evening visitation & roll call at Tattoo are over & I am my own man until Reveille tomorrow morning. This morning was raw & cold & it was so unpleasant returning to my wall tent after getting pretty well chilled through at roll call that I thought I could stand the pressures no longer & after washing I started for the sutler's stores near the wharf & invested five & 50/100 dollars in a little sheet iron stove, brought it back with me, set it up & made a fire before breakfast. I believe I am now all ready for George's visit. would like him to bring - the - key - to the bag you sent in the trunk (if it your mistake in not sending & not mine in not finding,) a good knife & fork, which he can eat with while he stays, Co. B Muster-In Roll - razor, strap & brush, - & a pair of good shoes, not very heavy, size seven (7). I like shoes with the elastic at the side instead of strings. The less baggage he brings the better as any-thing he cannot easily carry might trouble him. I fully expected a letter from you to day, that would mention his coming but it did not come so I await the morrow. Kate Lott of New London is living at Norfolk - she was over here at our review the other day. I think I must have seen her but did not recognize her . She was with col. Stedman's sisters. Mr. Lott is post master at Norfolk. I dont think the Army is any place for ladies to visit & I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay a great way off. we are expecting Genl Burnside every day. The best informed say that he is to have command of the 5th & 9th Corps & return to New Berne, N.C. I can see nothing as yet that looks like moving. There are no troops except the 9th Corps here but the rest may sail from some other point. I should think it quite probable that we move soon after Genl B. arrival. Post man is here. Chas March 5 - 7 A.M. Cold as Greenland. Another review to come off to day. our Brigade to be reviewed & inspected. Love
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