Coit, George O. (fl. 1863) to his mother and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.208 Author/Creator: Coit, George O. (fl. 1863) Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes of witnessing the orders for the Regiment to prepare to leave camp and the subsequent breakdown of the camp. He and Charles were both very regretful at having to part but decided it would be best. George is planning on stopping in Washington and New York on his way back.
Baltimore Mch, 14, 63
Dear Both, You may be surprised at this dating (Batt.) but if you are surprised I am esceedingly sorry & grieved. Day before yes--terday Charlie was Brigade Officer of the Day and about 11 P.M. after I had gone to bed while Lt. Col. Kimball of the Hawkins zouaves - Division Officer of Day was in the tent with us, the Adjutant came to the tent and simply gave the following order - & passed on to the next tents "Commanders & companies are ordered to have their companies supplied with two days rations & be prepared to move at a moments notice." So of course all was to be done was to make all things ready for an early start. The cooks were at their work all the rest of the night. Charlie decided that as it was uncertain when & how they were going the best thing for me to do was to start for Baltimore Orders came at about 11 A.M. to strike tents -1- pack up & when I left at one o'clock noon - they were only waiting orders to march. Tents & baggage all packed and the officers smashing things generally & throwing the pieces at each other It was decidedly the highest time I have seen there. The Barracks were of course "Gutted" & where were tents before was only ground but they built a fire in the barracks on the place where the stove used to stand & "lit her up". I was very very sorry and so were all. They all hated to move. They were so comfortable. I really think Charlie has enjoyed my visit very much indeed - I was esceedingly sorry to part so soon, but his love for me was the reason for sending me away. It was a sad time for us both when we parted. I felt amply repaid by my visit to him alone. I did so enjoy seeing all the officers & liked them exceedingly. Capt. Goodrich especially. I wish I was back with them now. You will probably hear from him soon. I am I shall They all think there is no probability of fighting but simply to pursue this raid of Longstreet's which you may have noticed in the papers. Only the 3d Division of the 9th corps left. The 1 and 2 Divs and Hawkins zouaves whose time is nearly out still remain at Newport News. Direct to Charlie exactly the same as formerly. I shall probably be home Saturday or Monday noon at the latest perhaps before but I think satur--day surely. Probably go to Washington the first of the week and stop a day & a half in N.Y. on my return. I did not call at Jenkins's when I came on. Saw Capt. & Julia Pratt to-day. They are at the Curtain House. Going there to-morrow for tea. Best Love to both - Your aff son & Bro Geo. D. Coit
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