Coit, George O. (fl. 1863) to his mother and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.210 Author/Creator: Coit, George O. (fl. 1863) Place Written: Suffolk, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 March 1863 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Writes about having to send George away and of the impression he made on the other officers. He is still unsure of why the regiment was moved.
Suffolk, Va. Sunday AM
Dear Mother & Sister, You have probably heard from George before this of our sudden departure from Newport News. I wanted very much to take George along with me & he was most anxious to remain but I know he would necessarily be much exposed & I thought you would hardly approved. I did feel very badly to send him off so suddenly but think I did right tho' I now wish he was with me again. I have enjoyed his short visit exceedingly & did feel dreadfully to send him off so. I have been so engaged every day that I could not go round with him at all. He has really seen very little of what I had hoped. I think he made a decided im- pression on the officers, he became acquainted with almost all of them, Several spoke to me of him as a very smart young man. I was not a bit ashamed, I assure you to introduce him to any of them. He behaved just right as I should of course expect him to do. I could not help having a real cry when he went off. I thought I loved him as much as possible before but I believe I love him even more now. we do not yet understand fully the reasons for this move of ours but do not think it is intended to be permanent. I am perfectly well & comfortably settled again, stove up, & c. Just recd yours of the 11th - shall send it to George with a line that I have written him. The day before we left N.News there was a paper receiving the signatures of the officers of our five Connt Regts which was to be published in the hope that it might influence the coming election. T'was grand, written by major Crosby I presume. Capt. Goodrich has just been in - He was not very well yesterday & stayed at the Hotel last night, he says the report in town is that it was a mistake for our division to come down here - that the intention was for the first division to come - & that it is quite probable we shall go right back. If this proves true how provoking it will be but it's about the way things move. I am going to carry this down to the city as our mail arrangements are not yet perfected so with best love I bid you both good morning Your affct son & bro Chas.
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