Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.243 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Portsmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June1863 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Notes that they have marched and are camping near Portsmouth, Virginia. Believes that they are to wait there while Keyes' force attempts to create a diversion or capture Richmond, Virginia. Writes of the regret that the regiment feels "that our state has lost a set of colors" during battle. Describes Lt. Foss feeling ill and being treated with opium. Notes that they have received orders to march at 2 a.m. with only their tents and blankets.
Three miles from Portsmouth, Sunday P.M. June 21, '63 Dear All, Recd orders yesterday A.M. to pack up instantly & go aboard cars for this place with all our baggage. Arrived just about dark. To day have been busy pitching tents & getting settled. We are now under orders to march to Portsmouth tomorrow morning & embark on transports for - (west Point on the York, without doubt, I think.) We hear that we (our Division) is to occupy the works at that place while Keyes with his whole force advances to make a diversion or else attempt to capture - Richmond - understand this is rumor - rather queer. At first we supposed we were to move our camps & I packed a change of underclothing & a few other little traps into my leather bag with the intention of sending home the big trunk but according to our last orders we shall leave our camp & all baggage here & carry nothing but blankets & shelter tents. We expect to be gone but a short time & then return to this place. Yours of the 15th & 18th insts recd the latter this morning with two packages of papers that I have not had time to look as yet. If all you write of the "general impression" in respect to Col. Ely is true, & I certainly hope it is not, but even then he has done as well as I would have supposed as commander of a Brigade. That he is brave I do not doubt but tho' that is all essential yet - brains - as full as important. Who is the Genl Tyler at Harper's Ferry. we have lately heard that he's Genl Dan but I think not. All the Connt troops here are laughing at the gallant 18th particularly since the reports that all but a few are safe tho' scattered from Dan to Barcheba. We exceedingly regret that our state has lost a set of colors by them - the first set lost since the commencement of the war. By the way we have within a day or two recd a splendid new set of colors from the state & sent our old ones back to Hartford. If you go to H. be sure to see them - you can't know how much we love them - may our new ones be kept as free from all suspicions of dishonor as those. Lt. Foss has been quite sick & is now at Portsmouth. I do not think he will be able to go with us tho' he is much better to day & very likely will go if he knows we are embarking He was quite - wild - for three days but the Dr. think that was the effect of opium. I am as well as can be - I am beginning to think that I am the toughest man in the Regt. I have hardly been off duty for a day since leaving No. Carolina a year ago. The officers of the 8th have raised over three hundred dollars to make a handsome present to Genl Harland - probably a sword & belt & horse equipments. The non commissioned officers raised forty eight dolls & brought the Genl the finest field glass I ever saw. Am glad George came out so well with the Insurance Agent. Major Peale of the 18th seems to have made as good time on the retreat from Winchester as did Capt. Peale of the 2d from Bull Run two years ago. Sorry Mrs child lost her watch but I suppose they are all right for the future if Mr. Stanton is there. George must beat me all hollow at renting rooms - I'll own up. Please remember me to Dr. Fisher. Real glad to get such a good long letter from Ellen. orders circulated while I have been writing are to the effect that we march for P- at 2 A.M. tomorrow with nothing but blankets and shelter tents. Col. Ward & Capts Hoyt & Ripley are on a military commission now in session at Suffolk but we expect they will join us. I want six or eight more photographs of Capt. Coit. I am in debt for several now. I enclose photos of Col Upham & Capt. Ford. Today has seemed little like Sabbath. Love from Your afft son & bro Chas I've forgotton what Larkspur end is used for.
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