Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.252 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Fair Haven, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 September 1863 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Writes of being "ordered off" to the Army of the Potomac and then being relieved of that duty because another soldier wanted to go to Washington to pick up his pay. Says that Colonel Otis strives to make everything "as pleasant for us as possible." Hopes to be home soon. Gives a rather poor review of Alfred Goddard's service.
Camp, Fair Haven, Sunday A.M. Dear All,
Yours of the 7th inst recd yesterday. I have not written the last few days because I did not know what to write. Could not tell when I hoped to be with you again, even. I was ordered off to the Army of the Potomac last Wed- nesday but after getting all ready, was relieved, about an hour before starting. one of the - western - officers - applied - for the position as he wished to visit Washington collect his pay. on some accounts I was sorry to be relieved. I thought if I went I should be able on my return to obtain a Leave of Absence that would amount to something - a week at least - & going on a transport, direct, with a number of off's men the duty would not be very unpleas- ant. I shall now probably have to go with the next detachment but I shall try for Leave as soon as Capt. Ripley returns. Col. Otis who is in command here is a very pleasant man & understands what he is about - his arrangements have very much checked the running guard &c, and while he is particular as to the manner in which all duties are performed at the same time strives to make every thing as pleasant for us as possible. I would like much to have witnessed the reception of the gallant 26th. when they left the state I had no idea they would desire a public reception on their return. I hope Steve Meech is doing well. will not write now any thing about the future for I hope to be with you in a day or two & have time plenty to talk it over thoroughly. I have not as high an opinion of Alfred Goddard as you have & since I have seen him feel worse than ever over his appointment. He does not know the first thing about service I could not realize that in three days 'twas possible for any one to be so entirely ignorant of every thing pertaining thereto. If he has the least sensitiveness or succeptibility he will suffer greatly & he cannot be cordially received by the off's there. He is not acquainted with one man in the Regt. He had a letter of introduc- tion to col. ward & I gave him one to Capt. McCall. I never was more bothered to know what to write - did not want to write any thing. The idea of having such a man take - command - of my Co. & have charge of all the property, papers, &c, I am glad I settled all my accounts & have no responsibility there. I wish I had been off to the Army of the Potomac & so escaped his visit. I tried to tell him something about his duties but 'twas of no use - 'twas about as tho' he had been instructing me in the management of a ship - full instruction guaranteed in one lesson. It is reported here that Genl Harland is home on furlough so Alfred will miss him also. I want to see the Genl if he is home. Best love to all Afct son & bro - Chas -
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