Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.258 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Portsmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Reports that they have orders to move to Deep Creek the next day and set up a new camp. They have not been called out to fight because so many of the recruits are unarmed. Writes more about how he finds Goddard "awkward." Arranges for his family to send his photograph to friends.
Camp of 8th Conn Vols near Portsmouth Mar 12 P.M.
Dear All, I intended to defer writing until tomorrow Sunday & then make up for the delay by filling a sheet but we have orders to move Camp tomorrow to Deep Creek about four miles from our present camp & so write a few lines that you may not be troubled or alarmed if you hear nothing farther from me for a few days or even a week. The additional duties consequent upon moving & fitting up a new camp & the want of all conveniences are decided hinderances to the letter writing. I understand we shall find at the new location a much better camping ground than that we now occupy, good water &c but it's a little farther from Portsmouth, a walk of seven or eight miles & back if we wish to visit town. Recd Ellen's good long letter yesterday P.M. I'd like to pay the postage on the like every day. I do hope George will get one of the prizes, would not that be "bully". I know he will write a good essay any how. I'll excuse him from writing for a few days if he will promise to win the prize but shall expect a letter immediately after with the good news. There has been a little disturbance in our front for the last week or ten days but we have not been called out. We recd marching orders one night & sixty rounds of ammunition was dealt out but so many of our recruits were unarmed we were not called on finally much to Mr. Goddard's disgust. He was quite anxious for the fray. I was much amused to see him get his pistol recap it &c. I told him to keep cool he would probably see all he wanted to before he went back home again. I think the new postition at Deep creek will be a very safe place but we shall have a good deal of Picket duty & but little drilling probably. The Regts that went to the front during the disturbance are all back again in camp & all is quiet in this Dept. The Rebs were foraging. The Regt was inspected to day by the Brigade Inspector & as Capt. Hoyt was Genl off of Day I was in command & Lieut Goddard in command of my Co. He made a few mistakes but got along pretty well considering. Tomorrow I am off of Day & Lt. Goddard will have charge of the company when changing camp - wonder how he will make out then. He is real clever & strives to learn & to do but is exceedingly awkward. Cant answer Ellen's letter to night shall reserve that until my next. Direct to 8th Connt Vol Inft near Portsmouth Va. we are in 18th Army corps not the 7th. Any direction giving the Regt is sufficient. we are at present assigned to 3d Brigade 3d Div, 18th A.C. Regards to every body but love all for mother sister, & bro Affct son & bro Chas Please send a Photograph to Jennie Trumbull with regards. will George go to Lt. Saunders Quartermaster & exchange one of mine for his, give him my regards & ask him to write & tell me all about my friend ^at the [illegible]. Is Capt. Wells back form New Orleans?
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