Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

Camp Deep creek Va. Apl. 3, P.M.
Dear All, Recd yours of the 31st also one from Geo. this P.M. I was so glad to hear that G. has taken the first prize, I never realized before that he was competing with as old "boys" as Charles Bill. I do think it was a "big thing" indeed. I have not felt so much inclined to cry for a long time as while reading his letter. What a good little man he is I am real proud of him & if his health is preserved I do think he will give us more & more reasons for our pride in him. He writes that he is not very well & that he does not leave N. Haven until the 12th inst - does not the term close until then. I do hope he will get thoroughly rested & recruited while in N. I shall write him a note to night. Today has been a very quiet Sabbath in camp. Company inspections at 9 o'clock, services by Mr. Smith at 11 - Regimental inspection at 2 P.M. & prayer meeting at 7. There is a little beginning of religious interest in the Regt. Capt. Ford at our evening meeting last week rose & said that he had been a pro- fessor &c & that he was now resolved to com- mence anew, leave off swearing, drinking, &c & live a christian life. He appears truly in earnest. He has been very profane &c but has been quite sick within the past year & subject to sudden attack I hardly know of what nature but is taken instantaneously & will be very delirious & in danger while the attack lasts. I presume these things have led him to think particularly at this time of a preparation for a sudden departure. At the meeting this evening Mr smith called on me & I refused so my evening was spoiled. I dont see why every one persists on calling upon me. I never felt more ashamed to refuse. I had a presentiment that if I went this evening he would call upon me. There were 8 or ten of the offs. present this evening, more than I ever saw out to evening meeting before. I hope soon to hear from you at Norwich seems to be there is a great deal of excitement that way at present officers returned from Libby making speeches, Dr. Bond's resigna- tion & every thing. I hope you wont be to busy to write often while there. I wonder if you will enjoy boarding at the miners. Do enquire about Bill & remember me to him. what is the real reason of Dr. Bonds resignation is it ill health? Has wm Bond been continually professed in his speculations so as to support the Dr. the Dr. has not much has he? My birth day passed without my remembering it. Are you sure I am twenty six I dont seem as old as that. I do hope that when those "two next hundred years" are over we shall be settled quietly all together again in the dear old house & yet I dont see what I can find to do in Norwich I feel more & more unsettled & less like going back to banking. I hope you will find some good help male or female to help you in your moving at the house I always supposed Geo would go on when you went & be there to assist you what he could. I dont see how you can do without him. Alfred Goddard went on picket yesterday in a heavy rain storm which continued all day. He remains out for three days I think he will find a deci ded change from staff duty but he appears to like the duties takes to most of them readily & is much liked by the offs generally. I am going to have a wash tonight & my kettle of hot water was brought in some time ago & I must write a line to Geo. so good night. Regards to every body. I like you to send Independent Read one of the Beechers sermons this A.M. "Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good edification." Good night Chas Monday morning half past five o'clock As Alf is on duty I have to attend the morning roll call. After I have carried this letter to the P.O. think I shall turn in again. Dont like to wait three hours for breakfast.