Spafford, Forrest to the family of Charles Morgan Coit
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.282 Author/Creator: Spafford, Forrest Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 May 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Forrest Spafford writes to the Coit family to assure them of Charles' safety. He writes that the regiment occupies the area around Fort Darling and tells the family about the skills of the regimental sharp shooters. Charles Coit requested that Spafford write a letter to his family when he returned to camp to ease their minds.
Camp 8th Regt Conn Vetn Vol Ingt near Petersburg Va May 15th, 1864
Friend Coit, Charlie requests me to say that he is all right - and in good health. The regiment is now within two miles I should judge of Fort Darling. Thus far our forces have met with excel- lent success and I wish that it will continue to be so. At present we occupy the outer line of defenses around Fort D. we drove the enemy from them yesterday morning. Directly in our front within short musket range is another earth work - quite an extensive fort - we were at work upon that all day yesterday with Artillery and Infantry and I think with con- siderable effect. We certainly silenced all of their guns. It is suggested that they withdrew the greater part of them and that they are now holding the place with Infantry. Our sharp shooters are stationed so near the fort and is such a good position that the moment a rebel shows himself, he is picked off - or at least persuaded to change his po- sition somewhat suddenly. Our boys have a peculiar method of inducing the enemy to keep under cover most of the time. I left the regiment last evening and as your brother had no writing materials with him he wished me to drop you a line on my arrival in camp so as to relieve your mind in regard to his present pe- rsonal safety. wishing that this may produce the desired effect I am - very truly yours Forrest Spafford P.s. Please remember me to any of my friends in N. Haven I shall be very happy to hear from you if you have time to write. F.S.
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