Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.290 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 June 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that the regiment has left the Army of the Potomac and are bound for Bermuda. Describes what he understands as the strategic reasons for their being ordered to move. Says that the loss from the previous battle was 33 killed and wounded. Writes that all the troops are about ready to "give out."
(USCC stationary)
Steamer Ocean Wave
mouth of York June 13
Dear All,
Good bye to the Army of the Potomac. Yesterday noon we marched off full drive from Cold Harbor, or where ever we were & this noon embarked at White House bound for Bermuda again. The Potomac Army is establishing a new base of supplies at Harrison's Landing on the James & rapidly pushing round on to the North bank of that river. We shall undoubted operate on the south bank in connection with that army. The whole 18th Corps is moving & many hundred days men also - the latter to hold the intrenchments at Bermuda while we push forward & possession. I am writing by lantern light reflected on a looking glass & can not see what I write & fear you will be unable to read. I may have an opportunity to mail at the Fortress as we pass & dont like to miss it. The two weeks that we have been in the Army of the Potomac our loss in action has been thirty three killed & wounded - all the wounded reported being so much disabled as to be sent to Hospt. We never report scratches as most Regts. do. I see that Connecticut papers report our loss at Bermuda as sixty five - the fact is our loss there was one hundred & forty lost in action & now with the loss here our loss is almost fifty per cent of our fighting strength since leaving Yorktown the 1st of may. When I have a chance I will send you a copy of my official Report of operations of Regt from 1st to 10th insts. I suppose I am well - at least as well as any one but the fact is we are all about "give out".
Good love & best love to you dear ones,
Affct son & bro
Chas
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