Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.293 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Point of Rocks, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes that his personal conditions have improved and that he has been reunited with his luggage and his wall tent. The 8th Regiment, along with Burnside's other regiments will be transferred to the 9th Corps. Mentions the leadership implications of this transfer. He gives his opinions on General Smith. Comments that he sees the Army of the Potomac as an immense hoard where "individuals, regiments or brigades are as nothing." Tells a story in which General Smith dismissed a work team who were repairing a road because it was Sunday and there was to be no working.
Camp of 8th Conn Vol Inft
Point of Rocks, Va. June 18, '64
Dear All,
I am really living again. Am in my wall tent (mine as commander of Regt.) with my baggage at hand, have on clean underclothes & have just partaken of a good supper - ham hashed with potatoes, pickles, fresh breead, dried applesauce, & coffee with milk & white sugar - pretty good bill of fare. Yesterday P.M. we - the 18th corps or at least a portion of it - were relieved from our position in front of Petersburg by the 6th corps & we marched back to our old camp. This camp we occupied a day & a night before we sailed for white Hosue & again a night when we returned from W.H. before this advance on Petersburg & now we return again. Our tents & baggage are with us for the first time since leaving for white House. The cause of this change & our return I do not know tho' I had supposed we were to make our immediate advance on this side of the Appomattox to cut the Rebs at Petersburg from those at Richmond. I do not think it now. And now for an item of news & interest. Capt Hoyt has just been in & informs us that the 8th with Burnsicle's other old Regts are to be transferred to the 9th corps immediately. Capt Hoyt will return to the Regt and being my senior in rank will of course take command & I shall return to Co. B. I do really regret the latter for in command I have many privileges that a Co. off. cannot expect among them a horse on the march & then I have succeeded in the command so much better Athan I anticipated^ & have been so heartily supported by all the officers that the com- mand has been really very pleasant aside from the additional responsibility. In regard to joining the 9th Corps I hardly know how I do feel. I think I prefer Burnside to any other but my respect & confidence in Genl smith is almost unbounded. I consider him one of the first military men & I particularly like his ^brand of^ caution or rather prudence which is well developed. During our charge on the enemy's works in front of Petersburg we are informed
that Genl s. stood only a few yards in rear of when our line started & when we had fairly gained the works he jumped right up & down & shouted "victory, victory" & waved his hat. He instantly mounted his horse & with Genl Brooks was inside the works immediately. Where do you suppose our Brigadier was? Just where he always is at such times - - not - in the front. I really think Genl smith exposes himself too much but I think he always intends to see the ground that his troops are to charge over before he orders it. I never knew a a Genl who visited his advanced lines so constantly. One reason why I dislike the idea of joining the 9th corps is because that Corps is now really a part of the Army of the Potomac & I prefer any army to that immense hoard where individuals, regiments, or brigades are as nothing. I do not consider the 18th corps fully incorporated into that army yet. I am longing to get letters from you was dated the 7th inst. we have recd no mails since leaving white House. Pontooning the James has interferred. In that letter you mention one of my men who has just arrived at N.H. Hospt. Emerson I suppose you refer to. Don't worry yourself about him for probably no man in my Co. has suffered less since he enlisted than this same Emerson. He has been on detached duty ever since I commanded the Co. until the last few weeks before leaving Yorktown, and as he is a teamster he probably never heard the whistle of a Reb bullet. He is a pretty good man tho' but has thus far been lucky as far as his army life is concerned. I am so rejoiced to hear from Ellen that George is stronger & better. I hope he will not study too hard. I know he will do well. Quite a compliment asking hom to join the societies. Sunday P.M. I have said considerable about our Genl smith in this letter but I have one thing more to add. Late yesterday I recd an order to have 2 officers & about 100 men report for fatigue duty to a major Tyler of the Genl's staff. They so reported but the major thought it was then too late to do the work & dismissed them to report this morning. This morning they reported & were set at work repairing a road. After working two or three hours Genl Smith passed that way & immediately dismissed us he expressly stated because it was Sunday. The 8th never cheered but one Genl but if we remain much longer under Baldy I think he will hear from us. Our chaplain alluded to this at our services this P.M. & spoke of it very well. I thought Mr. Smith was particularly happy in all his remarks to day. How long it is since we have had a quiet sabbbath before. Mail goes & I have company & so close
Best love
Affct son + bro
Chas
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