Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.296 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes that his regiment is "in the rear" to rest but that they are still working very hard. Notes that Captain Goodrich was shot while lying right next to him. Also writes that he has lost Colonel Sergeant Glover, one of the best men in his platoon.
Sunday July 3, '64
Dear All,
I write only a line that you may know that I am still in the land of the living & well too. To day we are in the rear - that is not in the pits. We are here to rest I presume but the fact is that we work work much harder here than in the front generally. The first few days after our lines were established in front of Petersburg, we spent one half the time in the pits - two days at the front & then two days here - but now it is three days in front & one in the rear. so we go out again to night about 8 o'clock - came in last night about 12 Midnight. Saw Col. Ward this A.M. - he has arrived but is not strong & probably will not go out with us to night. Capt. Goodrich was wounded quite severely last Friday. We were both lying side by side at the time and as he raised up to arrange his coat under his head as a pillow a bullet struck him in the small of the back just escaping the bone. If it had penetrated an inch farther it would have been mortal. It will be sore but not dangerous. I have lost the best man in my Co. Sergt Joseph Glover in addition to other excellences he was a real Christian. I dons know how he can be spared in the Co. Genl smith has issued an order respecting the observance of the Sabbath, requesting all officers to attend &c & to day our Chaplain Mr smith officiated at a brigade service - Genl Stannard & Burnham with staffs were present & the Brigade band but I prefer our own service and hope we shall have no more at Brigade Hd. Qts. Genl Burnham smoked a cigar a large portion of the time. I like to smoke as well as any one but I know better than that I hope. I have not passed this day as I had hoped. I felt that I must work we had so much to do. I wish I could have passed it with you. Mail going
Chas
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