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

Camp July 23, '64
Dear All,
I suppose Miss E.C. will receive this but I guess it will go the rounds so I address dear all. I am just off duty as Division officer of the Day & as the Adjt's horse that I have been using has to be brought down here I thought I would bring my self also. This long story must be my excuse for scribbling to you again so soon. DO you accept it? Yesterday recd Ellen's letter if 17th & 18th and this morning recd mothers of 18th inst. I am very sleepy this A.M. & my eyes seem determined to close while I write, so dont look for any thing more than commonly brilliant. The mail this morning brings us notice of several new promotions in the 8th. Twas no news to me however for I recommended the three second Lieut's to Col. Ward, (at his request of course) & in our conversation upon the subjects for promotions the Col. threw out the only name I objected to. Col. Ward has not been in command for the last six days that is since we came in the last time. I wrote you that he went to the front with us then & remained the four days - those four days include the whole time that he has actually commanded thus far & our chaplain this morning says he is not as well, that he had another chill last night - so I think I am in a fair way to command both my Co. & the Regt for some days yet. Of course the col. issues any orders that he chooses to tho' I have the actual labor connected with the Regt but then I can ask his advice when I want it & thats something. This reminds me - while I was in command before the Adjt & my self spoke several times about concocting some order in reference to the officers that we have lost since this campaign commenced but in the press of other business it was postponed, partly because I did not know exactly what to write but a day or two since I sat my self down & low the enclosed order was the result. I may change it a little, the last sentence I have not fully decided upon & I shall delay it's issue if I can for I really want this issued in my name & at the same time as we are now situated I think it should bear Col. Ward's name rather than mine. col. w. would not trouble himself to write any order what ever & the Adjutant does not feel up to this & there- for I have written it & as I have been in command so much of the time lately I really wish the order to be mine & have the credit of it. I prefer it to a dozen official Reports. Of course this is entirely private for if this copy goes to Col. Ward to be issued in his name he may not approve & may issue something entirely different tho' 'twould be rather funny for the Col. to object to any thing that saved him labor. Why I am filling my letter in one way of another with col. ward & nothing else. Tuesday & Wednesday were rainy days with us & now the temperature is quite cool & comfortable. We went to the front Tuesday night & after wading in the
mud a couple of miles or more to our lines those we found flooded, the lower parts of the trenches filled with water & the whole surface a mass of mud, there was little sleep for us that night. I passed the night on a board not over six inches wide & four feet long that I placed across a trench and then with my rubber poncho over me managed to keep pretty dry from without tho' the rubber caused one to perspire sufficiantly to soak every rag I had on. The next day was hardly an improvement until afternoon when it cleared off & since has been delightful. I enjoyed myself exceedingly yesterday riding round as I was obliged to - before when I was on duty I did not know all the duties & I walked much harder than necessary on that account but yesterday knowing what was expected & how to perform & in addition to the fine atmosphere & roads I enjoyed much. This morning when I reported to corps Hd. Qts. found Genl Ord was in command & I cant tell at all how I shall like him for I could not catch his eye & I dons think any one else did. He seemed to understand what he talked about but I guess he is very snapish. Before I forget one more article I want a bottle of Osgood's Cologogne - I cant spell it. The mornings are decidedly chilly & we have to all be up at 3 A.M. when in the trenches & stand in places until broad day light and I do not
[top margin first page] wish to get the chills on me if I can avoid it. I ought to have remembered it while Geo. was in Norwich for Ed Osgood offered to supply me whenever I wanted. Am so glad mother & Geo. are enjoying so much at Litchfield - hope they will stay long enough to be really benefitted. I have written so much about great I that I have no time or room for more
Love Chas