Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.304 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Says he is considering not reenlisting in September. Notes that the camped was "shelled" the night before but no one was hurt. Writes that most of the best officers have been killed or wounded and that re-enlisting would mean being in the company of men who are "anything but agreeable." Requests envelopes and restates his boot size.
Camp. Sunday noon.
Dear All,
Recd yours ^Ellen's^ of 21st inst. yester- day & I write a line in answer. Was much interested in the "Rebel view of the situation" that you enclose. Suppose Mother & George are again with you so you are all together wish I was there - I feel just so to day and by the way shall I leave the service in September when the old members, those who did not reinlist, leave us, I think after three years since I can surely leave the service honorably & to day I feel decidedly that way - perhaps because my rest was disturbed last night & my sleepiness to day. The Rebs shelled our camp last night about one o'clock A.M. & obliged us all to take shelter behind trees without allowing us time to complete our toilet & when they dried up at the end of an hour we were pretty well chilled through. Fortunately no one as far as I have learned, was hurt in our Brigade tho' one or two horses were killed & the shells burst round us "right smart." so many of our best & most pleasant officers have been killed or badly wounded & will therefor quit the service soon that the society of the line officers who will be left for another three years service will be any thing but agree- able associates for me and as to remaining as a line officer after the expiration of the present three years my mind is made up if I can have. Gov. Buckingham refused Col. Ward at appoint any one as major in the 8th over Capt. Hoyt & col. ward will no have him - so the Adjutant tells me. I presume if I had been born any where except Norwich it would be different. Must go to inspection. Am still comd Regt. Brigade divine service this P.M. at 2 If you have not sent valise send a package or two of envelopes large size so long as letter paper is wide & a little letter size paper. Would like a package of envelopes by mail if valise has started Size of boots small 8's.
Love Chas
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