Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.323 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Chapin's Farm, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 October 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
He describes the events of September 28th saying that they crossed the James river and drove Rebel troops back. The 10th of New Hampshire and the 118th of New York were the skirmishers while the 8th and 96th of New York were the support. Lt. Colonel Smith suffered a head wound. Foss was also wounded but Coit reports that neither was wounded fatally. He describes the 8th taking the fort and the two Rebel charges. "The ground was covered with killed + wounded + we took many prisoners".
Chapin's Farm, Va.
Octo 4 1864
Dear All,
We marched from Camp night of 28th ult. Crossed the James & at day light our advance was driving in the Reb skirmishers. After driving them some three miles we came in sight of the works at this place. The 10th NH & 118th N Yk of our Brigade were the skirmishers, the 8th & 96th N Yk with 1st Brigade, the support. The 96th N Yk was in line of battle the 8th directly behind them in massed column of division & the 1st Brigade behind the 8th in massed columns & in this order we charged over an open field a full mile, at - quick time - cannon shot & grape & canister plowing thro' us the whole way & when we came within range the musketry opened with terrible effect. Lt. Col. Smith was wounded at the head of the Regt early in the charge & Foss called to me to take command & then down he fell, Neither are dangerously
wounded. We captured the works but our loss was very heavy. I think the 8th lost heaviest. Nine officers killed or wounded in fortress. The colors of the 8th & 96th N Yk mounted the work at the same time, they were the first. I think I captured the first prisoners in the fort. After getting inside we formed the Regt & pressed forward from one barrack to another driving the Rebels and the 8th had the front for some time. In advance of all other Regts. Genl Ord & Burnham were both wounded inside the fort. Capt. Hoyt came up that night & took command. The Rebs made- two heavy - charges on us ^our immediate front the next day & we mowed them down terribly The ground was covered with their killed & wounded & we took many prisoners. The weather raining most of the time. Am well as possible but have hardly had any sleep since leaving camp. Nothing very important last day or two.
Best love, Chas
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