Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.336 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Manchester, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 May 1865 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Coit is back in camp after his long convalescence. He is not yet on duty but has status as "sick". He writes about Colonel Coughlin, Captain Fleming and Lieutenant Colonelcy. He writes of trying to collect souvenirs for family friends.
Camp of 8th Conn Vet Vols
Tuesday P.M.
Dear All,
Well here I am really in Camp again. Quatermaster Merriam has given up his tent to me so that I am more comfortably situated than could have been expected & every one seems so glad to see me back again. Major Pratt immediately offered to share his tent with me but I dont believe in loafing about Hd. Qts. I like the major better than ever. We are encamped three or four miles outside Manchester near the James. Some of the views from this point are very fine particularly one of the city of Richmond. We hear to day that we shall soon move from here as we are to be ordered to report to Lt. col. Coughlin who as I understand is Mil. Gov. or Provost Marshall of this district between the James & Appomattox & that we shall be assigned to duty in the different towns. This would divide the Regt. but I think the duty in many respects would be very pleasant. I am not on duty but am reported - sick -. I wish Pratt had always been my ranking officer & then I would go on duty at once. I do not anticipate any difficulty in leaving the service if I desire to but the old fascination is returning strongly. If any thing should come of the much talked of Lt. colonelcy I doubt whether I could be mustered for by late orders officers are required to pass examination physical & - tactical -. The first I think I could bear but not the latter at present tho' I do not think I would have any trouble in commanding if I could get over the examiniation. Lt. Col. Coughlin who I believe I have mentioned is an old friend of mine, you remember he called on me at the Hospital. In company with him at the time was the Capt. Fleming who used some strong expressions in speaking of the treatment of our prisoners, himself included. [1] I thought of course I should get a letter from you to day but am dissappointed. If we do not move I shall mean to write you every two or three days. I shall delay deciding any plans as to my future for a few days & see what turns up here. I want to have a good thorough look at Richmond in a day or two if I can get the required pass to cross the River. I am at work at my Returns have got the receipts for the horse &c & shall get off that Return to day or tomorrow & shall straighten out every thing as soon as possible so that I may be in condition if I decide to quit. I send you by this mail a Richmond Times. I had hoped to secure many little articles to remember this part of the country by but I am rather late for that & too far from the city. I thought some of these things would be acceptable to our so kind friends. Kindest rememberances to them all but as of old best & most to the "dear all".
Chas
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