Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.340 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 May 1865 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
He writes that he was about to turn in his application for muster but was persuaded by Major Pratt to wait a few days. He writes of the possibility that the regiment may soon be mustered out of service. He writes that he hardly knows any of the other officers as everyone he knew before he was wounded has left. He requests a particular copy of the Navy Journal. He writes that Sherman's Army is beginning to arrive at the camp.
Camp May 8, '65 A.M.
Dear All,
I had intended to have forwarded this morning an application for muster out but major Pratt has persuaded me to defer it at least a few days longer tho' I know if I am to leave the service soon the earlier I do so the better. I do not expect detail on the Div. staff for I think I would have received it ere this if it had been coming. There is a possibility that the Regt will be soon mustered out of service tho' as we are a veteran organization I hardly expect it. Major P. alluded to that this morning assuming that I would like to be mustered out with the Regt & this he instilled to the additional three months pay. I assured him that I would & he said that he would be most happy to - have me remain that he should not ask me to perform duty
I said I did not think it best for me to remain doing nothing, this influence would be bad on other officers & spoke of detached duty he replied that I had done enough to pay for lying idle a while but if I was able for light duty he would do anything that he could to assist me. Lt. Col. Moffit Corps Provost marshal was coming over yesterday to see me but did not. Perhaps he can help me. We are so far from the city where most of the Hd. Qts. are situated that I can see no one except as they visit me & in fact almost all my most influential friends are out of service. In our Brigade I am hardly acquainted with any officers tho' when I left last octo. I knew all. I would like at least to remain in service until I hear that my accounts with uncle Sam are accepted & I receive the papers necessary to secure prompt payment when I am discharged. In one of the numbers of the Army & Navy Journal for March (I think) was one article telling company officers how to keep their clothing Account books. If you can find it please send to me. Yours of 5th received. I hope Ed. Trumbull will make a good tenant. $300 will certainly be a very acceptable addition to our income the present year. I dont feel disposed to return to the old place to live nor to enter business of any ordinary kind in Norwich tho' I very well know that I can secure a better & more profitable situation among our friends there than any where else. I shall try for a situation else where first any how. Dr. Dow's Regt is out of servcie. I presume he is in Deleware Wise.
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