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17 November 1862
Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878)
to his family
Writes that he plans to send most of his supplies home and only carry a small bag. Also writes more about the new chain of command within his Grand Division.
GLC03603.164
20 November 1862
Writes that they are camped very near to their old camp. Also mentions that they are camped just across the river from rebel troops and that some of the troops from both sides spoke across the river the night before. The conversation was based mostly...
GLC03603.165
21 November 1862
Writes that he has asked the Quartermaster to purchase some supplies for him when he goes to Washington, D.C. to procure shoes and clothing. Describes the march and the current camp and assures his family of his comfort. Also says that the regiment...
GLC03603.166
23 November 1862
Writes that he has heard of a mission that the regiment was unable to carry out because of lack of supplies. Believes that this accounts for the long stay at Fredericksburg. Writes that they have moved their camp to the Lacey Mansion ("rebel mansion"...
GLC03603.167
1 December 1862
Writes that he has been enjoying the luxuries of living in the mansion. Reports that pay for the regiment will be delayed due to a mix-up with muster rolls. The letter is written on the back of a an accounting blank which contains spaces for...
GLC03603.168
2 December 1862
Writes that he has seen Mr. Gardener Green and that he is still comfortably living at the mansion. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.
GLC03603.169
5 December 1862
Describes his thankfulness at being able to have shelter in the mansion during a snowstorm. Writes that he has filled out a Quarterly Return of Deceased Soldiers. There are reports that a soldier from the 21st Regiment froze to death in the night...
GLC03603.170
8 December 1862
Writes that two companies of the 1st Connecticut Artillery have camped right next to them. Also asks his mother to send gloves or mittens with Lieutenant Shepard when he leaves to re-join the regiment. In a note dated 19 December, he writes that he...
GLC03603.171
19 December 1862
Writes that the Lacey Mansion is being used as a hospital and that the officers are staying in a two-room outhouse. Estimates that the battle has cost the Union side 10,000 and does not see any other result of the four days of battle.
GLC03603.174
23 December 1862
Writes that the officers have moved out of the mansion and are back at their old camp on the hill. The officers have built a chimney and fireplace for their tent. Tells a story about General Burnside's leadership during the battle and of Captain...
GLC03603.175
30 December 1862
Family has received the trunk of extra clothing he has sent home and he responds to a question they asked him about a photograph of a woman that was in the trunk. Says it was merely a photograph he found and kept in hopes of returning it to its owner...
GLC03603.177
1 January 1863
Reflects on the last year saying, "How little we seem to have accomplished during the last twelve months." Expresses his thankfulness for God keeping him safe and healthy. Also says that his regiment has been almost constantly on the "front" for the...
GLC03603.178
Responds to questions from his family about the belongings of Marvin Wait, one of the men who was wounded in battle and to news that it was the anniversary of his father's death. Believes his father to be the guardian angel that watches over him and...
GLC03603.179
11 January 1863
Writes that there is a small campaign among the men to help Colonel Harland become a Brigadier. Various officers are writing about Harland in order to nominate him. Writes that a box from the Soldier's Aid arrived and gives a list of the items he...
GLC03603.182
26 January 1863
Writes after returning from a trip home. Reports seeing Fred Ward's father on the train and hearing him talk about his son who he believes has been taken prisoner. Thinks that Fred Ward is dead but did not tell his father this. Reports that Charlie...
GLC03603.184
30 January 1863
Expresses sadness at the change of generals and says that he hopes Burnside is assigned a new command and that the 9th Regiment can follow them. Writes that the roads are untravelable due to rain and mud. Believes that he was allowed to take leave to...
GLC03603.185.2
31 January 1863
Responds to news that his brother has been considering a job with General Casey's staff by saying that such a chance is not to be dismissed. Qualifies this statement by saying that there is no prestige in being part of the staff of an inactive...
GLC03603.186
10 February 1863
Reports that morale has improved since leaving the muddiness of their former camp. The weather is "delightful" and he hopes that they will remain there for a few weeks. Reports that officers from the Nehant and the Galena, two ships that are anchored...
GLC03603.192
14 March 1863
Coit, George O. (fl. 1863)
to his mother and sister
Writes of witnessing the orders for the Regiment to prepare to leave camp and the subsequent breakdown of the camp. He and Charles were both very regretful at having to part but decided it would be best. George is planning on stopping in Washington...
GLC03603.208
18 March 1863
Writes about sightseeing in Washington and his plans for the rest of his return journey, including stopping in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
GLC03603.209
10 April 1863
Writes that the regiment received news of the election results and were very much pleased. Describes the polling method used among the soldiers for the governor's race. Writes about how much he respects and admires General [Ambrose] Burnside and...
GLC03603.223
17 April 1863
Notes that he is located "3 miles below Suffolk, on the opposite side of the Nansemond River from the Rebs." Writes of a confusion which resulted in Lieutenant Foss being discharged for not reporting on time and that he will miss Sam (Foss) who he...
GLC03603.224
16 May 1863
Writes that he had set up a nice sleeping arrangement for himself at camp and was then ordered to march to Fort Jerico with his company. Mentions that he does not believe that his company will see any fighting as the fort they are guarding is not on...
GLC03603.233
29 May 1863
Writes that he is not very busy and that his "chief employment is battling the flies." Mentions that he plans on visiting Lake Drumond with a group of other officers and that they are to be "poled out by a couple of darkies, the distance is 12 or 15...
GLC03603.237
8 June1863
Writes of his trip to Baltimore to take care of a savings bank matter. Notes that he has seen Cousin Ellen, Becky, John, James and wife and Mrs. Dr. Elisha. Says that he felt unprepared for visiting and feels he made a fool of himself.
GLC03603.239
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