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to his family

Writes that there is more religious interest in the camp lately and describes Regiment Captain Ford standing at a prayer meeting to say that he was giving up alcohol and cursing in favor of living a Christian lifestyle. Notes that his birthday passed...

GLC03603.263

to George Coit

Congratulates his brother on having won first prize. Advises his brother on the path to better health and says that he would like to see a copy of a speech his brother is to give.

GLC03603.264

to George Coit

Requests a chess handbook and describes a company box that he has acquired to hold his books and other belongings. Writes that he is in command of the Regiment because Captain Hoyt is in Portsmouth attending a court martial.

GLC03603.265

to his sister

Describes a quiet camp and reading a novel called "Pique" until his candle went out at 4 a.m. Thanks her for sending a book called "Lady of the Lake." Describes singing hymns with the other officers and requests that he be sent his chess set from...

GLC03603.267

to his family

Notes they marched to Getty's Station to attend the execution of a deserter but were told that it was to be postponed. Says that they received orders to march to Bowers Hill and then were transported to Suffolk by "cars." They came back to camp via...

GLC03603.268

to his family

Requests more shirts and says that his friend would like for Coit's mother to share the pattern with his mother so that he can also have one. Aso asks for more socks and says that there is a rumor that they will be marching to Newport News very soon...

GLC03603.269

to his family

Writes a short note about marching from camp to Suffolk, Virginia and then back again. Requests woolen stockings.

GLC03603.270

to his family

Writes that they broke camp and marched to Deep Creek and then to Portsmouth. Notes that he has shipped his trunk to be held at New Haven post office until he calls for it again. Request postage stamps and woolen socks.

GLC03603.271

to his family

Notes that many different regiments are gathering in the Yorktown area. Everyone is being ordered to store or ship their possessions. Writes that all men, including the band, are being armed.

GLC03603.272

to his family

Writes that he has been very busy with drilling, parading and "his papers." Notes that General Brooks is in command of his regiment and that "it should have been General Burnham." Says that the regiment is keeping 4 days cooked rations ready in order...

GLC03603.273

to his family

Writes that the regiment is getting ready to march. Supplies have been consolidated and rations for five days have been prepared. He passes on rumors of different destinations. Writes of sending his possessions to be stored and sending money to be...

GLC03603.274

to his family

Writes to request stamps and change, saying that they are "secure." Says that he is very busy.

GLC03603.275

to his family

Writes that he has returned to a camp in an undetermined location after being beaten in battle by a much smaller force. Describes fighting in dense fog at the command of Colonel Smith. Says that the regiment split during battle and Coit and many...

GLC03603.276

to his family

Writes that he is lucky to be alive after a battle. Says that Alfred Goddard was seriously wounded in the abdomen and he fears that Alfred will not recover. Details his behaviors and bravery during the battle and says that he received the best care...

GLC03603.277

to his family

Writes that he is well and was engaged in fighting the last two days. Notes that the regiments losses were small. Says that the railroad was destroyed and that the soldiers are working on restoring it. Mentions that he has heard nothing about Alfred...

GLC03603.279

to a female relative of Alfred Goddard

Writes that this was a draft of a letter he was preparing for a female relative of Alfred Goddard. Encloses the draft with a letter to is family. Writes detailing Alfred's bravery during battle and his dying wishes to have his possessions shipped to...

GLC03603.280

to his family

Writes seven miles from Richmond that the regiment is occupying a line of entrenchments that were captured the day before. Says that they are within sight of a rebel fort but have had no heavy fighting in the past few days. Notes that he doesn't...

GLC03603.281

to his family

Writes that he feels as if the Brigader has forgotten the regiment and makes a comparison between officers with military educations to those who lack them. Tells about an attack two days before. Describes the temporary staffing changes due to the...

GLC03603.283

to his family

Writes that they endured a "flogging" from the rebels on Monday night. Notes that there is an order to clear trees in front of the rifle pits. He requests money.

GLC03603.284

to his family

Writes of commanding the regiment in place of Colonel Ward and of embarking to join [General Ulysses] Grant's army. Notes that four of the companies lost all of their baggage when the rebels captured it. Says that he found and sent home Alfred's...

GLC03603.285

to his family

Writes from the "White House" that his regiment is expecting to stay here to hold it as a base for Grant's army but they have been ordered to move again. "I hope that if we are about to go into action & danger that we shall at least have the...

GLC03603.286

to his family

Thanks God for preserving him through the days of danger and suffering. Writes about his feelings about acting as a commander. Notes that he read the last letter from his family "with the bullets whistling over me".

GLC03603.288

to his family

Writes that he has been in the rear trenches for a day and will be moving to the front at night. Reports that the regiment consistently loses men in the battle. Writes of leaving the trenches to track down the regiment's luggage. Says that the...

GLC03603.289

to his family

Writes that the regiment has left the Army of the Potomac and are bound for Bermuda. Describes what he understands as the strategic reasons for their being ordered to move. Says that the loss from the previous battle was 33 killed and wounded....

GLC03603.290

to his family

Writes about marching from Point of Rocks to a camp and then on towards Petersburg. Describes the 8th regiment driving rebel soldiers back into the woods. Gives more details about the fighting and says that the loss was very slight. Writes that the...

GLC03603.292

to his family

Writes that his personal conditions have improved and that he has been reunited with his luggage and his wall tent. The 8th Regiment, along with Burnside's other regiments will be transferred to the 9th Corps. Mentions the leadership implications of...

GLC03603.293

to his family

Writes that, after 48 hours "at the front" they have been relieved. He writes about taking over a "pit" that contained fancy furniture that had been stolen. Describes battle with the rebel soldiers and reacts to news from home. Says that he does not...

GLC03603.294

to his family

He reacts to his family reminding him about his pledge not to drink liquor. Defends his drinking of liquor by saying that they only pledged not to drink it as a beverage-not as recreation. Says that he has been indulging in it quite freely.

GLC03603.295

to his family

Writes that his regiment is "in the rear" to rest but that they are still working very hard. Notes that Captain Goodrich was shot while lying right next to him. Also writes that he has lost Colonel Sergeant Glover, one of the best men in his platoon.

GLC03603.296

to his family

Writes about the hardships of being shuffled from the front to the back. Responds to news about Beckwith and James Jennings, both soldiers from Connecticut who have suffered what Coit believes to be self-inflicted wounds. Describes motivating...

GLC03603.297

to his family

Writes about being on duty as Officer of the Day and preparing for an attack that never occurred. "Isn't it grand that Alabama has at last gone under and in actual combat." Notes that the army is pleased by the news of the Rebel troops moving North....

GLC03603.298

to his family

Requests a valise to be sent from home. Says a sutler, who is supplied by Smith and Co. in Norwich, has joined the troops. Notes that Captain Henry C. Hall was killed when he "exposed himself needlessly." Mentions two books or magazines "Atlantic"...

GLC03603.299

to his family

Complains about the load of paperwork he is doing and reports that Colonel Ward is feeling unwell. Says that Ward does not stay near the field staff even when he is feeling well. Requests that his news about Ward not be repeated. Reports that Captain...

GLC03603.300

to his family

Writes an additional letter to include things he had forgotten. Requests a pair of cavalry boots and describes the type and size.

GLC03603.301

to his family

Encloses this draft of a memo to all officers in letter no. 303a. The memo announced the deaths of Captain John McCall, Captain Henry C. Hall, Alfred M. Goddard and Levi C. Bingham. It also recommended that all officers wear crepe morning band for an...

GLC03603.302

to his family

Writes about the promotions process in the 8th. Notes about letter no. 302 and his feelings surrounding the memo. Comments that General Ord is now in command. Requests a bottle of Osgood's Cologne.

GLC03603.303

to his family

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...

GLC03603.304

to his family

Writes in response to a letter from his family, outraged that they have not received all the letters he has written. Gives more instructions on the kind of boots he wants. Notes that he has been enjoying canned fruit and milk. Says that he receives...

GLC03603.305

to his family

Writes about the regiment's defeat after blowing up a rebel fort. Mentions a black regiment fighting along with them. "Everything has been gained and now everything has been lost."

GLC03603.306

to his family

Writes to request his Receipt Roll, which he accidentally sent home with his clothing return. Requests a response from his family regarding the memo he sent about the officers who died in battle. Says that the memo has yet to be published and...

GLC03603.307

to his family

Requests more "light reading" and remarks on having read Uncle Tom's Cabin. Writes that he has received his new horse. Notes that 56 of the 100 recruits sent from New Haven have arrived and are about to begin training. Writes about the condition of...

GLC03603.308

to his family

Writes that Captain Goodrich has returned to the regiment after recuperating at Annapolis. Comments tha he testified to the good character of Colonel Ward under oath during a hearing by the military commission. Says he put everything in a favorable...

GLC03603.309

to his family

He writes that the U.S.G. has a new leader and that he had to give up his horse. He requests hair oil and sends sewing silk.

GLC03603.310

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that they have moved to a new camp. Colonel Ward is still is poor health and has requested a leave of absence. He writes of treating a "chill" with whiskey and thrashing his arms. He asks to borrow money as they have not been...

GLC03603.311

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that he would like to re-enlist for a period of time less than three years but that it seems impossible. He is not angry with the service or the mission but rather with the regimental management. He writes that many lives...

GLC03603.312

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that they have been busy moving camp and that the chaplain is ill. He also writes that Colonel Ward has recovered and has been offered a regiment.

GLC03603.314

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that he has recovered the papers that were accidentally sent home and writes that Captain Hoyt will be taking over for Ward, who is headed home on leave.

GLC03603.316

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that he has given command of the Regiment over to Captain Hoyt since he is the superior. He is happy to have command of his company again. Discusses the policy that states that no officers will be mustered out until they have...

GLC03603.317

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda thanking his family for the valise and shoes that they have sent to him. He writes that Captain Hoyt's most pressing duty has been "guzzling whiskey." He writes that Captain Foss calls the headquarters "a public bar." Coit...

GLC03603.318

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda requesting his Ordinance return and other papers to be sent immediately by mail.

GLC03603.320

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda about a wooden shelter that has been built for him in camp. He gives more specifications on the papers he is looking for. He writes that he encloses Generals Orders No. 126 as a curiosity.

GLC03603.321.01

to his family

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...

GLC03603.323

to his family

He writes that he is on duty on Brigade Staff as Acting Adjt. General and live in a house. He feels that it is a position of honor. He has forwarded $600 of his pay home. He writes on U.S. Sanitary Commission stationary.

GLC03603.324

to his family

He writes that they were given orders to relieve the troops of the 10th Corps while they made a reconnaissance towards Richmond. When the Colonel and staff went back to "the line" Coit stayed behind to attend to office business. He says it is new to...

GLC03603.325

to his mother

He writes that he has been wounded in the shoulder and is in the hospital. The bullet is still lodged in his side. He requests his mother's presence and says the wound prevents him from writing.

GLC03603.329

to his family

He responds to his family's criticism over declining the promotion. One of the big issues determining wether or not to be mustered out is regiment size. Coit describes his own feelings on this as well as Captain Goodrich's. Coit continues to describe...

GLC03603.330

to his family

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. Written in...

GLC03603.336

to his family

Coit writes that he had the pleasure of telling Major Pratt that news of his promotion had been published in the Connecticut newspapers. He writes that Pratt told him that he was the one who deserved the promotion and that he would decline it if it...

GLC03603.338

to George Coit

He responds to news that his Uncle George attempted to influence Mr. Blackstone in order to secure a promotion for Charles. He writes that he is sending all his official papers to George's box. Written in Manchester neighborhood of Richmond

GLC03603.339

to his family

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...

GLC03603.340

to his family

He writes of riding out with other officers to welcome Sherman's troops but getting lost and wet with rain along the way. He writes of seeing Mr. Birnie, Mr. Buckingham and Mr. Ripley in Richmond. He receives an order to escort the Springfield party...

GLC03603.342

to his family

He has just arrived in New York from Richmond and expects to reach New Haven very soon. He plans to see his Uncle William in Brooklyn.

GLC03603.343

to his family

He writes that he rode to Division Headquarters a Captain and back as a civilian. He describes his plans to travel home, stopping to see his Uncle William. He hopes to find a "situation" in New York immediately.

GLC03603.344

to his mother, sister and brother

Writes more about the hard journey to Annapolis and mentions that someone has stolen his rubber blanket. The regiment is housed in buildings belonging to the Recruits College.

GLC03603.025

to his mother

Encourages more letter-writing on his family's part. Describes his Sunday activities and writes of his Assistant Adjutant General not receiving the monthly report he worked on for nearly a whole day.

GLC03603.029

to his family

Discusses his underground stove malfunctioning and filling his tent with smoke. When the Major saw the mess caused by the stove, he gave Coit $5 to purchase a camp stove, frying pan and coffee pot. Mentions that Stanton was offered a job by a pistol...

GLC03603.033

to his family

Discusses the group of soldiers who are acting as a guard to the city. Describes how they mostly arrest drunken or rowdy soldiers and keep them for a few days before allowing them to return to camp. Relates an incident involving six rowdy cavalrymen...

GLC03603.037

to his family ("Dear old Anne and all there")

His cousin, Edward Coit, visited him in the camp. Complains that the liquor supply sent to him by his Uncle George is leaking and that he'd better drink it quickly. Says that he only has drank it for medical problems. Describes a very good division...

GLC03603.055

to his family

Reacts to an article in the Hartford Courant that describes the 8th Regiment as poorly organized and Colonel Harland as absent much of the time. Defends Harland and discusses how much the citizens of Annapolis like his regiment. Writes that he does...

GLC03603.057

to his family

Writes of the construction of three batteries around Fort Macon for use during the attack on the Fort. Complains about faulty news coverage of the battles. Gives news of the death of Dr. Lathrop, one of the Division doctors. Tells of Major Appelman...

GLC03603.097

to his family

Writes of preparing to leave Fredericksburg: "This is the first time we have shown the enemy our backs, the first time we have been ordered to run and I hope the last time." In a note on the 30th says that they were expecting to fight but that the...

GLC03603.139

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

Writes aboard the "The George Washington" that they are landing at City Point. Says that he does not believe that there will be any fighting and is unsure of where they are headed afterwards.

GLC03603.278

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that he awaits the return of papers that he accidentally sent home. He will loose pay without them. He writes that a group of soldiers coming to join the picket line were attacked by rebel soldiers and wounded.

GLC03603.313

to his family

He writes that he has inspected the whole Brigade (5 Regiments) and that his hand is tired from writing. He describes the content of the inspection blanks. He writes that he has received a commission as Major, which he considers an insult and plans...

GLC03603.326

to his family

He writes that Quartermaster Merriam has given Coit his tent to make him more comfortable. They are camped 3-4 miles outside Manchester. Though he is in camp, he is considered sick and not on duty. He writes that he is putting off decisions about his...

GLC03603.341

to his family

Writes that he has been to see Mr. C. Coit at his office. Requests that his family send him his "Tactics" which he left behind by accident. Describes the strangeness of wearing a uniform and being concerned with horses. Writes from the United States...

GLC03603.002

to Silas Casey

Writes to General Casey about the position of Aide de Camp. Says he would like to meet with General Casey in Washington but regrets that he will be unable to make it as his regiment is being ordered to Hempstead. Does not believe he is knowledgeable...

GLC03603.008

to his family

Comments on the Aide de Camp position and how he wishes he could leave the regiment to visit General Casey in Washington. Laments that he would have a hard time with the dictation aspect of the position because of his poor spelling. Writes from the...

GLC03603.009

to his family

Describes a sermon he attended with the regiment on the subject of maliciousness. The regiment still has yet to leave Hartford but he states that they will leave on Wednesday afternoon (14 October was a Monday). Letter was fowarded to Coit's brother...

GLC03603.010

to his family

Writes that he will attempt to take a furlong at the end of the month. Makes reference to staying at Miss S. G. C.'s house during his time off. Thanks his family for the photograph of his brother ("the young man in the Insurance Company"). Also...

GLC03603.114

to his family

Writes that they have been ordered away with an unknown destination. Expresses distaste at new enlistees being given bounties. Instead, he believes that the states should draft men and attempt to refill the old regiments. Writes, "I can hardly keep...

GLC03603.130

to his family

Describes the passage, by boat, to Acquia Creek from Newport News. Also writes that the officers plan to erect a monument to Dr. Lathrop and that he will consult with the doctor's widow to see what she would like done. Makes reference to a monument...

GLC03603.131

to his family

Writes of traveling by train to Fredericksburg. Requests news of how the recruitment is going in Connecticut. Does not believe that his regiment will see fighting in Richmond because the Union troops greatly outnumber the rebel troops.

GLC03603.132

to his family

Writes about the retreat from Fredericksburg and thanks his mother for the rubber coat she sent him. Writes more about Lieutenant Eaton's condition, which he says is deteriorating.

GLC03603.140

to his family

Writes of the compliments that the 8th Regiment has received on their marching skills. Describes his uniform fading and the bright uniforms of the new enlistees. Writes, "The large bounties being paid to new Regts are killing the spirits of all the...

GLC03603.141