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to his family
10 September 1862
Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878
Writes, "We are after Jackson. Burnside commands us and we are strong." They have heard a rumor that Jackson is in Pennsylvania with 100,000 troops.
GLC03603.142
25 September 1862
Reports that they have been ordered to Harpers Ferry. Writes that he will be unable to take his furlough because of Lieutenant Eaton's and Lieutenant Shepard's injuries from battle. Requests that newspapers with stories about the battle be saved or...
GLC03603.146
10 October 1862
Describes the views from the march from Antietam. Also predicts that Colonel Harland will soon be promoted to Brigadier, but is concerned that the Colonel will not ask men to be references in his favor. Writes about the other men he is sharing a tent...
GLC03603.151
16 October 1862
Writes that Charlie Johnson left after visiting from Norwich for five days. Writes that he is more homesick than ever and hopes that the 8th Regiment will be sent to Connecticut to recruit new soldiers and supplement their depleted ranks.
GLC03603.155
20 October 1862
Writes that the regiment is in need of knapsacks and dress coats. Believes that he will be sent to Washington to pick up the needed items. Describes his soldier's coat and requests that his mother send new shirts. Writes that all but three of...
GLC03603.156
22 October 1862
Describes the new suit he purchased and the errands he ran for the regiment. This included arranging baggage transportation and passes for himself and the ten men that are along to help him. Writes of seeing General McClellan and his wife and baby at...
GLC03603.157
25 October 1862
Writes that he arrived back to camp with the supplies much earlier than expected. The regiment has been given orders to march the next morning and rumor has it that they are traveling 6-8 miles down the river to Berlin.
GLC03603.158
31 October 1862
Describes the journey from Pleasant Valley and the activities of the other officers in the new camp. Writes that he dreads the idea of a winter campaign and also writes about his tent, blanket, and food situation in comparison to that of the enlisted...
GLC03603.159
17 November 1862
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
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
January 26, 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
January 30, 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
January 31, 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
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 June 1863
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
12 June 1863
Describes his trip to Baltimore, Maryland and how pleasant it was to see pretty shop windows and the faces of women. Writes again of seeing his cousin Ellen and his discomfort with being there and not being offered time or room to clean up. Provides...
GLC03603.240
23 June 1863
Writes that they are still waiting to leave for battle. Believes that the higher-ups want to learn the outcome of the battle between [General Joseph] Hooker and [General Rovert E.] Lee before sending reinforcements.
GLC03603.245
10 September 1863
Writes of being "ordered off" to the Army of the Potomac and then being relieved of that duty because another soldier wanted to go to Washington to pick up his pay. Says that Colonel Otis strives to make everything "as pleasant for us as possible."...
GLC03603.252
10 March 1864
Writes jokingly that his family constantly suffers from illnesses while he is "growing fat and hearty." Mentions that General Hunt is to be relieved. Notes that his time is spent straightening out the account books and drilling the new recruits. The...
GLC03603.257
15 March 1864
Writes of the lull in activity for officers in the camp. He is reading a book titled "Hard Cash." Describes a problem with the Ordinance Officer over vouchers.
GLC03603.261
to his mother and sister
6 April 1864
Writes that most of the normal camp activities have been suspended because of bad weather and that he is working on supply and logistic reports. Says the he also passes the time whittling, reading the "Atlantic," and playing chess. Requests the...
GLC03603.266
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