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to his family

Discusses the men from his regiment who have deserted and how they were punished. Describes being ill and of other officers sending for their ladies. "… wonder if mine would come if I sent for her…"

GLC03603.259

to his family

Writes that he has been in Norfolk and Portsmouth on business for the regiment. Notes that Sam Foss was ill with cholic and that Alfred Goddard knew how to treat it.

GLC03603.262

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 the family of Charles Morgan Coit

Forrest Spafford writes to the Coit family to assure them of Charles' safety. He writes that the regiment occupies the area around Fort Darling and tells the family about the skills of the regimental sharp shooters. Charles Coit requested that...

GLC03603.282

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 the family of Charles Morgan Coit

Writes on Coit's behalf. Says that the regiment has joined Grant's group and is at the center of their "line of battle." Comments about the position of the enemy and the condition of the regiment.

GLC03603.287