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to his family

Describes the other officers aboard the Sentinal. Considers the possibility of the regiment going to Beaufort or Newbern. Written on board the ship "the Sentinal."

GLC03603.085

to his family

Writes of his promotion to Captain of Company B. Mentions that his new title reminds him of "another Captain Coit" (perhaps his father or another relative). The promotion means he gets his own quarters and he says he will miss bunking with the Field...

GLC03603.093

to his family

Writes about detailing an orderly to help him with his paperwork. Instead of helping, the orderly left names off of the roll call and spilled two bottles of ink. Written from "Carolina City," most likely in North Carolina.

GLC03603.094

to his family

Discusses feeling very ill and being treated with quinine pills which seemed to make his fever worse. Also writes of having to fire his servant, Charles, because of drunkenness and various brushes with trouble.

GLC03603.095

to his family

Responds to his mother's concerns expressed in a previous letter. She had written that "Rev. Mr. Hall" had reported to her that Coit was looking very thin through the face. Coit responds by saying he has never seen or met Hall and that his mother...

GLC03603.096

to his family

Responds to news from home by saying that one of his family's boarders should be kicked out. Further says that the boarder's sons are despicable soldiers and write home with lies that are then transmitted to his family. Complains of body lice and...

GLC03603.098

to his family

Writes with instructions on where to send his new trunk. Also complains that a box he was expecting is most likely being enjoyed by another regiment and is unlikely to reach him.

GLC03603.099

to his family

The letter begins "Fort Macon is ours." Writes of the rebel troops manning the fort raising the white flag and surrendering. Believes that the 8th Regiment should be allowed to raise their flag over the conquered fort as it was rightfully their...

GLC03603.100

to his family

Writes of his regiment being ordered back to Newbern as soon as transportation can be arrived. Looks forward to going to a city and being able to read about the battle in a newspaper.

GLC03603.101

to his family

Thanks his family for the package and mentions getting a prayer book, a bag of tea, sardines, gumdrops and a set of brushes and combs. Written "South of Newbern," likely in North Carolina.

GLC03603.102

to his family

Writes of setting up new tents and using boards from the "Rebel fort" as a floor. Says that the 8th Regiment was ordered to Newbern to recruit. Complains about the lack of good and accurate press regarding the 8th Regiment and says that they have...

GLC03603.103

to his family

Writes that he needs to study his "Tactics" because he makes blunders while drilling his Division. Written "Near Newbern," in North Carolina.

GLC03603.104

to his family

Writes that he is showing his new servant, "Napoleon," how to make baked beans with molasses. Discusses the difficulties he is having with his new position, particularly the Battalion drills. Written from "Camp on the Neuse."

GLC03603.105

to his family

Writes about the troubles involved in sleeping in a tent and of his ill luck with receiving boxes sent by his family.

GLC03603.106

to his family

Writes of receiving a compliment from the Colonel and the Major regarding the condition of his Company during an inspection of the camp. Company B was not used to receiving compliments and Coit writes that the men "were exceedingly pleased" and that...

GLC03603.107

to his family

Writes about his servant, formerly an enslaved man, selling his old horse, The Governor, for $100, of another officer having "the piles" which is apparently common among the men and that he is the one who is to seize the liquor sent to soldiers in...

GLC03603.108

to his family

Writes of some men from his company bringing him pints of blackberries that they had picked. Also writes about the task of confiscating liquor from the boxes which were sent to the men. His thoughts on this responsibility illustrate his ideas about...

GLC03603.109

to his family

Writes in defense of Dr. Storrs, the new Company doctor. Explains that many dislike him because he does not take time enquiring about their feelings but rather works from an intuitive doctor's sense. He also inspects sanitary conditions in the camp...

GLC03603.110

to his family

Writes that he has sent $250 home.

GLC03603.111

to his family

Writes that he is to report to the jail for Court Martial duty. Is resistant to go because he does not know anyone he will be serving with. Writes that though he is supposed to be relieved of his duty to his Company during this time, he does not...

GLC03603.112

to his family

Writes of the officers confronting the Chaplain with his nosy behavior. They report that he is writing home with detrimental news of the regiment.

GLC03603.113

to his family

Writes that he hopes to have a tailor in the company make his a coat if his family will send fabric. Is also excited that his company plans to raise up a band.

GLC03603.115

to his family

Tells of Colonel Harland being asked to command a Brigade consisting of the 8th, 11th of Connecticut and 4th of Rhode Island regiments making him a Colonel Commanding with the powers of a Brigadier. Coit is very sad as Harland will have his offices...

GLC03603.116

to his family

Writes of having command to the picket of his brigade. The brigade is 20 miles from Richmond and Coit writes of his uncertainty of the mission's plan. Also mentions hoping to be involved in the capture of Richmond. The Division has been reassigned...

GLC03603.117

to his family

Writes that all of the previous orders have been changed and that they are departing on a new mission the next morning.

GLC03603.118

to his family

Writes of leaving Newbern by train and waiting to board a steam ship that would take the troops to an unknown destination. Before the steam ship can depart, word comes from General Burnside of the capture of Richmond and negates the need for the...

GLC03603.119

to his family

Writes of the trip to Fort Monroe by boat. There are speculations as to their destination but Coit believes they are being sent as reinforcements to General McClellan. Writes, "I shall go into battle confident that God will again show forth his great...

GLC03603.120

to his family

Writes, "I have no doubt that Richmond will be ours within a week." False news of a defeat of McClellan's Brigade had reached the regiment only to be replaced with news of a victory. The 8th regiment is to join McClellan's Brigade once other...

GLC03603.121

to his family

Mentions waiting to join McClellan's troops and discusses the massive amount of weaponry housed at Fort Monroe. Provides news of the other men from Norwich. Written "On ship at Ft. Monroe."

GLC03603.122

to his family

Writes a brief letter about not understanding why the regiment is camped in Newport News.

GLC03603.123

to his family

Writes of the steamer trip to Norfolk to acquire more coal. Mentions being able to see the wrecks of the Cumberland and the Congress from where the Regiment is camped. Also writes of what a fine city Norfolk is.

GLC03603.124

to his brother

Writes about the ability to get day-old New York newspapers in Newport News and comments on the contents. Also mentions that he has in his company "two contrabands:" Napoleon and a 13-year-old who hid on the boat when they left Morehead. Pities the...

GLC03603.125

to his family

Writes in response to a letter received from his family and requests mosquito netting.

GLC03603.126

to his family

Declares that he wishes General Halleck had a stronger anti-slavery stance. Reacts to news of new recruits from Norwich and tells of the officers being switched around because of promotions and resignations.

GLC03603.127

to his family

Writes that Charley Breed from Norwich died that morning. Reflects on his last conversation with Breed and how much he was valued by the regiment. The diagnosis was hemorrhage of the bowels.

GLC03603.128

to his family

Mentions attending a Preparatory Lecture. Declares that pay will be a month late. Writes a quick note before posting the letter that they have just been paid.

GLC03603.129

[Day pass]

A day pass for Charles Morgan Coit to go into Fredericksburg and return. Signed for by Major General Burnside and Lewis Richmond.

GLC03603.133

to his family

Writes that he is sending his trunk home with his broken revolver in it. Asks his family to fix the revolver so that his brother, George, might have it.

GLC03603.134

to his family

Writes about other regiments moving out of Fredericksburg and reacts to news that Bela Learned was wounded.

GLC03603.135

to his family

Writes about a conversation he had with Colonel Harland about promotions and rank. Responds to news about who is enlisting in Norwich and writes that he knows his experience as an officer has been much better than that of the privates. Request shirts...

GLC03603.136

to his family

Describes his Company going on a mission to round up stragglers and deserters. Writes about Dick Ripley, who has become the Hospital Steward. Reacts to news that his brother wishes to enlist as the paymaster's clerk. Thinks it might be a good job for...

GLC03603.137

to his family

Mentions the band and glee club performing. Compares General McClellan and General Burnside in respect to physical appearance, dress and character.

GLC03603.138

to his family

Writes that his regiment set up camp and were promptly called to support batteries. Reports that he and Lieutenant Shepard ate dinner at a private house. They have been expecting to be called into battle for a few days and are able to see other...

GLC03603.143

to his family

He starts "Praised to God I am entirely free from even a scratch after the terrible + bloody battle of yesterday." Describes the Battle of Antietam and says that Lieutenant Eaton and Lieutenant Shepard were both wounded. Believes the regiment acted...

GLC03603.144

to his family

Writes more about the outcome of the battle. The regiment has guarded a bridge most of the day while the rebel soldiers have possession of the battlefield. Some of the dead and wounded Union troops are still in the field but cannot be retrieved...

GLC03603.145

to his family

Writes that he has been ill and has had a hard time marching. Has been treating his head and stomach pain with brandy. Believes his illness is being caused by drinking water that has traces of lime from limestone in it. The doctor tells him to mix...

GLC03603.147

to his family

Reports that the second member of the 8th regiment died from his battle wounds. Coit responds to newspaper coverage of the battle that fails to mention the 8th Regiment as being present. Also cites the accompanying newspaper art as inaccurate. Writes...

GLC03603.148

to his family

Writes to ask that his brother, George, request "muster rolls" from Lieutenant Shepard, who has been sent back to Norwich to recuperate after being wounded.

GLC03603.149

to his family

Writes that they will be traveling to Pleasant Valley and that he hopes he will be given leave to visit Baltimore for the day to get some new clothes. Says that he is so ashamed of his appearance that he hardly talks to anyone.

GLC03603.150

to Lieutenant Eaton

Responds to news of the Lieutenant's wounds healing, and expresses hope that he will return to the regiment in time for the winter campaign. Reports that Peter Mann and John A. Dixon have died of their battle wounds. This copy is a draft of a letter...

GLC03603.152

to "Luff"[Lieutenant Shepard]

Jokes about returning to Army life and about the Lieutenant's wound. Also jokingly lists his daily duties.

GLC03603.153

unknown

Writes that he is doing well and describes what he had for breakfast.

GLC03603.154

to Charles Morgan Coit

Writes to request more information about the money for the monument to Dr. Lathrop. Asks where the money is deposited and what sort of monument the donors of the money had in mind.

GLC03603.160

to A. P. Arms

Writes in response to the request for information about the monument fund for Dr. Lathrop. Encloses the bank draft for the account containing $307, collected from the men of the 8th Regiment.

GLC03603.161

[Document concerning monument to Dr. Lathrop]

A draft of a document outlining the intention to honor Dr. Lathrop with a monument and an account ledger keeping track of which members of the 8th Regiment had donated to the fund and the amounts of their donations.

GLC03603.162

to his family

Reports that Corps Head Quarters has issued an order to the regiments to pray for success of our arms in the battle they are about to fight. Writes that they marched and camped in the first snowfall the regiment has experienced. Describes his...

GLC03603.163

to his family

Writes that the regiment is in Fredericksburg after four days of battle. Reports that the losses to the regiment are 6-8 wounded and one killed. Expresses a feeling of responsibility for the man who was killed.

GLC03603.172

to his family

Writes, "The mental suffering of the last few days & nights has been beyond expression & much as we all disliked the marching in retreat the relief of mind on putting foot to ground this side the river was wonderful." Describes retreating after six...

GLC03603.173

to his family

Describes waking and reading aloud the "testimony of generals before the Conduct of the War Comm." and then preparing and eating a large Christmas dinner. Describes trying to make "lasses candy" and suspending "a Castor trimmed with evergreen and...

GLC03603.176

to his family

Thanks his family for sending the handkerchief, towel and knife. Describes the behavior of Lieutenant Shepard who seems to be having a hard time adjusting to army life after recuperating from his wounds at home. Writes about what a good man...

GLC03603.180

to his family

Describes a new military plan that is meant to alleviate the financial pressure caused by the long period of time between visits from the paymaster. The new plan allows officers to purchase two rations of food daily in order to feed servants that...

GLC03603.181

to his family

Writes that he has been using his new knife and passed part of an evening whittling. Gives an update to the news of Sumner's order regarding food purchase at the commissary. An order by General Burnside has dictated that the men may purchase whatever...

GLC03603.183

to his family

Writes a short comment on an official notice from Assistant Adjutant General Lewis Richmond announcing that the command of the Army of the Potomac will be transferred from General Burnside to Joseph Hooker. Writes that it is a sorry day for the 9th...

GLC03603.185.1

to his family

Believes the winter campaign to be over. More men are allowed furloughs and there are plans to improve the camps. Hopes that arrangements will be made to have better mail service and that the sutlers will be supplied more efficiently.

GLC03603.187

to his family

The regiment has received orders to cook three days rations and prepare to leave for Fortress Monroe. Believes that this is connected to "the raid of rebel rams at Charleston & the temporary raising of a blockade" and that they may in fact be headed...

GLC03603.188

to his family

Describes their early-morning departure from their camp near Fredericksburg and the trip on the steamer John Brooks. The men still do not know where they are headed, though Coit still suspects that the destination will be the Carolinas. Writes that...

GLC03603.189

to his family

Writes a short letter to say that they have arrived at Newport News. Expects that this is a rendezvous point and does not anticipate a long stay.

GLC03603.190

to Charles M. Coit

Writes asking if he will accept the enclosed gift of field glasses. She was unable to present them at the time of his visit home.

GLC03603.191

to his family

Describes how he accidentally mailed an envelope of blank envelopes instead of an envelope full of letters to his family.

GLC03603.193

to his family

Writes to request a bigger valise and reports having sold the one his family had sent to him for a $1 profit. Says that Colonel Harland is on his way to Norwich for a 15-day furlough and that he would like his family to send a new valise with him on...

GLC03603.194

to his family

Writes that he has been using the field glass that Miss Greene sent him. Asks advice on what he should write to thank her. Asks how to address her in a letter: "Is she "dear Madame" or what." Also writes that the long lost Harper's Ferry bundle that...

GLC03603.195

to his family

Writes that he has given the photographs of himself to Captain Hoyt and Lieutenant Goodrich. Requests more because "the Officers are exchanging quite freely." Asks that his trunk be sent by express. Writes that he has heard that Captain Pasco Coit...

GLC03603.196

to his family

Writes that the mail deliveries are few and far between. Is still undecided on the issue of the valise and trunk because he is unsure of their destination and mode of travel. Writes that he has sent a picture of Lieutenant Goodrich in which he looks...

GLC03603.197

to his family

Encloses of draft of a thank you letter to Miss Greene. Thanks her for the glass and says that he is sure that no one can possibly understand how much the soldiers appreciate remembrances of home. Expresses a commitment to "crush this wicked...

GLC03603.198

to his family

Writes that he has a wall tent to himself and gives directions for George to come for a visit.

GLC03603.199

to his family

Writes that George should bring a knife and fork with him on his visit. Mentions seeing Kate Lott of New London at the review. Says that he doesn't "think the army is any place for ladies to visit and I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay...

GLC03603.200

to his family

He writes on his way back to camp after a visit home. He is traveling by rail and ferry and writes about leaving his scarf on-board the train. Written "All Along Shore."

GLC03603.201

to Charles Morgan Coit

Lets his brother know that he anticipates arriving at Fort Monroe on Tuesday morning. Writes that he has stayed with their Uncle William in Brooklyn, New York.

GLC03603.202

to his mother and brother

Describes the smoothness of the New Jersey Railroad ride as a byproduct of the flat and uninteresting country. He is on his way to visit his brother, Charles, and suggests that his mother and sister follow suit. He describes attending a Union...

GLC03603.203

to his family

Writes in anticipation of his brother's arrival. Hopes that they will have another large review while his brother is present. He writes that he really enjoyed an article that his mother has sent to him: "How a free people conduct a long war" by...

GLC03603.204

to his mother and sister

Describes the camp and goes into great detail about the Division Guard Mounting. Notes his feeling of pride at seeing the 8th Regiment's bullet-pierced flag and describes "Charlie's" daily duties.

GLC03603.205

to his mother and sister

Writes of meeting various Norwich acquaintances he has been seeing in the camp and attending church services.

GLC03603.206

to his mother and sister

Describes camp life and goes into detail about the meals that he has eaten. Remarks on the good spirits of the men in the camp and says that Captian Hoyt has offered to lend Charles and George horses so that they can ride to all the different camps.

GLC03603.207

to his family

Writes he and his company wish they could go back to Connecticut to vote on the Conscription Act, which calls for a draft and excuses men who can furnish a viable replacement or pay the government $300. Says he has heard that an officer cannot walk...

GLC03603.216

to his family

Responds to questions from his family about fixtures in their rental properties. Expresses interest in the results of the election and requests that a chess set be sent to him via one of the Norwich men who are home on furlough. Writes that he has...

GLC03603.217

to his family

Writes that the enemy is surrounding Suffolk and "The cannon[s] are cannons are booming away at short intervals," though they have not been attacked yet. Notes that one of the pickets from his Regiment was attacked a few days ago. His brigade has...

GLC03603.218

to his family

Writes that he is in command of a picket of 50 men. He does not believe there is any reason to be afraid of attack as they have been withdrawing their forces during the day.

GLC03603.219

to his family

Writes that he does not believe that there is any further danger of attack. He says "tho' the gunboats keep firing away I doubt whether they see anything to fire at."

GLC03603.220

to his family

Writes that he has been very busy making up his equipment and Ordinance reports. He can hear the 103rd New York Regiment band serenading Colonel Beach's lady. Mentions the money that he sent via Captain Moore again and the photographs of Colonel Ward...

GLC03603.221

to his family

Writes about the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Foss and responds to a letter sent by his family mentioning George Coit living away from home to attend school.

GLC03603.222

to his family

Writes about going on a recognizance mission to check out some houses beyond the picket line. The mission was commanded by Captain Stevens, who Coit believed had scoped out the area and deemed the mission safe. Reports being fired at by no fewer than...

GLC03603.225

to his family

Writes that the regiment has established a camp near the portion of the river that they are trying to defend. Comments about Colonel Ward having command over a few regiments as a "compliment for his gallant behavior" when he took control of all the...

GLC03603.226

to his family

Writes that they marched to Fort Dix. Describes General Corcoran and 6-8,000 troops going on a recognizance mission and retreating when they saw a rebel battery with a few hundred troops manning it. Criticizes other recent military moves and...

GLC03603.227

to his family

Writes that his regiment has been building corduroy roads and gabions. Notes that some people are making "queer remarks" about General Peck. One man said that he hoped that General Peck was killed and went to hell before the soldier did. That way...

GLC03603.228

to his family

Writes that there is a "heavy force across the river and the firing has been incessant." Notes that his Regiment is split in two with one half out on a mission and Coit's half camped in the woods. He passes on descriptions of fighting near the river...

GLC03603.229

to his family

Writes that they are all excited by the news about [Joseph] Hooker. Coit believes that the end of the war will involve the Army of the Potomac. Notes that he shared his brother's plan to go to the Scientific School in New Haven with Colonel Harland...

GLC03603.230

to his family

Says that he has hired a new servant named Bill. The Chaplin gave the soldiers a supply of new books and newspapers. Requests that his mother take the money he has sent and buy some letter paper to write him rather than the "old scraps" she has been...

GLC03603.231

to his family

Sends a declaration of defeat from Major General Peck to his family with only one addition: "Bah!!"

GLC03603.232

to his family

Writes that part of the regiment has been commanded to prepare three days rations and march as soon as possible. Coit and his company are to stay on duty at Fort Jerico. Says that there is nothing for him or the company to do at the fort and that he...

GLC03603.234

to his family

Writes that they have returned to the same site that they had camped at a month ago but that a new camp has been erected on its site. Mentions that he plans on extending his tent by building an 'evergreen bower' and hanging his hammock. Requests that...

GLC03603.235