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to his family

Thanks his family immensely for the box of "goodies" they have sent him. Discusses both his and Stanton's illnesses and reports that he is forced to do all his chores himself as Stanton is not well. Writes that he hopes for a servant to be arranged...

GLC03603.045

to his family

Has just heard about the promotion of Colonel Harland to Acting Brigade General and, therefore, Coit will be promoted to Assistant Adjutant General. Requests that his family not spread word of his possible promotion around.

GLC03603.046

to his family

Writes that the pay master has visited and that he is now acting as "A. Adjt. Genl." Complains about Stanton and gives more details about what he would like in a servant.

GLC03603.047

to his family

Written on the back of a draft of a note confirming the receipt of ten company morning report books. Says that he is now doing both the work of the Adjutant and the Assistant Adjutant General. Mentions that Harland is now also acting "Brigadier"...

GLC03603.048

to his family

Written on Chelsea Savings Bank stationary. Writes about praise given to him by General Foster regarding his "correct"ness when completing forms and reports. Mentions that he has sent $40 by express. Believes he has found a new servant.

GLC03603.049

to his family

Writes that Mrs Dr. Perkins has visited him at the camp. Also mentions that he is trusting his family to judge the character of a prospective servant they have found for him in Norwich. Of the possible promotion he says, "Ellen must not expect me to...

GLC03603.050

to his family

Writes of Harland talking about their prospects in terms of promotions. Reports that though they are both acting in higher positions, they are only being paid according to their official ranks. Responds to the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel...

GLC03603.051

to his family

Writes that Stanton has left and that he is receiving assistance from a soldier from Company D. Explains that he is traveling to another camp to teach the Adjutant there to write reports correctly.

GLC03603.052

to his family

Writes of the excellent service that Joseph B. Burlingame, the soldier from Company D, is providing. Says it may be possible to keep him as a servant even though he is a soldier. Has received a letter from William Tucker addressed to "CMC Adjt Genl...

GLC03603.053

to his family

Reports that a review of the division went very poorly for the 8th Regiment because of the Lieutenant Colonel. Responds to news from his mother about a possible servant by saying that he will give him a try if he is under no obligation to keep him...

GLC03603.054

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

Describes a package he received from his cousin Ellen, which contained food. Also asks that his brother, George, tell him what rooms and stores are rented.

GLC03603.056

to his family

Writes about minor promotions within the regiment. Also says he has not received letters from home in a few days.

GLC03603.058

to his family

Mentions that the regiment has received word that they must be ready to leave Annapolis at 12 hours notice. There is uncertainty as to where they are headed but he expresses fear that he will not be brave enough for battle. Discusses the skills and...

GLC03603.059

to his family

Responds to a letter from home saying he is very concerned and will send $200 as soon as he can. Writes about officers who have resigned and one who has written a critical article about the 8th Regiment for a newspaper. This letter was dated by Coit...

GLC03603.060

to his family

Writes about the spacious tent that he and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Terry have made by combining their tents. Also mentions trouble he is having with his horse and says he plans to sell his horse, "the Governor." Adds that he believes he is gaining...

GLC03603.061

to his family

Worries about money matters at home. Promises to send money as soon as he can and requests that his brother, George, keep very careful account of the money coming in from rent. Writes about the poor condition of his horse and hopes that the...

GLC03603.062

to his family

Writes that he has been paid and will be sending money soon. The regiment has been assigned to sail on the H. J. Brookman and the Steamboat Chasser. They are expected to sail the next day. Mentions that he hopes his horse dies on the passage.

GLC03603.063

to his family

Writes that the regiment broke camp and marched to the wharf only to find that the ships were not ready. He, the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major all tried to find rooms at hotels but ended up hiring a small boat to take them to the ship. Is...

GLC03603.064

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Describes the accommodations aboard the H. J. Brookman and the differences between the officer's accommodations and those of the enlisted men. Is still unsure about direction and where mail should be sent...

GLC03603.065

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Writes about the terrible crowding of the soldiers on the ship and compares the ship's packed condition to slave ships.

GLC03603.066

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Describes in more detail the voyage from Annapolis to the waters off the coast of Fort Monroe. Reports that several of the ships in the procession ran ashore and had to be towed off.

GLC03603.067

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Mentions that he is still on the ship and has no contact with the outside world besides the occasional conversation with a tugboat crew that sails out to the ship. Many men on the ship have been seasick but...

GLC03603.068

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Mentions still being anchored in the sound and finally receiving mail from home. Discusses what he is reading and how he wishes he had brought a book of poetry. Reports receiving a pair of stockings from...

GLC03603.069

to his family

Mentions the boredom and laziness of being aboard the ship. The men pass time between meals by playing checkers and reading. Writes that Captain Harland has shared that he believes General Burnside is attempting to join the division with another...

GLC03603.070

to his family

Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman," in Hatteras Inlet. Writes a quick note to enclose with his other letters saying that a steamer will take the mail to Fortress Monroe.

GLC03603.071

to his family

Responds to three letters he has received from his family all at once. Reports that he has been transferred to another ship where the field staff shares a cabin.

GLC03603.072

to his family

Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Complains about the captain and of the Brookman's price gouging and tells of Colonel Harland's response. Writes of a missing soldier who is assumed to have fallen overboard during the night.

GLC03603.073

to his family

Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Believes that the 8th regiment and other regiments in the brigade will sail tomorrow. Gives details of life on the ship including the poor quality of the food, water and sanitation. Also mentions five rebel...

GLC03603.074

to his family

Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Provides more information about ship-board conditions including "bed bugs…large enough to carry knapsacks." Adds that his family should not speak about the poor conditions he describes as it might hurt...

GLC03603.075

to his family

The first part of this letter (5 February) is written while still onboard the Sentinel while the second part (8 February) is written after the Battle of Roanoke. Reports that the 8th Regiment sustained no loses. Coit was not very engaged in this...

GLC03603.076

to his family

Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Declares that his family need no longer fear for him as his regiment will be staying on Roanoke Island while other regiments move on.

GLC03603.077

to his family

Written on board the ship "the Sentinal." Comments that there are so many rumors about the battle that he would be glad to receive General Burnside's report when it appears in the newspaper. Gives more details about the battle and says "it was rather...

GLC03603.078

to his family

Describes the regiment setting up camp on the island. Also mentions becoming ill and staying with a family.

GLC03603.079

to his family

Responds to 5 letters he has received from his family and reacts to news about his Uncle George's illness. Writes about taking a soldier from another company as his orderly until he is fully recovered. Mentions promotions within the regiment and...

GLC03603.080

to his family

Responds to a letter received from home inquiring about his housing situation and the layout of the island. Also discredits accounts of the battle that his family has picked up, such as the rumor that Colonel Russell, one of the men killed in the...

GLC03603.081

to his family

Provides more details about the battle in an effort to answer some of his family's questions. Writes that the regiment is preparing to leave Roanoke Island and that the Governor survived the passage by ship and the battle.

GLC03603.082

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 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 about new orders to leave Roanoke Island completely in the morning. While Coit is unsure of where they are headed, he has heard that they will not be fighting soon.

GLC03603.083

to his family

Mentions the boredom of being on the ship again. Describes a passing ship giving news of Burnside being promoted to Major General and that Nashville has been taken as well as 8,000 prisoners. Written on board the ship "the Sentinal," at Roanoke...

GLC03603.084

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

Opens by declaring, "I can now write with truth that I have been in a battle and really under fire." Writes in great detail about the battle and the 8th Regiment taking over an abandoned rebel fort. Discusses the "plunder" he finds and of files of...

GLC03603.086

to his family

Reports that Captain Upham is in critical condition after being shot in the battle. Explains that the surgeons were unable to extract the musket ball. Of his performance he writes "I know no one will say that I behaved cowardly in the least." Also...

GLC03603.087

to his family

Describes the circumstances under which Mr. Woolley, Captain Uphan, and Lieutenant Ives have resigned or otherwise left the service. Also critiques reporters' accounts of the battle and attempts to describe the battle more clearly for his family...

GLC03603.088

to his family

Writes a brief note on the back of a hand-written report. Reports that they have yet to leave for Beaufort but that they are expected to march 35-40 miles.

GLC03603.089

to his family

Describes boarding "the Sentinel" and rowing to Newbern [North Carolina] to eat dinner at a hotel. Gives the death toll of the last battle as two dead and four wounded.

GLC03603.090

to his family

Writes of the trip from Newbern, up Slocum's Creek to Carolina (most likely North Carolina). Describes conditions of the camps and on the march. Also thanks his family for the maps they have sent him. Written from "Carolina City."

GLC03603.091

to his family

Criticizes McClellan and gives his opinion on the Union military strategy employed in the war. Writes of having a new horse which came to him with musket ball wounds. Mentions that it is his birthday and he had not realized it until dating the letter...

GLC03603.092

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 Richard W. Hutson

Apologizes for not writing. They had an unexpected move. General Lee put together a party to scour the Blue Ridge Mountains for military deserters. Reports that Lee chose A. P. Hill's 1st South Carolina and Richard S. Ewell's 12th of Georgia...

GLC08165.63

to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that they have been constantly on the move and he has not had a chance to write. They have taken a circuitous route to flank the enemy and drive them out of the country. Discusses engagement at Bristoe Station the past week....

GLC08165.61

to my dear Sister

States he has not had the energy to write because camp life is so dull. He hopes 1864 is the last year of the war. Mentions his brother Marion Hutson's furlough and remarks that the furloughs given the troops are too short at 21 days. He will...

GLC08165.62

to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that he arrived safely back at camp yesterday having left Columbia Thursday (possibly on furlough). Reports that he was able to bring his trunk and is glad because rations have been irregular. He did not have to buy food during...

GLC08165.64

to Marion Hutson

Writes to his brother that he has been back at camp 19 days and has not heard from anyone in Pocotaligo, South Carolina. Reports on what has been happening in camp since he has been back. Explains that they discussed Congress, first negatively...

GLC08165.65

to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that years of war have past and still no peace. His brother has told him of the military situation on the coast and he thinks they might have to give up some low country to the Union. Reports that General William T. Sherman...

GLC08165.66

to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses letter he received from his brother. Is concerned about movements forced on his family in order to escape union troops, as well as the defense of their homes. Charles was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War...

GLC08165.67

to Richard W. Hutson

Hutson is "sad to hear about the breaking up of our home & the giving up of our country" in South Carolina. His family has moved to Barnwell, South Carolina, but he advises them to move again if the union advances further. Comments that Kenshaw's...

GLC08165.68

to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses suffering in the south during the Civil War. He is getting along well in the army. He heard about the occupation of Orangeburg, South Carolina, but took longer to find out whether or not their family had left. Discusses correspondence...

GLC08165.69

to Richard W. Hutson

Mentions that W. Douglas, a Presbyterian minister, intends to become the Chaplain of their church. Charles worries about his family's safety, because of the reported brutality of the Union soldiers. Comments that the Union is determined to...

GLC08165.70

to Emily McLeod

Mentions that W. Douglas, a Presbyterian minister, intends to become the Chaplain of their church. Charles worries about his family's safety, because of the reported brutality of the Union soldiers. Comments that the Union is determined to...

GLC08165.71

to William F. Colcock

Telegraph asking about the health of his fiancee Emmeline Colcock, who was William F. Colcock's daughter. She died of typhoid fever two days later. Hutson was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War.

GLC08165.76

to Charles J. C. Hutson

Telegraph stating that his daughter, Emmeline Colcock, is critically ill. See GLC 8165.77-.81. Emmeline and Hutson were engaged. She died of typhoid fever the next day. Hutson was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War.

GLC08165.77

to Charles J. C. Hutson

Telegraph stating that his daughter, Emmeline Colcock died today. See GLC 8165.77-.81. Emmeline and Hutson were engaged. She died of typhoid fever. Hutson was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War.

GLC08165.78

to William F. Colcock

Telegraph stating he received yesterday's dispatch and to telegraph him in the morning. See GLC 8165.77-.81. Emmeline Colcock, Hutson's fiancee and William F. Colcock's daughter, died of typhoid fever 8 September 1861. Hutson was a Corporal in the...

GLC08165.79

to William F. Colcock

Telegraph stating he just received Colcock's dispatch and that he leaves at three. See GLC 8165.76-.81. Emmeline Colcock, Hutson's fiancee and William F. Colcock's daughter, died of typhoid fever 8 September 1861. Hutson was a Corporal in the 1st...

GLC08165.80

to William F. Colcock

Telegraph asking about the health of Emmeline Colcock, his sister and recipient's daughter, and whether he should come home. See GLC 8165.77-.81. Emmeline Colcock died of typhoid fever 8 September 1861.

GLC08165.81

to Mr. Farmer

George E. Farmer writes to his father that he is in excellent spirits after being present at Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender. He discusses the Appomattox Campaign and indicates that he participated in the fighting near Dinwiddie...

GLC00808.01

to Maggie

George E. Farmer writes that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston did not surrender as soon as anticipated. He remarks that Union General Philip H. Sheridan's "destroying Angels took the war path again." He states that his regiment marched along...

GLC00808.03

to Elizabeth Blair

Blair, a seaman aboard the United States Ship Peacock, apologizes to his sister Elizabeth for not writing sooner. Informs Elizabeth that Navy orders prevent him from telling her details about his location, but mentions the ship is close to Rio de...

GLC03209.27.01

[Orris Crosby outlines his life]

In a description of the events of his life, discusses his imprisonment in Canada. After his imprisonment, he was shot by John Garland, an officer in the Royal Navy, for refusing to fight against the United States in the 10 September 1813 Battle of...

GLC03436.07

to Mary M. Bogart

Writes to his wife whom he refers to as his "partner in life," that he is well and has received her letter. Reports that he has been standing guard and expects to stay put for the winter. Tells her they have fixed up their winter quarters and now...

GLC03523.11.01

to Mary M. Bogart

Reports to his wife, "with pleasure," that he is well and hopes that she is the same. Expresses that he is "sorry that paper and time is so scarce with you up there that it takes two of you to fill a half sheet." Tells her that he is going to...

GLC03523.11.02

to Mary M. Bogart

Writes to his wife, his "companion in life" telling her about his well-being and inquiring about her. "How did you hold Christmas and what good things did you have and where do you suppose I was well I can tel you I was in georgetown visiting sick...

GLC03523.11.03

to Mary M. Bogart

Writes to his wife that he "is well at present and hop I shal be til this cursed war is at a close for The soldiers have got tired of fighting and are talking raising and going home..." Reports that they still have not been paid, and that he was...

GLC03523.11.04

to Mary M. Bogart

Writes to his wife from Camp California, reporting that he is well and hopes she is the same. Reports that he visited the War Department in Washington. Informs her that when he visited the capital he heard a number of speeches and went to the...

GLC03523.11.05

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry write to his parents from Camp Griffin. Informs them that he sent them a letter "...with my minature and a dollar in gold..." Reports he was on picket duty. States many men have shot their thumbs off.

GLC03523.07.04

to Angeline Henry

Henry write to his sister from Camp Griffin. Reports they will move on to Manassas, Virginia, any day carrying tents and knapsacks. States the constant rain and mud affects their ability to drill.

GLC03523.07.05