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to his mother and sister

Writes about sightseeing in Washington and his plans for the rest of his return journey, including stopping in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

GLC03603.209

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 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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

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

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 Henry M. Cist

Requesting that another officer be allowed to go home with him. Mounted on paper 29.5 x 20 cm.

GLC03472.04.01

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 mother and sister

Writes about having to send George away and of the impression he made on the other officers. He is still unsure of why the regiment was moved.

GLC03603.210

to his family

Writes that he was regretful for sending George away so suddenly. He did so because of a rumor that the regiment might be involved in a battle. Some officers have their wives with them. Says that he has heard from Cousin Lemuel that George is very...

GLC03603.211

to his family

Thanks his mother for sending the newspapers and clippings. Writes of experiencing a very bad snow storm and the poor conditions of the enlisted mens' shelters. Whiskey was served to the entire regiment for warmth. Believes that his regiment is...

GLC03603.212

Charles Morgan Coit to George O. Coit

Writes that he wishes George could have come with him but that it was a very long, cold journey from Newport News to Suffolk. Asks that George write him from Baltimore, Maryland. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.213

to his family

Writes that General Harland has told him that there is a chance that he will be made Major of the Regiment. Requests that his family keep this a secret as he is sure that it is only a slight possibility. Says that he is relieved that General [Ambrose...

GLC03603.214

to his family/Orderly Gammwell

Writes that he wishes that the receiver's furlong would be long enough to cast a vote for "the suppression of Rebellion". Makes reference to the Hartford Convention of 1863. A draft of a note written to Orderly Gammwell but sent to his family with...

GLC03603.215

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

[General Order #75]

Comments on [General Ambrose] Burnside's General Order thanking the 9th Regiment for their "behavior in their brilliant action before Suffolk, V.A." Writes that he and the others are happy to have been remembered by General Burnside and refers to him...

GLC03603.236

to his family

Writes about the trip into the swamp that he took with the other officers last weekend. Also writes of a soldier who causes him trouble. He requests black pepper, black tea and other food and mess items to be sent to him. Responds to the request for...

GLC03603.238

to his family

Writes that his company has been relieved of duty at Ft. Jerico and sent to rejoin their regiment. The box that his family sent has arrived and he thanks them and mentions that several of the jars had broken in shipping. Describes using sweet gum...

GLC03603.241

to his family

Writes of commanding a picket line. Also, he writes of receiving word of the Rebel raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Says that he does not believe the rebellion will last much longer. Writes that he presumes that the camp they are in will soon be...

GLC03603.242

to his family

Notes that they have marched and are camping near Portsmouth, Virginia. Believes that they are to wait there while Keyes' force attempts to create a diversion or capture Richmond, Virginia. Writes of the regret that the regiment feels "that our state...

GLC03603.243

to his family

Writes of marching and arriving at Yorktown. Mentions that this was the site that General "McC's" troops were camped a year ago and describes an incident in which a black Rebel sharpshooter hid out in a tree and picked off the Union men until he...

GLC03603.244

to his family

Reports an unsuccessful raid on Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. The marching is very difficult due to the extreme heat and that several have died or been maimed by sunstroke. Though none of the men were wounded while they attempted to take the...

GLC03603.246

to his family

Writes from the "White House" that they are about to march to Fort Monroe 75-80 miles away and that his family should expect no letter for a few days.

GLC03603.247

to his family

Writes that they have received word of Vicksburg, Mississippi and [General Ulysses] Grant's victories. The marching is very hard on the men and he writes that half of them, himself included, are marching barefoot because of wet boots and swollen feet...

GLC03603.248

to his family

Notes that he has returned from a visit to his family and is camped with new conscripts and is unsure whether he will be in charge of them or not. Says that he has purchased a leather trunk and a duster. Writes that Colonel Otis is in charge of the...

GLC03603.249

to his family

Writes after his family has visited him. Says that he is feeling better. "The day and night that I was on duty we had more Conscripts in the building than at any previous time and I am most happy to say that not one escaped during 24 hours." The...

GLC03603.250

to his family

Writes that they are leaving for New Haven that evening. Requests that his family not come immediately to visit. They had a very unpleasant march to New York.

GLC03603.251

to his family

Says that he is finding it hard to write because he feels very close to home. The officers of his camp were complimented on their abilities and commitment to duty. Responds to news from home that his family is thinking of renting out their house in...

GLC03603.253

to his family

Describes his camp quarters. Notes that a good deal of his time has been spent making muster rolls detailing what each man lost while in Connecticut. Writes that the losses are due to the individual soldiers' carelessness and Lieutenant Morgan who...

GLC03603.254

to his family

Writes of missing being able to stop in on his family in the evenings and how he will write letters again now that he is away. Notes that he is now with the 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.

GLC03603.255

to his family

Writes how busy he is with muster rolls and straightening out the clothing and ordinance accounts. Notes that he is relieved that he is not responsible for these accounts. The letter is written on a piece of paper that he has used to add account sums...

GLC03603.256

to his family

Reports that they have orders to move to Deep Creek the next day and set up a new camp. They have not been called out to fight because so many of the recruits are unarmed. Writes more about how he finds Goddard "awkward." Arranges for his family to...

GLC03603.258

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

Responds to news from his family about their new living situation. Writes about the Chaplain's insistence that the officers set good examples. Mentions his pledge not to indulge in alcoholic beverages and of his new pledge to give up tobacco...

GLC03603.260

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 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 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 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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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

to his family

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