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to his friends

Writes to friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses a terrible storm and the cold weather. Comments he does not believe he has seen colder weather. Writes the soldiers are freezing and the prisoners are suffering, and many of them have died. Reports...

GLC03523.52.03

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports they buried a man yesterday who was killed in battle. They marched 30 miles to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Discusses visiting the Michigan Museum, the law department, and the medical department while in Ann Arbor....

GLC03523.52.05

to his sister

Writes to his sister from camp. Discusses the weather. Comments they have been living off of hard crackers for a week and are expecting bread tomorrow. Complains about the bread being sour and dirty. Discusses two new tunes that their band has...

GLC03523.52.06

to his sister

Instructs his sister to sell some butter and eggs to purchase stamps. Advises her not to visit, says that the town is small and it would cost too much. Complains about the officers' backgrounds being in farming and not the military. Request that...

GLC03523.52.07

to his friends

Writes from Camp Douglas. Notes the cold weather. Discusses another soldier in camp who is a mean drunk.

GLC03523.52.10

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Reports he did not get paid as expected and is out of paper and postage. Discusses another man in camp whose body was sent home. Comments the soldier had a sore throat and had only been sick for a few days...

GLC03523.52.13

to Mary Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Describes the "great battle" [the Battle of Chickamauga] that is taking place. Notes his regiment has been in the battle since the beginning. Writes they fell back five miles and have been fortifying ever since....

GLC03523.52.14

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports 1500 Confederate prisoners have arrived in camp over the last two days. Discusses two men who were killed in camp. The first was a sharpshooter who shot himself. The other was a "negro boy" who was...

GLC03523.52.15

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Informs her the fruit she sent was destroyed and not to send him any more. Discusses soldiers who have not reported back to camp. Comments they will be listed as deserters if they do not report back soon....

GLC03523.52.16

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Reports on a soldier who has not reported back to camp. Informs them that he expects their band to break up. Their regiment is short men, and he writes that it is hard to find good replacements. Comments...

GLC03523.52.17

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Informs her that they found some musicians to play in their band. Request that she not show his last letter to anyone. Writes that he was "pretty near whipped" when he wrote it. Relays an encounter he had...

GLC03523.52.18

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Informs them that he has been sick and confined to bed which has given him the opportunity to practice. Comments if he does not get well soon he will have to quit all exertions. Reports that they are short...

GLC03523.52.19

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Comments about the rainy weather. Reports they marched almost five miles and played music most of the way. Notes the recent visitors they have had. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner....

GLC03523.52.20

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Informs him not to send him boots. Reports two cases of smallpox in camp. Notes all soldiers are to be vaccinated. Comments if it spreads to the rebel prisoners it will take them clean. Reports one...

GLC03523.52.21

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports a few cases of smallpox and measles in camp. Comments he will not be able to take a furlough in two weeks. Notes that he and the boys are hoping to spend the winter at home. Warns another gentleman...

GLC03523.52.22

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Inquires after his health. Discusses another family member who is in the military. Comments they were invited to play in the city. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.24

to Mary L. Kessler

A. P. Kessler, the father of Thomas J. Kessler, writes to his wife. Informs her to visit all of their friends and to let him know a few days in advance when she is ready to come home. Comments that they will kill and roast a turkey for her return....

GLC03523.52.25

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Informs him that he has been sick for a week with dysentery. Notes most of the camp has it. Discusses the President's message that allows prisoners to keep their property if they take an oath of allegiance....

GLC03523.52.26

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about the rainy weather. Describes a dance that the sharpshooters had with the wash women. Requests that she send him his razor when his father sends him a turkey. Discusses the theater and the...

GLC03523.52.27

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Comments how happy he is to hear that everyone is on the mend. Informs him that he cannot get a furlough. Writes of other men who are reenlisting.

GLC03523.52.29

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about not receiving any letters from home. Requests she begin making him a red quilt. Informs her he was unable to get a furlough. Provides her with a list of items to send him. The letter has a...

GLC03523.52.30

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Discusses the music his band is playing. Informs her they may get a discharge. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name and year taken from envelope.

GLC03523.52.31

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Informs them he does not believe that they will get a discharge and has given up trying. Notes two or three of the band members will be discharged. Comments their band finally got paid. Writes of the call...

GLC03523.52.32

to Mary L. Kessler

Writes to his mother from Camp Douglas. Reports they may be heading to Mexico within a month. Notes they will go to New York City and connect with General Ambrose E. Burnside's expedition. Comments no furloughs are to be granted to their regiment...

GLC03523.52.33

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Requests that she send him a shirt and a pair of boots. Informs her that another soldier wants her picture after seeing his picture of her. Discusses his picture and other soldier's pictures. The letter has...

GLC03523.52.34

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses his trip back to camp. Informs them that another regiment arrived at their camp to relieve them. Comments that they may be leaving camp Douglas soon. The letter has a watermark on the top left...

GLC03523.52.35

to Nancy S. Kessler

Writes to his cousin from Camp Douglas. Discusses the cold weather. Describes shooting a gun and beating her father at target practice.

GLC03523.52.36

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to her sister from Camp Douglas. Discusses the nice weather. Comments that everyone is in high spirits and having a good time. Notes they may be heading to Michigan. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.38

to brother and sister

Writes to his brother and sister. Reports a lot of sickness and cases of smallpox. Describes attending three cases of small pox in one house. Comments that the whole town has been exposed to it and expects more cases. The letter has a watermark...

GLC03523.52.39

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Reports they will be leaving camp Douglas tomorrow and will head to Annapolis, Maryland. Believes they will finally go into battle. Comments he did not get paid enough to send any money home. Informs them...

GLC03523.52.40

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses the weather. Describes how green everything is in Maryland. Complains about another soldier exaggerating his sickness to get a discharge. Comments the other soldier should have been discharged a...

GLC03523.52.41

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports on the sickness back home and in camp. Writes, "we have 8 or 9 kinds of lice five or six kinds of [each] put these altogether would make it rather sickly…" Notes she should not fret too much about the...

GLC03523.52.42

to Libbie Kessler

Writes to his friend from Camp Blue Springs. Discusses the weather. Notes they will not be doing any hard marches before the fall of Richmond, Virginia. Writes, "the fall of Richmond which I judge will come to pass before long for Gen. grant is...

GLC03523.52.43

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they will not get a discharge. Comments the officers voted to keep the band and have promised to buy them new instruments, provide back pay, and have pledged themselves to prompt payment hereafter. Comments...

GLC03523.52.44

to his brother

Writes to his brother from camp. Discusses the weather. Reports seeing General Ambrose E. Burnside pass through his camp. Notes there have been thousands of soldiers pouring into their camp. Describes oyster fishing and growing tobacco as the...

GLC03523.52.45

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports that his band has broken up and they are now waiting for orders. Believes they will either be transferred into a brigade band or will be discharged. Expresses his disappointment with the officers for not...

GLC03523.52.46

to A. P. Kessler [incomplete]

Writes to his father. Discusses the farm and the prospects of his father buying a new farm. Comments he does not believe he will be fit enough to work on a farm or to do any hard work. Reports on a battle that took place a week ago. Notes they...

GLC03523.52.47

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports his band has broken up and their case (an appeal for a discharge) is now before the Secretary of War. Informs him he is hoping for a discharge. Discusses the price of potatoes and apples.

GLC03523.52.48

to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from camp. Describes living in small tents with three other men. Reports not having a cook or a stove. Notes they do all their cooking over the fire, meet twice a day for bread and coffee, and get three meals a day. Writes,...

GLC03523.52.49

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Informs them he received marching orders for tomorrow. Relays a rumor that General Robert E. Lee may be heading towards Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and they may head there too. Notes he sent a trunk of clothes home so...

GLC03523.52.50

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports after marching 50 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, they finally arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. Writes, "it was Hard for us not doing anything for so long a time I am not able to walk today as my feet are...

GLC03523.52.51

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Blue Springs. Reports a couple of cases of smallpox in camp. Comments on the copperheads and how he would have liked to confront them while on furlough back home. Discusses new recruits in camp. The letter has a...

GLC03523.52.52

to his friends

Writes to his friends. Describes being in some hard fighting. Writes, "the shells came poring in like Hail stone only had more affect than a hail stone would have…" Reports driving the enemy back and capturing their artillery. Complains about the...

GLC03523.52.54

to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from the battlefield. Complains about someone stealing his letters and the photograph of their mother. Describes shelling being fired above their heads. Reports his band is no longer playing and most of the members are...

GLC03523.52.56

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Informs him he received the memorandum book, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Discusses the hot weather. Notes they have plenty of ice water, lemonade, and a sutler who supplies almost everything. Reports they are preparing for...

GLC03523.52.57

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has...

GLC03523.52.58

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Complains about not receiving any letters from home. Writes his regiment was ordered to the front last night but nothing happened. Describes their lieutenant getting shot in the face. Reports his old colonel is back in...

GLC03523.52.59

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports it is very hot and many men are sick. Comments his regiment was relieved from the front lines and they are now camped out in an open field without any shade. Complains about not having any luxuries and every...

GLC03523.52.60

to his friends

Writes to his friends. Reports some artillery firing and little picket firing. Discusses what his life would be like if he never enlisted. Writes, "we live to much on the heathen style Here have not much respect for each other especialy [sic] the...

GLC03523.52.61

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Expresses his loneliness and boredom with the army. Reports on the fighting in Petersburg, Virginia. Describes soldiering and what a waste war is. Writes, "It is just calling young men from home and Bringing them...

GLC03523.52.63

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Comments he has been sick but is now doing better. Reports it is quiet in camp and there has not been a lot of action for the last couple of weeks. Writes of being homesick. Notes he only weighs 120 pounds.

GLC03523.52.64

to Bill Kessler

Writes to his cousin. Provides direction to California. Explains he cannot join him because of his job. Complains about his new stepmother. Writes, "thare never was a bigger fool than my father when he married that girl whenever thare is any work...

GLC03523.52.66

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. States it is quiet in camp but they are under marching orders. Describes being in the masters department where he cooks for six and has first rate living. Discusses the possibility of his father visiting him this...

GLC03523.52.67

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they lost several men in a skirmish and their lieutenant was wounded and taken prisoner. States they are receiving reinforcements daily and will see more fighting. Believes they will soon take Petersburg...

GLC03523.52.68

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Expresses how thankful he is for his new boots and says they are first rate. Comments he was offered $15 for them before he even got them on. Reports his colonel, who was taken prisoner, has been paroled and is on...

GLC03523.52.71

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Informs them he received marching orders today. Mentions they are expecting an attack somewhere along their lines. Comments the rebels tried charging one of their forts three times but was repulsed every time....

GLC03523.52.72

to A. P Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Complains about enlisting in the army and what a mistake it was. Writes, "I will loose the Best part of my life By staying in this Hellish place of Discontent…" Discusses the war and how he does not believe it will...

GLC03523.52.73

Collection of Charles M. Coit, field and staff, 8th regiment, Connecticut, infantry [Decimalized .001-.345]

Charles Morgan Coit worked as a banker and lived with his family in Norwich, Connecticut. On 18 September 1861, at 23 years old, he enlisted in the Connecticut 8th Volunteer Infantry. During his time in the Union Army, he was promoted from 1st...

GLC03603

to Sarah P. Coit

To his mother. Discusses his first impressions of camp life and laments his poor choice of luggage ( an inadequate trunk). Also uses one page to write a request that dividend payments from stock he owns be paid to her.

GLC03603.001

to his mother

Writes that his horse has arrived thanks to his Uncle George. Expresses his feelings of indebtedness towards his Uncle and his lack of ability to sufficiently express thanks. Thanks his family for letters and reports that he is enjoying his time with...

GLC03603.003

to his family

Discusses seeing Oliver, Samuel and little Mary Coit and attending a church service with them. Mentions discomfort with going to church in full uniform. Writes from the United States Hotel.

GLC03603.004

to his family

Brief letter describes uncertainty with the future of his letter-writing. Mentions that his regiment will be leaving Hartford on Friday (which would be two days from the writing of this letter). Writes from the United States Hotel.

GLC03603.005

to his family

Writes about the new clothing he has bought and of its cost. Also says he is enclosing a watch which stops daily and needs to be cleaned and oiled. Discusses a position in General Silas Casey's staff which had been offered to him. Writes from the...

GLC03603.006

to his family

Discusses the watch that he returned home and thanks family and neighbors for their gifts of a blanket and a basket. Declares he does not believe he will be given leave this week but will try to get home if he can. Writes from the United States Hotel...

GLC03603.007

to his family

Declares that he has still not left Hartford but orders are to leave at 4 p.m. on Thursday. Requests that his family reimburse H. C. Trumbull for a breakfast that he paid for. Written from the United States Hotel.

GLC03603.011

to his family

Written on blank "Morning Report of Captain" form. Describes the departure from Hartford and their arrival at Staten Island and subsequent trip to Long Island. His brother, George Coit, came to watch the departure of the regiment. Remarks that he...

GLC03603.012

to his family

Writes about the activities of setting up the encampment and of the use of nearby farmhouses for shelter and food. Mentions that he is dreading the Dress Parade. Closes by saying he must form the regiment for church.

GLC03603.013

to his family

Describes the Dress Parade and writes that he believes his performance to have gone very well. The townspeople are very kind to the soldiers and have given them bread and apples. The field staff, including Coit, are staying in an empty house which...

GLC03603.014

to his family

Describes how much he enjoys the company and conversation of the other Field and Staff as they are "almost all educated men." Says he has not received any mail from home since leaving Hartford. Written from Camp Buckingham.

GLC03603.015

to his sister

Writes that he no longer hopes to have the position with General Casey as he is very happy with his current job. He thanks his sister for the newspaper clippings she has sent him and writes that he does not hear any news and is only aware of what is...

GLC03603.016

to his family

Comments on the skill and performance of different officers in his regiment, especially of the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major. Invites his family to come and see him in Dress Parade and says that he will be able to find them accommodations near the...

GLC03603.017

to his family

Tells his family about Professor Andrews, a family friend who had stayed at the Coit house last time he was in Norwich. Andrews is a professor at the female seminary college near the camp and invited Coit and the Captains of the regiment to his home...

GLC03603.018

to his family

Describes the presentation of the state banner by the Sons of Connecticut as "mushy." Also writes about coming to enjoy participating in the Dress Parades. Written from Camp Buckingham.

GLC03603.019

to his family

Writes of his Uncle William's visit to the camp. Also states that he does not know how long the regiment will stay at Camp Buckingham. Requests a "double gown" for sleeping.

GLC03603.020

to his family

The brigade surgeon has told Coit that the regiment will be going to Annapolis in the coming week. He is regretful that they will leave Camp Buckingham as he has yet to receive items requested from home and still have no servant. Also writes that his...

GLC03603.021

to his family

Writes that his regiment has been told to be ready to march with a days notice. They will be heading to Annapolis and then "will be shifted South to Dixie's Land." Reflects very positively on General Burnside. Laments his lack of a servant and...

GLC03603.022

to his family

Writes that the regiment has received orders to leave Jamaica, Long Island the next night at 10 p.m. Mentions that he will be taking a servant that had been rejected by another company because he was missing his two front teeth, making him unable to...

GLC03603.023

to his mother, sister and brother

Writes of the long journey from Jamaica to Hunters Point and then by boat to Amboy. From Amboy, the regiment was transported by train cars to Philadelphia. Blames the Brigade Quarter Master for the ill-arranged transportation.

GLC03603.024

to his family

Writes that word has gotten back to him about his family sharing his feelings about Colonel Cunningham and the Lieutenant Colonel. Demands to know how word of this got around. Tells his family about the construction of an underground stove in his...

GLC03603.026

to his family

Describes the construction of his tent and introduces his servant, Stanton. Also remarks on the return of his rubber blanket by the person he believes is the thief, Captain Ward's servant. Describes how he has supplied brandy and extract of ginger to...

GLC03603.027

to his family

Describes being immunized and his ill reaction. Also mentions the food he has eaten and the trouble with his nervous horse, "the Governor." Comments on the equipment provided to the Connecticut soldiers in comparison to that of other states.

GLC03603.028

to his mother

Writes about having a poor meal and about the camp sutler, who sometimes supplies food to the soldiers. Explains that he was forced to re-submit the monthly report because of the Assistant Adjutant General's incompetence.

GLC03603.030

to his family

Describes all of the regiments in Annapolis being "reviewed" by General Burnside and other notable men including Seward, Cameron and Governor Andrews of Massachusetts. Believes his regiment will stay in Annapolis for two months and complains about...

GLC03603.031

to his family

Considers acquiring a camp stove with which to do his own cooking. Also writes about "shipping" Stanton and says he would rather have a colored waiter. Asks if "Daily" knows anything about cooking and, if so, if he can join Coit in Annapolis.

GLC03603.032

to his family

Thanks his family for sending him $5 and describes his meal expenses. Requests coffee from home and his skating cap. Also mentions "franking" soldiers letters for them.

GLC03603.034

to his family

Writes about the trouble he is having using the $5 bills sent from Connecticut and requests no more be sent. Complains about Annapolis calling it a "one horse town" and assures his sister that he will not lose his heart here because he "doubt(s)...

GLC03603.035

to his family

Writes about the good condition of his tent and its ability to keep him dry. Encloses a certificate that Daly will need to travel to Annapolis. One of the five pages is written on back of a letter from Colonel Thomas.

GLC03603.036

to his family

Writes briefly about the uncertainty of where the regiment is headed next.

GLC03603.038

to his family

Mentions the arrival of General J. G. Foster and his eminent inspection of the camp. Expects that he will be invited to have Thanksgiving dinner with the Colonel and the Major as they have shared their plans to dine on a full Thanksgiving dinner that...

GLC03603.039

to his family

Writes that he is still awaiting the arrival of Daly. Mentions a new rule that dictates that the morning reports written by Coit and other Adjutants are to be handed in by 9 a.m. Describes this as a hard task that he believes will get easier with...

GLC03603.040

to his family

He writes primarily about the issue of having a servant. Daly did not come and will not be coming due to unknown, humorous circumstances. Asks if "Howard from Gordon's barber shop will come at $20 +food."

GLC03603.041

to his family

Still unsure about Daly's status and writes that he has been checking the station daily for him. Declares that the Major has given him a whole roasted chicken and about baking cakes with cornmeal and buckwheat. Says that General Foster spoke of...

GLC03603.042

to his family

Writes that Daly has not/will not be arriving. Seems angry about it. Asks that his family hire anyone they can find for $25 a month and send him to Annapolis with the enclosed slip (see GLC03603.044).

GLC03603.043

to his family

Slip prepared by Charles Morgan Coit and endorsed by Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham. States that the bearer ("colored") is his personal servant.

GLC03603.044

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