31 October 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 details the army stipend allowed to him to hire, clothe and feed a servant. Requests more letters from home and assures his family he enjoys them greatly. Written from Camp Buckingham.

GLC03603.022

1 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 "tear a cartridge." The servant is from Lebanon and is trained as a blacksmith and is said to be "honest and faithful." Also writes that he has not been out to call on people much because he has been getting over a cold. Written from Camp Buckingham.

GLC03603.023

4 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

10 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 tent. Also describes the assembly of a Provost Guard from the city, comprised of "Capt. Ward, three of our best Lieuts with 100 men."

GLC03603.026

7-9 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 those needing medicine.

GLC03603.027

10 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

14 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

18 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the lack of pay and the need to buy each meal individually.

GLC03603.031

20 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

20 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

22 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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) whether there are any girls here." Says Daly will need a paper signed by the Governor if he is to travel to Annapolis.

GLC03603.035

23 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

24 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

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

GLC03603.038

26 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 is being mailed to them by the Major's brother.

GLC03603.039

27 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 time.

GLC03603.040

29 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

29 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 condemning the regiment's arms during the inspection.

GLC03603.042

30 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

30 November 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

December 1, 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 and sent soon. One side written upside down on a draft of a morning report.

GLC03603.045

2 December 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

4 December 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

4 December 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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" though it seems that these are only temporary positions.

GLC03603.048

7 December 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

8 December 1861

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 get the position of Adjt. Genl. + don't think there is hardly a chance."

GLC03603.050