20 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that they are camped very near to their old camp. Also mentions that they are camped just across the river from rebel troops and that some of the troops from both sides spoke across the river the night before. The conversation was based mostly on their opinions of the different Generals. Believes that the Union cavalry will charge into Fredericksburg in the evening but does not anticipate any fighting. Writes about the expense of food in Fredericksburg.

GLC03603.165

21 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has asked the Quartermaster to purchase some supplies for him when he goes to Washington, D.C. to procure shoes and clothing. Describes the march and the current camp and assures his family of his comfort. Also says that the regiment has run out of candles.

GLC03603.166

23 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has heard of a mission that the regiment was unable to carry out because of lack of supplies. Believes that this accounts for the long stay at Fredericksburg. Writes that they have moved their camp to the Lacey Mansion ("rebel mansion"). The officers have occupied the mansion and Coit says that he is so comfortable that he dreads the idea of returning to tent living.

GLC03603.167

December 1, 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has been enjoying the luxuries of living in the mansion. Reports that pay for the regiment will be delayed due to a mix-up with muster rolls. The letter is written on the back of a an accounting blank which contains spaces for descriptions and muster information of different soldiers. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC03603.168

2 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has seen Mr. Gardener Green and that he is still comfortably living at the mansion. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC03603.169

5 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Describes his thankfulness at being able to have shelter in the mansion during a snowstorm. Writes that he has filled out a Quarterly Return of Deceased Soldiers. There are reports that a soldier from the 21st Regiment froze to death in the night. Requests a pair of field glasses for Christmas. The letter is written on the back of a draft of a letter to General Thomas. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC03603.170

8 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that two companies of the 1st Connecticut Artillery have camped right next to them. Also asks his mother to send gloves or mittens with Lieutenant Shepard when he leaves to re-join the regiment. In a note dated 19 December, he writes that he found his letter written on the 8th still laying on the Quartermaster's desk and will re-mail it.

GLC03603.171

19 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that the Lacey Mansion is being used as a hospital and that the officers are staying in a two-room outhouse. Estimates that the battle has cost the Union side 10,000 and does not see any other result of the four days of battle.

GLC03603.174

23 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that the officers have moved out of the mansion and are back at their old camp on the hill. The officers have built a chimney and fireplace for their tent. Tells a story about General Burnside's leadership during the battle and of Captain Marsh's resignation. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC03603.175

30 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Family has received the trunk of extra clothing he has sent home and he responds to a question they asked him about a photograph of a woman that was in the trunk. Says it was merely a photograph he found and kept in hopes of returning it to its owner. The scrap wishes his family a happy new year.

GLC03603.177

1 January 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Reflects on the last year saying, "How little we seem to have accomplished during the last twelve months." Expresses his thankfulness for God keeping him safe and healthy. Also says that his regiment has been almost constantly on the "front" for the entire length of the year. Writes of enjoying reading the Washington Chronicle because it "shows the bright side of everything."

GLC03603.178

1 January 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Responds to questions from his family about the belongings of Marvin Wait, one of the men who was wounded in battle and to news that it was the anniversary of his father's death. Believes his father to be the guardian angel that watches over him and his family. Reports the news of General Burnside being promoted to commander in chief of the Army of the Potomac. Written from "Gaskins' Mill," likely in Virginia.

GLC03603.179

January 11, 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that there is a small campaign among the men to help Colonel Harland become a Brigadier. Various officers are writing about Harland in order to nominate him. Writes that a box from the Soldier's Aid arrived and gives a list of the items he received from it. The most appreciated items were the desserts which were shared. Mentions at the end that he believes the project to write and sign testimonials about Harland might go against one of the Articles of War. Written on the back of an appeal circular from the Connecticut Soldier's Relief Association, Washington, D.C.

GLC03603.182

January 26, 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes after returning from a trip home. Reports seeing Fred Ward's father on the train and hearing him talk about his son who he believes has been taken prisoner. Thinks that Fred Ward is dead but did not tell his father this. Reports that Charlie Johnson met him in New York and attempted to give him boots, an overcoat, and a scarf and gloves. Writes that he arrived in Washington, D.C. and bought a sword, haversack and boots. Declares that the city is "full of shoulder strap & I was ashamed to be seen there." Describes his new sword and his return to camp, where he was made fun of for…

GLC03603.184

January 30, 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Expresses sadness at the change of generals and says that he hopes Burnside is assigned a new command and that the 9th Regiment can follow them. Writes that the roads are untravelable due to rain and mud. Believes that he was allowed to take leave to visit his family because of Colonel Harland's influence. Reports that he has given up on waiting for a package sent by his mother and tells her that she should recall it.

GLC03603.185.2

January 31, 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Responds to news that his brother has been considering a job with General Casey's staff by saying that such a chance is not to be dismissed. Qualifies this statement by saying that there is no prestige in being part of the staff of an inactive general and that he would object if his brother were ever to be part of a war. Says that if the regiments were to be consolidated, he would have a chance to quit the service without any harm to the company or his reputation.

GLC03603.186

10 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 that he sent to his family.

GLC03603.152

10 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to "Luff"[Lieutenant Shepard]

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

GLC03603.153

14 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: unknown

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

GLC03603.154

3 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1861-1865

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Document

Title: [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

9 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 regiment being called to back up General Pleasanton's men as they advanced. They arrived "just in time to see a cavalry charge + the rebels skedaddle…"

GLC03603.163

14 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

16 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 days of fighting and the tirelessness of General Burnside. Assures his family that no one they know was injured. Written from Lacey Mansion, in Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC03603.173

26 December 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 candles from the ridge pole as a chandelier." Says that General Sumner does not grant furloughs unless there is some sort of emergency. Of General Sumner he says "An old "Bull" he is indeed & I don't like him." Captain Sheffield returned after recovering with a wound and brought two recruits with him. Asks his family to keep the secret that "…

GLC03603.176