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

11 January 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

26 January 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

30 January 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

31 January 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 February 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Reports that morale has improved since leaving the muddiness of their former camp. The weather is "delightful" and he hopes that they will remain there for a few weeks. Reports that officers from the Nehant and the Galena, two ships that are anchored offshore, have introduced themselves and invited officers from the Regiment on board. Barry, his servant, has left for North Carolina.

GLC03603.192

8 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes, "I have no doubt that Richmond will be ours within a week." False news of a defeat of McClellan's Brigade had reached the regiment only to be replaced with news of a victory. The 8th regiment is to join McClellan's Brigade once other regiments meet up near Fort Monroe. Written on board the ship "the Guide" near Fortress Monroe.

GLC03603.121

9 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Mentions waiting to join McClellan's troops and discusses the massive amount of weaponry housed at Fort Monroe. Provides news of the other men from Norwich. Written "On ship at Ft. Monroe."

GLC03603.122

12 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes a brief letter about not understanding why the regiment is camped in Newport News.

GLC03603.123

14 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes of the steamer trip to Norfolk to acquire more coal. Mentions being able to see the wrecks of the Cumberland and the Congress from where the Regiment is camped. Also writes of what a fine city Norfolk is.

GLC03603.124

18 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Writes about the ability to get day-old New York newspapers in Newport News and comments on the contents. Also mentions that he has in his company "two contrabands:" Napoleon and a 13-year-old who hid on the boat when they left Morehead. Pities the 13-year-old because of his lack of food source and shelter. Writes that more of the men from Norwich should take up arms and enlist in the army. Writes of the poor character of privates who have been under the watch of officers too long, and behave like "machines." Discusses their foolish behavior with money and with their rations, and describes…

GLC03603.125

23 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes in response to a letter received from his family and requests mosquito netting.

GLC03603.126

25 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Declares that he wishes General Halleck had a stronger anti-slavery stance. Reacts to news of new recruits from Norwich and tells of the officers being switched around because of promotions and resignations.

GLC03603.127

30 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that Charley Breed from Norwich died that morning. Reflects on his last conversation with Breed and how much he was valued by the regiment. The diagnosis was hemorrhage of the bowels.

GLC03603.128

31 July 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Mentions attending a Preparatory Lecture. Declares that pay will be a month late. Writes a quick note before posting the letter that they have just been paid.

GLC03603.129

11 August 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Day pass]

A day pass for Charles Morgan Coit to go into Fredericksburg and return. Signed for by Major General Burnside and Lewis Richmond.

GLC03603.133

11 August 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he is sending his trunk home with his broken revolver in it. Asks his family to fix the revolver so that his brother, George, might have it.

GLC03603.134

13 August 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes about other regiments moving out of Fredericksburg and reacts to news that Bela Learned was wounded.

GLC03603.135

16 August 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes about a conversation he had with Colonel Harland about promotions and rank. Responds to news about who is enlisting in Norwich and writes that he knows his experience as an officer has been much better than that of the privates. Request shirts with pockets sewn into them and asks his family to preserve and season some tomatoes to send to him.

GLC03603.136