25 September 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 mailed to him. Also mentions that the regiment may go to Washington, D.C. to recruit. Describes the Chaplain's heroic service to the regiment during the battle, saying that he was the last to walk off the field though slightly wounded. Also says that though the 8th regiment had many wounded and a few killed, that other regiments and companies had…

GLC03603.146

10 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 with, Lieutenants Weed and Goodrich, and responds to news from home about his brother George's career choice. Also reflects on marching past the battlefield and seeing the dead bodies as either "losses" or "gains." Writes, "Live rebels, with theirs pointing towards me, I find is a much more horrid sight than heaps of them dead." Responds to a…

GLC03603.151

16 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

20 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Connecticut's 11th Regiment's field officers have decided to resign. Explains that he was forced to direct the dress parade because none of the higher-ranking officers were present. Closes the letter with a note saying that he is headed to Washington.

GLC03603.156

22 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the train station. Also writes about hearing word that a third wounded soldier died at home. Written from the National Hotel, in Washington, D.C.

GLC03603.157

25 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

31 October 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Describes the journey from Pleasant Valley and the activities of the other officers in the new camp. Writes that he dreads the idea of a winter campaign and also writes about his tent, blanket, and food situation in comparison to that of the enlisted men. Declares that Lieutenant Eaton has resigned and Lieutenant Goodrich of Company H has been promoted to his old place. Writes that this promotion is only temporary for Goodrich will be made a Captain soon. Stresses that this news is entirely secret and should not reach Lieutenant Shepard.

GLC03603.159

17 November 1862

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he plans to send most of his supplies home and only carry a small bag. Also writes more about the new chain of command within his Grand Division.

GLC03603.164

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

1 December 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

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