February 25, 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Encloses of draft of a thank you letter to Miss Greene. Thanks her for the glass and says that he is sure that no one can possibly understand how much the soldiers appreciate remembrances of home. Expresses a commitment to "crush this wicked rebellion and hasten the time when we once more return to dear old Connecticut." Describes seeing a review of the 9th Corps. Writes "I truly think the Connecticut brigade surpasses all others in marching and general appearance." Mentions that he would like to invite George to visit once he has a wall tent.

GLC03603.198

2 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has a wall tent to himself and gives directions for George to come for a visit.

GLC03603.199

4 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that George should bring a knife and fork with him on his visit. Mentions seeing Kate Lott of New London at the review. Says that he doesn't "think the army is any place for ladies to visit and I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay a great way off." Writes that he believes that General Burnside will once again be in charge of the 9th Corps.

GLC03603.200

6 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

He writes on his way back to camp after a visit home. He is traveling by rail and ferry and writes about leaving his scarf on-board the train. Written "All Along Shore."

GLC03603.201

7 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Morgan Coit

Lets his brother know that he anticipates arriving at Fort Monroe on Tuesday morning. Writes that he has stayed with their Uncle William in Brooklyn, New York.

GLC03603.202

7 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and brother

Describes the smoothness of the New Jersey Railroad ride as a byproduct of the flat and uninteresting country. He is on his way to visit his brother, Charles, and suggests that his mother and sister follow suit. He describes attending a Union meeting at Cooper Institute with Mr. Edwards while in New York. The speaker, Colonel Baird of Brooklyn, addressed a large crowd who were very excited by the strong Union/abolitionist sentiment. He also describes seeing a play and eating oysters with his uncle.

GLC03603.203

9 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes in anticipation of his brother's arrival. Hopes that they will have another large review while his brother is present. He writes that he really enjoyed an article that his mother has sent to him: "How a free people conduct a long war" by Charles J. Stills. He closes the letter with a note about seeing his brother on the dock, grinning as he comes to pick him up.

GLC03603.204

9 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and sister

Describes the camp and goes into great detail about the Division Guard Mounting. Notes his feeling of pride at seeing the 8th Regiment's bullet-pierced flag and describes "Charlie's" daily duties.

GLC03603.205

9 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and sister

Writes of meeting various Norwich acquaintances he has been seeing in the camp and attending church services.

GLC03603.206

11 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and sister

Describes camp life and goes into detail about the meals that he has eaten. Remarks on the good spirits of the men in the camp and says that Captian Hoyt has offered to lend Charles and George horses so that they can ride to all the different camps.

GLC03603.207

15 March 1863

Coit, George O., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and sister

Writes about having to send George away and of the impression he made on the other officers. He is still unsure of why the regiment was moved.

GLC03603.210

18 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he was regretful for sending George away so suddenly. He did so because of a rumor that the regiment might be involved in a battle. Some officers have their wives with them. Says that he has heard from Cousin Lemuel that George is very interested in going to war. Remarks that he was involved in a skirmish near Blackwater. He also says that the camp at Suffolk is "strongly fortified" with forts on every side.

GLC03603.211

22 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Thanks his mother for sending the newspapers and clippings. Writes of experiencing a very bad snow storm and the poor conditions of the enlisted mens' shelters. Whiskey was served to the entire regiment for warmth. Believes that his regiment is there merely to hold the land that has been captured. Gives a summary of what has happened to the men who were wounded at Antietam. Requests more photographs to trade. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.212

18 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: Charles Morgan Coit to George O. Coit

Writes that he wishes George could have come with him but that it was a very long, cold journey from Newport News to Suffolk. Asks that George write him from Baltimore, Maryland. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.213

25 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that General Harland has told him that there is a chance that he will be made Major of the Regiment. Requests that his family keep this a secret as he is sure that it is only a slight possibility. Says that he is relieved that General [Ambrose] Burnside has once again assumed command over the 9th Regiment. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.214

27 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family/Orderly Gammwell

Writes that he wishes that the receiver's furlong would be long enough to cast a vote for "the suppression of Rebellion". Makes reference to the Hartford Convention of 1863. A draft of a note written to Orderly Gammwell but sent to his family with an explanatory note at the end.

GLC03603.215

29 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes he and his company wish they could go back to Connecticut to vote on the Conscription Act, which calls for a draft and excuses men who can furnish a viable replacement or pay the government $300. Says he has heard that an officer cannot walk through the streets of Hartford, Connecticut without being deeply insulted. Writes of wounded men being laughed at by some of the same people who encouraged them to enlist. Notes he had a portrait taken.

GLC03603.216

29 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Responds to questions from his family about fixtures in their rental properties. Expresses interest in the results of the election and requests that a chess set be sent to him via one of the Norwich men who are home on furlough. Writes that he has sent $370 via another solider traveling to Norwich last week. Writes of the weather getting warmer and of seeing daffodils bloom in the yards in Suffolk. Describes how the soldiers spend Sunday, with detail about what activities they avoid on the Sabbath. Says that he believes that Captain Hoyt would be of better service to the regiment if "he…

GLC03603.217

30 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that the enemy is surrounding Suffolk and "The cannon[s] are cannons are booming away at short intervals," though they have not been attacked yet. Notes that one of the pickets from his Regiment was attacked a few days ago. His brigade has been ordered to different places around the camp to keep guard.

GLC03603.218

2 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he is in command of a picket of 50 men. He does not believe there is any reason to be afraid of attack as they have been withdrawing their forces during the day.

GLC03603.219

31 March 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he does not believe that there is any further danger of attack. He says "tho' the gunboats keep firing away I doubt whether they see anything to fire at."

GLC03603.220

3 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that he has been very busy making up his equipment and Ordinance reports. He can hear the 103rd New York Regiment band serenading Colonel Beach's lady. Mentions the money that he sent via Captain Moore again and the photographs of Colonel Ward and Forrest Spafford that he has enclosed. Writes that he has forgotten about his birthday until a few days afterward.

GLC03603.221

5 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes about the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Foss and responds to a letter sent by his family mentioning George Coit living away from home to attend school.

GLC03603.222

22 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes about going on a recognizance mission to check out some houses beyond the picket line. The mission was commanded by Captain Stevens, who Coit believed had scoped out the area and deemed the mission safe. Reports being fired at by no fewer than 30 men who were "only a few rods off." Says he does not believe he was at fault for leading the men into danger as he had advised Captain Stevens to send skirmishers out to scout the area and the suggestion was rejected. Notes he carries an immense feeling of guilt and says "I would give all the money I expect to earn for a long time if I had…

GLC03603.225

23 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that the regiment has established a camp near the portion of the river that they are trying to defend. Comments about Colonel Ward having command over a few regiments as a "compliment for his gallant behavior" when he took control of all the troops. Says that he is unsure of the "shape of the enemy" and that his field glass is very useful.

GLC03603.226