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to his family
30 November 1861
Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878
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
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...
GLC03603.045
2 December 1861
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
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
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"...
GLC03603.048
December 7, 1861
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
December 8, 1861
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...
GLC03603.050
December 9, 1861
Writes of Harland talking about their prospects in terms of promotions. Reports that though they are both acting in higher positions, they are only being paid according to their official ranks. Responds to the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel...
GLC03603.051
Writes that Stanton has left and that he is receiving assistance from a soldier from Company D. Explains that he is traveling to another camp to teach the Adjutant there to write reports correctly.
GLC03603.052
13 December 1861
Writes of the excellent service that Joseph B. Burlingame, the soldier from Company D, is providing. Says it may be possible to keep him as a servant even though he is a soldier. Has received a letter from William Tucker addressed to "CMC Adjt Genl...
GLC03603.053
14 December 1861
Reports that a review of the division went very poorly for the 8th Regiment because of the Lieutenant Colonel. Responds to news from his mother about a possible servant by saying that he will give him a try if he is under no obligation to keep him...
GLC03603.054
to his family ("Dear old Anne and all there")
December 19, 1861
Describes a package he received from his cousin Ellen, which contained food. Also asks that his brother, George, tell him what rooms and stores are rented.
GLC03603.056
December 28, 1861
Writes about minor promotions within the regiment. Also says he has not received letters from home in a few days.
GLC03603.058
December 29, 1861
Mentions that the regiment has received word that they must be ready to leave Annapolis at 12 hours notice. There is uncertainty as to where they are headed but he expresses fear that he will not be brave enough for battle. Discusses the skills and...
GLC03603.059
2 January 1862
Responds to a letter from home saying he is very concerned and will send $200 as soon as he can. Writes about officers who have resigned and one who has written a critical article about the 8th Regiment for a newspaper. This letter was dated by Coit...
GLC03603.060
1 January 1862
Writes about the spacious tent that he and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Terry have made by combining their tents. Also mentions trouble he is having with his horse and says he plans to sell his horse, "the Governor." Adds that he believes he is gaining...
GLC03603.061
3 January 1862
Worries about money matters at home. Promises to send money as soon as he can and requests that his brother, George, keep very careful account of the money coming in from rent. Writes about the poor condition of his horse and hopes that the...
GLC03603.062
4 January 1862
Writes that he has been paid and will be sending money soon. The regiment has been assigned to sail on the H. J. Brookman and the Steamboat Chasser. They are expected to sail the next day. Mentions that he hopes his horse dies on the passage.
GLC03603.063
January 6, 1862
Writes that the regiment broke camp and marched to the wharf only to find that the ships were not ready. He, the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major all tried to find rooms at hotels but ended up hiring a small boat to take them to the ship. Is...
GLC03603.064
8 January 1862
Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Describes the accommodations aboard the H. J. Brookman and the differences between the officer's accommodations and those of the enlisted men. Is still unsure about direction and where mail should be sent...
GLC03603.065
Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Writes about the terrible crowding of the soldiers on the ship and compares the ship's packed condition to slave ships.
GLC03603.066
January 11, 1862
Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Describes in more detail the voyage from Annapolis to the waters off the coast of Fort Monroe. Reports that several of the ships in the procession ran ashore and had to be towed off.
GLC03603.067
January 18, 1862
Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Mentions that he is still on the ship and has no contact with the outside world besides the occasional conversation with a tugboat crew that sails out to the ship. Many men on the ship have been seasick but...
GLC03603.068
January 23-January 26, 1862
Written on board the ship "H. J. Brookman." Mentions still being anchored in the sound and finally receiving mail from home. Discusses what he is reading and how he wishes he had brought a book of poetry. Reports receiving a pair of stockings from...
GLC03603.069
January 28, 1862
Mentions the boredom and laziness of being aboard the ship. The men pass time between meals by playing checkers and reading. Writes that Captain Harland has shared that he believes General Burnside is attempting to join the division with another...
GLC03603.070
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