Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.140 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Acquia Creek, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 September 1862 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Writes about the retreat from Fredericksburg and thanks his mother for the rubber coat she sent him. Writes more about Lieutenant Eaton's condition, which he says is deteriorating.
Acquia Creek, Va. Sept 3, 1862 Dear All, Here I am safe sound & well after our skedaddle from Fredericksburg the 31st The 31st ult. Sunday we went out on picket. t"was a very rainy, cold day & the mud very deep & slippery. we built fires & stood round then with our rubber blankets & coats on to keep dry. About noon we recd orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march upon receipt of further orders. these reached us at 5 PM & we marched back the 5 miles to the city to find the bridge burning & all loose stuff that could not be easily transported Fires were blazing all round & the scene was grand indeed we marched until after midnight & bivouacked for 2 hours at Potomac creek & then this somebody's mistake was called up & marched 2 miles further when finding our mistake we marched back, lay down again in the wet & slept about 2 hours more & then started again & marched to - a few miles (4, 5, or 6) & bivouacked there the afternoon & night of the 1st inst. & all day yesterday until night & during last night marched down here. This has been about as trying a season as I have passed tho' but I have come out all right I believe. Lt. Eaton broke down night before last & I think very likely will resign as he finds he cannot stand it. I think he has never recovered from his attack last spring. we are expecting to go aboard boats for Alexandria or Washington to day. The 8th, 11th, & two field pieces & cavalry formed the rear guard on the retreat. Our first retreat I hope our last. We know very little what is taking place before Washington. Hear that Pope beat Jackson Friday - Monday. We could wish for brighter news & I believe we shall have it very soon. The Rubber coat you sent me at Newbern has done me great service & been above price the last few days. Monday night we experienced one of the severest storms of rain & wind that I ever knew & the coat was my only covering & it kept me almost entirely dry. Best love. I write stretched out in the sun & dirt. Have not had a change of underclothing for a long time. Shall find it when we get to A. or W. Your affct son & bro Chas
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