Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

Camp of 8th Rg Conn Vs Near Fredericksburg, Nov. 20 Dear All, After a delightful expedition tour through Maryland & this State we are back again to the place from which we started. How much of a soldiers life we have seen in these three months. We arrived yesterday afternoon & are camped very near our old ground - some of our troops occupy the very same ground - our brigade is a little farther back from the river. Our troops occupy the Falmouth side & the secesh the Fredericksburg side. Last evening the soldiers of the two armies were talking across the river. The secesh were decidedly saucy, asked how we liked sharpsburg &c but our boys were good for them generally. - They say thet think McClellan our best General - They said they thought Genl Burnside a "pretty shrewd old cuss." To day cannon are being planted on each side & one of our batteries has been firing at a Rebel train of cars & stopped it - prob- ably the shells injured the track. The Rebels seem to be preparing to evacuate & I do not anticipate any general fight. We understand that our cavalry are to cross the river above Falmouth this PM & charge into Fredericksburg. Probably the Secseh intend to keep possesion as long as they can without fighting so that they can remove every thing possible. You remember McDowell did not cross for two days I hardly think Genl B will treat them with as much consideration. The last two days have been stormy & unpleasant & to day the rain is falling heavily - perhaps that is the reason the cannonading has not been general. I sent home my old trunk the morning we left Warrington Junction. Our Quartermaster took the trunks to W. Junction & then gave them in charge of some one going to Alexandria with instructions to Express them from there - so I hope it will reach you in good time. There are several momentoes of Antietam that I would not like to loose - the hat & shoulder straps that I wore that day. There are many things of Lt. Shepard's therein - books, part of a pac- kage of letter paper, clothing, &c. I would like him to look over the - Company papers - before he comes on and see if there are any that we shall likely want, every thing was packed in so much haste that I could not half look over the things. Lt. Shepard's tobacco I have appropriated as my own was all consum ed & it was impossible to buy. I believe every thing else is as he left it. You will know what things belong to me. I have saved out a bottle of Ex of Ginger & cologugue. I was fortu- nate in being able to - borrow - a - small carpel, - bag - & all my possessions except blankets & equipments are packed in that. The bag you sent me in the new trunk at New Haven, was jostled out of the wagon during the Maryland march, lay in the rain some time & was finally run over by a wagon & entirely spoilt. I wish you would send me a valise. (should not object if it was - pretty good size, not very expensive -.) by Lieut. Shepard if he is intending to return befor the fighting is over. I dont believe he is anxious to see another battle & I am sure I dont blame him. If Miss Greene, or Miss Perkins, I dont remem ber which it was, has not sent the box yet I think soon we shall be so settled at Fredericksburg & Express offices opened so that we perhaps could get it more han dily here than at Washington. If we are to advance on Richmond from here, this city will be one of our princial depots of supplies & we shall communicate with it than with W. I wish the 8th could be left here on patrol. I like the plan (as I imagine it - of Genl B in advancing this way. It seems the only practicable way at this season of the year. I only wish he would shell this old rebel stronghold & level every house only leaving enough for hospitals & storehouses. Genl Burnside's Hd. Qts. are in front as usual. He occupies his old quarters just across the road by our old camp ground. I would think the Rebels might easily shell him. How near Thanksgiving day it is. If I could but spend it with you all. Perhaps I can spend the Holidays with you. I am bound to hope for the best. I am thankful that I am in a tent to day rather than on the march but I am so tired from the constant marching that I am hardly in the spirit of writing. I wrote the day the trunk left, hope you recd it. Dont need any more money. Recd the 5 & 1 $. Would like some small change once in a while if you can send it. Chas. (top margin first page) Have no $ no mail lately. Hope to get one soon now. Hope we shall remain here a day or two & get rested. I have a pile of straw that makes a good bed. At Falmouth potatoes are $4 per bushel butter 60c " pound Flour $20 " barrel &c &c.