Veterans column: Capt. Levi Coman's 76th Ohio infantry arrives in rainy Paris, Tennessee
When Capt. Levi Coman wrote his next letter on March 14, 1862, it had been five weeks since he and the rest of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had left Newark.
During that time, they had traveled hundreds of miles, had their first taste of battle at Fort Donelson and survived a sickness that went through the camp. Coman missed his family and his home, but his sense of duty to his country still hadn’t faltered:
“Dear Mattie. Yesterday we left our encampment on the east side of the river, marched to the shore took a boat came up here, and landed right opposite Paris (Tennessee) on the bend of the river which you see (is) right east of Paris which is the county seat of the county. There was said to be several thousand rebels at Paris and we came up here to pay them a visit. We camped on the ground last night though I succeeded in getting a place on the floor of a man’s house who has a fine residence here.
Veterans column: From along the Tennessee River, Capt. Levi Coman asks his wife for brandy
“Last night about 3 o’clock we had our first alarm. Our pickets discharged their pieces, the long roll summoned us to arms. We stood there in the rain until a company was sent out to reconnoiter and returned stating that no enemy was found. We do not yet know whether we are to march across to Paris or to go on up the river. Our brigade consists of the 56th & 76th & 20th Ohio under command of Colonel (Charles) Woods.
“I think I have got over my ailings and feel quite well again. You may always be sure that I write you as things are without any varnish. There is much very hard and toilsome work to be done, much exposure, much that wears one down. But yet it is not all rough. Many sunny spots and all the while abiding love of country and confidence of doing duty which upholds and sustains me. I do love our country. I am glad to be reckoned among those who are actively struggling to save it. I have no fault to find with those who stay at home. It is not everyone who can bear the exposure and fatigue. Few know what it is to be in the field in an army unless they have tried it. Yet I am glad I am here.
Veterans column: Captain Levi Coman writes home from Tennessee
“I wish I could see you all tonight. I would love dearly to be with you. It rains constantly, today is warm and sultry. Thunder and lightning accompany the rain. We have our tents all up tonight. I have a bunk of boards under (me) and will have a fine sleep. The proprietor of the house here offered me a nice bed to sleep in last night and I preferred to sleep on the floor. I would really prefer the floor with my blanket than a bed, but presume that I can again acquire the habit of sleeping in a bed when I come home. Come home! I tell you I like to look at those words and bring out my minds picture of home once more. Ah, my dear home. My dear children, my dear Mattie. All is lovely, all attraction and unerring. Not a spot or blemish in my whole picture of home. Never mind, it will be all the dearer some day when I come home with our country saved, having done my duty. Yes, my dear, I think I will be satisfied with this much of the army.
“Goodbye dearest, goodbye little children. I kiss your face. Give my love to all. Tell Pa that the army is in motion finally and he must have faith in its power. I hope he keeps usually well. Goodbye again. Yours ever, Levi”
Doug Stout is the Licking County Library local history coordinator. You may contact him at 740.349.5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Licking County veterans column: Coman arrives in rainy Paris, Tennessee
