Advanced Search

Teaching Certification

This is to certify that Charles B Porter his examination and is able to give instruction for two years in Newton, Michigan.

GLC02172.01

to Brother Henry

He sent his brother some money. The weather has been warm and rainy lately. He complains of having written to various family members but has not received an answer.

GLC02172.08

to Brother Henry

They lost their blankets at Bull Run but expect to have new ones in a few days and a full suit of clothes. He warns him not to enlist again and says he would rather his brother stay at home and look after their parents.

GLC02172.11

to Brother Henry

He talks of money matters. He will send Henry 40 dollars and he may sell his cattle.

GLC02172.44

to Brother Henry

Four of their pickets were shot last night. In company O, one soldier was shot by hs own comrad. They were practicing a manual of arms. One ordered the other to load aim and fire his gun and he got shot through the heart.

GLC02172.14

to Children

Henry talks of enlisting and like Charles he is trying to talk him out of it.

GLC02172.17

to Brother Henry

They had inspection that morning. He is glad his brother has given up the idea of enlisting for now. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.20

The Ten Commandments

Published by American tract society. Exodus 20 : 3--17.

GLC02172.89

to Brother Henry

They are going to get new guns, either the sharps or Enfield rifles. He mentions the cavalry. The boys are in good spirits. He will not get down to the city thsi week. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.23

to Brother Henry

There was heavy firing going on down the river yesterday afternoon. They brought in the wounded this afternoon. Last night one of the third regiment shot his hand off. Written in Camp Lyon .

GLC02172.26

to Brother Henry

The first place they visited in Mt. Vernon was Washington's tomb. Then they saw the gardens and the orchard.Next they went to the house. There were many things in the house including pistol holster and a large piano. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.30

to Brother Henry

He has explored Mt. Vernon in and out. He promises to write about it while on picket. The latest news from the naval fleet is that they were at Beaufort, SC and are now marching toward Charleston. Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.29

to Brother Henry

No more furloughs will be granted. The Colonel is confident there will be a forward movement of the grand army.

GLC02172.33

to Brother

A hundred of them marched for a couple of miles so that they could guard a dam. Eventually they will go to Fairfax where there are 4,000 men.

GLC02172.05

to Brother Henry

He heard from father and his uncle asked him to write. He discusses picket guard.

GLC02172.09

to Brother Henry

They are now in Fort Lyon, near Alexandria. He hears they are to reinforce Burnsides. Very faded Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.42

to Unknown

They only got about 2/3 of their ration before going to Bull Run, so they were without food for a day and a half. When the bullets wer flying they saw a black berry patch and immediately began picking berries so the Colonel called them the black...

GLC02172.12

to Brother Henry

He begs his brother not to enlist. He tells him to please stay at home and make all the money can. He will take his picture soon. They have recenlt got new clothes and blankets.

GLC02172.15

to Brother Henry

He has just come in from picket guard and is quite well. Being on picket is a good way yo keep from getting homesick as it is sometimes exciting. One day a secessionist picket came over and said he was tired of fighting for the secessionist cause....

GLC02172.18

I Invite You

Sermon published by American tract society. The author invites the reader to come to Christ.

GLC02172.87

to Brother Henry

The Rebels have evacuated Munson's Hill. Most of the regiments were moving toward Fairfax. He mentions a Charley STevens who seems to have changed his mind about enlisting. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.21

Not Now

Published by American tract society. Now is the time to believe in God.

GLC02172.90

to Brother Henry

They had an inspection the other day, A tough day of fighting followed. They are told to "come out in style."The papers say thier focres are doing great in Missouri. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.24

to Heather Henry

He got a pass to go down to Washington the other day. He visited the gallery and the senate chambers. Very Faded.

GLC02172.04

to Brother Henry

Tomorrow morning the regiment marches toward Tahrick Church. Many think the South will sue for peace in about six weeks' time. Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.27

to Brother Henry

The regiment is camped in support of a battery about half a mile from Frederich. Their pickets are on one side and the Rebels are on the other. He writes that if his brother had told him before he enlisted taht he could endure such hardship he would...

GLC02172.31

to Brother Henry

The Rebel pickets are three miles away. There is firing on both the right and left. He wishes could get a chance to take a sleigh ride. He will get his next two months pay this morning.

GLC02172.34

to Heather

He likes being a soldier and describes his routine, starting with roll call. He will get his picture taken soon and send it along.

GLC02172.02

to Brother Henry

There was an awful battle at Bull's Run He criticizes General Tyler who changed General Scott's orders, thereby ruining their position. Another General was drunk and their Colonel refused to obey the drunk General's orders. The next day General Tyler...

GLC02172.07

to Brother Henry

He doesn't want his brother to enlist because he's afraid he'll pick up too many vices. He is glad his brother received the money. He complains that his father hasn't written.

GLC02172.10

to Brother Henry

A lot of commotion. General McClelland came by three times and there have been messengers going back and forth. He is on guard today.

GLC02172.13

to Brother Henry

There has been fighting among the pickets.Three of their men were wounded and one died yesterday. There are a lot of peach and apple trees where he is.Troops are continually coming in. 70,000 crossed into Virginia Thursday night. Written in Camp...

GLC02172.16

to Brother Henry

They heard about General Mulligan's surrender to the rebels supposedly because General Freemont did not send reinforcements. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.19

Tomorrow--A Dialogue with Myself

Sermon published by American tract society. The author says one should put off repenting until tomorrow.

GLC02172.88

to Brother Henry

One of the men almost drowned and they were up half the night. Then they had to a trek of about ten miles. They captured three prisoners. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.22

Only Try

Published by American tract society. Only try to serve God.

GLC02172.91

to Brother Henry

During the battle of Bull Run, their company stayed back in a town called Centreville. They went out on picket again and ended up five miles away. They are unable to advance any further for now. Written at Camp Poe

GLC02172.25

to Father

He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.

GLC02172.06

to Brother Henry

There was a report about a small fight in Western Virginia in the morning paper. He has been catching colds lately and has an awful one right now. But he can take it for he is as 'tough as a bull." Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.28

to Brother Henry

They have been in their current location 8 weeks now. He does not know how much longer they will be there. Their pickets were fired upon by the Rebel cavalry.

GLC02172.32

[Collection of Charles F. Porter, C company, 2nd regiment, Michigan, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .91]

Porter was a Private in the 2nd Michigan Infantry, Co. C. The collection includes correspondence, Porter's Michigan teacher's license, printed scripture passages, newspaper clippings, and genealogical materials on the Porter family. Some...

GLC02172

to Heather

He is getting used to being a soldier and he will send all his things home today. They have to be ready to march tomorrow.

GLC02172.03

to Brother Henry

A lot of the boys are sick in the hospitals They haven't been able to get any newspapers for a while. He sees boats pull up to Cumberland's Landing. Written at McClellan's Camp at Cumberland's Landing.

GLC02172.47

to Brother Henry

It is getting dusty in the swamp. Water is scarce. They are getting closer to picket time. The Rebels are not far away. The Michigan troops had a fight in front of Hooker's division. When the pay master comes around, he will send some money.

GLC02172.50

to Brother Henry

He has been sick for the last two weeks. He requests 5 or 10 dollars and a couple of shirts.

GLC02172.53

to Brother Henry

He does not know when he will rejin the regiment but at prsent he only works 4 hours a day washing dishes. He has rheumatism. The box he was supposed to have received has still not arrived.

GLC02172.56

to Brother Henry

Their campground was near the city of Hampton. He mentions some historical events that took place in town.He has talked to Edward a number of times.

GLC02172.45

to Brother Henry

He describes another tremendous fight.

GLC02172.48

to Brother Henry

There has been a lot of fighting near Richmond. It has been a tedious march from the swamp combined with fighting every day. There have been heavy losses.

GLC02172.51

to Brother Henry

He is feeling better. He thanks his brother for the money and tells him to tell his father he is feeling better.

GLC02172.54

to Brother Henry

He is back with the regiment and they are camping within sight of the Blue Mountains. There is more than enough food at present. He hasn't yet written to his father because he doesn't have any ink and he knows his father can't see pencil marks.

GLC02172.57

to Brother Henry

He describes a battle in which 139 were wounded and a few reported missing. There was a swamp in the equation and descriptions of being six inches deep.

GLC02172.46

to Brother Henry

They are camped near Richmond now and are awaiting reinforcements. The papers report the previous fight was particularly tough. He needs paper and postage stamps.

GLC02172.49

to Brother Henry

Everything has been quiet around the picket lines lately. He spoke to Ed a week ago and learned that he is sick. He will have the paymaster send his brother a draft of 90 dollars every pay day.

GLC02172.52

to Brother Henry

He will soon rejoin the regiments. He has not received the box of things his brother sent yet. He plans to get a pass so he can explore the city of York.

GLC02172.55

to Brother Henry

They had a dull Christmas. He does not want to hear of his brother becoming a soldier. For the moment there are plenty of rations and clothing. He has not spoken to Ed since he last wrote. Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC02172.58

to Brother Henry

The rebels have blockaded the Potomac down below her about 45 miles. They fired 21 shots. Once again he tells Henry not to enlist and to stay at home. Last night the pickets were firing.

GLC02172.35

to Brother Henry

They have been on picket guard for four days. They got paid but he hasn't had a chance to send him money yet. It has been very muddy because of the rains.

GLC02172.36

to Father

He thanks him father for the package. It contained everything he most needed.He goes over the money he has sent so far and what should happen if doesn't make it home.

GLC02172.37

to Brother H (Henry)

He says everything is dull lately. Dull and muddy. He tells him he received the box that father sent.

GLC02172.38

to Friend Henry

Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.

GLC02172.39

to Brother Henry

They left camp about a week ago and are now near Newport News. They have better sleeping quarters than ever before. A mutual friend is in the hospital.

GLC02172.41

to Brother Henry

There is much excitement over Fort Donaldson [Fort Donelson] and Burnsides' Expedition. They should make a forward movement soon. He likes the picture Henry sent.

GLC02172.40

to Father

He mentions that he was mistaken in his opinion that McCllelen could command the Potomac army. His actions have proved otherwise. He requests dried fruit, butter and cheese.

GLC02172.61

to Brother Henry

They are now in Knoxville. The regiment has suffered losses. Major Byington is dead. Captain Farren is wounded.

GLC02172.77

to Brother Henry

He had a good visit with his father. There are some very sick people at the hospital and this keeps him busy. He hopes his brother will escape the draft.

GLC02172.75

to Father

They are camped near a small town called Columbia. He wishes his father could come visit. He thinks they will cross the river since the Rebel general is reported to be across the river.

GLC02172.69

to Brother Henry

He has been detailed as a nurse and does not know when he get out to see his brother. He knows his brother wants to marry but he tells him to look before he leaps.

GLC02172.72

to Brother H. (Henry)

They are about a hundred miles from Lousiville now. He says he has been very lucky the last few years. They have lost very few men to sickness and they have been lucky on the battlefield. He was disappointed to learn that a colonel of theirs was...

GLC02172.68

to Brother H. (Henry)

They have been fighting up on the Blackwater. They are under marching orders again. He is glad to hear his father has got into business again.

GLC02172.63

to Brother Henry

They had to stay in the barracks for a while and were not allowed to do much. However through the help of some friends they managed to get out every night. Theyw ere treated as straglers or deserters. He is sorry to hear his brother is drafted.

GLC02172.76

to Father

They returned from an expedition out to Cumberland river that did not amount to much. It rained much of the time and the Rebels captured some horses and made the sheriff sewr allegiance to their government.

GLC02172.70

to Brother Henry

He wanted to come home to the state fair but his horse was too tired. He went to see Ms. Castes to see if he could hire a horse, but her folks will be using all the horses. He may get home next week. He hasn't heard from Frank.

GLC02172.73

to Brother Henry

He is now heading cattle. He talks about the land and how much each cow costs.

GLC02172.43

to Brother Henry

He went to a mass meeting out in Carthage. He saw several distinguished speakers including a poet. At the hospital, they are expecting a lot of wounded from Nashville.

GLC02172.74

to Brother H. (Henry)

Everyone is excited about the fighting at Charleston. He mentions Joe Hooker.

GLC02172.67

to Brother Henry

Vicksburg surrendered. Very, very faded.

GLC02172.71

to Brother Henry

He has just come back from picket where he has been on duty for days. They are not allowed to talk on both sides but when the officer are away the privates talk. Artillery, infantry and cavalry have passed. They expect to cross the river again...

GLC02172.59

to Brother Henry

They learned of the capture of Fort Donaldson and 15,000 prisoners. He hopes his brother had fun sleigh riding and wonders if any of the fellows talk about him when they are hugging the girls. The regiment got new guns. Written in a camp near...

GLC02172.60

to Brother H. (Henry)

He encourages his brother not to miss out on opportunities like getting an education while he is young.

GLC02172.62

Adams Express form

For the 50 dollars he sent his brother.

GLC02172.66

to Brother H. (Henry)

He is sending 50 dollars and wants his brother to tell him when he receives it.

GLC02172.64

to Brother H. (Henry)

Two weeks ago they left camp. The journey to Baltimore was rough. Many men became sea sick. They then went to Louisville and are now in Bardsville. He sent his brother some money.

GLC02172.65

to Father

He was sorry to hear of the death of Uncle James. They have not heard from Sam or Matt. Theyw ere offered 1 dollar per pound for their wool.

GLC02172.80

to Father

He hopes his father has gotten over his sickness. They had a disagreement and he hopes this does not chnage his father's opinion of him.

GLC02172.81

to Loid Porter

They found all of this cattle. They counted the cattle.

GLC02172.79

to Brother Henry

He does not know what to think about his brother's idea to sell the homestead. He doesn't know what he will do after he gets out of the service. Newspaper clipping features list of names of those drafted.

GLC02172.82

to Brother Henry

The officers have been trying to get soldiers to reenlist. More reenlisted than the number of people who actually showed up for duty. Those that did not reenlist had to be transferred to another regiment. Was written near Knoxville, Tennessee.

GLC02172.78

to Brother Henry

He and Theodore have been breaking up prairie. They are thing about taking a house up north. He asks for his brother's opinion.

GLC02172.86

to Brother Henry

He has not felt better since he left the army. He is helping ftaher herd his cattle. Their father would like to borrow 50 dollars.

GLC02172.84

to Brother Henry

Theodore is sick. It has been raining alot. They have 350 cattle in all. They are thinking about herding sheep as well but he wants his brother's opinion.

GLC02172.85

to Brother Henry

Thier father arrived. He brought a wagon with him. Eventually he will send for Theodore to come out as well. He wishes he could have been at his brother's wedding. He calls himself an old bachelor destined to live in the woods.

GLC02172.83