February 7, 1862

Spencer, Edgar, fl. 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Friend Henry

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

GLC02172.39

February 23, 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 23, 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

14 March 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

14 April 1863

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother Henry

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

GLC02172.43

circa 1861-1865

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother Henry

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

GLC02172.44

16 April 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

7 May 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

16 May 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

2 June 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother Henry

He describes another tremendous fight.

GLC02172.48

9 June 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

23 June 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1 August 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

4 August 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

17 August 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

30 August 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

8 September 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

20 September 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

9 November 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

27 December 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

January 20,1863

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC02172.59

February 17, 1863

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Fredericksburg.

GLC02172.60

February 25, 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 27, 1863

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother H. (Henry)

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

GLC02172.62

17 March 1863

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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