3 June 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

15 July 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

26 July 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 and the drunk were arrested for treason.

GLC02172.07

12 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

14 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother Henry

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

GLC02172.09

15 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

18 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

circa 1861-1865

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 berry company. He saw General McClelland.

GLC02172.12

28 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

30 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

31 August 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

8 September 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Arlington

GLC02172.16

14 September 1861

Porter, William L., fl. 1860-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

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

GLC02172.17

20 September 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.18

26 September 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

28 September 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

29 September 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1 October 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

6 October 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

9 October 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

15 October 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

2 November 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

6 November 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

23 November 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

16 November 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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