31 December 1861

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

14 January 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

21 January 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

30 January 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

6 February 1862

Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

7 February 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

23 February 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

23 February 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