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6 February 1862
Porter, Charles B. (fl. 1860-)
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-)
to Friend Henry
Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.
GLC02172.39
23 February 1862
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
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
They are now in Fort Lyon, near Alexandria. He hears they are to reinforce Burnsides. Very faded
GLC02172.42
14 April 1863
He is now heading cattle. He talks about the land and how much each cow costs.
GLC02172.43
He talks of money matters. He will send Henry 40 dollars and he may sell his cattle.
GLC02172.44
16 April 1862
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
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
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.
GLC02172.47
2 June 1862
He describes another tremendous fight.
GLC02172.48
9 June 1862
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
GLC02172.58
20 January 1863
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
17 February 1863
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.
GLC02172.60
25 February 1862
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
27 February 1863
to Brother H. (Henry)
He encourages his brother not to miss out on opportunities like getting an education while he is young.
GLC02172.62
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