Porter, Charles F., fl. 1861-1865 [Collection of Charles F. Porter, C company, 2nd regiment, Michigan, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .91]

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

GLC02172.09

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

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 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

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

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 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

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 Children

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

GLC02172.17

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

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

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