A friend and neighbor to both the Armstrong and Porter families, Robert 'Bob' Hanson (1825-????) corresponded with Francis throughout the course of the war. A shoemaker by trade, he enlisted with Company F of the 78th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While he was at one point given the rank of Sergeant with the company, he would eventually be demoted to Private. His letters offer a detailed account of the experiences of rank and file soldiers in the 78th, providing unique insights on camp life in the absence of Thomas (due to illness) and George (due to promotion). On November 29th, 1864, Robert was captured near Sandersville, Georgia. While no subsequent letters or mentions of Robert are found in the Harvey Collection, official rosters indicate he survived his capture.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
February 23, 1862; Fort Donelson, TNRobert describes travel to a battle at Fort Donelson on the Steamer Neptune via the Cumberland River and the circumstances by which the 78th OVI missed military engagement.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
March 26, 1862; Camp Crump, TNRobert speaks highly of George's leadership and fitness for promotion. He predicts the camp will march for Corinth within days.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
March 30, 1862; Crumps Landing, TNRobert predicts Thomas will get discharged due to the severity of his illness.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
April 24, 1862; Camp Shiloh, TNRobert discusses Wilbur's death and recounts the Battle of Shiloh and his suspicions about "the surprise of the first day of the fight." The regiment is preparing to head towards Corinth, Mississippi.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
May 26, 1862; Camp in the Woods (Shiloh, TN)Robert informs Francis that Thomas has been transported home. He shares that many men in the Regiment have become sick or have passed away. The rest are building fortifications before engagement in Corinth.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Thomas S. Armstrong
Robert Hanson
June 22, 1862; Jackson, TNRobert tells Thomas about his week in Purdy, getting his foot ran over by a wagon and time in Bolivar.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Thomas S. Armstrong
Robert Hanson
July 12, 1862; Grand Junction, TNRobert asks Thomas to send women's clothing for him to sell.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
August 02, 1862; Bolivar, TNRobert describes a power struggle in the regiment that involves George; Colonel Leggett's leadership and attention to sick soldiers.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Jacob G. Armstrong
Robert Hanson
August 13, 1862; Bolivar, TNRobert asks Jacob to care for Colonel Leggett's mockingbird and expresses concern that Thomas will gain weight while enrolled in school.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
September 04, 1862; Jackson, TNRobert describes a recent skirmish and current conditions surrounding the regiment's encampment
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
November 01, 1862; Bolivar, TNRobert writes to Francis about the bad food poisoning some soldiers and how looking at photos and knowing they are prayed for helps the soldiers' resolve.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Jacob G. Armstrong
Robert Hanson
November 14, 1862; La Grange, TNRobert describes prisoners taken in that he feels surrendered out of exhaustion. He remarks on the complications managing a growing Brigade and the state of some local communities affected by the fighting.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
November 24, 1862; La Grange, TNAfter routing Rebels at Holly Springs, Robert writes the Brigade is in high spirits in La Grange. He considers the community of freed men near Grand Junction. The 78th has not paid its soldiers in 5 months and holiday furloughs are not likely.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
December 23, 1862; Oxford, MSRobert writes that the Brigade is 4 miles in advance of the Army of the Mississippi and without a direct supply line. The Brigade has "played smash" along its route, burning 16 bridges. A Sergeant copes with the death of his son.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
January 13, 1863; Lafayette, TNRobert writes of George's promotion to 1st Lieutenant of Mounted Infantry. While the camp is mobilizing for Vicksburg, severe weather and Colonel Leggett's resignation are affecting morale.