At the time of his enlistment with the 78th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, George Washington Porter (1838-1888) was a school teacher. He was commissioned an officer in Company B and quickly demonstrated an aptitude for military leadership. Thomas and the other soldiers in Company B write frequently of his valor in combat and comfort issuing orders. By September 1862, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. The following spring, he detached from the 78th to become Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General Mortimer Dormer Leggett. George would serve in the role throughout the XVII Corps's involvement in the Atlanta Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea. To the extent that he could divulge information about his division's itinerary, he wrote dutifully to his sister Francis about his travels and experiences. His letters spare few details about the dangers he encountered and the tenets of his moral and political convictions. He was mustered out on July 11th, 1865, whereupon he settled in Clinton, Illinois, near the rest of the Porter family, with his partner Grace.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
February 01, 1862; Fort Donelson, TNAn unattached note from George to Francis to keep his sent letters secure for him.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
March 03, 1862; Fort Donelson, TNIn the aftermath of the battle, George describes the dynamic between the Union army and the nearby communities "in the heart of Secesh." He expects the regiment will be heading up river to Nashville.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
March 23, 1862; Crumps Landing, TNGeorge talks about regiments gathering near Corinth, Mississippi in preparation for a "big fight," requests letters from friends and family.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
April 12, 1862; Pittsburgh Landing, TNGeorge provides a detailed account of the 78th OVI's involvement in the Battle of Shiloh.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
May 02, 1862; Corinth, TNGeorge warns Francis not to marry Thomas because he suspects Thomas has Consumption.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
May 09, 1862; Camp Leggett (Corinth, TN)George writes three men in his Company have died, and that "a sick man stands slim chance in the Army." His Company left Pittsburgh Landing or Shiloh Plains April 5th, and Thomas will remain with them until after the battle at Corinth.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
July 08, 1862; Grand Junction, TNGeorge discusses the issues the regiment is having defending against Jackson's cavalry ambushes. A local citizen faces punishment from Colonel Leggett for swearing an oath of loyalty to the Union in bad faith.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
August 07, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge tells his sister Francis he believes he will be 1st Lieutenant soon, advises against his brother John Porter enlisting, and asks Francis not to marry prematurely.
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Letter from George W. Porter to John Porter
George W. Porter
August 09, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge sends a letter home with 1st Lieutenant David Sherrard, whom he praises highly, asks his father to dispose of his papers and includes personal notes to siblings Josy, Will, Joseph, and Johnny.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
August 24, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge tells of a Union meeting near camp that some fellow soldiers scouted, implores the women from home to wait to marry until the war is over.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
September 08, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge encourages Francis to write to him, shares a brief account of recent combat, and considers the consequences of a possible draft.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 24, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge reacts to an ongoing accusation of dishonesty by some relations to the Porter family and requests that Francis keep close watch on his collection of letters
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
November 18, 1862; La Grange, TNGeorge asks Francis about the Porter family's move to Illinois and expresses doubt about leaving the front for home in the current winter. He offers teaching advice to Francis.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
December 08, 1862; Oxford, MSGeorge writes the Regiment has taken many prisoners and he is optimisitc that the war will be over by the first of April. He advises Francis be cautious with Robert Hanson as he is fond of drinking.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
February 25, 1863; Providence, LAGeorge is asking Francis for news from home, shares he is serving as Aide de Camp to Colonel Leggett.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
March 14, 1863; Lake Providence, LAGeorge asks his family to write more often and to "never wait an answer." He regrets that Thomas has not written back and worries about his marriage prospects when he gets to return home.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
April 03, 1863; Lake Provident, LAGeorge is in line for an official promotion to Aide de Camp to Colonel Leggett. He describes an incident dealing with a sutler smuggling alcohol to soldiers. Robert Hanson is in poor health.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
April 19, 1863; Millikins Bend, LAGeorge describes how his camp faired during a big storm and his interactions with soldiers from other companies that have gathered there.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
May 06, 1863; Big Black, MSGeorge tells Francis of his declining the Colonelcy of the 11th Louisiana Regiment of African descent.
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Letter from George W. Porter to R.R. Towns
George W. Porter
May 06, 1863; Near Big Black, MSGeorge withdraws his candidacy for a Colonelcy of the 11th Louisiana Regiment of African descent and provides his reasoning.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 17, 1863; Near Vicksburg, MSGeorge provides an account of the regiment's fighting leading up to the Siege of Vicksburg. He describes the Union army's fortifications, sapping tactics, and encounters with enemy sharpshooters.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 27, 1863; Rear of Vicksburg, MSGeorge details the demolition of a fort in Vicksburg and the bloodshed of the ensuing charges incurred by the Union regiments. He requests that his body be buried wherever the Porter family is situated.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
July 09, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge contemplates his good fortune to have survived so much combat and offers his sister Francis consolation for her anxiety about him. George describes the aftermath of victory at Vicksburg.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Jacob G. Armstrong
George W. Porter
September 08, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge takes stock of his commitment to the Union cause after taking part in "five hard fought battles." He asks after Thomas upon learning he is imprisoned.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
September 12, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge writes to Francis of Thomas's imprisonment and some possible command posts for George's superior, General Leggett.