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
October 22, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge describes a skirmish that took place over 5 days, including a "narrow escape" from an ambush.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 28, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge responds to Francis's updates from Clinton and her teaching position.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Jacob G. Armstrong
George W. Porter
October 29, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge offers his thoughts on Jacob's ill-fated "Kansas expedition" and discusses the recent skirmishes he participated in near Canton, Mississippi.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
November 20, 1863; Vicksburg, MSGeorge lays out challenges to his being promoted to a field officer in the 78th OVI and speaks of the foods available to the camp in Vicksburg.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
January 19, 1864; Vicksburg, MSGeorge writes of his distress that a Mrs. Sherrard is having financial hardship. He describes corresponding with Hanie Caldwell and mulls leaving camp with the 78th OVI when they are furloughed.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
January 20, 1864; Vicksburg, MSGeorge recounts how he spent the Christmas holiday. He thinks it foolish that soldiers have been marrying locals while at camp.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
January 29, 1864; Vicksburg, MSGeorge considers his employment and living options once the war is over; mentions interactions he has had with women in Vicksburg.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
May 03, 1864; Cairo, ILGeorge remarks on his visit home on furlough and his interest in marriage and settling down.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 09, 1864; Ackworth, GAGeorge sends his regards to Thomas and tells Francis he anticipates a "big fight" with Confederates fortified nearby.
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Letter from George W. Porter to J.J. Kelly
George W. Porter
September 22, 1864; Near Atlanta, GAGeorge mulls a captain's commission that would extend his term of service for three more years.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Amanda Porter
George W. Porter
September 24, 1864; Near Atlanta, GARather than re-up, George reports to his mother his plans to resign at the end of his term of service in 2 months.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
September 28, 1864; Near Atlanta, GAGeorge justifies his decision not to re-up; describes the aftermath of a battlefield outside Atlanta.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 17, 1864; Near Villanow, GAGeorge provides an account of his brief capture by Confederate soldiers near Rome, Georgia.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 22, 1864; Near Gaylesville, ALGeorge intends to get home next month at the end of his third year of service.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 31, 1864; Cave Springs, GAGeorge informs Francis that he perceives a disparity between his letters home and letters received. While a captive, John W.A. Gillespie spotted Thomas in Charleston, South Carolina.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
January 11, 1865; Beaufort, SCGeorge expresses concern about Francis's health. The date marks three years since the organization of the 78th OVI. George will go on a reconnoitering expedition the following day.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
May 19, 1865; Washington, DCGeorge believes he will be mustered out after the "grand review" procession. He has decided not to join the Regular Army due to his family's protests.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 01, 1865; Near Washington, DCGeorge informs Francis that Thomas's Corps is traveling to Washington. He urges Francis to buy government livestock and reports on a party attended by several Union Generals.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 15, 1865; Near Louisville, KYGeorge considers his employment options when he returns home.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
June 26, 1865; Near Louisville, KYGeorge requests news from home.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
July 06, 1865; Near Louisville, KYGeorge reports that the Army of the Tennessee will be mustered out in its entirety. He intends to head home with the 78th OVI.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 28, 1866; Clinton, ILGeorge describes his current lot in Clinton and his interest in buying a property there. George speculates about John Logan's electoral fortunes.