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Monthly Archives: December 2012
Won’t muster as Illinois troops
This short letter is the first in the series written from William Beebe. He seems anxious to write to his parents and family because he, and brother Chester, just received their letter 15 minutes earlier. The letter is written January … Continue reading
Posted in William Beebe
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I don’t want to be in the Illinois Infantry
Once again, this is a double letter. Gideon writes a longer message while Chester adds a short note at the end. It is dated January 6, 1862. Gideon is unhappy about the plan to convert the mechanics and fusiliers regiment … Continue reading
Posted in Chester Beebe, Gideon Portman
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Two letters
There are two letters on a single sheet of paper, the first from Portman and the other from Chester Beebe. Both men address the letter, “Dear Sister.” Beebe, having married into the Portman family, also addresses his sister-in-law, Harriet Portman … Continue reading
Posted in Chester Beebe, Gideon Portman
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We have got as good a set of boys is our Company
In this second letter, Gideon writes to his sister Harriet Portman Lewis and lists all the local men who are in camp with him. He also reports that Chester Beebe has married one of their sisters, as if she is … Continue reading
Posted in Chester Beebe, Gideon Portman
Tagged 1st Regiment Mechanics & Fusiliers, Camp Douglas, Camp Webb, Chester Beebe, Gideon Portman, Leslie Salisbury
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I’ve enlisted
In this first letter in this series, Gideon Portman announces to his sister that he has enlisted in Colonel Wilson’s Mechanics regiment and is now in training at Camp Webb near Chicago. He is proud that he has done so … Continue reading
Posted in Gideon Portman
Tagged 1st Regiment Mechanics & Fusiliers, Camp Webb, Gideon Portman
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