Category Archives: Gideon Portman

Gideon is Dead

Camp near Brentwood March 15th/63   Dear Sister and Friends I received a line from you to Gid I read it and will now try and answer it Gideon is dead he died in Feb the 27th with the Chronic … Continue reading

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I am in the regimental hospital

Febuary 23th 1863 Brentwood Ten Dear Sister I now seat my self to write a few lines in answer to yours which I received in due time and was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you … Continue reading

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Family News

Brady Jan 23 – 63 Dear Sister and Friends I will try and write you a few lines to let you know that we are all well and hope this will find you the same it is raining here to … Continue reading

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I am well and fat and look rather rough

Camp near Danville Ky Jan 12   Dear Sister I will write a few lines to you I am well and fat and look rather rough I will if you will permit me to send you a dollar in this … Continue reading

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I am on guard to day

Camp Granger Lexington November 1 1862   Dear Sister I received your letter last night and was glad to hear that you was well but sory[sic] for Georges misfortunes but hope it will not injure him I am not very … Continue reading

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I am a Soldier in the 19th regt. of Mich

Covington Oct. 16 1862 Dear Sister after a long time I will endeavor to pen a few lines to let you know that I am a Soldier in the 19th regt. of Mich. and we are camped in Covington Kentucky … Continue reading

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We were humbuged

Camp Douglas Jan 24 62   Dear Sister I received your kind letter and was glad to hear that you was well and that Edmond was better you spoke about our troubles we have had a great deal of it … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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