Civil War.ABAA
Civil War.ABAA
Manuscript Letter from General Andrew Porter to Captain William W. Averell.
1861104033<p>Folded letter sheet 2 1/2 pages of text with original mailing envelope no stamp. Light wear normal aging legible hand; overall near fine. General Andrew Porter 1820-1872 was born in Pennsylvania and was the grandson of Revolutionary War General Andrew Porter. Porter was also related to Mary Todd Lincoln. He served in the Mexican War and was a Brigadier General at the Battle of Bull Run. Porter was appointed Provost Marshall General of the Army of the Potomac in 1862 and left the service in 1864 for health reasons. This letter to Captain William Averell appears to be written in somewhat secretive style. He tells Averell to mail a letter to a Mrs. P. that is under a newspaper. " I will return when it is safe to leave Mrs. P. or sooner if pub." He tells the captain to "please telegraph me at once if anything of importance turns up or I am needed with the command." He goes on to tell Averell keep the s pol.service with us. Much reputation is to be gained by carrying it on or aiding it successfully. This is probably a reference to the Secret Police that was headed by Allan Pinkerton at that time and who were very busy hunting down Confederate spies at that time. He also talks a little about other military matters including a troop build-up in Philadelphia. find a grave website.</p> books
