Charles Porterfield (1750 - 1780)

Born 1750 in Frederick, Virginia

Ancestors

Died 1780 at about age 30 in Charleston, South Carolina

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Marty Acks [send private message]

Biography

Charles Porterfield was born in 1750. He was the son of Charles Porterfield. He never married.^[1]

Some Marshall researchers mention Charles Porterfield was engaged to Elizabeth Marshall, daughter of future Supreme Court Justice Marshall. He was killed in battle before they could marry.^[1]

Revolutionary War Service

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Porterfield served with Virginia Line during the American Revolution.

1775 - Joined Daniel Morgan's company, that was raised in Frederick County. They immediately set out for Boston and then Quebec.^[1]

1775 December - While a sergeant, he served in the forces of Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at the Battle_of_Quebec_(1775). During the assault that began on December 31st, General Arnold reported that Charles Porterfields was first to scale the walls at Quebec. Lieutenant William Heth, reported that Charley showed great bravery in the attack on Quebec. Charles was among others who were taken prisoner and held or months at the Laval prison. By May 1776 he was in poor health and application was made for his liberty.^[1]

1777 January 10 - Charles was commissioned captain.^[1]

1777 September - Charles fought in the Battle of Brandywine. George Washington was in command. ^[1]

1777-1778 Winter. Charles, and his younger brother Robert, were in winter quarters at Valley Forge.^[1] One of their messmates was future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall.^[2]

1780 - He died of wounds received at the Battle of Camden.^[1]

As an officer in the Revolutionary War he was recognized by the Society of Cincinnati.^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Frank Burke Porterfield, The Porterfields (Roanoke, Virginia: Multiprint Inc, 1947), pp. 64-77, digital images, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89066246737;view=1up;seq=72, Hathi Trust Digital Library (https://babel.hathitrust.org: accessed 15 September 2022).
2. ↑ "Chapter II: Military Service", John Marshall Center, https://johnmarshallcenter.org/chapter-ii-military-service
3. ↑ "Officers Represented in the Society of the Cincinnati", The American Revolution Institute, https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/soldiers-and-sailors-of-the-revolutionary-war/officers-represented-in-the-society-of-the-cincinnati/