Joseph C. Porter

Joseph C. Porter
BornSeptember 12, 1809
Jessamine County, Kentucky
DiedFebruary 18, 1863(1863-02-18) (aged 53)
Batesville, Arkansas
Allegiance Confederate States of America
 Missouri
Service / branch Missouri State Guard
 Confederate States Army
Rank Colonel
Commands1st Northeast Missouri Cavalry
Porter's Brigade
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War

Joseph Chrisman Porter (12 September 1809 – 18 February 1863) was a Confederate officer in the American Civil War, a key leader in the guerrilla campaigns in northern Missouri, and a figure of controversy. The main source for his history, Joseph A. Mudd (see below) is clearly an apologist; his opponents take a less charitable view of him, and his chief adversary, Union Colonel John McNeil, regarded him simply as a bushwacker and traitor, though his service under General John S. Marmaduke in the Springfield campaign ("Marmaduke's First Raid") and following clearly shows he was regarded as a regular officer by the Confederacy.