I do not know how many uniforms Lewis Porter made up. Nine hundred to a thousand or so would be a good guess for the 3rd Regiment. Porter was an important business man he may have tried to secure other contracts. He may have provided items to Wisconsin, Minnesota or other States. Grand Rapids has ties with Wisconsin cities and Chicago because of the ease of transportation. It was quicker and cheaper to trade with Wisconsin and Chicago by water than by rail with Detroit and eastern cities. I am not sure on what war items Grand Rapids made. I do know that many wagons for Michigan troops were made at Jackson Prison. The newspapers for Grand Rapids and Jackson might contain something on wagon wheels. Chicago newspapers might have information as well. I have not researched these subjects.

Bill Carr