Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

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20 December 1860

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Written on the day South Carolina seceded from the Union. Jokingly writes that he dreamt of being at a party with agreeable young ladies, but was abruptly awakened when he fell off his chair. Reports of strong Union feelings in Washington City amidst the secession of South Carolina. States that he infrequently visits the White House and has yet to see the East Room. He has received an invitation to visit Senator Simon Cameron, but has yet to reply. Complains of poor weather and asks Ellen to forgive him for such an "uninteresting letter."

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25 December 1860

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Letter is entitled "My Christmas gift to Kate". Describes his walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the Christmas shopping season. Visits the navy yard and barracks with his friend Russ and remarks that Uncle Sam does not consider Christmas a holiday, as soldiers were on duty Christmas morning. States that there are many printers in the city without jobs. Reports that "the South Carolina delegation withdrew very quietly."

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1860-1866

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Header Record

Title: Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry [Decimalized .001-.182]

The collection mostly consists of correspondence from Painter to his aunt and sisters. His letters contain descriptions of camp life, his feelings towards slavery, and anti-Yankee sentiment in Virginia shortly after the war. More specifically he witnesses fighting between the Monitor and Merrimac, the Battle at Batchelder's Creek, the Battle of Fort Harrison/Chaffin's Farm, the fall of Richmond, and the Union occupation of Petersburg. A collection inventory is available.

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14 January 1861

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

States that there is a growing number of disunionists in the city: "the disease is evidently beyond the control of mortal man." Fears that Washington City will be stormed if Virginia and Maryland secede. Reports that the ship "The Brooklyn" has left for Charleston and is one of the most effective ships in the service. Expresses his dislike for a speech given by Senator William H. Seward which Painter attended. Despite his personal opinion, the speech was well received by the public.

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20 April 1861

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Johnny and Heber Buyers

Letter addressed to his nephews, Johnny and Heber. He wishes he could see them more often. Tells his nephew to be kind to the new baby so as to set a good example. Reports that the boys' father is doing well and sends his love.

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6 December 1861

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Rebecca Frick]

Writes to his aunt, describing life at Camp Curtain. Reports that he is comfortable and should have no problem getting accustomed to camp life.

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27 December 1861

Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Reports that he has a slight cold. Asks his sister to thank their aunt for the good advice contained in her letter to him. Hopes that the war will not last long and is quite sure that England will be getting involved soon. Describes his Christmas dinner as consisting of cold beef, bread, and crackers.

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1861-1865

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Document signed

Title: Quarterly return of ordnance and ordnance stores

Includes returns for the fourth quarter for Company I, 58th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Heber Painter.

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1861-1865

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Document signed

Title: Abstract of materials

Includes materials expended or consumed in I Company, 58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry during the second quarter, 1865.

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1861-1865

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Document signed

Title: Abstract of materials

Includes materials expended or consumed in I Company, 58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry during the third quarter, 1865.

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1861-1865

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Document signed

Title: Abstract of materials

Includes materials expended or consumed in I Company, 58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry during the fourth quarter, 1865.

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1861-1865

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Document signed

Title: Abstract of materials

Includes materials expended or consumed in I Company, 58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry during the first quarter, 1866.

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no date

Painter, Heber (1841- 1900)

Document signed

Title: [Receipt for clothing issued]

Includes clothes issued to I Company, 58th Pennsylvania Volunteers commanded by 1st Lieutenant Heber Painter. Witnessed by William H. Blair, 1st Sergeant. Lists specific articles of clothing recieved. Docket outlines the allowance of clothing given to each man yearly as established by the Secretary of War.

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March 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains of the dreary weather, which has brought down his spirits. Asks his sister to thank their aunt for the extra stamps she sent with her last letter, as stamps are very scarce and difficult for soldiers to obtain. States that Camp Hamilton is a "rebeldom" where soldiers have to sleep with their shoes on and guns closely by them. Mentions the Monitor and the Merrimac and states that if not for the Monitor, the Merrimac would have continued North. Reports that he had the pleasure of seeing General Wool during battalion drill.

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27 March 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Has just learned of a general order to stop outgoing mail but assures his sister that her mail to him will still be received. Advises her to be alert of any news from Big Bethel, Yorktown, Sewel's Point, Norfolk and Richmond. Reports that General Wool had a grand review of the troops.

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6 April 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Reports on the bombardment of Yorktown, which is about twenty miles from Camp Hamilton. Discusses the second lieutenant's report of Yorktown, stating that the rebels were completely surrounded by General McClellan. Complains of a sore throat, but is otherwise well. Includes instructions to destroy the letter.

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13 April 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

States that the soldiers were paid recently and that most of the men sent their money home. Describes watching the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) capture three vessels within 200 yards of a land battery. Writes in detail an encounter between the USS Monitor and the Merrimac, where the Stevens Battery opened fire and the Merrimac, after shooting back, retired up the Elizabeth River. Reports that General McClellan may call on General Wool for reinforcement in Yorktown. Feels that the Battle of Yorktown will be the greatest to day with 100,000 men on each army.

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20 April 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Ella]

Reprimands his sister for not answering all his letters and tells her that composition is a very important part of her education. Asks his sister to remember him to a certain Mollie M. whom he feels would make an interesting correspondent for him. Reports that his captain is suffering from boils and is unfit for duty but will be fine in a few days. Also reports that the Merrimac has not reappeared and that the troops at Newport News have been sent on to Yorktown.

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30 April 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Kate]

Commends her on her improvement in school under a new teacher. Feels strongly about having his sister properly educated and encourages her to persevere in her studies. Writes that no furloughs for illness or business are being granted for the men in his division. Anticipates a third appearance from the Merrimac when the weather improves. Reports that the steamer Vanderbilt will cooperate with the Monitor to capture the Merrimac and that he will remain at camp until the Merrimac is taken.

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4 May 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Writes from Camp Hamilton, Fortress Monroe, Virginia (present day, Hampton, Virginia). Letter addressed to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick or Rebecca Frick. Writes that he received an interesting issue of the Danville Democrat. Reports that McClellan was in possession of Yorktown though he feels that the capture could have been more effectively carried out. Also reports that the Merrimac made another appearance but no fighting took place.

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25 May 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that Suffolk, Virginia is not occupied by the troops yet. The Gosport Navy Yard has been destroyed except for some walls that are still standing. States that the women are becoming more accustomed to the sight of "Yankee soldier boys." Writes that the residents of Norfolk are stronger secessionists than those of Portsmouth. Reports of rumors that Richmond has been captured with 20,000 prisoners. Complains of inaccessibility to news mostly due to General Wool's prohibition of newspapers.

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30 May 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that camp has moved from [Gosport Navy Yard] and complains of the condition of the grounds upon arrival. Discusses the number of Confederate prisoners that are being taken and their willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the national government.

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June 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia that he received his sister's letter and was happy to hear from her. Also writes that he sent home a sum of thirty dollars in a package sent along with the Captain. Refers to General McClellan as the "Napoleon of America." Describes a recent visit to a local church in Portsmouth where he was impressed by the furnishings but not by the orator of the service. He explains that the orator skipped over the prayer for the president and that he and his congregation were decidedly secessionists.

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12 June 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that everyone is enjoying good health. Writes that the company has not officially heard from the new chief. States that there are many New York militia regiments who will probably be taking the place of the volunteers. Also reports that a number of regiments from his division have left for Richmond to reinforce McClellan. Writes that the soldiers were anticipating "a little fun" with the rebels but the rebels never showed up.

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21 June 1862

Painter, Heber (1841-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that things have been quiet for the most part except for the capture of rebel mail some days ago. His present quarters are acceptable and he does not know how long he will be in the present location. States that there is rumor of marching to Whitehouse (Virginia) or Suffolk, but he thinks they will stay put until "affairs at Richmond are settled." Writes that the weather has been warm and can be trying when marching long hours under the sun.

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