Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900) to sister Ella
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.001 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 December 1860 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
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."
Before joining the service, Painter was a trained printer from Danville, Pennsylvania. He was mustered as a private into F Company of the 58th Pennsylvania infantry on 8 October 1861 and transferred to I Company on 1 March 1862. While in I Company, he was promoted to Sergeant and eventually mustered out on 21 January 1866 as First Lieutenant. Painter also held a post as Quartermaster's clerk, and performed freedman duties shortly after the war ended.
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