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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to his sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.016 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Portsmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 May 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

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. Describes the prisoners as "ragged, dirty, and half starved" and states that "their appearance is well calculated to draw forth the sympathy rather than the hatred of the well clad Union soldier." Comments on the girls of the village near the camp and points out that the village as a whole is rather homely. Reports that the soldiers have heard of the defeat of General Banks (most likely at the Battle of Winchester). States that the Yankees are not easily scared (by the rebels) especially when they are behind "such entrenchments as these." He is able to read the paper now that the captain is subscribing to it. Sends his love and regards to family and friends. The last page is cross written.

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.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

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