Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.018 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Portsmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 June 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
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. Speaks of the continuous good news of the successes of the Union arms, which gives the soldiers hope that they will be able to return home soon. The soldiers are anxious to hear reports of the Battle of Yorktown and the Secretary of War has authorized raising a Union regiment in Portsmouth.
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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