Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to Rebecca Frick
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.019 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Portsmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
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. Complains of a weak stomach due to the hot weather, but is otherwise fine. He also tells his aunt that he uses Jamaican ginger to calm his stomach. Writes that the water quality is poor and that he would "rather have a good drink out of some of the springs of old Pennsylvania." Kiddingly asks his aunt about his sister Ella: "is she still in the land of the living. If so, I would be pleased to hear from her." A postscript note states that he hopes his sister Ella will pay attention to the subject of his aunt's last letter regarding a visit of Mr. Lightner.
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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