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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 Rebecca Frick

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.034 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Washington, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he is still in Washington and has not done much fighting recently. Discusses a position for which he applied, stating that he won't be disappointed if he doesn't get it but could use the increase in pay. Reports that General Foster has raided North Carolina and brought in a number of prisoners and horses. States that many Union men in North Carolina are trying to bring the state back to its old allegiance. Feels that if all the rebels are driven out of Virginia, North Carolina will return to the Union. Reports that their "darky brigade" left New Bern in great haste, probably for Charleston. Comments that the colored troops were not supplied with a "due proportion of other branches." Hopes that General Meade does away with the army of Virginia. Reports that General Foster has returned to Fort Monroe. Also reports that the company is fine but the morale is low since the Captain left. He hopes that once Lieutenant Jackson receives his commission as captain, he will be able to improve morale.

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
Frick, Rebecca, fl. 1803-1862

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