Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Kate
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.035 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Washington, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Complains about the excessive heat and comments on the health of the soldiers. States that the men in New Bern are healthy, but those in Washington, Roanoke, and Plymouth have got chills and fever. Discusses his recent attack of fever, for which he took quinine. Writes that there has been no mail going north for the last ten days, which is why his sister hasn't received any correspondence from him. Reports that a colored regiment had just arrived, but doesn't know where they came from. He is very anxious to hear reports from General Meade's army. Jokingly mentions all the parties that his sister has been attending, stating that she "appears to be enjoying herself, notwithstanding the war times."
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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