Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to Rebecca Frick
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.046 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: New Bern, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 January 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Explains that the delay in correspondence is probably due to the Northeastern storms occurring in the area of Cape Hatteras. Writes that despite not having any major battle news, the men have weekly encounters with the rebels from Washington and often bring back prisoners. Three to four hundred Confederate prisoners have been captured since Painter arrived in Washington, North Carolina. Discusses writing for a paper, possibly the "Danville Democrat."
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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