Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to his aunt
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.047 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: New Bern, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 February 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that a battle is currently raging in New Bern and the Rebels are at an advantage. The rebels, advancing during the previous night from Kinston, opened fire on the Union soldiers at Batchelder's Creek. Various Union regiments have been driven back by the rebels. The townspeople and negroes are being armed in preparation for battle. He has heard rumor that the enemy force is at 15,000. A lieutenant colonel, officers, and soldiers have been lost. Reports that the river below Washington is blockaded. Continues writing 2 February and reports that the rebels have attacked and destroyed the gunboat "Underwriter." Suspects that the rebels will try to take New Bern but is doubtful that they will succeed. Asks his aunt to not be concerned for him.
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.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.