Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to his sister Kate
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.050 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: New Bern, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a semi-weekly basis but was unable to this week due to a bad storm. Reports that the storm almost grounded the men in rebel country, but the anchors grounded the boat about 200 hundred yards from the shore. The men were able to return to New Berne and tried to sail to Washington again the following Thursday. Is hopeful that Grant will "sow the seeds of defeat, and demoralization and victory in the sunny south." Reports that Lincoln's 200,000 new soldiers will be ready to fight by the end of the spring. States that everyone is getting tired of the war including the rebels. A cavalry expedition was ready to set off, but was postponed due to 3 men from 12th New York deserting.
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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