Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Kate
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.052 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some skirmishing occurred. Also reports that Colonel Dutton of the 21st Connecticut was seriously wounded while taking a survey of rebel works. Writes that the colonel is a highly regarded man amongst the soldiers. Believes that Butler will not be able to make any moves until Grant is able to reinforce him or has driven Lee into Richmond. States that some are worried that Lee will fall back to Richmond, reinforce Beauregard, and drive Butler into the James River or capture him. Says that the Union works at the James are strong and well defended. Hopes that his sister has fully recovered from her illness.
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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