Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to Rebecca Frick
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.062 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Bermuda Hundred, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 October 1864 Pagination: 6 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Mentions that he is thankful to be alive and in good health. Reports that fifteen men from his company were wounded or killed at the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Names and describes some of the men wounded and lost in the battle, including Corporal Housewearst, who was considered the pride of the company. Writes that General Butler has sent Major Winn to Harrisburg for more recruits to "fill up" the regiment.
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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