Painter, Heber (1841-1900) [to his aunt]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.077 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Signal Hill, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 March 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that the troops have moved from the south bank of the Pamunkey River to the north bank of the James River. Complains of a grueling three-day march accompanied by Sheridan's cavalry. Thinks that the Army is moving towards Petersburg. Thanks his aunt for his new outfit, which he just received.
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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