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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Kate

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.083 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Manchester, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 May 1865 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25. x 20 cm. Order a Copy

He is happy to hear that his aunt and uncle may be visiting Richmond, but warns her that the city is in shambles. Writes that his name was forwarded for recognition for meritorious conduct. Asks that his sister not mention the news to anyone, as he was told the news in confidence. Sends his regards to Miss Sallie and hopes to see her soon. Hopes that the matrimony of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart is a union in peace.

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.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900
Painter, Catherine, fl. 1844-1870

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