Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Ella
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.088 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Staunton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 August 1865 Pagination: 8 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that the young women of Staunton are pretty, but hate Yankees. Mentions that the major's sister was treated unkindly by Southern women at Church. Reports that he met Major General Curtis (the hero of Ft. Fisher) and was told that there was no chance of getting out of the service. The men are all anxious to get home. He writes thatmany veterans have deserted. Made a list and came up with a total of fifty-five men that have deserted, four from his own company. Writes that he has sent home $400. Will try to find Capt. Jackson for his aunt. Hopes to be mustered out as captain. Tough orders will be imposed upon liquor sellers. The last page is cross written.
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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