Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Kate
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.032 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Batchelder's Creek, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Believes that the rebel forces at Kinston, North Carolina have moved to assist Lee in suppressing the advancement of the Grand Army of the Potomac. He has heard news that the rebels have "held their ground" in two days of fighting and have captured 5,000 prisoners. Writes "we have just begun to see the rough side of war" and relays the stories of two Southern families whose homes were taken over by Union soldiers and were forced out. Reports that there is rumor of General Hooker re-crossing the Rappahannock River with greater loss than General Burnside. Expresses his concern of the effect of this news on the Army. Says that he would not be discouraged if Lee took over Washington.
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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