December 27, 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he spent Christmas on a boat in Washington, North Carolina with other soldiers, most of which were drunk. He had Christmas dinner with Phillip Forrester. Has befriended a widower in Washington who is originally from Pennsylvania. Writes that the company has re-enlisted for three years, but is unsure whether he will return. The regiment has taken thirty prisoners with their equipment, arms, and horses.

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January 17, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Explains that the delay in correspondence is probably due to the Northeastern storms occurring in the area of Cape Hatteras. Writes that despite not having any major battle news, the men have weekly encounters with the rebels from Washington and often bring back prisoners. Three to four hundred Confederate prisoners have been captured since Painter arrived in Washington, North Carolina. Discusses writing for a paper, possibly the "Danville Democrat."

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February 1, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that a battle is currently raging in New Bern and the Rebels are at an advantage. The rebels, advancing during the previous night from Kinston, opened fire on the Union soldiers at Batchelder's Creek. Various Union regiments have been driven back by the rebels. The townspeople and negroes are being armed in preparation for battle. He has heard rumor that the enemy force is at 15,000. A lieutenant colonel, officers, and soldiers have been lost. Reports that the river below Washington is blockaded. Continues writing 2…

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February 4, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Recounts the Battle at Batchelder's Creek. There was severe loss on both sides; 200-300 Confederates lost and about 1000 Union men lost at Newport Barracks. Reports that firing was heard in the direction of Washington, but does not know if Plymouth and Washington were attacked. The [Provost Marshal] armed and put blacks in the entrenchments while citizens patrolled the streets with arms. He has written to the portion of his family in Danville about the siege. Expects that he won't be going home anytime soon.

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March 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Has just arrived from Washington. Talks about the arrival of his new niece. Discusses the importance of happiness to a soldier: " it is his life, his health, his everything." An expedition to the interior was put on hold due to the desertion of three men. Reports a rumor that the 9th Army Corps will be coming to New Bern. States that the appointment of Grant has strengthened morale of the soldiers. Feels that the "fighting part" of the war will end this year.

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26 March 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Kate

Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a semi-weekly basis but was unable to this week due to a bad storm. Reports that the storm almost grounded the men in rebel country, but the anchors grounded the boat about 200 hundred yards from the shore. The men were able to return to New Berne and tried to sail to Washington again the following Thursday. Is hopeful that Grant will "sow the…

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January 12, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has not slept because of the rain. He states that the troops are without shelter and that the mud in the camp is up to his knees. Notes that there are rumors about the army returning to Washington, D.C. in a few days. Explains to his wife that if he does indeed go to Washington, D.C. she should come to visit him there and bring their baby. If the army does not go to Washington, D.C. he will try to obtain a leave of absence. Writes that a rebel deserter surrendered to him while he was on picket duty. The deserter told him that the Confederate army is now on half-…

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February 24, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife of the bad weather they have had recently. Thinks that many of the men would stay here but it does not feel like home to him. One of the regiment's captains has resigned and gone home. States that he will not use any of his political connection to gain a promotion. Expresses his desire to move to Oregon because the weather is warmer and there is land available. Thinks there is a chance that California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico might create a new Confederacy. Writes of his determination to move to Oregon.

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4 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is not feeling very well. States that he would give anything to see her and their baby. One of the lieutenants in his regiment is heading home and will try to get his and Frederick Wilkinson's pay from Washington, D.C. He will then send some of the pay to her. Expresses his desire for her to come and visit him. He even thinks that she will "enjoy the journey very much." Notes that if his wife wants silk he can get some good silk for one dollar a yard. Writes that he has received Eel's letter. States that the weather is "very changeable" and differs greatly from day…

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29 May 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on a long skirmish involving Union forces, 175 prisoners, and some equipment including a "splendid set of surgical instruments." Gives a detailed description of a surprise attack on rebel forces and news that Col. [John Richter] Jones had been killed. Writes that a general gloom came over the regiment upon seeing Jones' body coming up the road in a stretcher. High military honors were paid to Jones by General Foster and the town's flags were set at half mast for three days. He has written an account of the recent fight…

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19 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Writes that there will be no mail going north for the next week, so he is taking the opportunity to write before the last ship leaves so as to relieve his family of any worries regarding his welfare. Reports that many of the men in the company are sick with malaria, including Lieutenant Birmingham and Captain Jackson. Also reports that Major General Peck is now in command of the department. Discusses the change in weather. The department has been relatively quiet except for the capture of five cavalrymen across the river from camp. There was another attempt to capture some soldiers in…

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19 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Rebecca Frick]

Updates his aunt on the letters he's written home. Writes that the weather is changing and becoming cooler. Reports the same news to his aunt as he does to his sister Anna in the previous letter. States that he could really use some gentian bitters, which would help during the current climate and season.

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31 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Reports that after Charleston, South Carolina is occupied, there are plans to move on to Wilmington, North Carolina. Writes that Captain Jackson has left for the north to bring back conscripts for the regiment.

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26 September 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes riding on the steamer Thos. Collyer and the pleasure of feeling a cool breeze after being in the hot and dirty streets of New Berne. Also wishes that his Aunt and sister Anna could be with him. Reports of rumors that Longstreet is going to attack New Bern. Feels that Longstreet will be no more successful than A.P. Hill. Believes that if any activity occurs, it will be in Wilmington. Hopes that the Army of the Potomac gets some action during the current good weather. Reports that the health of the company is slowly…

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17 October 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he arrived at New Berne this morning. Reports that an expedition went to Elizabeth City and but didn't accomplish much there. Also reports that deserters are coming in daily at a great number. Hopes to hear good news regarding the election of Governor Curtin (Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania).

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December 2, 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that in addition to being paid, he was able to collect money owed to him and is therefore enclosing one hundred dollars (the one hundred dollars is not included with the letter).

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11 May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Reports that the company landed at City Point on the evening of 5 May and started towards Petersburg early the next day. There was some fighting between Confederate and Union forces consisting of 9th New Jersey and 27th Massachusetts. The following day Confederate forces attacked Painter's picket during the night of which all but eleven were killed and wounded. The soldiers were once again met with battle on Monday the 9 May. The following morning they advanced to the Petersburg and Richmond railroad of which they tore up a large part; fighting resumed and positions were held until 6 pm…

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26 May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some skirmishing occurred. Also reports that Colonel Dutton of the 21st Connecticut was seriously wounded while taking a survey of rebel works. Writes that the colonel is a highly regarded man amongst the soldiers. Believes that Butler will not be able to make any moves until Grant is able to reinforce him or has driven Lee into Richmond. States that…

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May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that he is stiff and sore from a seventeen-mile march from Cold Harbor to Whitehouse. Updates his aunt on the locations of the various corps. Reports on rumors that the 18th corps will be going back to Bermuda Hundred and the rest will be making another one of Grant's flanks towards the north bank of the James River. the men were met by calls and taunts from the enemy and responded with "volies of musketry, grape, camister, and shrapinel." Is looking forward to moving to a new camp, possibly in the North or South of the…

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29 May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that the forces are withdrawing from the south bank of the James River and believes they will be returning to Whitehouse on the York River or possibly New Bern. States that he and the company are healthy.

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14 August 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Writes from Camp Jones that he is currently on furlough. Writes that due to the negligence of the officers, the men are still at Camp Jones with nothing to do. Reports that John Hardman, a man in his company, died from bad whiskey and excessive heat. Says that he is able to go into the city on mail business and return at his leisure, but finds Philadelphia to be a disagreeable place. Will send money home once he is paid. Most of the men are present at camp with a few exceptions. Those that do not return by tomorrow will be considered deserters.

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20 August 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he has been relieved of his postmaster duties and assigned to recruiting services. Complains that the sixteen dollars a month he'll receive in recruiting services will not be enough. Expects to remain in Philadelphia a few more weeks. Some of the men have left the camp for home on a "French furlough" or absence without permission. Reports that the regiment is expected to leave for the Army the following Monday, but he is highly doubtful that it will actually happen. Hopes that the draft trouble in Columbia County serves as a warning to other communities. Requests that his…

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12 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he received a letter from their sister Ella in Danville. Reports that the men are getting ready for the fall campaign. Picket duty is hard on the men who perform picket and fatigue duty on alternating days.

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22 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or make them wise. Was surprised to hear that N.F. Lightner, Esq. had joined the Grand Army of the Union. Reports that Grant is receiving reinforcements daily and in large numbers. Recounts a brief interaction between a Confederate and a Union soldier regarding some stray cattle. Reports that there is no news from the Army of the James.

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28 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Has received orders to march at a moment's notice, but does not know where the men are marching to. The regiment is relieved by green troops, which consists of the 209th 211th, and 207th Pennsylvania. He hopes to be back to Bermuda Hundred after they've done what they have been sent to do. Includes a postscript reporting that the soldiers will cross the James River and "give you a good Union victory."

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