4 April 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that it takes a long time for the letters to arrive at camp and to be sent out. Thinks that General William T. Sherman is unwilling to give up his line of communication. He does not think the army could survive in North Carolina in the summer. The sweet potatoes are their chief foraging food but they are starting to rot. He is glad that everyone at home is keeping up their courage. Writes that he thinks the war will be over soon or "this summer will be a repetition of last." He will not come home before he has served his time in the army. Does not think the army will keep him longer…

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13 April 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that his health is very good and mail leaves Raleigh, North Carolina for Goldsboro, North Carolina by rail. They have received the great news that Richmond, Virginia has been captured along with General Robert E. Lee's army. The camp cheered upon hearing the news. They are hopefully that General Joseph E. Johnston will soon surrender. When they marched out from Goldsboro it was very rainy and muddy. Writes that many men fell out of the march and even one man from the 70th dropped dead. He states that the regiment received news of Lee's surrender on 12 April. The advanced units of the…

GLC07460.119

circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that General Ward is commander of their division. He is in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 11th Army Corps. commanded by General Harvard [?] Harrison, who is a nephew of former United States President William Henry Harrison. Colonel Dustan does not like this and is trying to get the regiment enlisted as veterans. He has not re-enlisted yet as no one is sure if the regiment will go home on a furlough. Asks for a few items from home and writes that he has received a letter from his friend as well. He has yet to receive even a mark upon his face and tells the recipient[s] not to…

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16 August 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that most of the people of the town are beginning to reconcile with the "new state of things" with the exception of the women. There are many women left (many widows), but few men especially young men in the city. Writes that some of the officers have brought their wives and other female family members to Staunton. Is still acting as adjutant and commander of the company. Writes that he can collect pay as either adjutant or commander but not both, and decides to collect as commander. Does not know of Captain Johnson, who…

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30 August 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

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.…

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3 September 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he has not attended church since arriving in Staunton. He has been very busy working on monthly returns. There are still no signs of mustering out or getting leave of absence. Writes that the men indulge too much when they get paid.

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15 September 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that there is nothing to report from camp. Is disappointed that his sister Ella couldn't find the time to respond to his letter. Writes that he turned in a man to the Provost Marshall because the man's daughter was singing anti-Yankee songs. Tells her to ask their aunt for fifty dollars so that he can renew his wardrobe. Hopes that there is some chance of getting a leave of absence next month.

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27 September 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He has been given orders to act as inspecting officer of the sub-district which includes five counties. Writes that due to these orders, his expenses will increase and asks his aunt to send him another fifty dollars. Hopes that the regiment is either mustered out or paid off next month, as there are four months pay overdue.

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11 October 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that he is no longer Acting Adjutant but remains First Lieutenant. Writes that he has been in the service four years (he enlisted October 8th 1861). Currently making arrangements for winter quarters and plans to move into town from camp. Has heard that the regiment will no be mustered out until after January. Is unsure about whether he will go home on leave of absence for the winter or stay and rent a room in town. General Carrol has been given orders to withdraw all troops from the voting poll neighborhoods. Asks for…

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5 November 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Has just completed muster rolls and will be mustering out nine one-year soldiers who are the best in his company. Writes that the men are opposed to president Johnson's reconstruction policies and leniency on the rebels. Two men were imprisoned and charged $25 each for refusing to take off rebel buttons from their coats. Painter requests $50 to help with his wardrobe and rent expenses.

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19 November 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Writes that he has been appointed court recorder and Provost Marshall. Two military commissions will convene for two murder trials. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the upcoming Congressional meeting, which will determine whether soldiers will remain in service during the winter and if Southern congressmen will be admitted into Congress. He is not sure he will be able to go home anytime soon, as there is no chance of mustering out and a furlough would require an expensive trip home. Writes that if she sends him $100 dollars, he will apply for furlough.

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29 November 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that his company was ordered to go to Charlottesville but was then ordered to Louisa Court House to assume command of Louisa and Hanover counties. Writes that he is currently commander of two posts, Provost Marshall for two counties, and Superintendent of Freedmen for both [Louisa and Hanover counties].

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December 25, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he must stay in command of his post during the holidays in fear that there will be an insurrection by blacks. Writes that blacks and whites came together for Christmas, yet this has been the dullest Christmas he's ever had with the exception of last year. He will be very busy working on pay roll and other business for the end of the fourth quarter. Writes that he's been having much trouble with his freedmen duties and is on the brink of resigning.

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January 14, 1866

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that he has received orders to be mustered out of service. Plans to meet up with the regiment at City Point but hhas to stay behind temporarily. The other soldiers were sorry he had to remain and some wished to stay with him until he could leave.

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15 May 1865

Howe, John T., fl. 1836-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Heber Painter

Explains why he was unable to respond sooner to Painter's letter. He is overjoyed that the war has finally ended. Briefly discusses his feelings on Sherman allowing Johnson's army to return to their homes with their arms. Wishes good health to Painter. The letter is written on U.S. Christian Commission letterhead.

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December 3, 1860

Cook, Charles, fl. 1840-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: [certification of Heber Painter]

A letter certifying that Painter has served time as a printer's apprentice at the "Danville Democrat". It is also a recommendation letter for Heber to future employers.

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1 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that the army has finally stopped marching. He is very anxious to hear from her, and wonders how she and the baby are doing. States that if she does not get better soon he will come home to stay. Tells her not to borrow any money for him as he will be paid soon. Asks her to send his commission. Thinks that the army will be moving again shortly. The last journey was over "a thousand miles via cars and boats which took us about two weeks." Writes that the weather is worse here than in Michigan. States that the regiment was glad to get out of Virginia. Small piece of letter…

GLC03523.13.089

6 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. He wishes that his wife could have come with him when the army left Newport News, Virginia as she could have seen a great deal of the country. Writes that he is unsure where the army will go next, perhaps to the "back part of the state." Writes that he is sorry to hear his grandfather is not doing well and that he will come home if their baby does not get better soon. He will send money home as soon as he gets paid but he must wait to get his commission which he has asked his wife to send to him. States that by the first of…

GLC03523.13.090

9 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. Worries that he and many of the other officers in the regiment will not be paid for two months. As soon as he receives his commission from home he will ask for a leave of absence. He writes that he is mad at his wife for riding with Mr. Palmer and will discuss the matter with her when he comes home. There are reports that Charleston, South Carolina has been captured by Union forces. Writes that the army is advancing rapidly and that deserters are returning to the regiments. He thinks that the army will gain 100,000 men…

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13 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry. Sends his wife some portraits. He writes that the regiment expects to move soon. Writes that he is not feeling well but he is not so sick that he cannot report for duty. He has still not been paid or received his commission. Gives his love to their baby and their family and friends at home.

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16-17 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. He was very glad to receive her portrait but he was upset to hear that she had such poor things to say about her friends. Suggests that his wife finds another place to live if her friends continue to treat her so poorly. He does not think he will be able to come home soon and will be away until the first of June. Asked several of his superior officers if he could go home for a while and they all said no. He would like to be promoted once more before the war is over, but they are not expecting any battles soon. Reports…

GLC03523.13.093

24 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky to his wife. Writes that he is "officer of the day." He is sorry that their baby is unwell so frequently and hopes that as the baby gets older her health will improve. Writes that he is upset to hear that Eel is sick. He has heard rumors that the ten companies will be consolidated into five and that most of the officers -including him- will be mustered out. The colonel of his regiment told him that there are too many officers and there will be no money for new promotions. Notes that tomorrow it will be two years since he…

GLC03523.13.094

25 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on board the steamer [Majestic] on the Ohio River. He writes his wife that the regiment is on its way to the back part of the state. He has not heard from one of the lieutenants in regiment and assumes that the lieutenant was unable to get his pay or Wilkinson's pay. He is afraid that he will not get paid for over a month. Asks his wife to borrow him 100 dollars as he needs the money. Reports that he has changed divisions and paymasters. Thinks he is owed about 600 dollars worth of pay and that many other officers are owed money as well. Blames the paymasters and not the government…

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29 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on the Green River in Kentucky. He writes that they have marched 30 miles inland and are very far from any railroad station. Expects that they will soon march again but is unsure as to where they are headed. Writes that he has been sick for the past few days, the sickest he has been since joining the army. He thinks this area of the country very pleasant and states "the inhabitants are as wealthy as negro owners can get." Writes of the many different colors of the slaves. States that Colonel Humphry is now in command of the regiment. Humphry was a captain when he left Michigan but has…

GLC03523.13.096

8 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes a short letter to his wife that the regiment has moved and will move again. He is unsure of where they are headed. Thinks that they might be headed to Memphis, Tennessee but he is still not sure. Reports that he is feeling much better every day.

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