12 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Snake Creek Gap, Georgia. The regiment marched again and is currently working on roads for the army to march on. Writes that he thinks they are about five miles from the main body of the rebel army. The brigade took such a circuitous march that he had trouble keeping track of the distances and locations. Thinks there will be a raid tonight on the rebels near the railroad. Reports that a dispatch by General Joseph E. Johnston called on the city of Atlanta, Georgia for 30,000 volunteers was captured. The good news from the Army of the Potomac was read to them and they cheered. When…

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31 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written on the battle field near Dallas, Georgia. He explains that he is unsure of what effect the army has had on the war being in Georgia but hopes that it is good. Writes that they have had all the rations they can eat and keep several days worth in their haversacks. Notes that General William T. Sherman is with the army in Georgia. Reports that General Sherman was not afraid to go to the front with the skirmishers. The rebels leveled the log house that was the headquarters of Ward who commands their brigade. He writes that he celebrated his birthday on the battlefield and that part of the…

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16 May 1864- 2 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the Illinois 105th. States that he is in good health although he is worried about the casualties the Union army is sustaining. Writes that he is glad his mother worries less even though her feelings are natural. Part of the regiment was sent out on picket duty and to the skirmish line. Yesterday afternoon their corps were relieved from the center of the line. The rest of their corps has not reached them. He believes they are headed to Marietta, Georgia. Reports that there has been skirmishing all day and occasional artillery fire from the Union guns. He has heard reports…

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4 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written behind the breastworks of the Illinois 105th regiment. Reports that his regiment had received marching orders but it rained so hard they only marched a short distance. He marched with the regiment toward the left wing and then to the front where the 23rd Corp was already skirmishing with the enemy. In the breastworks the 23rd was supported by the 20th Corp waiting in the reserve line. His regiment was sent to the very end of the left wing to prevent the Union forces from being outflanked. The rebels were surprised by this and his regiment turned them "pretty sharply." Writes that…

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7 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. Explains that the mail has not gone out for a while because of the Battle of Resaca. He is glad to hear everyone at home is doing well. Writes that he hopes that when the fighting is done the war is over for good. He does not like the idea of all the political connections in the North as there are "so many candidates" for the 1864 elections. Expresses his continued support for Abraham Lincoln. He hopes that the North will unite in order to stop the rebellion and the war. He writes that the regiment is still marching around on the left wing…

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14 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He explains that they are still in the same camp as the last time he wrote. Writes that the Union artillery ha been shelling the rebels for two or three days but the effect of the shelling is not yet apparent. Reports on some of the recent casualties the corp has received.

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18 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He is glad that everyone is doing well and states that he is as well. Writes that he is unsure of exactly where the army is as they have marched on such a "crooked course" through Georgia. Reports that it is raining hard again and that the roads have turned to mud. Writes that the whole division advanced on the rebels who retreated to their breastwork. The regiment's skirmishers inflicted about 20 dead on the rebels. Yesterday morning they found that the rebels had retreated from their fortifications and were headed towards Atalanta, Georgia.…

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24 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He is unharmed and doing well. His corps, the 20th, has been joined by the 23rd Corps. Others have told him the corps are only a few miles from Marietta, Georgia. Reports that both armies are putting up strong breastworks within rifle range of each other. His brigade advanced against the rebels under fire from their works until they came into some thick woods. They got to within 40 feet of the rebel breastworks. Writes that the 4th Corps was engaged with the enemy in a "sharp" fight. The Confederates counterattacked but the Union's batteries…

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30 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He reports that he is in good health and still in the same location. He writes that his regiment has been relieved from the front lines and are now in the third line. He has washed his clothes and the regiment is getting some rest. Writes of a skirmish between the Confederate and Union pickets to their right, near the 23rd Corps. His regiment "sprung to their guns" in case the rebels broke through; hoping to pay the rebels back for the Battle of Resaca. The firing soon stopped and a quarter of the men were placed on guard duty and the rest…

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February 22, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes on the anniversary of Washington's birthday and likens his service as a soldier to those of Washington and his men. Strongly expresses his feelings against the rebels and their actions: " those ambitious madmen who are instigated by Beelzebub the chief of rebels, to destroy the fair fabric of our government and bury the republic and liberty along with that of Greece." Reports that there were loud cheers heard everywhere when the troops heard of the fall of Richmond. The actual fall of Richmond would occur in April 1865,…

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25 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he has send his aunt $100 and wishes her to write him upon receipt of the money. Reports that deserters continue to come in large numbers.

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26 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He has received orders to march but doesn't know the destination. Assures his sister that they have not abandoned the rebel capital, as troops from the Tenth Corps have been sent as replacements. Writes that the soldiers are angry with General Butler for not giving them proper credit for the capture of Fort Harrison. A note included on the docket reports that the men will be marching toward Richmond.

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29 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to colonel

Updates him on the recent "disastrous battle" fought; the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Writes that he has received the electoral tickets and found that some were not correct. Is wary of fake electoral tickets and will make sure that the soldiers are not deceived. Hopes that Lincoln wins in Pennsylvania. The building of the canal is progressing, though it will take approximately another six weeks to complete. Writes that the rebel line captured at Chaffin's Farm could not be held. Reports that deserters continue to come in.

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November 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Reports that Butler's canal is finished; torpedoes and mines will be laid in the canal. Discusses his Thanksgiving meal, which consisted of turkey, chicken, walnuts, and cranberries. Reports that the regiment has received one hundred recruits of which twenty have gone to Painter's company. Writes that he is no longer in the mail department because he received orders to report to his company for duty. Reports that Dr. Strawbridge, the medical director of the 18th Army Corps, was captured by rebels. Signs the letter as "Sgt. Heber Painter."

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20 November 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains of the constant rain and writes that he desires a good pair of boots, as he has been "enjoying the luxury of wet feet" for the past three days. Gives news of the arrival of General Early's troops. Writes that two hundred new Pennsylvania recruits joined the regiment, ten of which joined Company I. States that the company is improving in numbers with a total of 720 men.

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December 4, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that white troops from the 10th and 18th Army Corps and colored troops of the same will be consolidated to form one colored Corps and one white Corps. Feels that the new arrangement will not be as efficient because the colored troops need the morale of the white troops to inspire in them the confidence that they lack. Advantageously for the white troops, the new arrangement will force the colored troops to do picket and fatigue duties, which they have not done before. Reports that the canal is finished with the exception of…

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December 12, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Reports that poor weather of rain, sleet, and mud occurred during heavy fighting. Asks his sister to get him some boots from Mr. Becks. Writes that there has been a general movement of thousands of troops.

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December 23, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Reports that a large portion of the Army of the James has gone to sea, but he remains on land. Writes that he received a letter from Miss Lee informing him of the yellow fever epidemic that killed Painter's roommate and many others. Has issued an order to the company to have tents decorated with spruce for Christmas.

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December 31, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Reminisces about the past year and his fallen comrades. Is hopeful that the regiment will be able to return to Pennsylvania "to reap the fruits of war which is peace." Thanks Grant, Sherman, Thomas, and Sheridan for their victories and hopes that African Slavery will be "blotted from the institutions of the country as an evil not necessary to the peace but rather to the division of the country." Wishes his aunt and family many blessings for the new year.

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February 6, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he is quartering with Captain Collins and is honored to do so. Is happy to hear that his sister has become a Christian. Mentions that the Southern Commissioners met with President Lincoln. He has been given command of the company while Lieut. Birmingham is on a leave of absence.

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23 March 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that General Sheridan is getting rid of all unserviceable stock. Asks his sister to send him fifteen dollars, as he has not been paid and needs money.

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29 March 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his aunt]

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that the troops have moved from the south bank of the Pamunkey River to the north bank of the James River. Complains of a grueling three-day march accompanied by Sheridan's cavalry. Thinks that the Army is moving towards Petersburg. Thanks his aunt for his new outfit, which he just received.

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3 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he has escaped from fighting in the south of Richmond. Only two divisions of troops were left behind at the north of the James River; one a colored troop division and the other Painter's division. Includes a postscript note reporting that some severe explosions have been heard and two large fires spotted, one in the direction of Richmond and the other in Petersburg.

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4 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on the fall of Richmond and describes the streets of the city as being full of people cheering and playing music in celebration of the "conquering heroes." Writes that the city was burning and various explosions were happening when he arrived there. Comments that the people of the city are "resigned to their lot and submit to the national authority with good grace." The 3rd division, 24th Army Corps were the first to enter the city. Reports on a siege at Petersburg. Has written to his sisters and asks his aunt to tell…

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11 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Written two days after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomatox Court House. Describes the scene in Richmond a week after its fall. Criticizes Jefferson Davis' for fleeing after he called for the burning of Richmond. Writes that there were half starved children and women in Richmond whose food supplies had been cut off. Reports that the men in blue gave their food to begging children; an act which later reassured Richmonders that "they were among friends instead of enemies." Painter and his company had expected to encounter another struggle for the capitol after leaving Signal Hill, but…

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