10 May 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

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…

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1 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he is still in Washington and has not done much fighting recently. Discusses a position for which he applied, stating that he won't be disappointed if he doesn't get it but could use the increase in pay. Reports that General Foster has raided North Carolina and brought in a number of prisoners and horses. States that many Union men in North Carolina are trying to bring the state back to its old allegiance. Feels that if all the rebels are driven out of Virginia, North Carolina will return to the Union. Reports that…

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10 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains about the excessive heat and comments on the health of the soldiers. States that the men in New Bern are healthy, but those in Washington, Roanoke, and Plymouth have got chills and fever. Discusses his recent attack of fever, for which he took quinine. Writes that there has been no mail going north for the last ten days, which is why his sister hasn't received any correspondence from him. Reports that a colored regiment had just arrived, but doesn't know where they came from. He is very anxious to hear reports from General Meade's army. Jokingly mentions all the parties that…

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September 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Will soon be leaving for Washington, North Carolina. Reports on the health of the soldiers; some are in the hospital but not in serious condition. Writes that he is suffering from diarrhea.

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14 September 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes to reassure his sister that he is well. Urges her to look on a map and trace his trip from the mouth of the Neuse River to the Pamplico River and then onto Washington, North Carolina; a distance of 110 miles. Reports that rebels destroyed the office of the Raleigh "Standard" and in retaliation friends of the editor of the newspaper destroyed the office of the "State Journal"; the latter being considered "the mouthpiece of the Confederacy in this state (North Carolina)".

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29 November 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that although he would like to request furlough for the holidays, he feels it may be wiser to reserve his request for a time when he will really need it. Reports that Thanksgiving day was celebrated by the soldiers with a meal of hardtack and salt horse. Is anxious to receive further news of Grant's victory in the West. Writes that a rebel quartermaster deserter came into the lines the other day and later succeeded in capturing 52 rebels near Washington, North Carolina. Reports that the men of the company are recuperating and that he is also enjoying good health.

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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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