December 18, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall…

GLC07460.108

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

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December 30, 1864 - January 4, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes about those who have died during the past year and the sacrifice they made for their country. General William T. Sherman reviewed the 20th Corps. today. General Ulysses Grant was supposed to review the men as well but he failed to show up. A rebel blockage runner arrived in Savannah, Georgia not knowing the town was now occupied by the Union Army. The number of guns taken from Savannah is around 207, which is quite large, assuming the number is correct. He likes Savannah but thinks that many of the buildings looked "weather aged." He has a "Britannia" tea pot in his tent that was made…

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January 22, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

It is almost impossible to receive or sent out any mail, the last letter he received from home was from 25 December. They are about 23 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been raining so hard for the past few days that it was nearly impossible to move. The troops are still unsure of what the goal is with their current movements. Fort Fisher has been captured and is seen as an important victory. The numerous fortifications beyond Savannah into South Carolina so far have caused little harm to the advancing Union Army. He has finally received the package from home with all the items he…

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January 26, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is not in camp and is feeling much better. His diarrhea has gone away thanks to some of the berries he ate. The weather has been very bad, there is a lot of mud which will prevent the army from moving very far. The Union scouts found Grahamville, South Carolina to be evacuated but encountered a rebel force west of the village and were forced to withdraw. The mail is very irregular. Writes that South Carolina has always been viewed as a "dank place." A small note is included that states a colonel had to sell some of the family's butter while in Nashville. The colonel gave him…

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February 1, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he and most of the men of the company are doing well. The wood they have been using for their fire turns everything black including their faces. They are camped about 25 [18 miles from Hardeeville, South Carolina to another site then another 7 miles to Robertsville, South Carolina] from where they last were. They advanced through swamps and low-lands. Believes that it is natural for soldiers to write to their mothers. The rest of the men feel the same way.

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12 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

The Union 14th Corps. captured Fayetteville, North Carolina yesterday. They are now encamped there along with the 20th, 15th, and 17th Corps. On 2 February his regiment had a "brisk" skirmish with Confederates near Lawtonville, South Carolina. They suffered only eight wounded and they are all doing well, none of the wounded were the Sycamore men. They have had a severe and tedious march but they are doing well. He expects that will move on to Goldsboro, North Carolina next. The Union raids have been "gigantic" destroying as much as possible including buildings, cotton, and other provisions.…

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27 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is doing well and that the regiment is starting to receive a regular mail service. Since leaving Fayetteville, North Carolina there have been some hard fights. On 16 March their division and the First Division of the Corps. bore the brunt of the engagement with the Confederates. He reports that they charged into their works and captured three brass cannons. There were many dead and wounded as well as prisoners taken by the Union. One rebel prisoner stated that there was a 25,000 man brigade to their front. Writes that both sides suffered heavy losses. The rebels put up a…

GLC07460.115

28 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his nephew, Wellington

Writes about what life is like in the army. He states that the troops usually sleep outside and never have more than a thick blanket between him "and the sky." He does not want his nephew to have to go to war and if he comes home he will tell him why. Writes that if the men of the south would have been "good" there would have been no war and no trouble for the people at home. When he comes home he will give him the pistol he promised him. Advises Wellington not to enlist as it will make his mother worry too much.

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29 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter

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

Writes that he is very grateful for everyone at home for caring about him and worrying about his safety while he is at war. He feels bad for them because the letters they receive from him take so long to arrive so they are usually "in the dark" about his safety. Writes that the North is ignorant of the cost of the war; while the South understands its effects very well. The Union Army has ravaged much of the South and this greatly affects the women and children. Writes that the Union troops stole from houses and destroyed possessions of people. Gives an example saying that some troops…

GLC07460.117

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…

GLC07460.118

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…

GLC07460.123

9 July 1863

Bradley, George, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Appointment to mail carrier]

Written from Department of Pamlico, Quarter Masters Department. Appoints Heber Painter as mail carrier from Washington, NC to New Berne, NC.

GLC02016.101

9 July 1863

Chesney, J.M.M., fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: Special orders

Orders for Major Henry Metcalf, commander of 58th Pennsylvania, to repost Heber Painter for mail carrier duties at the headquarters of the District of Pamplico.

GLC02016.102

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…

GLC02016.087

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.…

GLC02016.088

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.

GLC02016.090

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.

GLC02016.091

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…

GLC02016.092

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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