8 January 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the weather is very cold and has been as low as nineteen degrees below zero. Complains of the lack of fire wood provided for the soldiers. Reports that Major [Everell Fletcher] Dutton of Sycamore, Illinois has returned to the regiment. Asks that he be sent a pocket handkerchief, towel, and ointment.

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January 31, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is about to march for Alabama. Notes that their equipment is packed and ready as are the troops who are ready to "tramp for freedom through mudholes and over mountains." His boots, however, are worn through. States that he had been sick while writing his previous letter. He has since gotten better though he is not very "stout." The doctor has told him that he can do as he pleases and suggested he guard the cars as the army moved. He would be allowed to ride for part of the time until his health improved. Notes that the army will not march until Thursday morning.

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December 20, 1860

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Written on the day South Carolina seceded from the Union. Jokingly writes that he dreamt of being at a party with agreeable young ladies, but was abruptly awakened when he fell off his chair. Reports of strong Union feelings in Washington City amidst the secession of South Carolina. States that he infrequently visits the White House and has yet to see the East Room. He has received an invitation to visit Senator Simon Cameron, but has yet to reply. Complains of poor weather and asks Ellen to forgive him for such an "uninteresting letter."

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December 25, 1860

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Letter is entitled "My Christmas gift to Kate". Describes his walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the Christmas shopping season. Visits the navy yard and barracks with his friend Russ and remarks that Uncle Sam does not consider Christmas a holiday, as soldiers were on duty Christmas morning. States that there are many printers in the city without jobs. Reports that "the South Carolina delegation withdrew very quietly."

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January 14,1861

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

States that there is a growing number of disunionists in the city: "the disease is evidently beyond the control of mortal man." Fears that Washington City will be stormed if Virginia and Maryland secede. Reports that the ship "The Brooklyn" has left for Charleston and is one of the most effective ships in the service. Expresses his dislike for a speech given by Senator William H. Seward which Painter attended. Despite his personal opinion, the speech was well received by the public. Writes that Jefferson Davis is to be the commander of the Southern Army and Senator Hunter, president.…

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30 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that they crossed from Maryland into Virginia and are now camped between the Potomac River and Bull Run. States that their mission is to control the gaps of the Blue Ridge Mountains to prevent the rebels from advancing any further towards Washington, D.C. Reports that the main Union army is within nine miles of Winchester, Virginia. Thinks he could try to get a furlough but states it "will cost a great deal and be of little use." He would rather use that money to buy land for his wife Amanda and her baby instead of a few hours at home. Writes that he would have been promoted if he had…

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14 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Waterloo on the Rappahannock River to his wife. Writes that since her last letter they have marched a long way and are waiting for orders to move forward to Richmond, Virginia. Notes that General George McClellan has been replaced by General Ambrose Burnside. Hopes that General Burnside is better then General McClellan; if not the Union should give up the fight. Also notes that there has been little fighting with none killed and only a few wounded. Has received a letter from Mr. [Baldwin] which pleases him greatly as he considers Mr. [Baldwin…

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20 April 1861

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Johnny and Heber Buyers

Letter addressed to his nephews, Johnny and Heber. He wishes he could see them more often. Tells his nephew to be kind to the new baby so as to set a good example. Reports that the boys' father is doing well and sends his love. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy. .

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December 6, 1861

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Rebecca Frick]

Writes to his aunt, describing life at Camp Curtain. Reports that he is comfortable and should have no problem getting accustomed to camp life. Written at Camp Curtin.

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December 27, 1861

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Reports that he has a slight cold. Asks his sister to thank their aunt for the good advice contained in her letter to him. Hopes that the war will not last long and is quite sure that England will be getting involved soon. Describes his Christmas dinner as consisting of cold beef, bread, and crackers. Written at Camp Curtin.

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March 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains of the dreary weather, which has brought down his spirits. Asks his sister to thank their aunt for the extra stamps she sent with her last letter, as stamps are very scarce and difficult for soldiers to obtain. States that Camp Hamilton is a "rebeldom" where soldiers have to sleep with their shoes on and guns closely by them. Mentions the Monitor and the Merrimac and states that if not for the Monitor, the Merrimac would have continued North. Reports that he had the pleasure of seeing General Wool during battalion drill. Writes that a new regiment is arriving and that General…

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27 March 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Has just learned of a general order to stop outgoing mail but assures his sister that her mail to him will still be received. Advises her to be alert of any news from Big Bethel, Yorktown, Sewel's Point, Norfolk and Richmond. Reports that General Wool had a grand review of the troops. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy. The Fortress Monroe lies in the same vicinity. .

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6 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Reports on the bombardment of Yorktown, which is about twenty miles from Camp Hamilton. Discusses the second lieutenant's report of Yorktown, stating that the rebels were completely surrounded by General McClellan. Complains of a sore throat, but is otherwise well. Includes instructions to destroy the letter.Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy. The Fortress Monroe lies in the same vicinity.

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13 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

States that the soldiers were paid recently and that most of the men sent their money home. Describes watching the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) capture three vessels within 200 yards of a land battery. Writes in detail an encounter between the USS Monitor and the Merrimac, where the Stevens Battery opened fire and the Merrimac, after shooting back, retired up the Elizabeth River. Reports that General McClellan may call on General Wool for reinforcement in Yorktown. Feels that the Battle of Yorktown will be the greatest to day with 100,000 men on each army. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named…

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20 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Ella]

Reprimands his sister for not answering all his letters and tells her that composition is a very important part of her education. Asks his sister to remember him to a certain Mollie M. whom he feels would make an interesting correspondent for him. Reports that his captain is suffering from boils and is unfit for duty but will be fine in a few days. Also reports that the Merrimac has not reappeared and that the troops at Newport News have been sent on to Yorktown. Wishes that the Merrimac were out of the way so that the Monitor could get to Yorktown and McClellan could storm the rebel…

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30 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Kate]

Commends her on her improvement in school under a new teacher. Feels strongly about having his sister properly educated and encourages her to persevere in her studies. Writes that no furloughs for illness or business are being granted for the men in his division. Anticipates a third appearance from the Merrimac when the weather improves. Reports that the steamer Vanderbilt will cooperate with the Monitor to capture the Merrimac and that he will remain at camp until the Merrimac is taken. Complains of the contents of his sister Ella's letters stating that, "there is nothing worth reading…

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4 May 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Writes from Camp Hamilton, Fortress Monroe, Virginia (present day, Hampton, Virginia). Letter addressed to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick or Rebecca Frick. Writes that he received an interesting issue of the Danville Democrat. Reports that McClellan was in possession of Yorktown though he feels that the capture could have been more effectively carried out. Also reports that the Merrimac made another appearance but no fighting took place. Says that the body of a captain from the 1st Delaware regiment, was found a quarter of a mile from the picket station with two bullets in his head.

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25 May 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that Suffolk, Virginia is not occupied by the troops yet. The Gosport Navy Yard has been destroyed except for some walls that are still standing. States that the women are becoming more accustomed to the sight of "Yankee soldier boys." Writes that the residents of Norfolk are stronger secessionists than those of Portsmouth. Reports of rumors that Richmond has been captured with 20,000 prisoners. Complains of inaccessibility to news mostly due to General Wool's prohibition of newspapers. Includes instructions to destroy the letter.

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30 May 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that camp has moved from [Gosport Navy Yard] and complains of the condition of the grounds upon arrival. Discusses the number of Confederate prisoners that are being taken and their willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the national government. Describes the prisoners as "ragged, dirty, and half starved" and states that "their appearance is well calculated to draw forth the sympathy rather than the hatred of the well clad Union soldier." Comments on the girls of the village near the camp and points out that the village as a whole…

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June 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia that he received his sister's letter and was happy to hear from her. Also writes that he sent home a sum of thirty dollars in a package sent along with the Captain. Refers to General McClellan as the "Napoleon of America." Describes a recent visit to a local church in Portsmouth where he was impressed by the furnishings but not by the orator of the service. He explains that the orator skipped over the prayer for the president and that he and his congregation were decidedly secessionists. He suspects that the men and boys of the congregation…

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12 June 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that everyone is enjoying good health. Writes that the company has not officially heard from the new chief. States that there are many New York militia regiments who will probably be taking the place of the volunteers. Also reports that a number of regiments from his division have left for Richmond to reinforce McClellan. Writes that the soldiers were anticipating "a little fun" with the rebels but the rebels never showed up. Speaks of the continuous good news of the successes of the Union arms, which gives the soldiers hope that they…

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21 June 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that things have been quiet for the most part except for the capture of rebel mail some days ago. His present quarters are acceptable and he does not know how long he will be in the present location. States that there is rumor of marching to Whitehouse (Virginia) or Suffolk, but he thinks they will stay put until "affairs at Richmond are settled." Writes that the weather has been warm and can be trying when marching long hours under the sun. Complains of a weak stomach due to the hot weather, but is otherwise fine. He…

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3 July 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Reports that he was not well for a few days, but is feeling okay now. Writes that recruiting is dull and believes it will continue to be until the fall. He hopes that a draft will start soon. States that there is no news in town.

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11 July 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that he has arrived safely and is in good health. Complains of the dullness of recruiting and wishes that he were stationed in a place where he could be more useful. States that he is disappointed in the size of the village and that he has not visited any place of public interest. Writes that the women of the village are not attractive: " Eve must either have been a very homely woman or else the ladies of this place have partaken greatly of her fall, and have a woeful deficiency to account for." Asks his aunt to send him…

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30 September 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Wishes that his aunt would send him a five dollar bill in tomorrow's mail. Reports that he received a letter from John, whom with another company, is occupying a very dangerous position at Deep Creek. Excuses himself for writing the letter in haste and for the quality of his pen. A postscript note informs his aunt that he will pass through Danville tomorrow on his way to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania.

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