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…

GLC02016.016

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…

GLC02016.017

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…

GLC02016.018

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…

GLC02016.019

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.

GLC02016.020

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…

GLC02016.021

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.

GLC02016.022

22 October 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Has nothing exciting to report from the town. States that if not for the recent election and draft, the soldiers would be in need of something exciting. Reports that the regiment had a parade and made a good appearance. He was surprised that Captain A. Frick (possibly his uncle) had resigned and hopes that being home will be good for his health. States that he received the "Danville Democrat" which contained a list of drafted men. Informs his aunt that substitutes are in high demand in Montour county (Painter's home county in…

GLC02016.023

2 November 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that a letter was received by the captain stating that the men would soon be called in. Attended church and was delighted to find that the Right Reverend Bishop was in town. The reverend preached two beautiful sermons on the last Sabbath. Has received a letter from his sister Anna reporting that all were well. Reports that he is in good health and hopes that it continues. Sends his love to his family.

GLC02016.024

26 November 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 is still stationed at Wilkesbarre and doesn't know when they'll be called in. Recruiting is still very poor. He is sorry to hear that Lightner is still in the hospital. Writes of news that a friend has been married out west. Reports that his health is better since having returned from the army.

GLC02016.025

30 November 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains that he is being kept in town for recruiting despite the poor recruitment rate. Writes that recruiting costs $219 a month and feels that the government should act more economically instead of wasting money on recruiting parties. He was paid the first of November and forwarded $10 to "Em" (his sister Emma). He used the remainder of the money to buy some wardrobe items. Describes his Thanksgiving Day as very dull. Reports that there is an interesting murder case going on, so he has been attending court to pass the time. Writes that he is in good health and weighs 140 lbs.

GLC02016.026

January 15, 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

He has traveled from Norfolk to Fortress Monroe by the steamer "Expounder". Complains that the steamer was unsafe for transportation and that the men suffered from seasickness. The soldiers continued on to Beauford (also known as old Troxel Inlet), boarded another dangerous vessel, and disembarked at Morehead, where they took the railroad to New Bern, North Carolina. States that General Burnside "whiped the rebs so handsomely" that there were hundreds of graves everywhere. Gives a lengthy explanation of a long march through the woods. Reports on a skirmish along the railroad. States…

GLC02016.027

January 27, 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his sister]

Discusses the unreliability of the news at camp. He has received word that the mail is in New Bern and hopes it will put an end to rumors of the war ending. States that the rebels want to retake New Bern and Wilmington and capture General Foster. Painter assures his sister that he is not the least bit worried about the rebels. Writes that the rebels fear Burnside and are ignorantly unaware that other generals are "whiping them as soundly on other portions of their confederacy." He mentions that the men do a fair amount of foraging when not on picket duty. Writes that his regiment is…

GLC02016.028

February 5, 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his sister]

Reports that three horses, ten Confederate soldiers, and their arms were captured by his company. Expects to spend the winter in North Carolina. Has not heard from Foster's expedition, but expects to soon. Reports that he is now in Colonel Howell's Brigade. Has withdrawn from his duty as regimental dispatcher to take up a post as the Quartermaster's clerk under Lieutenant Jackson. Recipient inferred from content. Written at Batchelder's Creek.

GLC02016.029

22 March 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains about the 2nd lieutenant who has no formal education (civil and military) except for some knowledge in company drilling. Reports of a petition created by line officers to be removed from "Bachelor's" (Batchelder's) Creek on the basis of hard duty. The petition was presented to the Colonel who in turn called the officers cowards and threatened to resign. The Colonel gave the men an ultimatum to withdraw the petition. Reports that there is only one man of the company currently in the hospital and that everyone is in good health. Written at Batchelder's Creek.

GLC02016.030

3 May 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Reports a skirmish with the rebels where one Union soldier was lost. Two companies from his regiment were ordered out after two soldiers had been discovered dead two miles from camp. Seven men, thought to have been responsible for the murders were detained but later released when their innocence was proven. The letter is continued on the evening of May 5th. Writes that refugees from Kinston, North Carolina reported that rebels have left, possibly to Suffolk. Reports that his health is fine. Written at Batchelder's Creek.

GLC02016.031

1794

Manuscript document

Title: [Indenture between Henry Knox and Samuel Ogden]

Same as GLC02437.10316. Indenture in which Samuel Ogden will hold a certain amount of land in trust from Knox and his wife, Lucy Knox.

GLC02437.10317

1794

Manuscript document

Title: [Indenture between Henry Knox and Samuel Ogden]

Same as GLC02437.10316 and .10317. Indenture in which Samuel Ogden will hold a certain amount of land in trust from Knox and his wife, Lucy Knox.

GLC02437.10318

19 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Edwards Ferry, Maryland to his wife. Writes that he misses her and their baby very much. Thinks that if the Union were to win a few victories in the West the war would be over in six months. Has heard of a fight near Harper's Ferry, Virginia and has seen shells exploding 20 miles up the Potomac. Has also heard there is fighting near Winchester, Virginia. His company marched as far as Leesburg, Virginia and upon their return to camp he was ordered to have the company ready to go on picket duty.

GLC03523.13.062

5 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry beyond Union Town, Virginia. He was unable to write because they have been marching for several days, they are now camped not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notes that there have been some skirmishes and that the Union will soon overtake the Confederates. Writes that they are commanded by General Ambrose Burnside and that he will show the rebels "how to fight." He has been promoted to company sergeant. Notes that he has no gun or knapsack, rides almost all the time, does less work, and has someone cooking for him. His pay is only a little…

GLC03523.13.064

14 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes a short note to his wife explaining that he has just mailed her a letter and that the bearer of this note is from the 2nd regiment.

GLC03523.13.066

22 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that they have marched fifty miles and are now one mile from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He lacks confidence in his ability to handle his new rank. Thinks that the great battle will take place near Fredericksburg. Notes that the country is beautiful and there was a fine hotel but General Franz Sigel had it burned down to prevent the Confederates from shooting at the Union forces. The pickets for both Confederate and Union forces are on opposite sides of the Rappahannock River and are often heard talking to each other but they never shoot. It appears the men have a better…

GLC03523.13.067

26 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he holds her and their baby in the highest esteem. He is also greatly saddened that he may not be able to come home during the winter. Tells her of his dreams about going home and being with her and the new baby. Because he is the company sergeant it will be harder for him to get a furlough. Captain [Hendy] resigned and went home. States that he will bring home a "fine colored boy" who is currently his cook. Likes the new General, Ambrose Burnside, better then General George McClellan who he says was "too slow to accomplish anything."

GLC03523.13.068

10 December 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is sorry but he will not be able to come home this winter because there is going to be a great battle. Every soldier has been ordered to take a gun and go into the fight. Reports that he has been promoted to lieutenant. He has increased responsibility now and if he dies he will be facing the enemy. If General Ambrose Burnside proves himself to be a great fighter the war will be over by July and he will return home. Since he fell off of his horse his right arm is in a sling and therefore he must carry his sword in his left hand.

GLC03523.13.069

19 December 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife after he crosses the Rappahannock River to let her know that he is still alive after the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. His regiment was involved in a "desperate fight" but could not force the enemy from the heights. Reports that all the troops from Ann Arbor, Michigan are either dead or wounded. Has had his arm in a sling the entire time he was in Fredericksburg. He will not tell his wife much about the battle as Dr. Stone will return home and tell her. Wishes he could be at home with her.

GLC03523.13.070