4 September 1839

Noble, Patrick, fl. 1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George R. Gilman, Governor of Georgia

Letter about the crisis over fugitive slaves and the landmark Supreme Court case, Prigg vs. Pennsylvania, which determined that states were not required to enforce slave laws of other states. From South Carolina Gov. Patrick Noble to Gov. of Georgia, George Gilman: "Have heard with much regret that a grave controversy has risen between the States of Georgia & Maine touching an alleged violation, by the latter, of that important provision in the Constitution of the United States which relates to the apprehension and delivery of 'Fugitives from justice. This state, in common with her…

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27 July 1872

Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John W. Frughs

Writes shortly after being nominated as Grant's Vice President. "I find your note and the Platform of 'The Young Men's Continental League' ...I have long hoped and believed that the people inhabiting the North American Continent will be united under one Government in one nation. I have faith in our Republican Government, in our free Institutions, in our Christian Civilization, and in our people, and I believe that peace, Law; order and Human brotherhood will be promoted by the unity of the people with their free consent in one nation. Time is needed to bring about this grand result, and I…

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19 February 1869

Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to James M. Shute

"I almost despair of securing any financial legislation this season, thought we shall try to pass a bill legalizing Gold Contracts and also declaring the 5.20 Bonds and greenbacks are ultimately payable in Gold...The late decision of the Supreme Court has nearly covered the ground on the subject..."

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4 March 1803

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States [Marbury vs. Madison]

Landmark Supreme Court decision reported in the Gazette of the United States. "The Chief Justice this day declared the opinion of the court...on the motion of Mr. G. Lee for a rule to shew cause why a Madamus should not issue to compel James Madison, secretary of state of the United States, to deliver to William Marbury and others, their commission of the peace, for the district of Columbia, it was determined, that the act of Congress giving the power to the Supreme Court, to issue a writ of mandamus in such a case, was unconstitutional, and consequently void. The rule therefore was dismissed…

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22 May 1815

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. J. Sargent Murray

"By glancing my eye on a passage or two in your brother's history of his use, in multitude of instances during two years, of the 'eau medicinale' d'Husson, I noticed the precision of description which I should expect from Govr. Sargent, and which is essential to render such details a practical & safe guide to others in the application of the same medicine. Yet I have foreborne to read those numerous details, being determined never to have the gout..."

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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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19 February 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that President Lincoln's peace mission has failed. Reports that he has been promoted to 1st Lieut. of Company I while Lieut. Birmingham has been promoted to captain of Company G. He will need to purchase attire for his new position, which may prove to be expensive. He is waiting to be paid off this month for the amount of $193. Also writes that Grant is planning to clean out the hospitals and other places where injured and ill soldiers are housed. Painter explains that he's not ungrateful for the bravery of these men, but…

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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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13 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Comments that everyone thinks that the war is coming to a close. Likens main Street in Richmond to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and observes that the people of the city are beginning to "come out of their holes and reconcile themselves to the new order of things." Is sorry and worried that his sister Kate is ill and waits for news from her. Reports that he went before the military Board of Examinations and passed his exam for promotion to First Lieutenant.

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16 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reflects on the atrocities of war. Criticizes those who venerate the dead Confederate soldiers and feels that the widows and children should be given more attention. Writes that 50 to 60 dead soldiers are buried daily and most graves are unmarked. The rebel soldiers are returning home to Richmond in large numbers. A second part of the letter is dated 17 April 1865. Painter describes hearing the news of Lincoln's assassination. Writes that he has never seen the soldiers so anguished. Reports that an order was given for every…

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31 May 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

He is happy to hear that his aunt and uncle may be visiting Richmond, but warns her that the city is in shambles. Writes that his name was forwarded for recognition for meritorious conduct. Asks that his sister not mention the news to anyone, as he was told the news in confidence. Sends his regards to Miss Sallie and hopes to see her soon. Hopes that the matrimony of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart is a union in peace.

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