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.

GLC02016.070

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.

GLC02016.071

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.

GLC02016.072

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.

GLC02016.073

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…

GLC02016.074

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.

GLC02016.078

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…

GLC02016.080

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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9 July 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 will be leaving for Staunton, Va. by rail. Painter will be staying in Virginia to oversee state elections which will postpone his discharge. Complains that all the newer soldiers are being mustered out while the veterans remain. Also complains about the poor rations being given to the soldiers. Writes that he withdrew from his position as adjutant and is again First Lieutenant. Also writes that four first lieutenants dropped out yesterday. Has been busy with rolls and other administrative duties due to the end…

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20 July 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes his camp as being on a hill where he can look down at the city of Staunton. Writes that the women of the city are very bitter towards the Union soldiers, while the men seem sociable. Also writes that he has noticed many amputees in the area. Would like to visit the Weirs cave, which is only about 16 miles from camp. Reports that there has been a conflict of command involving the Army of the Shenandoah and General Terry who commands at Richmond.

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30 July 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Discusses his visit to Weirs cave and wishes that his family could have accompanied him. Writes that Col. Clay is in command of the sub-district of Staunton. Reports that not much is happening at camp and feels that the men will become demoralized by there extended stay in camp. Two officers have resigned and gone home while a few more are planning to submit their resignations. He is currently acting as adjutant of the regiment and commander of the company.

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1776

Johnston, Francis, 1749-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Persifor Frazer

Johnston says he should have waited for Frazer in the morning, but was indisposed. Did not sleep well last night because David Matthews "a Capital Tory (no less than the present Lord Mayor of N York" was quite loud next door. He was accompanying Matthews as a prisoner to meet General Washington. Asks Frazer for a "duplicate of the general abstract for my use," and says he will meet him at Mr. Airey's. David Matthews was the Tory Mayor of New York from 1776 to 1783. He was implicated in a plot to murder or kidnap George Washington, and arrested by the Colonial Army on June 22, 1776. He…

GLC01450.457.01

8 December 1862

Townsend, E. D. (Edward Davis), 1817-1893

Document

Title: [Expense account and general order no. 201]

First two pages consist of a handwritten list of Eben Whittemore's expenses in service to the United States. Pages three and four are a printed copy of United States "General Orders No. 201" from Washington D.C.. The two documents are glued together. The creator of the first list is unknown. Townsend is responsible for the general order.

GLC02175.16

3 October 1776

Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr., 1710-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esek Hopkins

Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, informs Commodore Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy, of a letter he previously transmitted discussing naval operations. States that he recently received letters from Generals George Washington and Lincoln (possibly Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that he requested Reverend Thaddeus Burr to complete a more lengthy letter to Hopkins, (Trumbull does not have time). States "Am putting everything forward in the best manner- please to promote the forwarding The Whaleboats- and give Me intelligence as you see fit."

GLC02511.01

1763-1783

Newspaper

Title: [Newspaper clippings related to Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut 1769-1784]

Includes three clippings containing biographical information. One clipping states "Sec. and Aid to Washington, Speaker Ho. of Reps., Senator, Gov. of Conn., called by Washington 'Brother Jonathan.' " Other clippings each measure 1.2 x 9.5 cm.

GLC02511.02

1869

Rose, John, 1820-1888

Book

Title: Opinions and award of the commissioners, under the treaty of July 1, 1863, between Great Britain and the United States, for the final settlement of the claims of the Hudson's Bay and Puget Sound agricultural companies, pronounced, September 10, 1869.

Published by John Lovell. Rose reports on the claims of both companies as a commissioner for Great Britain. Johnson reports as commissioner for the United States. Both mens reports were delivered in Washington, D. C., 10 September 1869. Johnson and Rose were commissioned to settle questions between the United States and the Hudson's Bay and Puget Sound Companies "with respect to the possessory rights and claims of those Companies, and of any other British subjects in Oregon and Washington Territory." Relates that to settle these claims, commissioners referred to the 15 June 1846 Oregon…

GLC02682.01

February 22, 1864

Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Speech delivered to the Great Central Fair of Buffalo]

Former President Fillmore notes historic inventions and developments, such as the rail road, steam engine, and telegraph, that have shaped Buffalo since the city's 1832 Centennial Celebration. Refers to the farewell addresses of Presidents George Washington and Andrew Jackson to offer guidance during the tumultuous war era. Declares "much must be forgiven- if not forgotten- on both sides before this Union can ever be restored" (page seven). Expresses his wish to immediately conquer the Confederate army, then to unite North and South by restoring Southerners with their Constitutional rights…

GLC04884.02

1901

Kletzing, Henry F., 1850-?

Book

Title: Progress of a race or the remarkable advancement of the Afro-American...

Full title is: "Progress of a race or the remarkable advancement of the Afro-American from the bondage of slavery, ignorance and poverty to the freedom of citizenship, intelligence, affluence, honor and trust." Published by J. L. Nichols & Co. Co-authored by William Henry Crogman, a professor at Clark University in Atlanta, Georgia. Includes an introduction by Booker T. Washington, horticulturist and president of the Tuskegee Institute, who states that "while the authors record in these pages the progress of the Negro within the past generation, let us hope that when another quarter…

GLC06126.01

25 July 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

George Washington is to be obeyed by the French troops as "Marshall of France," and American troops are to have command over French troops of equal rank. Discusses the size and movements of the French and British fleets. Also mentions General Anthony Wayne's failed attack at Bergen, "the Torries in Carolina," and the need for the Americans to be more aggressive.

GLC06500.03

June 10, 1862

Olmstead, Charles H., 1837-1926

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Olmstead, a Confederate officer who surrendered Fort Pulaski and was taken as a prisoner of war at Fort Columbus, writes to Union Secretary of War Stanton. Olmstead is concerned that the Union is violating the prisoner of war terms signed by General Quincy A. Gillmore and himself at the surrender. The surrender terms stated that the Confederate sick and wounded should be sent up to the Confederate lines. Olmstead has found out that instead of these sick and wounded men being allowed to return home, they were kept and arrangements were made for them to be exchanged for Federal prisoners in…

GLC00319.01