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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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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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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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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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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