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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900 to his aunt

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.082 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber, 1841-1900 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1865 Pagination: 7 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

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 soldier to be at his post and report any suspicious activity. Hopes that Andrew Johnson has the wisdom and proper counsel during this time of national calamity. He is happy to hear that his sister Kate is doing better. Writes that he has been promoted to First Lieut.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900
Frick, Rebecca, fl. 1803-1862

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