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6 December 1861
Painter, Heber (fl. 1841-1900)
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.
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27 March 1862
Painter, Heber (1841-1900)
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...
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20 April 1862
to sister [Ella]
Reprimands his sister for not answering all his letters and tells her that composition is a very important part of her education. Asks his sister to remember him to a certain Mollie M. whom he feels would make an interesting correspondent for him....
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25 May 1862
to sister Kate
Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that Suffolk, Virginia is not occupied by the troops yet. The Gosport Navy Yard has been destroyed except for some walls that are still standing. States that the women are becoming more...
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21 June 1862
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...
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30 September 1862
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...
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30 November 1862
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...
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27 January 1863
[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....
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3 May 1863
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...
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29 May 1863
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on a long skirmish involving Union forces, 175 prisoners, and some equipment including a "splendid set of surgical instruments." Gives a detailed description of a surprise attack on...
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31 August 1863
Reports that after Charleston, South Carolina is occupied, there are plans to move on to Wilmington, North Carolina. Writes that Captain Jackson has left for the north to bring back conscripts for the regiment.
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26 September 1863
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes riding on the steamer Thos. Collyer and the pleasure of feeling a cool breeze after being in the hot and dirty streets of New Berne. Also wishes that his Aunt and sister Anna...
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26 May 1864
Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some...
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29 May 1864
to his aunt
Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that the forces are withdrawing from the south bank of the James River and believes they will be returning to Whitehouse on the York River or possibly New Bern. States that he and...
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22 September 1864
Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or...
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8 October 1864
to George A. Frick
Written to his uncle, George A. Frick of Danville, Pennsylvania. Reports that there was heavy fighting along the lines of the Tenth Corps yesterday.
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14 October 1864
Describes the surroundings of Chaffin's Farm and writes that some of the Union men have been trading newspapers with neighboring rebels. Discusses the election of 1864. Wishes the canal would be completed so that they can drive the rebels into...
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26 October 1864
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...
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20 November 1864
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...
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12 December 1864
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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6 February 1865
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...
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23 March 1865
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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4 April 1865
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...
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13 April 1865
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...
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9 July 1865
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...
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