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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02016.069 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry |
| Title | Heber Painter to his aunt about division of corps into colored and white and fatigue and picket duties for black soldiers and his promotion to sergeant |
| Date | 4 December 1864 |
| Author | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Recipient | Frick, Rebecca |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | 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 blowing out the ends. Writes that he was promoted to Sergeant a few weeks ago, and feels it is a great compliment, as he was chosen over four other sergeants and eight corporals. Asks that his aunt get him a pair of boots as soon as he sends her his measurements. Has received orders to move to Staunton, Va. The regiment will be unaccompanied, avoiding the troubles of brigade and division headquarters. Although the letter is addressed to his aunt, he signs " your very affectionate brother." Includes a separate slip of paper indicating he will write when he arrives at the new camp. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Military History Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter African American History African American Troops Canals Ammunition Military Uniforms |
| People | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Frick, Rebecca, (fl. 1803-1862) |
| Place written | Chaffin's Farm, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; African Americans |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Before joining the service, Painter was a trained printer from Danville, Pennsylvania. He was mustered as a private into F Company of the 58th Pennsylvania infantry on 8 October 1861 and transferred to I Company on 1 March 1862. While in I Company, he was promoted to Sergeant and eventually mustered out on 21 January 1866 as First Lieutenant. Painter also held a post as Quartermaster's clerk, and performed freedman duties shortly after the war ended. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Aunt |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 58th Pennsylvania Infantry |