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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02016.075 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry |
| Title | Heber Painter to his aunt on the anniversary of Washington's birthday, likening himself to the revolutionary soldiers, expressing anger towards rebel leaders, rumor of fall of Richmond, his promotion and deserters |
| Date | 22 February 1865 |
| Author | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Recipient | Frick, Rebecca |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes on the anniversary of Washington's birthday and likens his service as a soldier to those of Washington and his men. Strongly expresses his feelings against the rebels and their actions: " those ambitious madmen who are instigated by Beelzebub the chief of rebels, to destroy the fair fabric of our government and bury the republic and liberty along with that of Greece." Reports that there were loud cheers heard everywhere when the troops heard of the fall of Richmond. The actual fall of Richmond would occur in April 1865, rendering this account of events a rumor that was most likely spread amongst the soldiers. Also reports that there has been an increase in the number of deserters coming in. Was given his official commission as 1st Lieutenant, which was dated January 31, 1865. Includes a cut out photograph of himself at the closing of the letter. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Military History Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter President Holidays and Celebrations Revolutionary War Confederate States of America Classical World and Ancient Civilization Freedom and Independence Battle Desertion Photography Continental Army |
| People | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Frick, Rebecca, (fl. 1803-1862) Washington, George (1732-1799) |
| Place written | White House, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Government & Politics; The American Revolution; The Presidency |
| 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 |