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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02016.036 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry |
| Title | Heber Painter to sister Anna about malaria, actions, arrests for smuggling goods to rebels and views towards black soldiers |
| Date | 19 August 1863 |
| Author | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Recipient | Painter, Anna |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes that there will be no mail going north for the next week, so he is taking the opportunity to write before the last ship leaves so as to relieve his family of any worries regarding his welfare. Reports that many of the men in the company are sick with malaria, including Lieutenant Birmingham and Captain Jackson. Also reports that Major General Peck is now in command of the department. Discusses the change in weather. The department has been relatively quiet except for the capture of five cavalrymen across the river from camp. There was another attempt to capture some soldiers in the front lines, but the rebels were successfully fought off. Also reports that some soldiers were arrested for smuggling goods to rebels. Mentions rumors that General Meade has resigned, but hopes the rumor isn't true. Expresses his wish that the Union has captured Charleston or Fort Sumter by the time Anna receives his letter. Writes that black regiments have been sent to General Gilmore. Suspects that General Foster is not in favor of black soldiers. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Military History Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Post Office Malaria Health and Medical Disease Prisoner of War Cavalry Confederate States of America Smuggling Fort Sumter Fortification Battle African American Troops |
| People | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Painter, Anna (fl. 1840-1870) |
| Place written | New Bern, North Carolina |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Health & Medicine; 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 | Sister |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 58th Pennsylvania Infantry |