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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02016.082 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry |
| Title | Heber Painter to his aunt criticizing those who venerate dead Confederates, describes return of soldiers to Richmond, anguish of soldiers on hearing of Lincoln's assassination |
| Date | 16 April 1865 |
| Author | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Recipient | Frick, Rebecca |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | 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. |
| Subjects | Assassination Soldier's Letter Military History Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Atrocity Death Women's History Children and Family Confederate States of America Lincoln Assassination President Government and Civics Criminals and Outlaws Health and Medical |
| People | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Frick, Rebecca, (fl. 1803-1862) Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) |
| Place written | Richmond, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Reconstruction; Government & Politics; 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 |