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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02016.016 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Heber Painter, I company, 58th regiment, Pennsylvania, infantry |
| Title | Heber Painter to his sister about Confederate prisoners taking an oath to the Union |
| Date | 30 May 1862 |
| Author | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that camp has moved from [Gosport Navy Yard] and complains of the condition of the grounds upon arrival. Discusses the number of Confederate prisoners that are being taken and their willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the national government. Describes the prisoners as "ragged, dirty, and half starved" and states that "their appearance is well calculated to draw forth the sympathy rather than the hatred of the well clad Union soldier." Comments on the girls of the village near the camp and points out that the village as a whole is rather homely. Reports that the soldiers have heard of the defeat of General Banks (most likely at the Battle of Winchester). States that the Yankees are not easily scared (by the rebels) especially when they are behind "such entrenchments as these." He is able to read the paper now that the captain is subscribing to it. Sends his love and regards to family and friends. The last page is cross written. |
| Subjects | Battle of Winchester Soldier's Letter Military History Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Military Camp Confederate States of America Prisoner of War Oath Military Uniforms Women's History Fortification Journalism Bravery Battle Battle of Winchester Union General |
| People | Painter, Heber (1841-1900) |
| Place written | Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History |
| 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 |