The following letter was written by Sidney Crockett Painter (1837-1890), the son of Isaac Painter (1802-1885) and Evalina Jackson Bell (1809-1892) of Wytheville, Virginia. Early in the war, Sidney enlisted in the 4th Virginia Infantry as a 1st Sergeant in Co. F. He was wounded in the Battle of Bull Run and was discharged in late October 1861. He reentered the war in May 1862 as a private in Co. B, 29th Virginia Infantry and was commissioned a lieutenant by September 1862. Later in the war he served as an Assistant Quartermaster of the regiment and on the staff of Cabell’s Confederate Artillery.

Sidney married Mary Gertrude Bitting (b. 1844) of Surry, North Carolina, in 1867.

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Headquarters Conscript Office
Petersburg, Virginia
March 23rd 1863

Dear Sir,

As I have not written you anything since James went home, I will give you some of our disappointments in regard to our late order which was to go west. I imagine, however, you have heard something of it before this.

First we were ordered to report to our old commands in S. W. Virginia. The 63rd, 50th and 54th went but our beautiful Lieut. Col. opposed the move and went to Richmond and got us detached from Gen. Marshall’s command and the consequence is we will have to remain here or somewhere in this country. We all wished for Col. [A. C.] Moore as we we think he would have taken us back. We held meetings to try and do something to get back but I fear it will do no good. I will send you a copy of the resolutions drafted as soon as I can see Adjt. Moore.

Our duties are just as when I wrote before. Some of our sentinels have been fighting like smoke. They have shot five or six men. They shot one yesterday and it is thought he will die. I will send a full description published in the Express. I bought me a fine suit of gray that cost me $28. The same will cost $80 to have it made up—outrageous! My intention is to have it made this week if we remain here.

My health is tolerable good though the weather is so bad I can’t do much out of the camp. I believe Lawrence wrote you by last mail and I presume he gave you all the late items. Tell Pa to keep my mule unless he can get $400 for him and that cash down. She will just suit him to ride and I want him to ride her everywhere he goes. She will keep fat on just half what it will take to keep up a horse. If he would fatten Horace, he can get $350 for him. Write me as soon as you get this.

The boys all send their love to you all. Ezra is very well. In haste. Yours, &c. — S. C. Painter