Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.048 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is encouraged by his mother's message of strength and courage. Mentions that the men are drilling five days out of the week and travel a mile to find suitable ground for drillling. He reports that the 129th Illinois and the 3rd Ohio have joined his brigade. Writes about the dimishing numbers of men in various regiments. He specifically mentions one company of the 75th Illinois in which only six men, two sergeants, and a second lieutenant remain. Wheeler writes that he is glad to hear that "active measures will be used against the copperheads in case they dare resist the Lord." Updates his family on troop movements in Stevenson, Alabama where he had been at the end of August. Writes that their clothing allowance is now forty-two dollars per year. Discusses the inflation of prices and the cut back of the soldier's allowance. Specifically, he writes about the cost of some shirts and stockings and asks if he can be sent some from home. Writes that the stores in the main part of town have so much stock for sale that you would not even know a war was going on.
Lysander Wheeler, a farmer from Sycamore, Illinois, enlisted in the Union Army on August 7, 1862 as a private. He was mustered into Company C of the 105th Illinois infantry and later promoted to sergeant. Wheeler was mustered out on June 7, 1865.
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