Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.105 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 November 1864 - 3 November 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 17.7 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He writes that the weather has been poor as it continues to rain. Assumes that by the time his family receives the letter the army will have moved from their currently location to an unknown destination. They are expected to be ready to move out by 4 November. The men have heard that the 20th Corps and the Army of the Tennessee are preparing to conduct a large raid. The troops have prepared 50 days worth of rations and have sent all their heavy baggage and equipment to the rear. Writes that he visited Atlanta, Georgia and was interested in the gates to the city. He notes the great number of carters from Union artillery and the numerous bullet holes in buildings in Atlanta. There are still some families that have remained in Atlanta despite the damage. He states that he does not like Atlanta and that every other southern city deserves the same fate. He went to see where the slaves were kept and slave auctions held. He is very disgusted with this and thinks that the rebels need to be "severely dealt with" for their "sins." He has still not received the package he previously requested nor has he received any mail from home in over a week.
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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