Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.115 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Goldsboro, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 March 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is doing well and that the regiment is starting to receive a regular mail service. Since leaving Fayetteville, North Carolina there have been some hard fights. On 16 March their division and the First Division of the Corps. bore the brunt of the engagement with the Confederates. He reports that they charged into their works and captured three brass cannons. There were many dead and wounded as well as prisoners taken by the Union. One rebel prisoner stated that there was a 25,000 man brigade to their front. Writes that both sides suffered heavy losses. The rebels put up a difficult fight in each of their defensive lines. When night came they were ordered not to charge and began putting some logs for protection. When the morning came the Confederates had retreated from their position. The losses of the 105th were four killed, 12 wounded, and one taken prisoner.
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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