Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Collection of Lysander Wheeler, C company, 105th regiment, Illinois, infantry [Decimalized .001-.123]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: [various places] Type: Header Record Date: September 1862 - 26 May 1865 Pagination: 122 items Order a Copy
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.
[excerpt]
Sunday afternoon
Camp of the 105th May 21st 65
Clouds Mills Near) Alexandria, Virginia
Dear Parents Bro & Sister…
[5] May 22ond1865
Again I write you a few lines this Morning [inserted: to inform you] that I am the recipient of two more letters from home…[6]…We want to get home in time for strawberries and the 4th of July &c I am glad you have been so mindful as to remember [inserted: me] when you planted the Garden - It wont come amiss. I shall be as hungry as a Dog. You say the Black Currants are doing well Darius you must not eat themall up. You like them so well I expect Mother will have a big loaf of Bread Baked all ready. [7] I hope there she will sit down and eat more hearty than she did at our last meal. how much h[struck: i][inserted: a]s occurred since then. Old Jeffs capture is truly refreshing We want to see him hung…then We are ready to return to Illinois in triumph how much better we feel to come with our work finished and well done. Truly God has controlled all to his honor and glory how decisive, proud Day for America let her henceforth be jealous of her honor and be careful for the future I would not have missed contributing my mite in helping to put down this rebellion for a great deal nothing otherwise would ever have satisfied me I envy not the comforts of those who chose luxury at home in preference of the soldiers Bed & Board [8] including the Dangers of Warfare the risks of war are too many to be enumerated. Many of our Brave boys are sleeping in Death along our winding pathway among the Woods and swamps of the South. too much cannot be said to their memory. The Price of Liberty who knows On the battle field of Spottsylvania (which we passed) the skulls were lying [inserted: in the road] and many lay unburried but I must change the subject. … It is raining here most everyday and is very muddy I must close with my Love to you each at home.
Your Son & Brother Lysander Wheeler
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