Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his sister Martha [Spohn]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.001 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Camp Childs Type: Autograph letter signed Date: September 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Wheeler writes that a few men from his hometown of Sycamore, Illinois are at camp including his brother-in-law Darius Spohn. He reports that while the soldier's wives visit, they mend and alter clothes, and accompany their husbands to the city at night. He reprimands his sister for writing bitter letters to Darius and complaining about Lysander and Darius volunteering. Wheeler expresses that he would rather be dead than "have nothing to do in putting down this accursed Rebellion". In defense of Darius, he writes that his brother-in-law is "engaged in the noblest work he can be next to that of serving his God."
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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