Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.007 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Gallatin, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Wheeler has just marched fourteen miles to Gallatin, Tennessee and writes that he doesn't mind the marching as much as he used to. The letter is continued on Thursday, November 27th; Thanksgiving day. Wheeler writes that he will not march today but reports that there is talk of sending the company to Murfreesboro for rear guard. He mentions that Gallatin is the most beautiful town he's seen in a long time. There are many secessionists in the town and Lysander hopes that one day "we can go right in and clean them right out." He claims he is "willing to march to the Gulf of Mexico if we can only whip them." The letter is continued on November 30th where he describes the star-shaped fort being built to protect the town.
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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