Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.014 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Gallatin, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 February 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses farm business back home. He describes a "grand foraging expedition" led by Major Dutton. In response to his father's comment about taking Wheeler's place, Lysander states "I couldn't let you have my place under any consideration...I would be ashamed to live in a country I was not willing to fight for." He tells his mother that she must stop worrying about him or he will leave the hardships he encounters out of future letters. Wheeler explains that it is his desire to write these letters as journals and include as many accounts as possible, so that he can read them in the future.
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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