Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.027 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Gallatin, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 May 1863 Pagination: 8 p. : envelope ; 19.5 x 24 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that furloughs have begun and three men will be allowed to go from each company. His brigade will be kept in Gallatan for the time being, as Gallatan is a very important position to keep. Writes that there will soon be a fight at Murfreesboro and is confident that Confederate General Braxton Bragg's army is equal to and possibly stronger than Confederate General Joseph Wheeler's. Describes an incident in which an escorted mail delivery was attacked by rebels, but the escorts managed to drive the rebels back. Describes seeing an Indiana soldier being carried to his grave, followed by his wife whom had just arrived a week ago. Discusses the canonading of a Union boat on the Cumberland River. Asks for emery paper to keep his gun clean. The letter is continued the following morning, May 6, 1863. He writes that an order has been issued prohibiting furlough unless on account of disability or severe illness in the soldier's family. Includes a poem written by an unknown soldier entitled " First night in Dixie". Wheeler indicates that the poem refers to when the 105th Illinois went to Louisville.
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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