Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.030 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: [Gallatin, Tennessee] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : 2 envelopes ; 20.5 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Tells his family not to worry if they don't hear from him soon, as he is preparing to march and will not be able to write for a while. Reports that the rebs have moved but it is not exactly known where to. He comments on the poor quality of farming in the town, stating that "the farmers feared to put in their crops thinking the Yanks would be along." A review has been ordered by General Sherman. He writes that Lieut. Col. Valette was stunned by a blow from a piece of shell. Wheeler writes of Resaca, [GA] as a well fortified place where "dead rebs lay scattered all through the woods..."
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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