Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.047 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Wheeler is very pleased with the consistency in which his family writes him and states that he thinks no one else in camp gets as much correspondence from home as he does. Reports that Union forces are in Chattanooga and his entire Brigade in Nashville. Describes the city of Nashville, specifically mentions the Capitol building, James Polk's burial, and Andrew Jackson's home. He wonders if Jackson would be a Union or Rebel if he were still alive. Discusses the orderliness of the large Union hospitals, which Wheeler feels gives him greater assurance that Uncle Sam "is growing more able and competent every day to carry on this war in decent order." Writes that rations in Nashville are better than any other since they left Gallatin, Tennessee. Reports rumors that Fort Sumter has fallen, referring to the Federal bombardment on the fort which caused considerable damage to the fort's brick walls.
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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