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Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) [to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.049 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: [Nashville], Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 [September] 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that the rainy weather prohibits soldiers from drilling. Mentions that he visited the Christian Commission and got three or four papers (newspapers or writing paper; the duties of the Commission's delegates required them to provide reading material and writing material to the soldiers). Remarks that the Commission is very willing to give and are indeed "the soldier's friend". Wheeler is happy to hear that his nephew Welly (Wellington Spohn) has not forgotten him and promises to teach his nephew how to handle a rifle and turn him into a military man.

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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