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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.054 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy

Reports that General Ward is back in Murfreesboro. Writes that he has sent his ambrotype with the letter (not included) and has framed his mother's likeness, commenting that he is always proud to show it off. Wheeler mentions that he has bought an overcoat and had his boots tapped and nailed in preparation for winter. Writes that he's been so busy mending his clothes that he hasn't had time to make his mother's ring. Reports that the men have inspection this afternoon and jokes that he wants to get the office of inspector general of his mother's pantry when he comes home. In a post script note Wheeler writes that it is rumored that Union general Rosecrans is fighting again. Wheeler reports that Capt. Foster of company K, forty-second Illinois has been mortally wounded at Chicamauga. He writes that Foster had a wife at home but also had a woman living currently living with him. Also reports that the thirteenth NY Battery camped in his camp last night.

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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