Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.059 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he has just returned from performing the funeral services and burial of George H. Gould. Gould, who shared a tent with Wheeler, had been sick since June from diahrrea, and was transferred to the regimental hospital in August where he died. He also writes that Gould's discharge papers were made out while he was sick in hospital but have not been returned. Furthermore, he explains that if a soldier dies or is discharged before serving two years, the seventy-five dollar bounty is lost. Discusses news about various soldiers from the regiment including a twenty-year old whose legs were cut off by a train car while on train guard. Wheeler writes that he stayed up with George Gould until two o'clock on his last night and tended to him. Remarks that Gould was a "first rate boy". Briefly discusses his father's corn crop and his brother-in-law's school. Writes that he spoke to Col. Stokes' mother who reported that guerrillas had burned down her house. (Col. Stokes is a Union cavalryman from Tennessee). Wheeler writes that "it costs something for these citizens to be Union people..." referring to Citizens of Tennessee sympathizing with the Union.
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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