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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.062 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 26 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that some of the men returning from the front were exposed to small pox on the train. Those who were not vaccinated have been taken to the hospital and given vaccinations. He writes that a tent was built to house all the men that came down with small pox. Informs his family that he attended Post Chapel no. 2 and comments on the platform speeches of the Army chaplains. He writes: "Army Chaplains are not afraid to talk politics if need be or state Slavery sentiments now that they have so good a chance in a slave state." Mentions a Sabbath school that has been set up at the Chapel and remarks that many soldiers have converted. Writes that Nashville has become civilized under Federal Laws and gives the example of how the ladies of the town now look down and smile at the Union soldiers when they used turn up their noses. Asks that no more writing material be sent to him, as he recently bought a large quantity.

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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