Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.063 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December [1863] Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 26 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that there has been a small pox outbreak in Nashville and a hospital has been set up for Wheeler's company. Reassures his family that he is not at risk because his vaccine is still good. Reports that the major of the 13th [Illinois] and Charlie Pesk of Co. F were killed. Wishes that his brigade was with the main Army. Writes that if his brigade were not a favorite of General Granger, they wouldn't be in Nashville. Discusses cooking in his tent and writes that he purchased a fry pan and copper-bottomed coffee pot for $1.90. Compares current rations to rations in Lavergne and Murfreesboro. He is hopeful that the war will close this winter. Wheeler continues his letter on Friday, December 4th. He writes that there will be an exchange of prisoners and remarks that if no more prisoners were exchanged, the war would close sooner. He has put the flowers his mother sent him next to her likeness and writes that he has to look at "his girl" now and then.
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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