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Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his sister and family

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.064 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 26 cm. Order a Copy

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and all the clothes from infected soldiers will be burned. Recollects that one year ago he and Darius (his brother-in-law) were in South Tunnel. He writes, "we never think of that place with any very good feelings as there we lost a good many of our boys." There has been talk of moving to Gallatin but hopes that they don't have to leave Nashville. Reports that they had two reviews to "satisfy the avarice of two ambitious generals" (Generals Rosecrans and Hunter). Writes that he received a letter from John Heyeman who witnessed the battle of Mission Ridge. Comments on Lincoln's message to Congress delivered on December 8, 1863. Asks for his grandfather's address. He sends likenesses of five of the men. Writes that Tom Alber and Seidel have been examined for "nigger officers" (possibly USCT officers) and will likely go for lieutenants.

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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