Our Collection

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

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.068 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 January 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20 x 26 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that the weather is very cold and has been as low as nineteen degrees below zero. Complains of the lack of fire wood provided for the soldiers. Reports that Major [Everell Fletcher] Dutton of Sycamore, Illinois has returned to the regiment. Asks that he be sent a pocket handkerchief, towel, and ointment.

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.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources