Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law and all at home
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.072 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.1 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. Thanks his friends and family for writing to him and remembering him. Notes that there has been a lot of rain and wind recently. Does not think his brother-in-law will be conscripted as Illinois is already ahead of its quota. Thinks that the New York draft laws are too loose as the rich can "sneak out." Hopes that his brother-in-law will not be drafted but if he is he will be welcomed into the company and regiment. He wishes the army would start to move soon as he wants to fight the rebels. States that he would also like to return home and help "demolish all those copperheads." Describes the work of the Christian Commissioners who keep paper and writing materials and distribute them for free amongst the soldiers.
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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