Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law, parents and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.075 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written in the woods near Ringgold, Georgia. The regiment marched through Chattanooga, Tennessee and camped just past the Chickamauga battle ground. At Gordons Mills near Chickamauga, Georgia the regiment got into its first fight. The regiment went on picket duty at 4 A.M. the following day. He states they marched again to where he is presently writing from and that more and more troops have been coming into camp asking what the army's intentions are. Reports that the regiment will try and give the rebels "fits" until they have a chance to engage in battle. Writes that he is in good health and his spirits are high as well. Wishes the army would advance so that they can "whip the rebels within an inch of their lives." He hopes that the campaign will be a decisive one for the Union. Writes that he is happy the North has produced so many fresh troops that will at least be good for garrison duty. He thinks that the country is very lovely. Writes that he thinks the inhabitants should go back to farming as their fighting is "useless" as the North will prevail. One of the soldiers in the regiment was too sick to leave camp so they had to leave him behind.
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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