Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law, parents and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.077 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Dallas, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 May 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 20.1 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written on the battle field near Dallas, Georgia. He explains that he is unsure of what effect the army has had on the war being in Georgia but hopes that it is good. Writes that they have had all the rations they can eat and keep several days worth in their haversacks. Notes that General William T. Sherman is with the army in Georgia. Reports that General Sherman was not afraid to go to the front with the skirmishers. The rebels leveled the log house that was the headquarters of Ward who commands their brigade. He writes that he celebrated his birthday on the battlefield and that part of the brigade is on picket duty. On Thursday evening the rebels charged in three lines. At the breastwork the rebels were fired on with the "big guns" and retreated faster then they had charged. Writes that the Union knew the rebels were coming by watching their signals. There are some men watching the rebels with spy glasses to track the enemy's movements. Writes that the regiment is very well entrenched and the army has many field and siege guns. Reports that some of his friends from home have been injured and many have lost a leg. States that the war will forever affect his generation. Writes of the lives lost defending the country.
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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