Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law, parents and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.084 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He reports that he is in good health and still in the same location. He writes that his regiment has been relieved from the front lines and are now in the third line. He has washed his clothes and the regiment is getting some rest. Writes of a skirmish between the Confederate and Union pickets to their right, near the 23rd Corps. His regiment "sprung to their guns" in case the rebels broke through; hoping to pay the rebels back for the Battle of Resaca. The firing soon stopped and a quarter of the men were placed on guard duty and the rest of the regiment retired for the night. He writes that they have daily picket duty and that cannon balls have been landing on the ground near their breastwork. He explains that a picket or skirmishers -he states these are the same thing- are placed in the front of a brigade as it advances. Writes that a "good many" rebel deserters come into their lines every day. He thinks that General Joseph Hooker will try to drive towards Atlanta, Georgia and beyond.
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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