Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law, parents and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.087 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.1 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois south of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. His Corps. has crossed the river on a pontoon bridge. Soon afterward his regiment was sent on picket duty. To his left he has heard the sound of musketry. The 3rd Brigade of his division is currently building a bridge across a stream. He describes the area as "all woodland" and the country is "as rough as ever." He regrets that they could not prevent the rebels from crossing the river last night. Writes that they are only 10 or 11 miles from Atlanta, Georgia which is doomed to fall soon. Writes that if he arrives home safely after the war is over he would like to go to the "Empire State" [New York] to visit the rest of the family. Requests a few items from home suggesting the colonel who recently returned may be able to bring them back. Asks how his friends and family at home are doing.
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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