Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his brother-in-law Davis and all at home
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.093 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Atlanta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 25.9 cm. Order a Copy
He write that he is well but he cannot say so for other members of the regiment as they have just recently learned that Chas Tubbs has died. The report is that he died of the bloody flux [dysentery]. Details some of the other casualties received by the regiment. Writes that there has been a steady drain on the regiment and that the war must surely end when all men are dead, "offered up to the Goddess of Liberty." He hopes that the recent losses will not discourage the men as they must fight on in order to assure liberty. The men have been busy constructing a fort for the cannon. The rebels fired on their works but only for a short while. Reports that 11 Tennessee deserters came to their works. He writes to his brother-in-law that the band stays at least a mile to the rear. Writes about his feelings on death and the army.
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.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.