Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.094 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Atlanta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 August 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 20 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that one month and 15 days ago the Union army began the siege of Atlanta, Georgia. There are reports that the right of the Union Army is within a half-mile of the Macon Road. States that is difficult to find out what is really going on as each part of the line hears or sees something different. He writes that what they read in the papers is probably not much better. Due to the attacks on the railroad the mail has been delayed a few days. The skirmishers on each side have made a small truce to stop firing for a while near his picket. This is not the first time the Union has tried for a local cease fire. One of his younger male relatives is having trouble with his eye sight and has been to the doctor. He wants to learn how to shoot a pistol but must wait until his eye sight gets better. A colonel of the 105th has served three years and Wheeler thinks that the colonel has done his duty. He thinks that other should come forward to serve in the army and that if men do not come forward then the cause must be "desperately poor." States that the South has shown determination and the North must as well.
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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