Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.099 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 September 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 25.2 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. There are numerous raids on the roads north of Atlanta, Georgia and have interrupted mail and supplies moving south. Their camp has moved to the south side of the Chattahoochee River. Writes that they expect go to into Atlanta soon. The center of the main Union Army is about two or three miles from Atlanta. The city has suffered much damage from Union shell and shot. The rebels had constructed some defenses to keep the Union out of the city. The Union attacked and retreated while General William T. Sherman moved into the Confederate rear. This caused the rebels to abandon Atlanta and as the rebels retreated they blew up their magazines. Some of the poorer citizens of Atlanta were selling milk to the troops and looking to buy flour. It rained hard for two or three days and all of the men got drenched. Asks how much a good pair of boots will cost. He also asks for some ginger, soda and tobacco.
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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