Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law and sister
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 #: GLC07460.101 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 September 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 25.2 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Writes that the weather has been getting a lot cooler especially at night. The change from daytime temperature to nighttime temperature is very similar to that of Kentucky. He is still in the same camp as when he last wrote and he thinks that the army will be staying for a little while in that location. He has been roaming around the southern countryside and really enjoys it. He thinks that his family can fix up their home "southern style" to make it look more attractive. He is thinking of buying a place for his family with what he gets paid and the bounty for joining the army. Writes that the West will become more populous after the war ends. Knows that there are rich men getting richer but hopes they do not forget the lower classes that worked so hard to make them rich. Does not see the poor white people of the South and North as being very different. Writes that his teeth are used up but the troops are finally eating some soft bread.
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.