Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.118 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Goldsboro, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 April 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.1 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that it takes a long time for the letters to arrive at camp and to be sent out. Thinks that General William T. Sherman is unwilling to give up his line of communication. He does not think the army could survive in North Carolina in the summer. The sweet potatoes are their chief foraging food but they are starting to rot. He is glad that everyone at home is keeping up their courage. Writes that he thinks the war will be over soon or "this summer will be a repetition of last." He will not come home before he has served his time in the army. Does not think the army will keep him longer then five months as the South is "caving fast" and they will be around long enough for General Sherman to finish them off. He thinks that General Sherman may reach Richmond, Virginia before General Ulysses S. Grant. Write of two men he knows who were captured by the Confederates and escaped, one has recently died in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reports that there was no snow this winter. They will be at their camp in Goldsboro, North Carolina for at least two weeks so the troops are making their camp comfortable. The troops have also been receiving good rations and new clothes. Ward has been brevetted to a Major General.
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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