Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.070 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 Febuary 1864 Pagination: 6 p. ; 20 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is in good health and is glad to hear that his family is as well. The brigade still has not marched out from Nashville, Tennessee. There is also another brigade close by and they each hear rumors that one of them has received marching orders. States that the weather is very cold and the men are without their overcoats as they had sent them home. The commander of the other brigade sees no point in marching out before spring. Writes that he is still required to go on picket despite the bad weather. However, they do not have drills or dress parade during bad weather. Reports they are constructing a building about two acres in size to store their supplies. Notes that cotton comes in everyday and most bales are worth about 200 dollars. This price is inflated because of the danger of transporting the cotton as the countryside is not safe. There are reports of gruesome murders and lawlessness. Gives details concerning a body they had found that was murdered. He does not think the murders will ever be found. Reports the night after another man was knocked down and robbed. Tells his family that he went into town and purchased a ream of paper. Gives some specifics as to the cost and amount of paper he purchased.
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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