4 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written in the woods near Ringgold, Georgia. The regiment marched through Chattanooga, Tennessee and camped just past the Chickamauga battle ground. At Gordons Mills near Chickamauga, Georgia the regiment got into its first fight. The regiment went on picket duty at 4 A.M. the following day. He states they marched again to where he is presently writing from and that more and more troops have been coming into camp asking what the army's intentions are. Reports that the regiment will try and give the rebels "fits" until they have a chance to engage in battle. Writes that he is in good health…

GLC07460.075

12 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Snake Creek Gap, Georgia. The regiment marched again and is currently working on roads for the army to march on. Writes that he thinks they are about five miles from the main body of the rebel army. The brigade took such a circuitous march that he had trouble keeping track of the distances and locations. Thinks there will be a raid tonight on the rebels near the railroad. Reports that a dispatch by General Joseph E. Johnston called on the city of Atlanta, Georgia for 30,000 volunteers was captured. The good news from the Army of the Potomac was read to them and they cheered. When…

GLC07460.076

31 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written on the battle field near Dallas, Georgia. He explains that he is unsure of what effect the army has had on the war being in Georgia but hopes that it is good. Writes that they have had all the rations they can eat and keep several days worth in their haversacks. Notes that General William T. Sherman is with the army in Georgia. Reports that General Sherman was not afraid to go to the front with the skirmishers. The rebels leveled the log house that was the headquarters of Ward who commands their brigade. He writes that he celebrated his birthday on the battlefield and that part of the…

GLC07460.077

16 May 1864- 2 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Camp of the Illinois 105th. States that he is in good health although he is worried about the casualties the Union army is sustaining. Writes that he is glad his mother worries less even though her feelings are natural. Part of the regiment was sent out on picket duty and to the skirmish line. Yesterday afternoon their corps were relieved from the center of the line. The rest of their corps has not reached them. He believes they are headed to Marietta, Georgia. Reports that there has been skirmishing all day and occasional artillery fire from the Union guns. He has heard reports…

GLC07460.078

August 1807

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Fragment]

Unsigned fragment. "It would be dishonourable, and might be ruinous if without a redress of our wrongs war did not promptly follow the expiration of the embargo. No other alternative is left to our choice. Every other expedient has been tried and failed...We cannot retrace our steps and abandon, perhaps forever, our most important rights...It would be folly in the extreme to attempt to disguise from ourselves the true character of the present embargo. It is not an engine to be wielded in negotiation. From the privations to which it may expose the belligerents nothing ought to be expected. If…

GLC09135

18 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall…

GLC07460.108

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

GLC07460.109

30 December 1864 - 4 January 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes about those who have died during the past year and the sacrifice they made for their country. General William T. Sherman reviewed the 20th Corps. today. General Ulysses Grant was supposed to review the men as well but he failed to show up. A rebel blockage runner arrived in Savannah, Georgia not knowing the town was now occupied by the Union Army. The number of guns taken from Savannah is around 207, which is quite large, assuming the number is correct. He likes Savannah but thinks that many of the buildings looked "weather aged." He has a "Britannia" tea pot in his tent that was made…

GLC07460.110

22 January 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

It is almost impossible to receive or sent out any mail, the last letter he received from home was from 25 December. They are about 23 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been raining so hard for the past few days that it was nearly impossible to move. The troops are still unsure of what the goal is with their current movements. Fort Fisher has been captured and is seen as an important victory. The numerous fortifications beyond Savannah into South Carolina so far have caused little harm to the advancing Union Army. He has finally received the package from home with all the items he…

GLC07460.111

26 January 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is not in camp and is feeling much better. His diarrhea has gone away thanks to some of the berries he ate. The weather has been very bad, there is a lot of mud which will prevent the army from moving very far. The Union scouts found Grahamville, South Carolina to be evacuated but encountered a rebel force west of the village and were forced to withdraw. The mail is very irregular. Writes that South Carolina has always been viewed as a "dank place." A small note is included that states a colonel had to sell some of the family's butter while in Nashville. The colonel gave him…

GLC07460.112

1 February 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he and most of the men of the company are doing well. The wood they have been using for their fire turns everything black including their faces. They are camped about 25 [18 miles from Hardeeville, South Carolina to another site then another 7 miles to Robertsville, South Carolina] from where they last were. They advanced through swamps and low-lands. Believes that it is natural for soldiers to write to their mothers. The rest of the men feel the same way.

GLC07460.113

12 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

The Union 14th Corps. captured Fayetteville, North Carolina yesterday. They are now encamped there along with the 20th, 15th, and 17th Corps. On 2 February his regiment had a "brisk" skirmish with Confederates near Lawtonville, South Carolina. They suffered only eight wounded and they are all doing well, none of the wounded were the Sycamore men. They have had a severe and tedious march but they are doing well. He expects that will move on to Goldsboro, North Carolina next. The Union raids have been "gigantic" destroying as much as possible including buildings, cotton, and other provisions.…

GLC07460.114

27 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is doing well and that the regiment is starting to receive a regular mail service. Since leaving Fayetteville, North Carolina there have been some hard fights. On 16 March their division and the First Division of the Corps. bore the brunt of the engagement with the Confederates. He reports that they charged into their works and captured three brass cannons. There were many dead and wounded as well as prisoners taken by the Union. One rebel prisoner stated that there was a 25,000 man brigade to their front. Writes that both sides suffered heavy losses. The rebels put up a…

GLC07460.115

28 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his nephew, Wellington

Writes about what life is like in the army. He states that the troops usually sleep outside and never have more than a thick blanket between him "and the sky." He does not want his nephew to have to go to war and if he comes home he will tell him why. Writes that if the men of the south would have been "good" there would have been no war and no trouble for the people at home. When he comes home he will give him the pistol he promised him. Advises Wellington not to enlist as it will make his mother worry too much.

GLC07460.116

22 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Complains that Lile, his wife, does not write to him often enough. Refers to the Battle of Gettysburg and the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address and Edward Everett gave the Gettysburg Oration. Writes: "I suppose there was a Big time there on last Friday, we last evening saw a full account of it in the Washington Chronicle also the speech of Mr. Everett which I think was elegant, what a different spectacle must that day have presented to the 1st 2nd & 3rd of July, But as the Remembrance of…

GLC02155.117

1 March 1872

Thatcher, Henry Knox, 1806-1880

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marshall P. Wilder

Discusses the papers of his grandfather, Henry Knox. Writes that he loaned them to the late Joseph Willard Esq. who was supposed to write a memoir of Knox. He is now having trouble getting them back from Willard's son but is working on the situation. Wants to ensure the transfer of the papers to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of which Wilder is president. In a postscript states there are over 60 George Washington letters which he would like to place in the vault of the Society.

GLC02437.10734

26 May 1873

Thatcher, Henry Knox, 1806-1880

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marshall P. Wilder

Transfers the papers of his grandfather, Henry Knox to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of which Wilder is president. Stresses the importance of the collection and lists some conditions. Wants the papers to be "bound in a convenient form for reference as well as preservation," and indexed. Suggests they not be used or reproduced until this happens. Notes the George Washington letters are separated and should be kept in a fire proof safe. Does not want the papers to be removed form the Society for any reason.

GLC02437.10735

22 September 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Writes a love letter to his wife. Expects to cross the Rapidan River and "[attack] Old Lee as he is sending reinforcements to Bragg."

GLC02155.108

1 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Discusses another man, Mr. Spates, who apparently cheated on his wife. Professes his undying devotion to Lile. Hopes that Lile and Charles (his son) are in good health.

GLC02155.109

3 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Reports that some men from the 9th regiment were involved in a skirmish while on picket. Notes that Newton Derboren, a friend of his, hopes to transfer to the Signal Corps. Predicts that too many Union corps have been sent away from the area for them to attack [General Robert E.] Lee. Philosophizes on the happiness and perils of marriage.

GLC02155.110

10 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp at Fairfax Court House. Describes his involvement in the Battle of Bristoe (modern day Bristow) Station. Outlines his company's march to the Rapidan River, noting they fell back to Rappahannock Station and were followed by the enemy. Reports that they drove the enemy to Brandy Station and fell back to Bristoe Station. Written in pencil.

GLC02155.111

31 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia. Expresses his regret that Uncle Wills' son died. Writes, "O what misery and heart aches children have caused thousands of Parents since this wretched war has been in progress." Mentions his cravings for vegetables, noting: "I would walk ten mile for a mess of cabbage and potatoes." Recounts some trouble he got into with a patrol when he went out of camp without a pass to buy turnips. Notes that there are hard feelings between his division and "the Regulars," the regulars being jealous of them since the Battle of Gettysburg.

GLC02155.112

2 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia. Notes that they will likely move toward the Rappahannock River. Reports that [General Samuel] Crawford took command of their division. Complains that his rations consist of wormy crackers, pork, and beef. Comments on Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin and the draft: "Now Dear Lile they have elected Old Andy Curtin, and the President has again called for three hundred thousand troops, and I judge the [Qota] [sic] of Penna will be between thirty and forty thousand, we will see whether they will be so anxious to come and fight they say the…

GLC02155.113

14 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Dislikes the country between the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers, noting that the Confederates have "too much chance to flank us here." Writes, "Dear Lile I should love dearly to Be home with you this winter for I am sick of this worse than dogs life." Discusses reviews conducted by Abraham Lincoln: "I suppose there will be no great time there on the 19th especially to see Old Abe if it was to see him situated as I have always been when I saw him, there would not so many want to see him, (on Big Reviews) with a gun and Knapsack on their backs..." Relates…

GLC02155.114

16 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Sympathizes regarding "the difficulties" between Lile and "the girls." Reports on camp news, expressing enjoyment that he received fresh bread, beans, potatoes, and rice as part of his rations the previous day. Continues writing on page four, 18 November, in pencil. Transmits money to Lile, his wife (not included).

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