16 October 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. The line of communication have once again been opened. The mail came in all last night and he received three letters from Martha. He is sorry to hear that Johnny Burst [?] is not doing any better. He wishes he could help Johnny to feel better even though he knows he cannot. Asks for a good pair of boots and some shoe nails. He does not need his shirts from home as the clothing he left at the previous camp has arrived. Thinks that the regiment might stay at camp for a while as there have been reports that General William T. Sherman has been "…

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23 October 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and all at home

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He has yet to received the package his family sent him. Mr. Wells is going home tomorrow. Asks for some things and suggests they can mail it to him or send them with Mr. Wells when he returns. He was paid last week and kept 20 dollars and sent home 118 dollars. Writes that the weather is getting rather cold. He is glad to hear that the family's fall work is getting along so well. Writes about some memories from home that happened during past winters. He expects that the government will give the soldiers 160 acres of land and a new log house. He…

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2 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law and all at home

Written at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. Thanks his friends and family for writing to him and remembering him. Notes that there has been a lot of rain and wind recently. Does not think his brother-in-law will be conscripted as Illinois is already ahead of its quota. Thinks that the New York draft laws are too loose as the rich can "sneak out." Hopes that his brother-in-law will not be drafted but if he is he will be welcomed into the company and regiment. He wishes the army would start to move soon as he wants to fight the rebels. States that he would also like to return home and help "demolish…

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11 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He writes that spring is coming and the army is excited. Notes that the weather is much better and that some of the apple trees are beginning to blossom. Believes that the farming here at camp will be poor as most of the land is used for camping. Writes that many of the refugees have been ordered north. Describes the women of the Lookout Valley stating they are very slim in appearance. He thinks of settling down in Lookout Valley after the war is over. Writes that he wants to "hunt rabbits for a living" and he will keep "our niggers" for the garden.…

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18 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written in Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He reports that the weather is nice but there has been some rain. States that he left his overcoat in Nashville, Tennessee with Ann the regiment's "negro woman." Notes that prices are high both at home in Illinois and in the camp. Suggests to his family what to plant this spring. Writes that he will not be coming home for harvest time as he expects the army to move south to engage the rebels. Reports that he is now in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division of the 20th Army Corps. States that Major General Joseph Hooker commands the Army Corp, Major General Daniel…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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4 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written behind the breastworks of the Illinois 105th regiment. Reports that his regiment had received marching orders but it rained so hard they only marched a short distance. He marched with the regiment toward the left wing and then to the front where the 23rd Corp was already skirmishing with the enemy. In the breastworks the 23rd was supported by the 20th Corp waiting in the reserve line. His regiment was sent to the very end of the left wing to prevent the Union forces from being outflanked. The rebels were surprised by this and his regiment turned them "pretty sharply." Writes that…

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7 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. Explains that the mail has not gone out for a while because of the Battle of Resaca. He is glad to hear everyone at home is doing well. Writes that he hopes that when the fighting is done the war is over for good. He does not like the idea of all the political connections in the North as there are "so many candidates" for the 1864 elections. Expresses his continued support for Abraham Lincoln. He hopes that the North will unite in order to stop the rebellion and the war. He writes that the regiment is still marching around on the left wing…

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14 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He explains that they are still in the same camp as the last time he wrote. Writes that the Union artillery ha been shelling the rebels for two or three days but the effect of the shelling is not yet apparent. Reports on some of the recent casualties the corp has received.

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18 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He is glad that everyone is doing well and states that he is as well. Writes that he is unsure of exactly where the army is as they have marched on such a "crooked course" through Georgia. Reports that it is raining hard again and that the roads have turned to mud. Writes that the whole division advanced on the rebels who retreated to their breastwork. The regiment's skirmishers inflicted about 20 dead on the rebels. Yesterday morning they found that the rebels had retreated from their fortifications and were headed towards Atalanta, Georgia.…

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24 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He is unharmed and doing well. His corps, the 20th, has been joined by the 23rd Corps. Others have told him the corps are only a few miles from Marietta, Georgia. Reports that both armies are putting up strong breastworks within rifle range of each other. His brigade advanced against the rebels under fire from their works until they came into some thick woods. They got to within 40 feet of the rebel breastworks. Writes that the 4th Corps was engaged with the enemy in a "sharp" fight. The Confederates counterattacked but the Union's batteries…

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30 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. He reports that he is in good health and still in the same location. He writes that his regiment has been relieved from the front lines and are now in the third line. He has washed his clothes and the regiment is getting some rest. Writes of a skirmish between the Confederate and Union pickets to their right, near the 23rd Corps. His regiment "sprung to their guns" in case the rebels broke through; hoping to pay the rebels back for the Battle of Resaca. The firing soon stopped and a quarter of the men were placed on guard duty and the rest…

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December 16, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports that Hiram Wright has been taken to the hospital with small pox and expects that he will come down with it pretty badly. Writes that he has been appointed cook for the week and discusses what he's had for dinner. He explains that the men in his tent take turns cooking; each one is given a one week appointment. Writes that rumors of [William H.] Wyman (of Co. B, Ill. 105th) were mistaken. Updates his brother-in-law, Darius, on the conditions of some of the soldiers they know mutually. Complains about the intensity of the rain and how much noise it makes. Writes that there is…

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December 24, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Thanks his family for the gift of "goodies" he received for Christmas and hopes that he will be able to share Christmas with them after the war is over. Writes that he is very proud of his nephew Welly (Wellington Spohn) and expects to receive a letter from him in his own handwriting. Recollects that a year ago his brother-in-law, Darius left the Tunnel. Wheeler writes that he was afraid for Darius but would not have told him so at the time. Writes that he doesn't expect much of a draft in Illinois as the bounty will tempt many to enlist. Reports that Hiram Wright and Perry of company F…

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20 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Comments on the rainy weather and muddy conditions. Reports that the troops were reviewed by General R.S. Granger. He writes that the men put their best appearance on for the general and made a very good impression. Wheeler remarks that he's glad that the Methodist Ministers have taken the oath "if for nothing else but to sift out the miserable copperheads" (referring to Illinoisian Democratic Methodist ministers that sympathized with the South). Wheeler writes that there is no prospect of leaving Nashville. He also writes that the men don't belong to any specific army corps or division,…

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27 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that some of the men returning from the front were exposed to small pox on the train. Those who were not vaccinated have been taken to the hospital and given vaccinations. He writes that a tent was built to house all the men that came down with small pox. Informs his family that he attended Post Chapel no. 2 and comments on the platform speeches of the Army chaplains. He writes: "Army Chaplains are not afraid to talk politics if need be or state Slavery sentiments now that they have so good a chance in a slave state." Mentions a Sabbath school that has been set up at the Chapel…

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December 11, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and all the clothes from infected soldiers will be burned. Recollects that one year ago he and Darius (his brother-in-law) were in South Tunnel. He writes, "we never think of that place with any very good feelings as there we lost a good many of our boys." There has been talk of moving to Gallatin but hopes that they don't have to leave Nashville…

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19 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Discusses the weather, particularly the muddy conditions. He states that the local rock is limestone and that the mud makes good mortar for building chimneys. Wheeler expects that they will stay in Nashville for some time, possibly through the winter. Mentions that his Uncle Washington is a peace man of the "Vallandingham stripe", referring to Clement Vallandingham, an Ohio Statesman and leader of the Copperhead faction of Democrats in the North. Of the Copperheads, Wheeler remarks: " the Devil is a more likely man than these Copperheads for he is always on one side, and you know how to…

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9 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Thanks his family for the needle and thread they sent. Reports that General Ward is still in Murfreesboro. Writes that the 129th Ills has gone down to Columbia on the Franklin Road, but have not returned. Expresses his appreciation for the clothes that he's received from home by writing that he shall wear all his clothes on his back should he enter into battle or be in a position where he is likely to lose them. Writes that the prices of clothing have risen considerably since he first entered the service and provides prices for dress coats, overcoats, and blankets. Describes the stove he…

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11 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports that General Ward is back in Murfreesboro. Writes that he has sent his ambrotype with the letter (not included) and has framed his mother's likeness, commenting that he is always proud to show it off. Wheeler mentions that he has bought an overcoat and had his boots tapped and nailed in preparation for winter. Writes that he's been so busy mending his clothes that he hasn't had time to make his mother's ring. Reports that the men have inspection this afternoon and jokes that he wants to get the office of inspector general of his mother's pantry when he comes home. In a post…

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16 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports on some of the activity going on including train guard and the arrival of trains loaded with men which he thinks may be ill or convalescents. Writes that Confederate General Wheeler has not frightened them with his raids. Writes that ten days rations have been put in the fort but will probably be brought out again for the soldiers to eat. Discusses the price of grain and is glad to hear that oats is selling for a good price. Writes to his mother that he has been singing again. Updates his family on some of the other soldiers from his hometown including John Defield who is sick in…

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24 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha and family

Discusses activity regarding train guard. Writes that they would be able to drive the Rebels from Georgia without firing a gun, if they had Austrian rifles. Mentions that U.S. Grant is now their commander and reports that he passed through Nashville a few days ago with some generals on the way to the front. Writes that it is unlikely that his regiment will be called to the war front. Asks that cheese and butter be delivered to him with someone that is going back to camp. He writes that he'd rather not have more than four or five pounds of butter and a few of cheese at a time. Remarks…

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