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Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his parents and sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.002 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 Place Written: Shelbyville, [Tennessee] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 15.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Wheeler's regiment has marched 33 miles and many of the men have discarded their belongings along the way. He writes that they pass slaves along the road at almost every house and although a few volunteered to join the Union soldiers, they later backed out. Wheeler describes the slaves as well brought up and states that they support the Union. He is wary of any news of movements and feels that he can't rely on anything that is said anymore.

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