Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]

Writes that he has received his mother's likeness and will treasure it. Asks that Darius write as soon as he is well enough to do so. General Rosecrans has prohibited picket fires at night, so they have to make a big pile of coals and sleep beside it to keep warm during picket duty. Wheeler doesn't think Morgan will confront them for a while. Writes that the Union victory at Murfreesboro was so difficult that "old Bragg claims one on his side." Reports that Porter West, and Phil Hartman were wounded at Vicksburg. He encloses a letter from Captain Warner to Darius; which reports that the Captain has typhoid and is boarding at a darkie house. Wheeler requests that someone from home send him some black linen thread, as his clothes are starting to fall part and he has to constantly mend them. Writes that they are gathering all usable guns but the "Rebels have been ahead of us the object being to disarm the inhabitants." Closes the letter by reporting that there have been many sickly men in his regiment during the winter time. He writes that two or three per week have been dying of illness.