Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 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 have died of the small pox. He also reports that John Wright has come down with small pox, but not seriously. Most of the men that have come down with small pox have only contracted the "valleloid" (or varioloid, a milder form of small pox occurring in people who have been vaccinated or have already had the disease). Updates his family on news of several soldiers. He mentions that a brother of one of the soldiers is out in California digging for gold and getting rich. Continues the letter on Christmas day. He writes that Ed Stowe's wife roasted a turkey for the soldiers. To accompany the turkey, they will have smashed potatoes and pies that Wheeler plans to make from a family receipt (recipe).