Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.111 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Place Written: Hardeeville, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 January 1865 Pagination: 8 p. ; 20.4 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
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 requested. The boots and all of the clothing from home fit well. He has had bad diarrhea for the past few days and the doctor told him to watch what he ate. Writes about the food he eats. He has seven months of service left for the army. He does not think highly of those who stay in hospitals to avoid going back to their regiment or of those who stay away from the war as long as possible. He thinks the South would be a "splendid" place to live in except for the war and slavery. Promises to get Davis a pistol when he comes home.
Lysander Wheeler, a farmer from Sycamore, Illinois, enlisted in the Union Army on August 7, 1862 as a private. He was mustered into Company C of the 105th Illinois infantry and later promoted to sergeant. Wheeler was mustered out on June 7, 1865.
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