Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister
Order a pdf of this item here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.121 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 May 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is very grateful to be able to see his family once again and looks forward to being reunited with them. He hopes that the war is over for good and that they will be able to return home soon. Writes that the government is working hard on getting the army's papers ready so the troops can be sent home. There are rumors that the troops will be sent home by regiments to a military post nearest to their hometowns. From there they will be mustered out. He thinks that his regiment will go to Chicago, Illinois but he cannot say how soon they will leave. Writes of how the regiment was reviewed in front of the Capitol and White House. From Washington, D.C. the regiment marched four and a half miles and camped along the Baltimore Pike. The other Union troops were surprised at the discipline of General William T. Sherman's troops as they thought of them as "marauders" who only "knew how to fight." Writes that Sherman's army was greatly praised and treated by the people of Washington, D.C. A newspaper clipping of the poem "Shoulder Straps is included with the letter. Another newspaper clipping describing the review of General Sherman's troops as they marched through Washington, D.C.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.