Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07460.046 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 August 1863 Pagination: 8 p. ; 24.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Comments that he is pleased that his family has received all of his letters and writes that he is fighting for their rights. Describes his journey to Stevenson, Alabama by train. Reports that during his trip he met an old friend, John Hegeman who fought at Murfreesboro and Perryville. He also writes about riding on the train through the Cumberland Mountain range. Upon arriving at Stevenson his company took up lodging in Rosecrans' headquarters. Writes that Union pickets extend along one side of the Tennessee River and the rebel pickets on the opposite side of the river. Wheeler discusses how men from both sides converse and swim together promising each other that they won't take the other prisoner (and honoring the promise). Predicts that after some skirmishing along the river, there will be some more fighting in the days to come. Hates that he has to leave his regiment in Alabama and return to Nashville. Writes that many rebels give themselves up to the Army in Nashville. Describes a specific account of a Mississippi man who swam across the Tennessee to join the Union forces. The deserter, a flag carrier in the battle of Stone River, was given a Union uniform and treated "like a gentleman."
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