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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC07460.065 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Lysander Wheeler |
| Title | Lysander Wheeler to his parents, sister and brother-in-law discussing a cooking rota, a prisoner exchange and wives who visit their sick husbands in camp |
| Date | 16 December 1863 |
| Author | Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Reports that Hiram Wright has been taken to the hospital with small pox and expects that he will come down with it pretty badly. Writes that he has been appointed cook for the week and discusses what he's had for dinner. He explains that the men in his tent take turns cooking; each one is given a one week appointment. Writes that rumors of [William H.] Wyman (of Co. B, Ill. 105th) were mistaken. Updates his brother-in-law, Darius, on the conditions of some of the soldiers they know mutually. Complains about the intensity of the rain and how much noise it makes. Writes that there is still some talk of moving to Gallatin. General Paine wants the regiment to move forward but General Ward is opposed to it. Wheeler remarks that he would rather the regiment stay with the brigade in Nashville. Continues the letter on the morning of Thursday, December 17, 1863. Writes that some of the soldier's wives have been visiting for a few weeks. Remarks that he wouldn't want "his women" coming to visit if he were sick, so they should take a hint and stay home. He writes that he always has plenty of coffee and jokingly remarks that the Rebels wanted to get into Knoxville just for the coffee. Informs his family that Lincoln's message to Congress was read before the brigade who responded with several rounds of rifle and canon fire. Hopes that some of their prisoners will be exchanged at Richmond soon. Of the prisoner exchange he comments: " if they want the niggers they may keep then for all [me] it is keeping too many white men, shut up for a pack of niggers." |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Soldier's Letter Union Forces Soldier's Letter Prisoner of War African American History Smallpox Health and Medical Epidemic Hospital Military Camp Diet and Nutrition Military Provisions Union General Women's History Marriage Presidential Speeches and Proclamations President |
| People | Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) |
| Place written | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Theme | The American Civil War; African Americans; Health & Medicine; Women in American History |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | 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. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Mother Father Sister Brother-in-law |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Western Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 105th Illinois Infantry, C company |