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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC07460.058 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Lysander Wheeler |
| Title | Lysander Wheeler to his parents, sister and brother-in-law discussing train guard duty, guerilla attacks and Lincoln's decision to increase troops |
| Date | 24 October 1863 |
| Author | Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes that some of the men from his regiment are out on train guard duty on a branch road leading out to Tullahoma, Tennessee. He asks that Thomas Albee's mother be told that Albee hasn't been able to write because he's been on train duty. Reports a train attack and raids by some guerillas, but assures his family that the 105th regiment (Wheeler's regiment) hasn't been attacked. Reassures his sister that Lincoln's increasing of troops doesn't mean the war is not going to end soon; on the contrary he writes " if he would call for a million men it would be better." Remarks that " Old Abe knows that there is nothing like keeping a stiff upper lip while he is pegging away. " Writes that he is willing, if necessary, to serve out his three year term so long as he has his health. Reports that there are not enough men left at camp to have roll call in the morning and brags that they are able to sleep as late as they want. Addresses his mother's query about the food at camp which includes soft bread, pickled pork, beef, peas, and rice. Writes that food rations have been good since arriving in Nashville. Discusses rations, the company treasury, and the company cook and her husband. Reports that John Burst has been promoted to first Lieutenant but no new second lieutenants will be elected because there are less than sixty-four privates left in the company. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Soldier's Letter Union Forces Soldier's Letter President Guerrilla Warfare Military Camp Diet and Nutrition Military Provisions Women's History |
| People | Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) |
| Place written | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Theme | The American Civil War; The Presidency |
| 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 |