Temporary record

The Wheat Papers contain correspondence between members of the Wheat family of Franklin, NY, primarily from late 1862 through the first months of 1863. The central focus of the collection is Sylvanus, who served in the Civil War with the 144th N.Y. Infantry in the environs of Washington, D.C. from October 1862-April 1863. During much of his tour, Sylvanus was ill with mumps, pox and other diseases and he was often incapacitated. Eventually Sylvanus was hospitalized (between 24 and 29 March 1863) and discharged. For this reason, his military experiences are somewhat limited. However, Wheat was an unusually prolific writer during this period of low morale and poor union military showings. His subjects concern camp life, health, food, relations with other soldiers, the Virginia civilians, and rumours of the course of the war. Wheat is profoundly and eloquently moved by the destruction of the war (e.g., 1862.12.09), and at times despairs, without ever quite giving up hope of victory.

At home, the family quarrelled and worried, occasionally despairingly, about the Union. While most of the Wheats seem to have remained loyal, several family members and neighbors are described as secessionists (democrats) during the election of 1862. Letters from other family members are more oriented toward political events than are Sylvanus': concern is expressed over the election of Horatio Seymour as governor, over the possibility of renewed trouble with Indians, and over the draft.

M-2466

Subjects

Draft
Elections--New York (State)--1862
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals
United States. Army--New York Infantry Regiment, 144th

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