Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. A friend of the family - a colonel in the Union Army- will be visiting his family soon if he has not called on them already. He has sent his watch home with the colonel because the crystal is broken and he would like to have it repaired. Writes that they are improving their camp daily since they arrived on 6 July. They are sending out pickets towards the river bank because the rebels are on the other side of the river. Reports that there is not much firing but a good deal of trading between Union and Confederate soldiers. He has heard Confederate soldiers say they know they are defeated and would desert if given the chance but their officers prevent them from doing so. Thinks that it is unfortunate that such good people are forced to fight against their will. One soldier of the 1st Georgia told him that if the 1st Georgia were to face the 105th Illinois they would "fire high." Writes that the Union is pressing the Confederate forces hard and have forced them to the other side of the river. Praises General William T. Sherman for his ability to lead the army and operate so far from his base of supply. He thinks that General Sherman is at least the equal to General Ulysses S. Grant. The Confederates think that President Abraham Lincoln is the worst candidate for president and should not be re-elected. The Atlanta newspaper predicts that Lincoln will be elected.