Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) to Braxton Bragg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00549 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) Place Written: Jenkins County, Georgia Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 28 November 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 19.5 x 12.3 cm. Order a Copy
Probably Wheeler's original draft of a telegram. Wheeler, commanding Cavalry Corps in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida writes to Bragg, commander of the Department of North Carolina. Reports on an engagement against the troops of General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick near Big Buckhead Church, noting that General Felix Huston Robertson was severely wounded. Writes "The enemy fought stubbornly and a considerable number of them were killed. We stampeded and came very near capturing Kilpatrick twice but having a fast horse he escaped bare headed, leaving his hat in our hands..." Reports that he sent his wounded to Waynesboro, Georgia. Docketed in pencil. Includes a pencil note at the bottom of the page by E[ugene] R. Dodge, a telegraph operator with Wheeler's cavalry: "(This is original. I have copy ER Dodge)". Written on blue paper stamped 119 and 120.
[excerpt]
… We fought with General Kilpatrick all night and all day, charging him at every opporunity. The enemy fought stubbornly and a considerable number of them were killed. We stampeded and came very near capturing Kilpatrick twice but having a fast horse he escaped bareheaded, leaving his hat in our hands. Our own loss about seventy including the gallant Genl. Robertson who was severely wounded. I send my wounded to Waynesboro for transportation to Augusta. All our troops acted handsomely …
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