Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) to Daniel H. Hill
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00654 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) Place Written: Lawtonville, South Carolina Type: Letter signed Date: 22 January 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Major General Wheeler writes to General Hill about adjusting the speed of the currier line, his orders to General Ferguson, his troop and enemy movements, and the disposition of his troops to General Hill. With a long postscript addressing some possible strategies. Docketed on page four. Written from the "Head. Qu. Cav. Corps".
Head. Qrs. Cav. Corps
Near Lawtonville, Jany 22.d
1865
General,
Your dispatch just received, I sent you a dispatch last night, which I trust will be received - I have not given any definite orders about the speed of travel of the Courier Line, as I thought it best for them to travel at moderate rates with ordinary dispatches, and I think "Important" dispatches should state on the envelope the rate of travel which is necessary, by this means, the strength of the horses can be husbanded for important dispatches and emmergencies - If you desire it, I will have a regular rate established and maintained - I have an officer to frequently inspect the "Line", & see that everything is right -
Genl. Ferguson's orders were to report [struck: to] direct to me, but I have also ordered him, to report to you, any advance of the Enemy - He is hardly yet into position - He is ordered to guard the line from the Ogeechee to the Coast, striking the Coast near the mouth of the Altamaha - The enemy's movements now [2] indicate Branchville or Charleston as their point of destination, but I have a large force in my front, which may at any time turn towards Augusta - I am fortifying a good position at the Three Runs - Last night some Artillery firing occurred at the Combahee R.R. Bridge, but I have not heard the result, I presume it was merely firing across the river - I have been, and am still, engaged thoroughly inspecting my Command, and examining the country, which has kept me constantly occupied - My troops are posted as follows. Twelve Hundred (1200) under Brig Genl Humus, between Coosawhatchie and the Combahee near Bradfordsville - About seven hundred (700) under Genl. Delville eight miles South of Lawtonville - About twelve hundred (1200) under Brig Genl Allen at Matthews Bluff - About six hundred (600) under Brig Genl Anderson near Lawtonville - I have all roads leading from the Combahee & Savannah Rivers picketed, and pickets thrown well in advance of the main bodies, and scouts [3] are kept observing the Enemy. Brig Genl Iverson with about nice hundred (900) men is guarding from the Savannah to the Ogeechee River, and Brig Genl Ferguson as before stated, is guarding from the Ogeechee to the crash - I am having a sketch prepared to show at a glance the disposition of the troops - I herein enclose copy of letter sent to the Officer in charge of "Courier Line" -
Respectfully Genl
Your Obt Servant
J. Wheeler
Major Genl
Genl. D.H. Hill }
Comd.g. District. }
P.S.
I omitted to state, that in case of a Raid of the Enemy in a south westerly, westerly, or north westerly direction, Genl Iverson is ordered to reinforce Genl. Ferguson, and if necessary, to join him with his entire Command, leaving small pickets [4] to observe the Enemy between the Savannah & Ogeechee Rivers -
J. Wheeler
Major General
[docket]
Head . Qr. Cav. Corps
Lawtonville. Jany 22/ 65
____________________
Joseph. Wheeler
Major. Genl
___________________
Dispatch regarding
disposition of his troops
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