Wheeler, Lysander (fl. 1837-1903) to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He is writing despite the fact that no mail has been coming in or out because the rebels have cut their line of communication. There are various reports as to the location of Confederate General Joseph Bell Hood's army. He assumes it is in their rear, however, a Union army is advancing upon the rear of the Confederates. The entire Union army, except the 20th Corps. left behind in Atlanta, Georgia, is turning to meet General Hood. The rest of the brigade has left Atlanta and have returned to camp. The Union General William T. Sherman is confident the Confederates will be driven off in a few days. The army is also fortifying Atlanta in preparation for a Confederate attack. It rained so hard and for so long that both of the foot bridges into Atlanta were destroyed and washed away. The troops have been using pontoons to get across the river. The rebels nearly captured some of the Union wagons. Rumor around the camp is that General Sherman captured 800 rebel soldiers while they were destroying railroad track. General Sherman then had them relay all the track they had damaged. A rebel colonel surrendered, he thought that General Hood was getting himself in "tight" and the colonel thought it best to surrender while things were "quiet." While he was out foraging he came upon a house with two women and ten children who had very little to eat. He said that this occurs frequently in the south. Thinks that General Sherman is "cool" under pressure. Most of the brigade is at work every day fortifying their positions. There are rumors that the line of communication and road is open again. They have been expecting the rebels to attack any day but so far no attack has come. The first train crossed the newly constructed railroad bridge last night. The men have begun to build fireplaces as the weather is getting cooler. Asks for some paper and pens to write letters.