Description:

Joseph Wheeler
various, ca. 1861-1865
[Joseph Wheeler] Archive, 10 Civil War-Dated Docs, Some Dating From Major Cavalry Campaigns, Ca. 1861-1865
Archive

An archive of historical documents relating to Confederate cavalry general Joseph "Fightin' Joe" Wheeler (1836-1906) and his cavalry brigade. The archive of ten pieces includes autograph letters signed, manuscript documents signed, and partly printed and partly manuscript documents signed including field reports and tally returns. The signers include possibly William Hull Wheeler, Joseph Wheeler III's older brother; as well as various ordnance officers, chiefs of staff, assistant adjutant generals, and other administrators attached to the Confederate cavalry. Various places including Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Ca. 1861-1865. Many of the items are docketed verso. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good. Expected wear included flattened transmittal folds, closed tears, chips, and stains. The largest piece measures approximately 8.125" x 12.75."

The lot includes (in chronological order):

1. A 1p autograph letter presumably signed by Joseph Wheeler's older brother William Hull Wheeler (1834-1861) as "Wm H. Wheeler" at center. N.p. October 10, 1861. Written on the reverse of an Adams Express Company blank form. Apprising father Joseph Wheeler II of his arrival, and making several requests. 5" x 7.625."

William Hull Wheeler was Joseph Wheeler's older brother. William was living in Augusta, Georgia when the state declared its sovereignty in January 1861, soon after obtaining the rank of captain in an artillery company. William Hull is frequently noted in Joseph Wheeler biographies because he wrote on Joseph's behalf to Georgia Governor Joseph E. Brown on February 2, 1861 offering his brother's cavalry services. William Hull Wheeler died at age 27 two months later on December 26, 1861.

2. A 1p partly printed and partly manuscript document entitled "Morning Report of Cavalry Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jos. Wheeler." Headquarters at La Vergne, Tennessee. December 12, 1862. Listing officers' and men's statuses from eight Confederate outfits, including "For duty," "Sick," "In Arrest," "Without Leave," "Discharged," and "Died," etc. Measures 17.75" x 8.875" fully unfolded.

The report was issued a few days after the Battle of Lavergne-Dobbin's Ferry, which took place on December 9, 1862 near the Stones River in Tennessee, when Federal forces engaged in a foraging expedition were attacked by Wheeler's cavalry brigade.

3. A 1p manuscript document on blue paper entitled "Inspection report of Ordnance and Ordnance stores of Martin's Brigade of Cavalry commanded by Brig. Genl. Martin Maj. Genl. Wheeler's Division." Shelbyville, [Tennessee]. April 10, 1863. A comprehensive tally of gun calibers, pistol calibers, ammunition calibers, and accoutrements as examined and reported by one Captain Edward W. Rawle of the 1st Louisiana Artillery. An in-depth discussion of the quality and maintenance (or lack thereof) of arms, wagons, and mules. Measures 16.5" x 13.125" unfolded.

General William T. Martin's cavalry brigade was attached to General Joseph Wheeler's Division. This report is dated the same day as the First Battle of Franklin (April 10, 1863) which took place about 40 miles to the northwest near Spring Hill, Tennessee.

4. A 1p partly printed and partly manuscript document on peach-colored paper entitled "Field Return of the Batterys [sic] of Light Artillery of Wheelers [sic] Cavalry Corps." Tunnel Hill and Cartersville, Georgia. December 30, 1863. Listing officers' and men's statuses from six Confederate outfits, including "For duty," "Sick," "In Arrest," "Without Leave," "Discharged," and "Died," etc. Also summarizes the state of field artillery. Measures 15.625" x 4.875" fully unfolded.

5. A 4pp partly printed and partly manuscript document entitled "Consolidated Monthly Report of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores On hand and in the use of the Troops in the Cavalry Corps Commanded by Maj. Genl. Jos. Wheeler." N.p. March 31, 1864. "Respectfully submitted" by S.P. Kerr, Chief Ordnance Officer of Wheeler's Cavalry Corps. The first and last pages are split, and the second and third pages are partly split. Otherwise very legible. Measures 16" x 10.125" unfolded.

6. A 1p manuscript letter signed by William W. Mackall (1817-1891), Chief of Staff in the Army of Tennessee under General Joseph E. Johnston as "W.W. Mackall" at center, addressed to "General Wheeler." Dalton, [Georgia]. May 11, 1864. The document on blue paper includes reports and requests from Generals William J. Hardee and Joseph E. Johnston regarding movements in and around Crow Valley, Oostanaula, and Rocky Face Ridge, Georgia. 8.125" x 10."

This letter is dated just a few days before the Battle of Resaca (May 13-15, 1864), part of the Atlanta Campaign, when General Johnston hoped to lure Union General William T. Sherman to attack his heavily defended positions in the Georgia mountains.

7. A 1p manuscript document possibly secretarially signed by Assistant Adjutant General William E. Wailes, being a copy of General Orders No. 5. "Head Q's Wheeler's Cav. Corps." June 12, 1864. Secretarially inscribed on blue paper. The orders contain instructions for maintaining proper direction and pacing during cavalry marches to minimize confusion, prevent unnecessary halts, and reduce stragglers. 7.875" x 12.5."

These orders date just a few days after the start of the Battle of Noonday Creek (June 10 - July 3, 1864), part of the Atlanta Campaign, which took place in Cobb County, Georgia.

8. A 1p manuscript document possibly secretarially signed by Acting Assistant Adjutant General John W. Labouisse, being a circular regarding dispatching monthly reports of men and animals. "Hd-Qtrs Cavalry Corps." July 2, 1864. 8" x 12."

This circular was forwarded to "Brig Genl J.H. Kelly," referring to Brigadier General John Herbert Kelly (1840-1864). Kelly was the youngest brigadier general of the Confederate States Army. He was killed at age 24 during the Battle of Franklin (September 2, 1864) exactly two months later.

9. A 1p partly printed and partly manuscript document entitled "Tri-Monthly Return of Cavalry Division Maj. Genl. Wheeler's Corps, Commanded by Brig. Genl. W.Y.C. Humes." Hickory Hill, South Carolina. January 26, 1865. Listing officers' and men's statuses from eight Confederate outfits, including "For duty," "Sick," "In Arrest," "Without Leave," "Discharged," "Died," and "Prisoners of War," etc., as tallied by Acting Adjutant General Charles W. Elder. Measures 23.5" x 9.375" fully unfolded.

Brigadier General William Young Conn Humes (1830-1883) and his cavalry were then participating in the Carolinas campaign. The area around Pocotaligo Bridge near Yemassee, South Carolina - contested since 1862 - was finally secured by Union forces on January 15, 1865.

10. A 1p autograph letter signed by S.P. Kerr, Chief Ordnance Officer of Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, and addressed to Major C.K. Huger. "Ordnance Office / Wheeler's Corps Cav." February 9, 1865. Requesting that specified officers and non-commissioned officers be permitted to appear before the Ordnance Board. 8.125" x 12.75."

The directive was dispatched just two days before the Battle of Aiken (February 11, 1865).

Joseph Wheeler's military experience spanned two armies and five decades. The West Point graduate gained soldiering experience in the U.S. Army regulating western territories before resigning in April 1861 and defecting to the Confederate Army. He became an invaluable cavalry commander of the Alabama Infantry and saw considerable action in the Western Theater. Wheeler's valor and determination - he was wounded three times and sixteen of his mounts were killed beneath him - led to his quick advancement; he eventually became a Major General.

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