The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1900-08-01

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Joseph Wheeler was unable to attend
our battlefclds reunion, for his dis
tinguishcd services as wcarcr of the
gray and later as wearcr of the blue.
eXcmplifics the very essence Of the
sentiment sought to be commcmo-
raated. Since, however, he is prcycn-
ted from being present by what has
ever been the guiding star Of his life,
viz: his devotion to what he cOnsid-
crs his duty, it ha> occurred to Inc
that some account Of the connection
of Wheeler and his cavalry with the
battles in and around Atlanta would
not be without interest to your read
crs.
In my last conversation with "Marsc
Joe | asked him if the best work Of
his career was not done in defense Of
Atlanta. His reply was:
Yes, with the possible exception
Of the destruction Of Rosccrans' wag-
on trains during the battle Of Muir
frcesboro."
Certain it is that no harder fighting
was done by the infantry than by the
cavalry, dismountcd in the trenches
around our city, and no cavalry cx-
ploit Of the war surpassed the destruc-
tion by Wheeler and his men Of the
gigantic raids sent out by Sherman to
destroy Hoods communications.
Judged by the indirect as we'll as the
direct results, probably no cavalry
achievement of the war equalled this
in importance.
To give anything like detailed ac-
count Of the fighting of Wheeler 8
cavalry in the Atlanta campaign
would make my article too long. 1
would therefore only soy in passing
that this command, having covered
the Confederate rear in the entire re-
treat from Dalton, were driven across
Peachtree creek July II, 1864. In
the meantime General Mcpherson was
marching from Roswell to strike the
Georgia railroad at Decatur. Wheeler
retarded this movement to the cAton:
Of his ability, and heavy lighting en-
sued until dark on the 18th. On the
10Th Mcpherson reached Decatur,
where he was confronted by Wheeler,
who had constructed several lines Of
breastworks. On the 10th and 21st
Nci'herson made several formidable
charges on the part OF the line held by
Wheeler 8 command. Although these
men were outnumbered fully ten to
one. the enemy was repulsed at every
point during the first charges, but
finally our right gavc way. Seeing
this Wheeler rallied his men, charged
the Federals, who were already in our
Notifications, re-established his line
and captured about 80 prisoners. In
these engagement the enemy admitted
a loss of 800.
On the night of the 21st General
Wheeler moved around the enemy 8
left flank, and attacked division Of
infantry occupying the town of Deca-
turin strong Notifications. The fight
here was severe one, lasting about
two hours, and resulted in the rout of
the enemy and the capture of sew
eral hundred prisoners. Their camp,
one section Of artillery, their stores,
hospitals, wagon train, etc., fell into
our hands.
At 11.30 July 23rd, Wheeler a.
ceived notice OF raid by General
Garrard in an easterly direction. In
ten minutes his column was in mo.
tion, and by midnight had travelled
forty miles, only to learn that the
raiders had returned to the msin body
OF their army. Wheeler promptly re.
turned to his position ia the breast.
works, and continued heavy skirmish.
ing until the 9th.
Probably some of the contemporary
newspaper accounts of these engage
ments would not be uninteresting.
correspondent signing himself as ''F
G. Def" writes as follows:
"While the fight I have RECORDED
was in progress on the left, Wheeler
Cavalry successfully held the enemy
infantry in check on our right. Wit
few small brigades he contested tn
ground with two corps Oodge's an
Logan 81 and after twelve or fourteen
hours hard fighting had prevente
them from lobtaining any advantage
Cannonading has been constant alon
the lines all day."
Char lee and Wheeler, sweepin
silently around the Federal left
pounced upon their flank and presse
30 steadily as to bear down all opnos;