Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917 to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Camp of the Illinois 105th. States that he is in good health although he is worried about the casualties the Union army is sustaining. Writes that he is glad his mother worries less even though her feelings are natural. Part of the regiment was sent out on picket duty and to the skirmish line. Yesterday afternoon their corps were relieved from the center of the line. The rest of their corps has not reached them. He believes they are headed to Marietta, Georgia. Reports that there has been skirmishing all day and occasional artillery fire from the Union guns. He has heard reports that reinforcements are coming soon for the Confederates. Some reports say that over 30,000 will come for the Confederates. He thinks that the reinforcements are the reason why the rebels have been attacking their lines so often. In one attack the rebels lost 300 dead and did not bother to bury them or surrender. He reports some casualties sustained by the brigade during attacks by the rebels. Writes that he received no wounds nor were any of his clothes damaged. States that the regiment was on the hill for two or three hours. General Daniel Sickles was shocked as the rebels continued to charge at the cannons of the Union Army. The rebels attacked later the evening and were repulsed.