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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. States that he is in good health and that his division is near the 23rd Corps. The 1st and 2nd divisions of his Corps is on the front lines where the Confederates are making a stand near Marietta, Georgia. He thinks the 23rd Corps will move to the right to allow his division to move up to the front line. Reports that Union skirmishers found the rebels strong breastworks deserted. As their division advanced on the rebel breastwork they found them severely damaged by the Union cannon. Reports that he saw a body with at least 50 bullets hole in it and has heard rumors that there are bodies with over 100. He has heard reports that some men fired as many as 200 rounds against the Confederates. Reports of the strong fort built by the Confederates. The Union and Confederate artillery exchanged fire while his division lay flat on the ground, shells bursting overhead. The Union advanced further against the rebel works and by 4 July could clearly see them. The artillery exchanges became more intense. They "worked like beavers" placing logs for their own defense. Some of General Joseph Hooker's orderlies rode into their camp. The next day the regiment moved out again taking three days rations with them. The rebels again retreated from their works and the army pursued them for about 10 miles. There are reports that since 3 July there have been over 1500 Confederate deserters.