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

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall pine trees near their works. None of the regiment has been harmed. Reports that they left the Chattahoochee River area on 14 November and arrived near Savannah 10 December. Writes that the rebels will never forget "Sherman's great raid through Georgia." The land around Savannah and the troops are working hard to make a good camp. The troops have been living off of the land have raided into South Carolina to obtain some beef. Notes that there were some slaves still working when the Union began to attack Savannah. Writes of the large amount of food the Union Army found near Savannah.