Page:The Biographical Dictionary of America, vol. 10.djvu/395

 WHEELER

AYHEELER

major-general, Jan. 19, 1S63, and during the winter and spring of 1862-63 commanded many cavahy engagements. His next important battle was at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19-20, 1863, where lie commanded a corjis of cavalry. His fighting in this battle was desperate, and after Rosecrans fell back to Chattanooga he crossed the Tennes- see river, attacked the Federal line of communi- cation, defeated a large Federal force, captured an ordnance and supply ti-ain of more than a thou- sand wagons, reducing Rosecrans's army to a condition bordering upon starvation. He then stormed and captured the fortifications at Mc!Min- ville, which were defended by a force of 700 men. The vast depots of supplies which were stored at this place were then destroyed. He then captured the fortifications which guarded the railroad bridges over Stone's River, at Murfreesboro and other points, and after thoroughly destroying many railroad bridges and much of the railroad track upon Rosecrans's line of communication liGtween Nashville and Chattanooga, he succes- f ully recrossed the Tennessee river and rejoined t!ie main army in front of Chattanooga. This work occupied constant fighting from September 30 to October 9, the opposing force being com- manded l)y Generals Hooker, Crook, Mitchell and McCook, and numbering 14.000 infantry and 8000 cavalry. In November, he was sent to assist Longstreet, who Avas opposed to Burnside at Knoxville. He returned, however, in time to cover Bragg's retreat from Missionary Ridge, and to fight the battle of Ringgold. When Sherman started on his invasion in May, 186-1, Wheeler's cavalry opposed his advance step by step. On Jlay 9, he defeated a large cavalry force under Generals McCook and La Grange at VarnelFs Station, capturing General La Grange and 300 prisoners. He fought at Dalton, Dug Gap and Snake Creek Gap, May 10 to 12, Resaca May 13 to 15, Adairsville, May 16, Cass Station, May 22, Nevi' Hope, May 25. and commanded in the desperate engagement with Howard's corps at Picketfs Mill, May 27. The figliting was almost continuous during June and July. He commanded the riglit in the battle of July 22, penetrated to the rear of Sherman's army at Decatur, capturing trains, prisoners and much property. July 28 to August 1 lie fought and defeated the raiding column of cavalry, ten thousand strong, commanded by General McCook, Stoneman and Garrard, and captured 3200 pris- oners, together with their horses, arms and ar- tillery. He participated in the almost contin- uous battles around Atlanta until August 9. 1864, when he started on a raid through northern Georgia and middle Tennessee, during which he destroyed Sherman's railroad line of communica- tion and captured 1700 beef cattle, many pris-

oners and vast supplies and material. When Sherman started for the sea, Wheeler again con- tested his advance, but the country- was open, the roads and weather good, and although Wheeler fought valiantly he was forced back rapidlj-. He successfully defended the cities of Macon and Augusta, in both of which were located exten- sive workshops and ordnance factories of the Con- federacy. He fought in front of Sherman in the South Carolina campaign, successfully defending Aiken and again defending the city of Augusta, and was distinguished in the battle of Averys- boro. He was promoted lieutenant-general on Feb. 28, 1865, and fought his last big battle at Bentonville, N. C, March 18, 1865. After the war, he made his home in Alabama, engaged in planting and in the practice of law. and in 1866 declined the chair of philosophy at the Louisiana state seminary. He was a Democratic repre- sentative from the 8th Alabama district in the 47th, 49th-56th congresses, serving, 1881-83, and 1885-1900. On May 4, 1898, he was commissioned major-general of volunteers, and was assigned to the command of the cavalry division of the U.S. army sent to Cuba. He defeated a Spanish force under Lieutenant-General Linares at Las Guasimas; was senior ofllicer in immediate com- mand of the field at San Juan, July 1-2. and was senior member of the commission wiiich nego- tiated the surrender of Santiago. On August 18, he was assigned to the command of the U.S. forces at Montauk, Long Island and on Oct. 5, 1898, was made commander of the 4tli army corps. He was honorably discharged from the service, April 12, 1899, and on April 15 was com- missioned brigadier-general of volunteers, com- manding the 1st brigade, 2d division, 8th corps in the Pliilippine Islands, fighting at Santa Rita, Sept. 9 and 16, 1899, at Porac, September 28, and Angeles, October 10-17. On April 20. 1900, he re- signed from the 56th congress, to which he had been unanimously elected, and was succeeded by William Richardson. His volunteer commission was vacated June 18, 1900, by his appointment, June 16, as brigadier-general, L'.S.A. He com- manded the Department of the Lakes until Sept. 10, 1900, when he was retired. General Wheeler was married at Wheeler, Ala., Feb. 8, 1866. to Daniella, daughter of Richard and Lucy (Early) Jones of Lawrence countj', Ala., and grand- daughter of Harrison Jones, a Revolutionary soldier, and of Gov. Peter Early (q.v.) of Georgia. Mrs. Wheeler died. May 19, 1896. Of their children, Joseph was graduated at the U.S. military academy in 1895. and served with volunteer rank of major in the Spanish and Philippine wars, and Thomas Harrison entered the U.S. naval academy in 1897; served on the Columbia during the Spanish war and was