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In This Confederate Field Printed Broadside, Major

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Type-set as an open letter, 10" x 8," Head Quarters, Cavalry Corps, December 31st, 1864, fine. Wheeler uses motivation speech to encourage his troops. In small part, "From Dalton to Atlanta you held the right of our Army. Opposed almost continuously by a force ... ten times your number, you repulsed every assault, inflicting on the enemy a loss in killed and wounded numerically greater than your entire strength ... During the last five months you have travelled nearly three thousand miles, fightinmg nearly every day, and always with success. You have been victorious in more than fifty pitched battles ... I desire, my brave soldiers, to thank you for your gallantry, devotion and good conduct. Every charge I have asked you to make, has been brilliantly executed... Your devotion to your country fills my heart with gratitude. You have done your full duty to your country and to me.... Soldiers from Alabama and Georgia, your homes have nearly all been overrun and destroyed, yet without complaint you have stood your colors like brave and patriotic men. You country and your God will one day reward you.... The gallant Kelly whom we all loved so well is dead. Many other brave spirits whose loss we deeply feel sleep with him. They fell-the price of victory." Wheeler participated in more than 500 skirmishes and commanded in 127 battles. As sobering proof of his personal exposure to danger during this period, records show that 36 staff officers were wounded at his side, and 16 horses were shot from under him.

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