KINSTON, NC, cds with matching DUE 10 on soldier’s cover endorsed “From R. E. Wheeler Capt. Comdg Co H 26th Regt So Ca Vs:” to his wife “Margaret E. Wheeler, Shiloh Post Office, Sumter District SC.” Adversity cover fashioned from fancy list of goods; fully exploded and shows well from either side, light staining at upper left. $230.

Robert E. Wheeler enlisted at Mt. Pleasant, SC, for the duration of the war on Dec. 4, 1861. He served as a captain commanding Co. H, Regt South Carolina Infantry, Evan’s Brigade, Johnson’s Division, Beauregard’s Corps, Army S.V. & N.C. On a muster roll for Feb 29-Aug 31, 1864, records state he was killed in action July 30, 1864. Stationed at McClellansville, SC. Innumerable requisitions in the files but no detail of his death. Other sources show him KIA at Petersburg at the Battle of the Crater, in which a mine was exploded under the Confederate works. He was 37 years old. He is buried at New Zion Cemetery, Clarendon County, SC in Turbeville. Participating in this long siege, this regiment sustained 72 causalities at the Petersburg mine explosion and lost many men at Saylor's Creek. They lost 222 men in 1 ½ years, surrendering at Appomattox with 8 officers and 113 men.