CHARLESTON / S.C. // MAY / 23 / 1863 double-circle datestamp with matching [DUE] 10 (CSA catalog type K) on soldier’s cover endorsed “From Capt. R. E. Wheeler of 26th Regt. So. Ca. V.” to Mrs. Margaret E. Wheeler, Black River Post Office, Clarendon District, So. Ca.” slightly reduced at bottom. $140.

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.