Letter from Wheeler's Command.

Galveston Weekly News
December 28, 1864
p. 1, c. 1

Sandrsville, Ga.
Nov. 25, 1864

I left Macon a few days since with Wheeler's cavalry, on its way to the front of the enemy. We found the enemy close up to the works around Macon, and had some pretty fighting with his rear--our object being at least as we soldiers understood it, not to fight their rear, but their front, we bore to their right flank continually.

We arrived at Griswoldville on the evening of the 21st, and found the town, excepting two or three houses, lying in ashes. One of the grand objects of the expedition through the State seems to be to destroy and lay waste as much of the country as possible. Burning fires, and heaps of ashes mark their pathway. Surely the patriotic people of Georgia have learned enough of their "good friends" of the North to assure them of their fiendish purposes never to desire again to be united with so cursed a race.

On the morning of the 22d the enemy charged upon the Texas brigade. These brave troops most gallantly met the enemy with a counter charge and drove their hordes back in great confusion, capturing a number of prisoners and causing many a foe to bite the dust. Thence hard marches and hard work were made to get across the Oconee, in which we succeeded to-day. A portion of the command arrived at this beautiful little village just in time to meet a small force of the State troops running wildly into town, closely followed by the blue coats. The 8th Texas cavalry was in front and was again called upon to drive back the pursuing foe, and right well did it meet the demand made upon it. The enemy came charging right upon the head of the column. There was no confusion, but at the word charge, off dashed these brave spirits, charging right into the midst of the enemy's column, using their favorite weapon, the repeater, with effect right and left. In a moment the pursuers were turned into fugitives, and were driven back in great confusion upon their infantry columns, when our boys slowly retired, bringing off with them a number of prisoners, a few horses and an officer's wagon, taken close up to the infantry lines.

The charge of the Texians was led by Lieut. Bassett, of the 8th Texas cavalry. Nothing saved the force which had the temerity to charge on our column, from complete demolition except the fastness of its horses and the proximity of the 20th Corps of infantry.

The whole of Sherman's army is now near this place, so the good people of Macon may congratulate themselves that they are relieved from the presence of the hated foe. Whether they will go straight on towards Savannah, or will turn towards Augusta, cannot yet be determined, as they are in position to take either road with the same facility.

We are rejoiced to hear this evening of reinforcements sent us.

Article provided by Vicki Betts.