MAJOR GENERAL JOSEPH "FIGHTIN' JOE" WHEELER - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 01/24/1887 - HFSID 149156

JOSEPH WHEELER
Joseph Wheeler wrote this letter to a general as a United States Congressman from Alabama in 1887, saying that he will "do all I can to promote your wishes" on an upcoming bill.
Manuscript letter signed "Jos Wheeler". 1 page, 7¾x10, on Wheeler's personalized United States House of Representatives stationery. With label at bottom edge: "Maj.- Gens. C. S. A." Jan. 24, 1887. Addressed to General Marcus J. Wright, Washington City, D. C. In part: "As to the Legislative, Executive, & Judicial bill I can only say that I shall be on the lookout for the point you mention, and shall do all I can to promote your wishes...Genl Forney has promised to give attention to the matter also, and I am quite hopeful that between us, we shall be able to accomplish what you desire...." A Confederate Major General and senior Cavalry General of the Confederate Armies, Wheeler (1836-1906, born near Augusta, Georgia), by his own account, fought in 400 battles, was wounded three times and had 16 horses shot out from under him. After the war, he lived in New Orleans for two years before settling in Wheeler, Alabama, named in his honor. There, he practiced law and engaged in cotton planting before representing his adopted state as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives (1881-1882, 1883, 1885-1900). He later served as Major General of Volunteers in the Spanish American War and was the Commander at the Battle of Las Guasimas, Cuba, the first United States Army victory on foreign soil. Lightly toned and creased. Penciled margins. Margins are discolored from frame. Mounting remnants and paper loss on verso with show through (does not touch signature or handwriting). Light nick at bottom edge. Light tears at top and right edge. Neatly torn from notebook or pad at left edge. Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.