Norfolk, V^a

June 4^th 1864.

 

Mr^s. A. Wheeler

           

My Dear Madame

                                                From the providential circumstance of Miss Fisher of Salem Mass. being with and doing all a sister could do, to alleviate the sufferings of your son, watching day and night by his side and by her kind and gentle offices rendering his passage from this world to a better a more calm and peaceful one, as quiet as was in her power, I am spared the pain of informing you of his death at 3½ A.M. the 2^nd ins^t. I was with him until 4½ P.M. the day before he died, and can say I never saw a person more reconciled or cheerful and with a greater degree of heavenly fortitude and resignation than he, knowing as he did and informing me that he expected to die that night.

 

                        I cannot Madame write all I feel, my earnest and heartfelt sympathy is with yourself, daughters and Miss Fellons in your deep sorrow.

 

                        I have by personal application to Major Genl. Butler entreated, that the orders prohibiting any bodies being sent north might in his case be nullified, and I think, by the expressions of deep regret for his death, and the Generals own high appreciation of your son's character as a soldier, / and a brave conscientious officer, that I may be enabled soon to send his remains home.

 

In the absence of his regiment the 23^rd I have detailed two of my men to accompany the remains, I know it will be guarded sacredly and delivered to you for your last tribute.

 

In regard to his pay, I have his payrolls signed, as he was not paid before he died, it might be some time ere you could obtain his pay through the regular channels.

 

Major Usher, senior Paymaster says he will pay me "1st" By your obtaining a certificate before a Justice of the Peace to the effect that you are the lawful heir to the effects of your son.—

 

"2^nd" That you request Major Usher, Paymaster U.S.A. to pay to Lieut. Col. C.A.R. Dimon on the pay account signed by Lieut. Wheeler 23^rd Mass. Vol^s. previous to his death, for two months pay from April 1^st to May 31^st 1864, and sign yourself in the exact words written above.

 

"3^rd" He died the 2^nd. if the two days pay due him, of which he has not receipted for on his pay account is wanted, write to the 2^nd Auditeur of the Treasury at Washington D.C., informing him that he Lieut. Wheeler 23^rd Mass. Vol^s. was last paid by Paymaster Usher, senior Paymaster Dep^t V^a and N.C. to the 31^st of May 1864.

 

            His trunk I will forward by the escort; his horse he has given me to keep, and I will buy him at the price he directed, / namely $170—.

 

            Please answer soon in regard to pay account, as we are constantly on the move, and the opportunity lost may cost you years of trouble before you can receive his pay through the regular channels.

 

            With the kindest regards to yourself, daughters & Miss Fellons

 

            I am sincerely with much sympathy

                                                                                               

C.A.R. Dimon

Lt. Col. comdg 1^st U.S. Vol^s.

 

My time is so much occupied that I have been necessitated to oblige my secy to copy this so please excuse errors.

 

            Any information I can obtain for you on anything else you think of I would do with pleasure.                                                                          

C.A.R.D.

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