JAMES G. WHEELER -- 101st INFANTRYLOST AN ARM AT MALVERN HILL - Although he enlisted on October 29, 1861, in Peru, James G. Wheeler, who was born in Elbridge, NY, didn't muster into Company I of the 101st Infantry until December 23. The 101st, also known as the Union Brigade of the Second Onondaga County Regiment, was organized at Hancock, NY, on January 3, 1862. The regiment left for Washington on March 9, 1862, and in June was assigned to General Philip Kearny\'s Brigade, Division of the Potomac. As part of this brigade, the 101st took part in the Seven Days\' Battles, fighting at Oak Grove, Glendale, and Malvern Hill, with a loss during the campaign of 7 killed; 15 wounded and 22 missing.Kearney's performance during the Peninsula Campaign earned him much respect from the Army and his superiors, but he disliked the commander of the Army of the Potomac, Major General George B. McClellan, whose orders (especially those to fall back) he frequently ignored. After the Battle of Malvern Hill, which was a Union victory, McClellan ordered a withdrawal, and Kearny wrote:"I, Philip Kearny, an old soldier, enter my solemn protest against this order for retreat. We ought, instead of retreating, to follow up the enemy and take Richmond. And in full view of all responsible for such declaration, I say to you all, such an order can only be prompted by cowardice or treason."You can read more about the Battles of Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill at:According to the Adjutant General's Roster, it was on the high ground at Malvern Hill, VA, on July 1, 1862, that James was wounded in action. He received a severe wound in the right arm, and it was amputated. He was discharged on August 1, 1862, from a hospital in Philadelphia, PA. James' Muster Roll Abstract claims he was injured at the Battle of Fair Oaks -- another of the Seven Days' Battles in late June and early July.James died in 1889, and his widow, Harriet, started receiving a Widow's pension on September 17 of that year.
