His first public appearance was made when he was a child, on October 13, 1826, at the Park Theatre, as "Albert" in William Tell, during an engagement played by Macready, who expressed approbation of the boy, and encouraged expectation of his success.

In 1834 he returned to the Park Theatre and was assigned to such parts as Laertes, Henry Moreland, Charles Courtly, Sir Thomas Clifford, Alfred Evelyn, and Claude Melnotte.

On September 22, 1842, Wheatley appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, as Doricourt, in "The Belle's Stratagem" — a character which always remained a favorite with him, and in which, as in Rover in "Wild Oats," he delighted the public by his energetic vivacity and sun-bright merriment.

In 1847 he played a star engagement at the Park Theatre, New York, in conjunction with his brilliant sister Emma Wheatley, afterward Mrs. James Mason.

At about that time he visited Nicaragua, and it is said that the first American flag flown there was raised by his hands, — on the shore of Virgin Bay.