Captain Steele will be at Mount Olive this p. m. I have ordered Gen
eral Mower s train to move to Everettsville and the quartermaster to
communicate with you at Mount Olive.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,

[March 21\, 18652 p. m.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: I am informed by Colonel Poe that you design swinging
this wing to the left and rear of the Eight. It can be done, I think,
without difficulty. I shall, of course, keep my present lines, with
drawing gradually from niy extreme left. I shall not commence the
movement without further orders from you, but shall be prepared to
commence it to-morrow morning.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. SLOCUM,

Major- General.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Maj. Gen. H. AY. SLOCUM, Commanding Left Winy :

GENERAL: General Sherman directs me to say Colonel Poe has
returned from your headquarters and that you may commence the



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 937

movement, viz, from your left to the left rear of the Eight Wing-
to-morrow morning. General Terry has arrived at Cox s Bridge and
awaits the arrival of your bridge train.
I am, general, with respect, &c.,

L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

p. s. The best mode of drawing from your left to the right is to
let the cavalry relieve by a thin skirmish line the skirmishers of the
left corps till it has gained its new position, when it, too, can with
draw. So instruct General Kilpatrick.

SHEEMAN.



MARCH 21, 18653.15 p. m.

Major-General SHERMAN :

GENERAL: A deserter from Cheatham s command has just come
into our lines. He says Hoke, Cheatham, Lee, Stewart, and Hardee
are there, Hoke on their left and Hardee on their right. He says two
divisions from Lee s army have just arrived. Came last evening and
this morning. He states that they have a strong line of works about
half a mile the other side of the creek. He is intelligent and I am
disposed to believe him.
Yours, truly,

H. W. SLOCUM,

Major- General.



SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,

No. 23. ] In the Field, JV r . C., March 21, 1865.

I. Corps commanders will at once remove all sick and wounded to a
camp near the point at whicli the road from Cox s Bridge to Everetts-
ville crosses the road from Goldsborough to Dead Fields. A temporary
hospital will be established at that point. Every spare wagon will be
at once sent to Kinston for the purpose of bringing up supplies of sub
sistence and forage.

II. Each corps commander will establish a temporary depot near the
temporary hospital above-mentioned, where baggage will be left while
the wagons are hauling supplies. All prisoners will be at once sent to
that point under a suitable guard.

III. Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, commanding pontoniers, will remove
the pontoon bridge train to Cox s Bridge and report to Major-General
Terry.

*******

V. First Lieut. William Ludlow is relieved from duty as chief engi
neer on the staff of the major-general commanding and will report to
Col. O. M. Foe, chief engineer, Military Division of the Mississippi.
By command of Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum :

EOBT. P. DECHEET,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General*



938 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,

I)i the Field, N. C., March 21, 1865.
General DAVIS,

Commanding Fourteenth Corps :

GENERAL: The major-general commanding- directs that you hold
your corps ready to take the offensive. He has just been informed by
the general-in-chief that a general engagement this afternoon is not
improbable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

KOBT. P. DECHERT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.



HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,

In the Field, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Major-General DAVIS,

Commanding Fourteenth Corps :

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you
that the Twentieth Corps will be moved to the rear of the Right Wing
to-morrow. Your corps will probably follow the next day. He wishes
you to conform to the position, as your corps will be on the left and
rear of the army.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

KOBT. P. DECHERT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.



HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,

In the Field, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Major-General DAVIS,

Commanding Fourteenth Corps:

GENERAL : The major-general commanding directs me to say that you
need not make any change in the position of your troops at present.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

KOBT. P. DECHEKT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.



CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

In the Field, Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865.

Division commanders will hold their commands in readiness to take
the offensive. The general-in-chief deems a general engagement this
afternoon not improbable.

By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. Jef. C. Davis :

A. C. McCLURG,
Assistant Adjutant- Gener at and Chief of Staff.

P. S. General Davis does not think this need interfere with General
Morgan s execution of his last orders.
Kespectfully,

A. C. McCLUKG,
Assistant Adjutant- Gener at, &c.



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 939

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

In the Field. March 21, 18658.40 a. m.
Lieutenant-Colonel McCLURG,

Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Fourteenth Army Corps:

COLONEL : I have nothing: of importance to communicate this morn
ing. The enemy still behind their works in our front. A division of
the Fifteenth Corps has taken up position on the right of the First
Brigade, At 9 p. m. last evening General Mitchell informed me that a
brigade of General Baird s moved from his left, withdrawing their
skirmish line. The Third Brigade of my division (held in reserve) was
at once ordered to the position thus vacated, which they now hold.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES D. MORGAN,

Brigadier- General.



HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

In the Field, near Eentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865.

Brig. Gen. J. IX MORGAN,

Commanding Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: General Davis has just returned from riding the lines.
He directs me to say to you that he considers Colonel Langley s
brigade entirely exposed to the attack of the enemy at any time they
may choose to make it. He directs you to withdraw your left and con
nect it with General Carlin s line (uncovering the latter), strengthen
your right, and mass the remainder of your unoccupied troops in your
rear on the best ground you can find. General Slocum is not going to
move out the Twentieth Corps.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,

A. C. McCLURG,
Assistant Ad jut ant- General and Chief of Staff.



HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,

In. the Field, N. C., March 21,1865.
General WILLIAMS,

Commanding Twentieth Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold
your corps ready to take the offensive. He has just been informed by
the general-in- chief that a general engagement this afternoon is not
improbable. General Sherman has attacked the enemy on the right,
and General Slocum wishes you to send a brigade of infantry with a
section of artillery in the direction of Mill Creek bridge, to reconnoiter
and to press the enemy closely. General Kilpatrick will co-operate with
you. Let the brigade move as soon as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. P. DECHERT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

He says you may take two brigades if you prefer it.



ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,

Near Bentonville, N. 6 ., March 21, 1865.

All of the wagons and pack trains and vehicles of every kind, except
the artillery now with this corps, will move at 5.30 a. m. to-morrow



940 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., P. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

toward Cox s Bridge. The One hundred and second ISTew York Vol
unteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Chatfield commanding, is hereby detailed
as escort for these trains. Each division commander will have all of
his wagons and pack animals report to Colonel Chatfield at 5 a. in. at
the cross-roads near these headquarters. In marching these trains
Colonel Chatfield will have the pack trains precede the wagons, and he
will have the ammunition wagons follow the headquarters wagons.
The infantry will be in readiness at 5.30 a. in. to move at a moment s
notice.
By command of Brevet Major-General Williams:

CHAS. MOYEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.



ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,

Near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 186o.

The medical director of this corps will at once establish a temporary
hospital near the intersection of the Cox s Bridge and Everettsville
road with the road from Goldsborough to Dead Fields, and have all the
sick and wounded of the command moved there. Captain Whittelsey
will establish a temporary depot near the temporary hospital above
mentioned. He will have the wagons unloaded at that point and send
every available wagon to Kinston for supplies of subsistence stores
and forage. Division commanders will send at once all regimental
wagons and empty supply wagons to report to Captain Whittelsey for
this duty. The baggage will be unloaded at the temporary depot.
Colonel Mindil will send with the train as guard to and from Kinston
two regiments. The balance of his command will remain as a guard
for the temporary depot. Colonel Mindil will assume the command of
the whole camp. General Geary will detail one regiment to escort the
hospital and other trains from this point until they join the train now
under charge of Colonel Mindil, when it will return and report to its
proper command. The commanding officer of this regiment will report
at these headquarters at once for instructions. Lieutenant Stevens,
ambulance officer of the Second Division, will take charge of the hos
pital trains until they reach the hospital. Lieut. H. C. Smith, One
hundred and fiftieth i^ew York Volunteers, acting assistant quarter
master, will take charge of the wagon train and report with it to
Captain Whittelsey. Major Parks, provost-marshal, will send with the
train to the temporary depot all of the prisoners he has in charge. On
their arrival at the camp Colonel Mindil will take charge of them and
send them under guard with the train to Kinston and turn them over
to the commanding officer at that point. Lieutenant-Colonel Moore
will move at once with his pontoon train to Cox s Bridge and report to
Major-General Terry.

By command of Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. Williams:

CHAS. MOYEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.



HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,

MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, March 21, 1865.
Maj. L. M. DAYTON,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military .Division of the Mississippi :
MAJOR: I am still upon the left, holding the roads to the left and
rear. Everything is quiet this a. m. I have not yet heard from the



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC- UNION. 941

Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. I am very anxious to have it join
me, and send a staff officer to see if it can be found.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK,
Brevet Major -General, Commanding Cavalry.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Brevet Major-General KILPATRICK,

Commanding Cavalry :

GENERAL: Your two communications of this date are received. The
Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry is now with General Terry, and until
the railroad is completed will be required for service between the army
and Kinston, and so long as we draw supplies from that point there
will be greater need than ever for foraging by the infantry.
I am, general, with respect,

L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, March 21, 1865 3 p. m.
General KILPATRICK,

Commanding Cavalry :

GENERAL : I think General Mower has got around the flank toward

Mill Creek, threatening the enemy s line of retreat. Look out, and in

case of a general battle hold your cavalry massed and dash at infantry

toward the Mill Creek bridge on the road from Bentonville to Sinithfield.

Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General, Commanding.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,

Goldsborough, March 21, 1865.

(Received 25th.)
Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point, Va.:

I have the honor to report that I occupied Goldsborough this p. m.
with but slight opposition. General Terry s column from Wilmington
was at Fai son s Depot last night and should be near this place to-night.
General Sherman s left was engaged with the enemy near Bentonville
on Sunday. The artillery firing was quite rapid during the day, and
for a short time Monday morning. General Sherman s right (the Sev
enteenth Corps) was near Mount Olive Sunday night. There has been
some artillery tiring during to-day, which indicates a gradual approach
of General Sherman s army toward this place. All this being strictly
in accordance with General Sherman s plans, I have no doubt all is well.
I hope to have more definite and later information from General Sher
man very soon, and will forward it to you without delay. I find the
railroad bridges burned, but otherwise the road is not injured, and the
depot facilities here are very fine. I captured here 7 cars, and General
Terry has captured 2 locomotives and 2 cars, which he is now using.

J, M. SCHOFIELD,

Major- General.



942 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,

Goldsborough^ March 21, 1865.
Major-General SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi :
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I occupied Goldsborough
this afternoon with only slight opposition. Your cipher dispatch of
Sunday night has just reached me, but my cipher clerk has not yet
come up. I will have my pontoon bridge laid early in the morning,
and will be ready to carry out your orders as soon as I can get your
dispatch deciphered. I infer from all that I have heard, including the
sound of artillery, that your left had a pretty heavy tight on Sunday,
and that you were probably compelled to concentrate your army, but
that all is well and in accordance with your plans.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. SCIIOFIELD,

Major-General.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, near Bentonvillc, N . 6 ., March 21. 1865.
Major-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Ohio:

GENERAL: Captain Twining is here and I send by him an order that
you will perceive looks to staying here some days.* I thought John
ston, having failed, as he attempted to crush one of my wings, finding
he had not succeeded but that I was present with my whole force,
would withdraw, but he has not, and I must fight him here. He is
twenty miles from Smithfield with a bad road to his rear, but his posi
tion is in the swamps, difficult of approach, and I don t like to assail
his parapets, which are of the old kind. As soon as you get to Golds-
borough leave a small garrison, break the bridge across Little River
above the railroad, but use the one near its mouth at old Waynes-
borough and advance to Millard, where you can effect a junction with
Terry. He need leave a very small picket at Cox s Bridge. Make up a
force of about 25,000 men, leaving at Goldsborough Carter s division, if as
I understand, it is composed of troops properly belonging to this army.
Let me know the moment these combinations are made, when we can
act. I would like to have your pontoon bridge across Neuse about
Jericho, so that our trains to and from Kinston can use it. General
Howard will bridge at or near Goldsborough and General Slocum at
Cox s. The roads are now comparatively good and I want to make the
most of the good weather, but the moment Johnston gives ground I
propose to fall back on Goldsborough and await the completion of our
railroad and re-equipment of my army. I will probably post you at
Kinston, General Terry about Faison s, and this army at Goldsborough.
You will probably find plenty of corn, bacon, and corn meal in the
country from Waynesborough to Millard. The road near the Neuse is
also better than the one back, as it is better drained. All the heads
of creeks in this region are swamps and level pine lands that afford
bad roads. I expect you surely at Goldsborough to-day and that you
have at once secured the bridge across Little River. I don t think you
will find over there anything but cavalry. Hoke is to our front. We
took prisoners from his command yesterday.
Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major- General.

*See Special Field Orders, No. 33, p. 930.



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 943

HDQRS. MILITARY" DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865 11.30 a. m.
Major- General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Ohio:

DEAR GENERAL: Yours of 5 p. m. 20th instant is just to hand and
read by the general-in-chief, who directs me to say that full instruc
tions have been forwarded you by Colonel Twining, who left us this
a. m. Instructions have also been sent General Terry. As yet to-day
it is comparatively quiet. The enemy does not seem disposed to per
sist in his attacks. His losses have been severe, while ours will not
overreach 2,000 total.

I am, general, with respect, &c.,

L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



BERNE, N. 0., March 21, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD:

1 have just arrived from Beaufort. Left Wilmington last evening.
The boats had returned tbat I sent eighty miles up Northeast Eiver
with supplies for General Terry. He took everything that he could
carry. I see everything is confusion at Beaufort. Had I not better
return to Wilmington and move my office to New Berne and bring to
this point everything that will be of service here, after giving the
necessary instructions to my officers at Wilmington? General Easton
desires me to bring him 400 good contrabands. I can get them at
Wilmington. I would like to see you. Do you desire me to come to
the front?

Bespectfully,

GEO. S. DODGE,

Bvt. Brig. Gen. and Chief Quartermaster, Dept. of North Carolina.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY,

Morehead City, March 21, 1865.
Col. J. W. BARRIGER,

Chief Commissary^ of Subsistence,

Department of North Carolina, Neiv Berne, J\ 7 . C. :
COLONEL : I am reliably informed that in the surrounding country
within a circuit of twenty-five miles of Wilmington there exists a suf
ficient quantity of beef-cattle and sheep to subsist the troops in that
vicinity for a long time. Owing to the high price of fresh beef and the
difficulty in shipping cattle, I would advise that you cause foraging
parties to be sent frequently to procure them for the use of the com
mand at Wilmington and vicinity.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. BECKWITH,
Col., Aide-de-Camp, and. Chief Com. of Sub., Mil. Div. of the Miss.

[Indorsement.]

OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE,

DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

New Berne, N. C., March 25, 1865.

Respectfully referred to Lieut. Col. J. A. Campbell, assistant adju
tant-general, headquarters Department of North Carolina, with request,



944 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

if the major general commanding approve the within, that orders be
issued to the commanding 1 general of the District of Wilmington to
send out foraging parties and turn over the cattle, &c., obtained to
Oapt. F. G. Hentig, commissary of subsistence at Wilmington.

J. W. BARRIGER,
Lieut. Col. and Chief Commissary of /Subsistence.



HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

In the Field, Goldsborough, March 21, 1865.
Col. W. W. WRIGHT,

Chief Engineer, New Berne, N. C. :

I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that
we have occupied Goldsborough, and the railroad is uninjured except
as to the bridges. General Terry captured two locomotives and a
number of cars south of the river. He desires you will push forward
a section of the construction corps as rapidly as possible.
Very respectfully,

WM. M. WHERRY,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.



HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, ARMY OF THE OHIO,

In the Field, Goldsborough, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Colonel SAVAGE,

Commanding Twelfth New York Cavalry :

COLONEL: The commanding general directs that ;you send a com
pany ot cavalry with the accompanying dispatches to Kinston, N. C.,
with instructions to return up the railroad, clearing it of any rebel
scouts, and leaving it open and safe for the telegraph construction
party to put up the wires. He desires the company to start about
midnight.

Very respectfully,

WM. M. WHERRY,
Major and Aide-de-Camp.



HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Major-General TERRY,

Commanding at Cox s Bridge :

GENERAL: I have just learned of your arrival at Cox s Bridge by
Major Graves, of your staff. I have no orders other than those sent
you this morning. You can do nothing north of the Neuse River till
the pontoon bridge reaches you. I have not heard by what road Gen
eral Slocuin sent it, but fear he sent it by the back road which will
come into Cox s by way of Falling Creek Church. This rain will again
spoil our roads, and it is vital to us to get supplies up. We have pretty
well stripped this region, but I know there is a good country north of
the Neuse. Find out as soon as you can when General Schofield is in
Goldsborough and let me know. I think there is nothing in that quar
ter but cavalry and not much of that. From the front of infantry dis
played by the enemy Johnston must have here his entire army.
Yours, truly.

W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General, Commanding.



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 945

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, Near Bentonville, N. C., March 21, 1865 6 p, m.
Major- General TERRY,

Co.r^s Bridge :

GENERAL : It is manifest that we are not to be favored with weather.
After raining six weeks it has apparently set in for another six weeks.
1 wish whilst waiting for the pontoon train you would keep strong
details corduroying the roads at the low places, especially in the bot
toms of Falling Creek at botli bridges, or at the bridges on both roads,
viz, the one from Cox s to Goldsborongh, and the one from Falling
Creek School-House to Goldsborough. Better keep 1,000 men on detail
for such work. We will corduroy back toward you, and you toward
Goldsborongh. Hails are pretty good, but pine saplings ten inches
through the cut, split in two, the tlat side laid down, make a better
road. We have had some pretty sharp skirmishing all round the line,
but nothing material either way. If I could get the railroad done
to Goldsborough I would be better off than Johnston, as he has the
same weather and, I think, a worse road to his base at Smithtield
both distances twenty miles. I am very anxious to hear of General
Schofield at Goldsborongh, and especially that the railroad is done to
that point. It should have been completed before I got here.

Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General, Commanding.



HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL CORPS,

Near Cox s Bridge, N. C., March 21, 1865.
Brig. Gen. CHARLES J. PAINE,

Commanding Third Division, Twenty-fifth Army Corps:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding requests that, as soon as
the pontoon bridge is completed, you will order the brigade of your
command stationed at the river to cross the pontoon and intrench on
the other side so as to form a strong bridge-head, with both flanks
resting on the river and the salient well thrown forward.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. TERRY,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.



WILMINGTON, March 21, 1865.
Major- General TERRY,

Commanding Provisional Corps :

SIR: I send Mr. Phelps, master mechanic, with six carpenters, six
machinists, and twenty laborers up to Magnolia and thereabouts, with
full instructions to repair any and all cars that he can catch, and I
explain to him all that you tell me about the machine-shop at Mag
nolia. Wallace, president of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad,
tells me the superintendent did not mean to send tools away from
Magnolia if he could help it. The trouble is not in finding mechanics,
but the tools are missing. I am hunting up the creek for some, giving
notice in the town, offering employment to such as will bring tools, &c.