consequence of your letter. The rebel cavalry have been very stubborn
to-day in our front. Corse s men drove them across the Cohera, covering
the movement northward. The rebels were intrenched at South Eiver,
at Logan s crossing. His men were crossed above in pontoons and
turned them out. They have with that force a section of artillery. I
am anxious to hear the moment General Slocuni s left column gets
across the Black.
Eespectfully,
O. O. HOWAED,
Major- General.
SPECIAL J HDQRS. DEPT. AND ARMY OF THE TENN.,
FIELD ORDERS, > Near Jackson s Farm, N. C.,
No. 62. ) March 16, 1865.
The unencumbered divisions of the Fifteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen.
John A. Logan commanding, will move to-morrow to the crossing of the
road on which the head of column is now encamped with the Clinton
and Ealeigh road. The surplus trains of the corps, with their guard,
will move to Beainan s Cross-Koads. The Seventeenth Army Corps,
Maj. Gen.F. P. Blair commanding, will move to Beainan s Cross-Eoads.
These headquarters will follow the second division in order of march
of the Fifteenth Army Corps.
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard:
A. M. VAN DYKE,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY COJRPS,
In the Field, N. C., March 16, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: In consequence of the bad roads and rapid rise of the river
I have been unable to get my ordnance and ambulance trains across,
and have gone into camp three miles this side. Elver is still rising
rapidly and roads very bad in my front. Shall I cut loose from
my ordnance and ambulance trains and push forward with the troops,
or wait here and build a bridge across the river to-morrow morning?
I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. E. WOODS,
Brevet Major- General.
I have sent to General W. B. Woods to prepare the material and put
m the bridge during the night, or as soon as possible. If the creek does
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 863
not rise more thru eighteen inches I think the whole supply train can
be crossed in the morning. I will put my whole infantry force to work
in the morning repairing the roads in my front.
N. B. Since the above was written I have succeeded in crossing the
ordnance and ambulance trains but the supply train cannot cross
without a bridge. C. It. W.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Jones Swamp, N. C,, March 16, 1865,
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I respectfully report that in compliance with orders re
ceived from the major-general commanding the corps, I left my camp
near Cape Fear River at 6 o clock this morning, and taking the road as
pursued by the Third Division and balance of the corps, reached South
River about 3 p. m. Overtaking the trains of the Third Division, I
massed my command, waiting until 6 o clock before I obtained the
bridge, when I began moving my command over. The crossing soon
became so bad that each team had to be assisted by the troops, and
this while the men were in water two feet deep. At 10 o clock to-night
my last wagon was brought over, and I am now in camp three miles
this side the river with my troops covering the road both to the front
and rear. My headquarters are on the roadside, just between my two
lines. Without further orders I shall move at 6 a. m. to-morrow.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. It. WOODS,
Brevet Major- General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Mrs. Lockery s, N. C., March 16, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General :
I have the honor to report that this command moved at 9 a. m. this
morning in rear of the Fourth Division, crossing the Black Kiver at
Maxwell s Bridge and camping eight miles in advance of that point.
I am, respectfully,
W. B. HAZEN,
Major- General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, near Little Coher a Creek, N. C., March 16, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
movements and operations of my command the 15th instant: Pur
suant to orders from corps headquarters I broke camp at 9 a. m. sharp
and moved upon the Goldsborough road to the vicinity of South River,
where the enemy was developed upon the opposite bank, and
immediately opened with artillery and small-arms, the latter being
from a pretty strong skirmish line holding a position in front of a
wooded swamp covered with water from two to four feet in depth.
864 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
The enemy had rendered the bridge over the main channel (which was
about ten feet deep) impassable by removing the covering of the bridge.
Upon the arrival of the pontoon train, at p. m., I placed two boats
across the main channel of the stream, and at 8 p. in. commenced
crossing my infantry, who were compelled to wade a distance of -00
yards through the swamp with water to the waist after leaving the
boats. At 0.30 the Seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers succeeded in
making a lodgment on high ground on the opposite bank, and found
the enemy had left his position, which this regiment immediately occu
pied. Upon receiving intelligence of the flight of the enemy. I at
once placed a detail at work on the bridge, in order to have it in readi
ness for crossing mytrains in the morning. My command has made
a march of ten miles.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. COESE,
Brevet M((jor- General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Little Co her a Creek, N. C., Mar eh 76 , 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
.MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to orders from
corps headquarters, I broke camp at 7 a. m., crossed South Eiver, and
from thence,moved on the Goldsborough road, a distance of six miles,
where I moved to the left on a neighborhood road to its intersection with
the Fayetteville and Bentonville road, where my command is now in
bivouac, having made a march of nine miles. I would state that before
leaving the Goldsborough, or Maxwell road, as citizens term it, one
regiment and a section of artillery was detached from my column to
expel the enemy from a position he had taken across Little Coliera
Creek, about half a mile distant from the point of my departure from this
road, in which they were successful, and one brigade (the Second) left in
position at that point as a protection to the flanks of the column while
passing. This brigade has rejoined the division.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. COESE,
Brevet Major- General.
SPECIAL } HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION,
FIELD ORDERS, > FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 45. ) In the Field, N~. C., March 16, 1805.
I. The troops of this division will march at 7 a. m. sharp to-morrow,
the 17th instant, on Fayetteville and Bentonville road in the following
order, viz : The Third Brigade in advance, the First Brigade in center,
and Second Brigade in .rear, the troops marching to the right of and
by the side of trains. Trains in same order as heretofore. The column
must keep well closed up.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. John M. Corse:
L. H. EVEETS,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION 865
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Xcar Jackson s Farm, X. C., March 16, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR,
Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: General Sherman says that Hardee is in front of Slocum
011 the river road, and he thinks he intends to make a stand at the
cross roads above Kyle s Landing. Please move to Beaman s Cross-
Roads to-morrow, etfeeting a crossing, however, of the creek in your front
with your mounted men, in order to let the refugees pass through Clin
ton. If Slocum needs us we can march up the Kaleigh road, but if he
does not you will be directed to Troubleneld s Store, and Logan s dis
encumbered divisions will move straight on Bentnnville, while his trains
will follow you from Beamau\s Cross-Roads. Our main objective has
been changed to Everettsville instead of Faisoivs Depot, as ordered
before. Schoiield reports that he whipped Bragg, and is near Kinston.
Terry says he will be at Faisou s by Sunday or Monday. Expect fur
ther orders at Beaman s Cross-Roads. We have skirmished with the
rebel cavalry to-day, supporting artillery. Your movement will turn
them out.
Very respectfully,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major- General.
SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 07. j Near Oicensrille, N. C., March IV, 1865.
The command will move to Beaman s Cross-Roads to-morrow. Bvt,
Alaj. Gen. G. A. Smith, commanding Fourth Division, will have the
advance and will move forward at 7 a. in. Brig. Gen. M. F. Force,
commanding Third Division, will move forward at 7 a. in. and close up
on the Fourth Division. Maj. Gen. J. A. Mower, commanding First
Division, will move forward at as early an hour as practicable and close
up on the Third Division. The section of the pontoon train will follow
the Fourth Division. The detachment of department headquarters
train will follow the Third Division. Maj. Gen. J. A. Mower will leave
one regiment with the main pontoon train as guard. The ^iuth Illinois
Mounted Infantry will proceed to Clinton and remain there until the
arrival of the refugee train. They will then move over to Faison s
Depot and communicate with General Terry, and if practicable obtain
ammunition. From thence they will move northward aiid join the
command.
By command of Mnj. Gen. F. P. Blair:
C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Sear Oicensville, A T . C., March 16, 1865.
Brig. Gen. M. F. FORCE,
Commanding Third Division :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move
forward at 7 a.m. to-morrow, sending forward your white pioneer corps
at 6 o clock to the bridge on Little Cohera. General Smith is working
55 R R TOL XLVII, FT II
866 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. L1X.
on the bridge 5 if he finishes it by 7 o clock he will cross and take the
advance. If, however, the bridge is not completed before you get here,
you will take the advance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
0. CADLE, JR.,
Ass ista n t A dju ta n t- enera I.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
In the Field, March 16, 1805.
Maj. Gen. J. W. GEARY,
Commanding Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of the order
of inarch of this command for to-morrow.* I am directed by the gen
eral commanding this wing of the army to say that in the absence of
orders from your immediate commanding generals you will follow the
disencumbered divisions of Major General Logans (Fifteenth) army
corps, but it is suggested that you remain in your present position
to-morrow, as you will see from the order of march that this column
moves forward but five miles.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. VAN DYKE.
Captain ana Asaist tnt Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, Kin^ton, March 1(! 9 1865.
Hon. EDWIN M. STAN TON,
{Secretary of War:
Understanding that the late Congress passed a law to increase the
efficiency of the Commissary Department, creating new grades, &<.*., 1
desire, respectfully, to recommend Lieut. Col. K. B. Treat, chief commis
sary of subsistence of the Twenty- third Army Corps, for appointment as
inspector in the Commissary Department, tinder that law. Lieutenant-
Colonel Treat has been with me since I took command of the Army of
the Ohio; was for the greater part of the time acting chief commissary
of subsistence of the army in the field, and performed the duties of his
office with a fidelity, zeal, and efficiency that eminently entitle him to
promotion.
1 am, sir, verv respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. SOHOFIELD,
Major- Genera I.
NEW BERNE, March 16, 1865.
Major-General SCHOFIELD :
The boats with commissary stores, on account of the storm and an
accident, did not proceed far yesterday. They went on to-day and 1
think will get through without further difficulty.
G. W. SCHOFIELD,
Brevet Brigadier- General.
See p. 862.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 867
HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH NEW YORK CAVALRY,
In the Field, March 16, 1865.
Maj. THEO Cox,
A S8 isia n t A dj u ta u t- Gen era 1 :
MAJOR: A strong picket of the enemy is maintained on the other
side of Falling Creek. Information tolerably reliable shows that there
is a small force of infantry, say 100 men, and some cavalry a short
distance beyond. I crossed skirmishers this afternoon, but was unable
to get horses across. Efforts will be made in the morning to cross
cither on the Goldsborough road or at some point north.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. SAVAGE,
Colonel Twelfth Neiv York Cavalry.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, 13 Miles on Raleigh Road out of Fayettevilie,
March 16, 18652 a. m.
Major-General TERRY,
Wilmington, V. C. :
GENERAL : Thank you kindly for the shoes and pants, and still more
for the certain knowledge that General Schofield is in possession of
Kinston. That is of great importance, for thence to Goldsborough
there are no bridges. I will, in consequence, move straight oil Golds-
borough. It is now raining hard and the bottom has fallen out, and
we will have to corduroy every foot of the way. Hardee is ahead of
me and shows tight. I will go at him in the morning with four divis
ions and push him as far as Averasborough before turning toward
Ben tonville and Cox s Bridge. My extreme right will aim for Ever-
ettsville and Faison s. I am delighted that General Sheridan is slash
ing away with his column of cavalry. He will be a disturbing element
in the grand and beautiful game of war, and if he reaches me I ll
make all Xorth Carolina howl. I will make him a deed of gift of every
horse in the State, to be settled for at the day of judgment. I cannot,
of course, reach General Sheridan with any suggestions, but he should
march for Danville. Greensborough, and lialeigh, or rather near those
points, making some detours to mislead. Tell General Dodge to keep
boats running up Cape Fear until he knows I am at my new base.
This rain, so damaging to my land transportation, is a good thing for
the river, which had fallen very much. He can use the rebel captured
boats, which, if lost, are of no account. Each of those boats should
be supplied a good barge that can hold all the crew in case the
boat is caught by a fall in the river. Captain Young agreed to keep
his gun-boats running busy and as high up as possible. I want to
keep up the impression that I am using the Cape Fear lliver for sup
plies, for our foolish Northern journals have published the fact that I
am aiming for I^ew Berne, a fact that I had concealed from everybody
not necessarily in my confidence. These fellows discovered it by the
course taken by the supply boats from Port Eoyal.
Hoping to meet you- soon, I am, &c.,
W. T. SHEBMAN,
Major- General, Commanding.
P. S. We took some prisoners to-day, among them Col. Alfred
lihett, of Fort Sumter, who commands a brigade in Hardee s army,
SHEltMAK
868 OPERATIONS IX X. C., f?. C., S GA., AlsD E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL CORPS,
March 16, 18656.10 p. m.
Brevet Major- Gen era! AMES:
GENERAL : Major- General Terry directs me to say that Paine s divis
ion will not cross to-night. Lee s battery will, if it can. The \vagou
train is very much behind hand on account of the difficulty of crossing
the bridge. Probably it will not be up in time to start in the morning.
He thinks it would be best for you to push on in the morning (starting
at (> o clock) to South Washington, so as to protect the stores which he
expects there by noon to-morrow, leaving Paine to come up with the
wagons. Unless you hear something to the contrary from him during
the night, please carry out this programme. You can take half the
cavalry with you, leaving the other half with Paine. Please direct the
officer commanding the cavalry to go into cam]), and send one of the
guides to Paine. Yon, of course, will have the whole picket duty on
your side of the creek. Headquarters will be at the church, about half
a. mile this side the creek.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. IT. GRAVES,
Major and Aide- de- Cam p.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL CORPS,
In the Field, N. C., March 16, 1865.
Brig. Gen. C. J. PAINE,
Commanding Third Division, Ticcnty- fifth Army Corps:
GENERAL : The major-general commanding, deeming it of the utmost
importance to have possession of South Washington before the arrival
of our steamers at that place, so as to place their safety beyond a
doubt, has directed General Ames to move at C a. in. to-morrow so as
to arrive at that point by noon, the hour appointed for the arrival of
the steamers. The scattered condition of our train requires that your
command should be delayed until it can be closed up. You will please
cross Burgaw Creek at 7 a. in. and move forward until there is suf
ficient space beyond the creek for the whole train to pass it, halting
your command until it shall have done so Your pioneers will be
employed during the day to-morrow in repairing the road, as ordered
to-day.
By order of Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry:
A. TERRY,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Charleston, S. C., March 16, 1865,
Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE,
Commanding Department of the Mouth :
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the quantity of cotton ii>
this town and vicinity is probably between 5,000 and 10,000 bales. It
is mostly held in small quantities by people who, mistrusting the value
of the currency of the South, invested their savings in cotton as a
means of securing something should the city fall into the hands of the
Government troops. I would respectfully request instructions from
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 869
yourself or the War Department with regard to it. Having no instruc
tions, I have endeavored to carry out, so i ar as possible, the policy
adopted in Savannah, which w r as, I understand, sanctioned by the
Department, i am uow collecting the cotton, using the new custom
house as a place of deposit. Each lot is marked and entered in a book,
with the name of the claimant and any peculiar circumstances con
nected with it, which may be of some service either to the Government
or the owner. No receipts have been given, as I am informed none
were given in Savannah. If the Department should decide to give
receipts the books are so kept that they can be given by reference to
them. I would also request instructions with regard to rosin, turpen
tine, and tobacco found here. There will undoubtedly be quite a large
amount of these valuable articles and I am now seizing them.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. P. HATCH,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
CITY POINT, March 17, 1865 2 p. m.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN:
Dispatches have just been received from Sheridan.* After leaving
Columbia, the point at which his first dispatch was dated, he proceeded
to Goochland, destroying the canal to that place. lie then moved up to
the Virginia Central Kailroad at Tolersville and destroyed it down to
Beaver Dam Station, totally destroying fifteen miles of the road. The
Ashland and South Anna bridges were destroyed. There is not now a
bridge on the road from South Anna to Lynchburg. He will reach
White House to-night. His command is in good condition.
T. S. BOWEKS,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
SPECIAL ORDERS, \ HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
No. o. 3. ) City Point, Va., March 17, 1865.
I. First Lieut. William M. Dunn, jr., acting aide-de-camp, will proceed
as bearer of dispatches to Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding
Military Division of the Mississippi, upon the delivery of which he will
rejoin these headquarters. He will proceed from City Point to Fort
Monroe on the mail boat, and there take the first steamer for New
Berne, N. C., from which point lie will proceed by the most practicable
means. The quartermaster s department will furnish necessary trans
portation.
*******
By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:
T. S. BOWERS,
Assistan t A djuta n t- Gen era L
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Eighteen Miles Northeast FayetteviUe,
March 17, 1865 7 a. m.
Maj. Gen. (). O. HOWARD,
Commanding Riglit Wing :
GENERAL: General Slocuin found the enemy covering the nar
row neck from Taylors Hole up to the Goldsborough road. He drove
* See Vol. XL VI, Tart II, pp. 918. 093.
870 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP.LIX.
them from two successive positions, taking tlirec guns, some prisoners
and wounded, but losing himself pretty severely, I think as many as
300 in all. But the enemy lost heavily also, from appearances. At
night the enemy still held the forks, but it is just reported that he is
gone, I suppose up to Averasborough, where the Raleigh and Smith-
field roads fork. Your scout, Duncan, is just in, having escaped from
McLaws 7 guard, he thinks about twelve miles out on the Smithfield
road; so Hardee is retreating on Smith field. Slocum will feel out
toward Averasborough, but move his column on the Goldsborough
road, which is that which crosses Black and Mingo Creeks just ahead
of where we are. Our true tactics would be to push all our columns
to Sniifchfield, but I will only follow Hardee far enough to give him
impulse, when we must resume our [course]. I want you to-day to
get to where the Goldsborough road crosses Mingo, and have that
bridge well repaired. You need not come over to Slocum unless you
hear him engaged. We might cut his column at Elevation, but it will
be time enough to think of that to-night. Blair is getting too far oft .
Better draw him and all your trains toward Troublerield s Store.
Weather having cleared off, we n>ay count on better roads. Have a
road for your column reconnoitered from Mingo bridge to that point
north of Troublefield s where three roads meet. I expect to be to-night
somewhere between Black Kiver and Mingo bridge.
Yours,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- Genera /, Comm an fling.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Crossing of JFayetteville and Goldsborough with
Clinton and Raleigh Roads^ March 17, 1865 3 p. m.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL : Your dispatch by Duncan received. I am glad enough
to see him back. He was stripped of his clothing, and everything,
even to his finger ring, and in the presence of Hampton himself.
Quite different usage from that I bestow on prisoners from Hampton.
Your order for me to repair the bridge across Miugo Creek made
me think you were mistaken as to my position. By dark Logan will
have his four divisions at this point. It is thirteen miles from here
to Averasborough, eleven to Ben ton vi lie, and seven to Beaman s
Cross-Koads, to which place Blair is moving. You said you thought
Blair was getting too far oft*. When Logan turned northward toward
this road Blair did the same. You gave me Everettsville as my
objective. Now that General Slocum has turned toward Golds-
borough, I have given my orders according to the programme you laid
down for me; but thinking you might wish still to turn on Smithfield,
1 will lead the disencumbered divisions toward Bentouville, across
both branches of the Cohera, and then can take a road leading direct
to Everettsville. This road begins about five miles beyond Seven-Mile
Branch. I heard that the quartermaster in charge of shoes, &c., by the
steamer had refused to send the half I left to General Slocum for want of
quartermaster s receipts. I regret it exceedingly, as I would have had
them receipted for and sent to him had 1 suspected such meanness.
I hope, however it is not true. Thinking you might wish me to push
farther north, I have had one division encamped well out on the
Averasborough road, and Corse has sent a reconnaissance toward Mingo
CHAP,LIX.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 871
Creek. I have not done more than that, as you intimated that I should
not move over to S locum, unless there was further need than now
appears. I had information that Bragg had left Goldsborough and
was retreating on Raleigh, through Sinithfield, prior to Duncan s