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Official Army Records
1865-1
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Goldsborough, N. C., April 4, 1865.
GENERAL: I must now endeavor to group the events of the past three months connected
with the armies under my command, in order that you may have as clear an understanding of the
late campaign as the case admits of. The reports of the subordinate commanders will enable you
to fill up the picture.
I have heretofore explained how, in the progress of our arms, I was enabled to leave in the
West an army under Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, of sufficient strength to meet emergencies in
that quarter, while in person I conducted another army, composed of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth,
Seventeenth, and Twentieth Corps, and Kilpatrick's division of cavalry, to the Atlantic slope,
aiming to approach the grand theater of war in Virginia by the time the season would admit of
military operations in that latitude. The first lodgment on the coast was made at Savannah,
strongly fortified and armed, and valuable to us as a good sea-port with its navigable stream
inland. Near a month was consumed there in refitting the army, and in making the proper
disposition of captured property, and other local matters; but by the 15th of January I was all
ready to resume the march. Preliminary to this, General Howard, commanding the Right Wing,
was ordered to embark his command at Thunderbolt, transport it to Beaufort, S. C., and thence
by the 15th of January make a lodgment on the Charleston railroad, at or near Pocotaligo. This
was accomplished punctually, at little cost, by the Seventeenth Corps, Major-General Blair, and
a depot for supplies was established near the mouth of Pocotaligo Creek, with easy water
communication back to Hilton Head.
The Left Wing, Major-General Slocum, and the cavalry, Major-General Kilpatrick, were
ordered to rendezvous about the same time near Robertsville and Coosawhatchie, S. C., with a
depot of supplies at Purysburg, or Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River. General Slocum had a
good pontoon bridge constructed opposite the city, and the "Union Causeway" leading through
the low rice-fields opposite Savannah was repaired and corduroyed, but before the time
appointed to start the heavy rains of January had swelled the river, broken the pontoon bridge,
and overflowed the whole bottom, so that the causeway was four feet under water, and General
Slocum was compelled to look higher up for a passage over the Savannah River. He moved up to
Sister's Ferry, but even there the river with its overflowed bottoms was near three miles wide,
and he did not succeed in getting his whole wing across until during the first week of February.
In the meantime General Grant had sent me Grover's division, of the Nineteenth Corps, to
garrison Savannah, and had drawn the Twenty-third Corps, Major-General Schofield, from
Tennessee, and sent it to re-enforce the commands of Major-Generals Terry and Palmer,
operating on the coast of North Carolina, to prepare the way for my coming.
On the 18th of January I transferred the forts and city of Savannah to Major-General Foster,
commanding the Department of the South, imparted to him my plans of operation, and instructed
him how to follow my movements inland by occupying in succession the city of Charleston and
such other points along the sea-coast as would be of any military value to us. The combined
naval and land forces under Admiral Porter and General Terry had on the 15th of January
captured Fort Fisher and the rebel forts at the mouth of Cape Fear River, giving me an additional
point of security on the sea-coast. But I had already resolved in my own mind, and had so
advised General Grant, that I would undertake at one stride to make Goldsborough, and open
communication with the sea by the New Berne railroad, and
had ordered Col. W. W. Wright,
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superintendent of military railroads, to proceed in advance to New Berne, and to be prepared to
extend the railroad out from New Berne to Goldsborough by the 15th of March.
On the 19th of January all preparations were complete and the orders of march given. My
chief quartermaster and commissary, Generals Easton and Beckwith, were ordered to complete
the supplies at Sister's Ferry and Pocotaligo, and then to follow our movement coastwise,
looking for my arrival at Goldsborough, N. C., about March 15, and opening communication
with me from Morehead City.
On the 22d of January I embarked at Savannah for Hilton Head, where I held a conference
with Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, and Major-General Foster, commanding the Department of
the South, and next day proceeded to Beaufort, riding out thence on the 24th to Pocotaligo,
where the Seventeenth Corps, Major-General Blair, was encamped. The Fifteenth Corps was
somewhat scattered--Woods' and Hazen's divisions at Beaufort, John E. Smith marching from
Savannah by the coast road, and Corse still at Savannah, cut off by the storms and freshet in the
river. On the 25th a demonstration was made against the Combahee Ferry and railroad bridge
across the Salkehatchie, merely to amuse the enemy, who had evidently adopted that river as his
defensive line against our supposed objective, the city of Charleston. I reconnoitered the line in
person, and saw that the heavy rains had swollen the river so that water stood in the swamps for a
breadth of more than a mile, at a depth of from one to twenty feet. Not having the remotest
intention of approaching Charleston, a comparatively small force was able, by seeming
preparations to cross over, to keep in their front a considerable force of the enemy disposed to
contest our advance on Charleston. On the 27th I rode to the camp of General Hatch's division,
of Foster's command, on the Tullifinny and Coosawhatchie Rivers, and directed those places to
be evacuated, as no longer of any use to us. That division was then moved to Pocotaligo to keep
up the feints already begun, until we should with the Right Wing move higher up and cross the
Salkehatchie about Rivers' or Broxton's Bridge.
On the 29th I learned that the roads back of Savannah had at last become sufficiently free of
the flood to admit of General Slocum putting his wing in motion, and that he was already
approaching Sister's Ferry, whither a gun-boat, the Pontiac, Captain Luce, kindly furnished by
Admiral Dahlgrens, had preceded him to cover the crossing. In the meantime three divisions of
the Fifteenth Corps had closed up at Pocotaligo, and the Right Wing had loaded its wagons and
was ready to start. I therefore directed General Howard to move one corps, the Seventeenth,
along the Salkehatchie, as high up as Rivers' Bridge, and the other, the Fifteenth by Hickory Hill,
Loper's Cross-Roads, Angley's Post-Office, and Buford's Bridge. Hatch's division was ordered to
remain at Pocotaligo, feigning at the Salkehatchie railroad bridge and ferry, until our movement
turned the enemy's position and forced him to fall behind the Edisto.
The Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps drew out of camp on the 31st of January, but the real
march began on the 1st of February. All the roads northward had for weeks been held by
Wheeler's cavalry, who had, by details of negro laborers, felled trees, burned bridges, and made
obstructions to impede our march. But so well organized were our pioneer battalions, and so
strong and intelligent our men, that obstructions seemed only to quicken their progress. Felled
trees were removed and bridges rebuilt by the heads of columns before the rear could close up.
On the 2d of February the Fifteenth Corps reached Loper's Cross-Roads, and the Seventeenth
was at Rivers' Bridge. From Loper's Cross-Roads I communicated with General Slocum, still
struggling with the floods of the Savannah River at Sister's Ferry. He had two divisions of the
Twentieth Corps, General Williams, on the east bank, and was enabled to cross over on his
pontoons the cavalry of Kilpatrick. General Williams was ordered to Buford's Bridge by way of
Lawtonville and Allendale; Kilpatrick to Blackville via Barnwell, and General Slocum to hurry
the crossing at Sister's Ferry as much as possible, and
overtake the Right Wing on the South
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Carolina Railroad. General Howard, with the Right Wing, was directed to cross the Salkehatchie
and push rapidly for the South Carolina Railroad at or near Midway. The enemy held the line of
the Salkehatchie in force, having infantry and artillery intrenched at Rivers' and Buford's
Bridges. The Seventeenth Corps was ordered to carry Rivers' Bridge and the Fifteenth Corps
Buford's Bridge. The former position was carried promptly and skillfully by Mower's and Giles
A. Smith's divisions, of the Seventeenth Corps, on the 3d of February, by crossing the swamp,
nearly three miles wide, with water varying from knee to shoulder deep. The weather was bitter
cold, and Generals Mower and Smith led their divisions in person, on foot, waded the swamp,
made a lodgment below the bridge, and turned on the rebel brigade which guarded it, driving it
in confusion and disorder toward Branchville. Our casualties were 1 officer and 17 men killed,
and 70 men wounded, who were sent to Pocotaligo. The line of the Salkehatchie being thus
broken, the enemy retreated at once behind the Edisto at Branchville, and the whole army was
pushed rapidly to the South Carolina Railroad at Midway, Bamberg (or Lowry's Station), and
Graham's Station. The Seventeenth Corps, by threatening Branchville, forced the enemy to burn
the railroad bridge and Walker's Bridge below, across the Edisto. All hands were at once set to
work to destroy the railroad track. From the 7th to the 10th of February this work was thoroughly
prosecuted by the Seventeenth Corps, from the Edisto up to Bamberg, and by the Fifteenth Corps
from Bamberg up to Blackville. In the meantime General Kilpatrick had brought his cavalry
rapidly by Barnwell to Blackville, and had turned toward Aiken, with orders to threaten Augusta,
but not to be drawn needlessly into a serious battle. This he skillfully accomplished, skirmishing
heavily with Wheeler's cavalry, first at Blackville and afterward at Williston and Aiken. General
Williams, with two divisions of the Twentieth Corps, marched to the South Carolina Railroad at
Graham's Station on the 8th, and General Slocum reached Blackville on the 10th. The
destruction of the railroad was continued by the Left Wing from Blackville up to Windsor. By
the 11th of February all the army was on the railroad from Midway to Johnson's Station, thereby
dividing the enemy's forces, which still remained at Branchville and Charleston on the one hand
Aiken and Augusta on the other.
We then began the movement on Orangeburg. The Seventeenth Corps crossed the South Fork
of Edisto River at Binnaker's Bridge, and moved straight for Orangeburg, while the Fifteenth
Corps crossed at Holman's Bridge and moved to Poplar Springs in support. The Left Wing and
cavalry were still at work on the railroad, with orders to cross the South Edisto at New and
Guignard's Bridges, move to the Orange-burg and Edgefield road, and there await the result of
the attack on Orangeburg. On the 12th the Seventeenth Corps found the enemy intrenched in
front of the Orangeburg bridge, but swept him away by a dash, and followed him, forcing him
across the bridge, which was partially burned. Behind the bridge was a battery in position,
covered by a cotton and earth parapet, with wings as far as could be seen. General Blair held one
division (Giles A. Smith's) close up to the Edisto, and moved the other two to a point about two
miles below, where he crossed Force's division by a pontoon bridge, holding Mower's in support.
As soon as Force emerged from the swamp the enemy gave ground, and Giles Smith's division
gained the bridge, crossed over, and occupied the enemy's parapet. He soon repaired the bridge,
and by 4 p.m. the whole corps was in Orangeburg and had begun the work of destruction on the
railroad. Blair was ordered to destroy this railroad effectually up to Lewisville, and to push the
enemy across the Congaree and force him to burn the bridges, which he did on the 14th; and
without wasting time or labor on Branchville or Charleston, which I knew the enemy could no
longer hold, I turned all the columns straight on Columbia.
The Seventeenth Corps followed the State road, and the Fifteenth crossed the North Edisto
from Poplar Springs at Shilling's Bridge, above the mouth of "Caw Caw Swamp" creek, and took
a country road which came into the State road at
Zeigler's. On the 15th the Fifteenth Corps found
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the enemy in a strong position at Little Congaree bridge (across Congaree Creek) with a tete-depont
on the south side, and a well-constructed fort on the north side, commanding the bridge with
artillery. The ground in front was very bad, level, and clear, with a fresh deposit of mud from a
recent overflow. General Charles R. Woods, who commanded the leading division, succeeded,
however, in turning the flank of the tete-de-pont by sending Stone's brigade through a cypress
swamp to the left, and following up the retreating enemy promptly he got possession of the
bridge and the fort beyond. The bridge had been partially damaged by fire, and had to be
repaired for the passage of artillery, so that night closed in before the head of the column could
reach the bridge across Congaree River in front of Columbia. That night the enemy shelled our
camps from a battery on the east side of the Congaree, above Granby. Early next morning
(February 16) the head of column reached the bank of the Congaree, opposite Columbia, but too
late to save the fine bridge which spanned the river at that point. It was burned by the enemy.
While waiting for the pontoons to come to the front we could see people running about the
streets of Columbia, and occasionally small bodies of cavalry, but no masses. A single gun of
Captain De Gress' battery was firing at their cavalry squads, but I checked his firing, limiting
him to a few shots at the unfinished State-house walls, and a few shells at the railroad depot to
scatter the people who were seen carrying away sacks of corn and meal that we needed. There
was no white flag or manifestation of surrender. I directed General Howard not to cross directly
in front of Columbia, but to cross the Saluda at the factory, three miles above, and afterward
Broad River, so as to approach Columbia from the north. Within an hour of the arrival of
General Howard's head of column at the river opposite Columbia, the head of column of the Left
Wing also appeared, and I directed General Slocum to cross the Saluda at Zion Church, and
thence to take roads direct to Winnsborough, breaking up, en route, the railroads and bridges
about Alston.
General Howard effected a crossing of the Saluda, near the factory, on the 16th, skirmishing
with cavalry, and the same night made a flying bridge across Broad River, about three miles
above Columbia, by which he crossed over Stone's brigade, of Woods' division, Fifteenth Corps.
Under cover of this brigade a pontoon bridge was laid on the morning of the 17th. I was in
person at this bridge, and at 11 a.m. learned that the mayor of Columbia had come out in a
carriage and made a formal surrender of the city to Colonel Stone, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry,
commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Corps. About the same time a small party
of the Seventeenth Corps had crossed the Congaree in a skiff, and entered Columbia from a point
immediately west. In anticipation of the occupation of the city I had made written orders to
General Howard touching the conduct of the troops. These were to destroy absolutely all arsenals
and public property not needed for our own use, as well as all railroads, depots, and machinery
useful in war to an enemy, but to spare all dwellings, colleges, schools, asylums, and harmless
private property. I was the first to cross the pontoon bridge, and in company with General
Howard rode into the city. The day was clear, but a perfect tempest of wind was raging. The
brigade of Colonel Stone was already in the city, and was properly posted. Citizens and soldiers
were on the streets, and general good order prevailed. General Wade Hampton, who commanded
the Confederate rear guard of cavalry, had, in anticipation of our capture of Columbia, ordered
that all cotton, public and private, should be moved into the streets and fired, to prevent our
making use of it. Bales were piled everywhere, the rope and bagging cut, and tufts of cotton were
blown about in the wind, lodged in the trees and against houses, so as to resemble a snow-storm.
Some of these piles of cotton were burning, especially one in the very heart of the city, near the
court-house, but the fire was partially subdued by the labor of our soldiers. During the day the
Fifteenth Corps passed through Columbia and out on the
Camden road. The Seventeenth did not
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enter the town at all; and, as I have before stated, the Left Wing and cavalry did not come within
two miles of the town.
Before one single public building had been fired by order, the smouldering fires, set by
Hampton's order, were rekindled by the wind, and communicated to the buildings around. About
dark they began to spread, and got beyond the control of the brigade on duty within the city. The
whole of Woods' division was brought in, but it was found impossible to check the flames which,
by midnight, had become unmanageable, and raged until about 4 a.m., when the wind subsiding
they were got under control. I was up nearly all night, and saw Generals Howard, Logan, Woods,
and others, laboring to save houses and protect families thus suddenly deprived of shelter, and
even of bedding and wearing apparel. I disclaim on the part of my army any agency in this fire,
but, on the contrary, claim that we saved what of Columbia remains unconsumed. And without
hesitation I charge General Wade Hampton with having burned his own city of Columbia, not
with a malicious intent, or as the manifestation of a silly "Roman stoicism," but from folly and
want of sense, in filling it with lint, cotton, and tinder. Our officers and men on duty worked well
to extinguish the flames; but others not on duty, including the officers who had long been
imprisoned there, rescued by us, may have assisted in spreading the fire after it had once begun,
and may have indulged in unconcealed joy to see the ruin of the capital of South Carolina.
During the 18th and 19th the arsenal, railroad depots, machine shops, foundries, and other
buildings were properly destroyed by detailed working parties, and the railroad track torn up and
destroyed down to Kingsville and the Wateree bridge, and up in the direction of Winnsborough.
At the same time the Left Wing and cavalry had crossed the Saluda and Broad Rivers,
breaking up railroad about Alston, and as high up as the bridge across Broad River on the
Spartanburg road, the main body moving straight for Winnsborough, which General Slocum
reached on the 21st of February. He caused the railroad to be destroyed up to Black Stocks
Depot, and then turned to Rocky Mount, on the Catawba River. The Twentieth Corps reached
Rocky Mount on the 22d: laid a pontoon bridge, and crossed over during the 23d. Kilpatrick's
cavalry followed, and crossed over in a terrible rain during the night of the 23d, and moved up
to. Lancaster, with orders to keep up the delusion of a general movement on Charlotte, N. C, to
which General Beauregard and all the cavalry of the enemy had retreated from Columbia. I was
also aware that Cheatham's corps, of Hood's old army, was aiming to make a junction with
Beauregard at Charlotte, having been cut off by our rapid movements on Columbia and
Winnsborough. From the 23d to the 26th we had heavy rains, swelling the rivers and making the
roads almost impassable. The Twentieth Corps reached Hanging Rock on the 26th, and waited
there for the Fourteenth Corps to get across the Catawba. The heavy rains had so swollen the
river that the pontoon bridge broke, and General Davis had very hard work to restore it and get
his command across. At last he succeeded, and the Left Wing was all put in motion for Cheraw.
In the meantime the Right Wing had broken up the railroad to Winnsborough, and thence
turned for Peay's Ferry, where it was crossed over the Catawba before the heavy rains set in, the
Seventeenth Corps moving straight on Cheraw via Young's Bridge, and the Fifteenth Corps by
Tiller's and Kelly's Bridges. From this latter corps detachments were sent into Camden to burn
the bridge over the Wateree, with the railroad depot, stores, &c. A small force of mounted men
under Captain Duncan was also dispatched to make a dash and interrupt the railroad from
Charleston to Florence, but it met Butler's division of cavalry, and after a sharp night skirmish on
Mount Elon was compelled to return unsuccessful. Much bad road was encountered at Lynch's
Creek, which delayed the Right Wing about the same length of time as the Left Wing had been at
the Catawba.
On the 2d of March the leading division of the Twentieth Corps entered Chesterfield,
skirmishing with Butler's division of cavalry, and the
next day about noon the Seventeenth Corps
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entered Cheraw, the enemy retreating across the Pedee, and burning the bridge at that point. At
Cheraw we found much ammunition and many guns which had been brought from Charleston on
the evacuation of that city. These were destroyed, as also the railroad trestles and bridges down
as far as Darlington. An expedition of mounted infantry was also sent down to Florence, but it
encountered both cavalry and infantry, and returned, having only broken up in part the branch
road from Florence to Cheraw.
Without unnecessary delay the columns were again put in motion, directed on Fayetteville,
N. C., the Right Wing crossing the Pedee at Cheraw, and the Left Wing and cavalry at
Sneedsborough. General Kilpatrick was ordered to keep well on the left flank, and the Fourteenth
Corps, moving by Love's Bridge, was given the right to enter and occupy Fayetteville first. The
weather continued unfavorable and roads bad, but the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Corps reached
Fayetteville on the 11th of March, skirmishing with Wade Hampton's cavalry, that covered the
rear of Hardee's retreating army, which, as usual, had crossed Cape Fear River, burning the
bridge. During the march from the Pedee General Kilpatrick had kept his cavalry well on the left
and exposed flank. During the night of the 9th of March his three brigades were divided to picket
the roads. General Hampton detecting this dashed in at daylight and gained possession of the
camp of Colonel Spencer's brigade, and the house in which General Kilpatrick and Colonel
Spencer had their quarters. The surprise was complete, but General Kilpatrick quickly succeeded
in rallying his men, on foot, in a swamp near by, and by a prompt attack, well followed up,
regained his artillery, horses, camp, and everything save some prisoners whom the enemy carried
off, leaving their dead on the ground.
The 12th, 13th, and 14th were passed at Fayetteville, destroying absolutely the U. S. Arsenal
and the vast amount of machinery which had formerly belonged to the old Harper's Ferry U.S.
Arsenal. Every building was knocked down and burned, and every piece of machinery utterly
broken up and ruined by the First Regiment Michigan Engineers, under the immediate
supervision of Col. O. M. Poe, chief engineer. Much valuable property of great use to an enemy
was here destroyed or cast into the river.
Up to this period I had perfectly succeeded in interposing my superior army between the
scattered parts of my enemy. But I was then aware that the fragments that had left Columbia
under Beauregard had been re-enforced by Cheatham's corps from the West and the garrison of
Augusta, and that ample time had been given to move them to my front and flank about Raleigh.
Hardee had also succeeded in getting across Cape Fear River ahead of me, and could therefore
complete the junction with the other armies of Johnston and Hoke, in North Carolina And the
whole, under the command of the skillful and experienced Joe Johnston, made up an army
superior to me in cavalry, and formidable enough in artillery and infantry to justify me in
extreme caution in making the last step necessary to complete the march I had undertaken.
Previous to reaching Fayetteville I had dispatched to Wilmington from Laurel Hill Church two of
our best scouts with intelligence of our position and my general plans. Both of these messengers
reached Wilmington, and, on the morning of the 12th of March, the army tug Davidson, Captain
Ainsworth, reached Fayetteville from Wilmington, bringing me full intelligence of events from
the outer world. On the same day this tug carried back to General Terry, at Wilmington, and
General Schofield, at New Berne, my dispatches to the effect that, on Wednesday, the 15th, we
would move for Goldsborough, feigning on Raleigh, and ordering them to march straight for
Goldsborough, which I expected to reach about the 20th. The same day the gun-boat Eolus,
Captain Young, U.S. Navy, also reached Fayetteville, and through her I continued to have
communication with Wilmington until the day of our actual departure. While the work of
destruction was going on at Fayetteville, two pontoon bridges were lead across Cape Fear River,
one opposite the town, the other three miles below.
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General Kilpatrick was ordered to move up the plank road to and beyond Averasborough. He
was to be followed by four divisions of the Left Wing, with as few wagons as possible; the rest
of the train, under escort of the two remaining divisions of that wing, to take a shorter and more
direct road to Goldsborough. In like manner General Howard was ordered to send his trains,
under good escort, well to the right, toward Faison's Depot and Goldsborough, and to hold four
divisions, light, ready to go to the aid of the Left Wing if attacked while in motion. The weather
continued very bad, and the roads had become mere quagmire. Almost every foot of it had to be
corduroyed to admit the passage of wheels. Still, time was so important that punctually,
according to order, the columns moved out from Cape Fear River on Wednesday, the 15th of
March. I accompanied General Slocum, who, preceded by Kilpatrick's cavalry, moved up the
river or plank road that day to Kyle's Landing, Kilpatrick skirmishing heavily with the enemy's
rear guard about three miles beyond, near Taylor's Hole Creek. At General Kilpatrick's request
General Slocum sent forward a brigade of infantry to hold a line of barricades. Next morning the
column advanced in the same order, and developed the enemy, with artillery, infantry, and
cavalry, in an intrenched position in front of the point where the road branches off toward
Goldsborough through Bentonville. On an inspection of the map it was manifest that Hardee, in
retreating from Fayetteville, had halted in the narrow, swampy neck between Cape Fear and
South Rivers, in hopes to hold me to save time for the concentration of Johnston's armies at some
point to his rear, namely, Raleigh, Smithfield, or Goldsborough. Hardee's force was estimated at
20,000 men. It was necessary to dislodge him that we might have the use of the Goldsborough
road, as also to keep up the feint on Raleigh as long as possible. General Slocum was, therefore,
ordered to press and carry the position, only difficult by reason of the nature of the ground,
which was so soft that horses would sink everywhere, and even men could hardly make their
way over the common pine barren.
The Twentieth Corps, General Williams, had the lead, and Ward's division the advance. This
was deployed, and the skirmish line developed the position of a brigade of Charleston heavy
artillery armed as infantry (Rhett's) posted across the road behind a light parapet, with a battery
of guns enfilading the approach across a cleared field. General Williams sent a brigade (Case's)
by a circuit to his left that turned this line, and by a quick charge broke the brigade, which
rapidly retreated back to a second line better built and more strongly held. A battery of artillery
(Winegar's) well posted, under the immediate direction of Major Reynolds, chief of artillery of
Twentieth Corps, did good execution on the retreating brigade, and on advancing Ward's division
over this ground General Williams captured 3 guns and 217 prisoners, of which 68 were
wounded and left in a house near by with a rebel officer, four men, and five days' rations. One
hundred and eight rebel dead were buried by us. As Ward's division advanced he developed a
second and stronger line, when Jackson's division was deployed forward on the right of Ward,
and the two divisions of Jeff. C. Davis' (Fourteenth) corps on the left, well toward the Cape Fear.
At the same time Kilpatrick, who was acting in concert with General Williams, was ordered to
draw back his cavalry and mass it on the extreme right, and, in concert with Jackson's right, to
feel forward for the Goldsborough road. He got a brigade on the road, but it was attacked by
McLaws' rebel division furiously, and though it fought well and hard the brigade drew back to
the flank of the infantry. The whole line advanced late in the afternoon, drove the enemy well
within his intrenched line, and pressed him so hard that next morning he was gone, having
retreated in a miserable stormy night over the worst of roads. Ward's division of infantry
followed to and through Averasborough, developing the fact that Hardee had retreated, not on
Raleigh but on Smithfield. I had the night before directed Kilpatrick to cross South River at a
mill-dam to our right rear and move up on the east side toward Elevation. General Slocum
reports his aggregate loss in this affair, known as that
of Averasborough, at 12 officers and 65
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men killed and 477 wounded. We lost no prisoners. The enemy's loss can be inferred from his
dead (108) left for us to bury. Leaving Ward's division to keep up a show of pursuit, Slocum's
column was turned to the right, built a bridge across the swollen South River, and took the
Goldsborough road, Kilpatrick crossing to the north in the direction of Elevation, with orders to
move eastward, watching that flank. In the meantime the wagon trains and guards, as also
Howard's column, were wallowing along the miry roads toward Bentonville and Goldsborough.
The enemy's infantry, as before stated, had retreated on Smithfield, and his cavalry retreated
across our front in the same direction, burning the bridges across Mill Creek. I continued with
the head of Slocum's column and camped the night of the 18th with him on the Goldsborough
road, twenty-seven miles from Goldsborough, about five miles from Bentonville, and where the
road from Clinton to Smithfield crosses the Goldsborough road. Howard was at Lee's Store, only
two miles south, and both columns had pickets three miles forward to where the two roads came
together and became common to Goldsborough.
All the signs induced me to believe that the enemy would make no further opposition to our
progress, and would not attempt to strike us in flank while in motion. I therefore directed
Howard to move his Right Wing by the new Goldsborough road, which goes by way of Falling
Creek Church. I also left Slocum and joined Howard's column with a view to open
communication with General Schofield, coming up from New Berne, and Terry from
Wilmington. I found General Howard's column well strung out, owing to the very bad roads, and
did not overtake him in person until he had reached Falling Creek Church, with one regiment
forward to the cross-roads near Cox's Bridge across the Neuse. I had gone from General Slocum
about six miles when I heard artillery in his direction, but was soon made easy by one of his staff
officers overtaking me, explaining that his leading division (Carlin's) had encountered a division
of rebel cavalry (Dibrell's), which he was driving easily. But soon other staff officers came up,
reporting that he had developed near Bentonville the whole of the rebel army under General
Johnston himself. I sent him orders to call up the two divisions guarding his wagon trains, and
Hazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps, still back near Lee's Store, to fight defensively until I
could draw up Blair's corps, then near Mount Olive Station, and with the remaining three
divisions of the Fifteenth Corps come up on Johnston's left rear from the direction of Cox's
Bridge. In the meantime, while on the road, I received couriers from both Generals Schofield and
Terry. The former reported himself in possession of Kinston, delayed somewhat by want of
provisions, but able to march so as to make Goldsborough on the 21st; and Terry was at or near
Faison's Depot. Orders were at once dispatched to Schofield to push for Goldsborough and to
make dispositions to cross Little River in the direction of Smithfield, as far as Millard; to
General Terry to move to Cox's Bridge, lay a pontoon bridge, and establish a crossing; and to
Blair to make a night march to Falling Creek Church; and at daylight the Right Wing, General
Howard, less the necessary wagon guards, was put in rapid motion on Bentonville. By
subsequent reports I learned that General Slocum's head of column had advanced from its camp
of March 18, and first encountered Dibrell's cavalry, but soon found his progress impeded by
infantry and artillery. The enemy attacked his head of column, gaining a temporary advantage,
and took three guns and caissons of General Carlin's division, driving the two leading brigades
back on the main body. As soon as General Slocum realized that he had in his front the whole
Confederate army he promptly deployed the two divisions of the Fourteenth Corps, General
Davis, and rapidly brought up on their left the two divisions of the Twentieth Corps, General
Williams. These he arranged on the defensive, and hastily prepared a line of barricades. General
Kilpatrick also came up at the sound of artillery and massed on the left. In this position the Left
Wing received six distinct assaults by the combined forces of Hoke, Hardee, and Cheatham,
under the immediate command of General Johnston himself,
without giving an inch of ground,
9
and doing good execution on the enemy's ranks, especially with our artillery, the enemy having
little or none.
Johnston had moved by night from Smithfield with great rapidity, and without unnecessary
wheels, intending to overwhelm my left flank before it could be relieved by its co-operating
columns. But he "reckoned without his host." I had expected just such a movement all the way
from Fayetteville, and was prepared for it. During the night of the 19th General Slocum got up
his wagon train with its guard of two divisions, and Hazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps,
which re-enforcement enabled him to make his position impregnable. The Right Wing found
rebel cavalry watching its approach, but unable to offer any serious opposition until our head of
column encountered a considerable body behind a barricade at the forks of the road near
Bentonville, about three miles east of the battle-field of the day before. This body of cavalry was,
however, quickly dislodged, and the intersection of the roads secured. On moving forward the
Fifteenth Corps, General Logan found that the enemy had thrown back his left flank, and had
constructed a line of parapet connecting with that toward General Slocum, in the form of a
bastion, its salient on the main Goldsborough road interposing between General Slocum on the
west and General Howard on the east, while the flanks rested on Mill Creek, covering the road
back to Smithfield. General Howard was instructed to proceed with due caution until he had
made strong connection on his left with General Slocum. This he soon accomplished, and by 4
p.m. of the 20th a complete and strong line of battle confronted the enemy in his intrenched
position, and General Johnston, instead of catching us in detail, was on the defensive, with Mill
Creek and a single bridge to his rear. Nevertheless, we had no object to accomplish by a battle,
unless at an advantage, and therefore my general instructions were to press steadily with
skirmishers alone, to use artillery pretty freely on the wooded space held by the enemy, and to
feel pretty strongly the flanks of his position, which were, as usual, covered by the endless
swamps of this region of country. I also ordered all empty wagons to be sent at once to Kinston
for supplies, and other impediments to be grouped near the Neuse, south of Goldsborough,
holding the real army in close contact with the enemy, ready to fight him if he ventured outside
his parapets and swampy obstructions.
Thus matters stood about Bentonville on the 21st of March. On the same day General
Schofield entered Goldsborough with little or no opposition, and General Terry had got
possession of the Neuse River at Cox's Bridge, ten miles above, with a pontoon bridge laid and a
brigade across, so that the three armies were in actual connection, and the great object of the
campaign was accomplished.
On the 21st a steady rain prevailed, during which General Mower's division, of the
Seventeenth Corps, on the extreme right, had worked well to the right around the enemy's flank,
and had nearly reached the bridge across Mill Creek, the only line of retreat open to the enemy.
Of course there was extreme danger that the enemy would turn on him all his reserves, and, it
might be, let go his parapets to overwhelm Mower. Accordingly I ordered at once a general
attack by our skirmish line from left to right. Quite a noisy battle ensued, during which General
Mower was enabled to regain his connection with his own corps by moving to his left rear. Still
he had developed a weakness in the enemy's position of which advantage might have been taken;
but that night the enemy retreated on Smithfield, leaving his pickets to fall into our hands, with
many dead unburied, and wounded in his field hospitals. At daybreak of the 22d pursuit was
made two miles beyond Mill Creek, but checked by my order. General Johnston had utterly
failed in his attempt, and we remained in full possession of the field of battle.
General Slocum reports the losses of the Left Wing about Bentonville at 9 officers and 145
men killed, 51 officers and 816 men wounded, and 3
officers and 223 men missing, taken
10
prisoners by the enemy; total, 1,196. He buried on the field 167 rebel dead, and took 338
prisoners.
General Howard reports the losses of the Right Wing at 2 officers and 35 men killed, 12
officers and 289 men wounded, and 1 officer and 60 men missing; total, 399. He also buried 100
rebel dead and took 1,287 prisoners.
The cavalry of Kilpatrick was held in reserve, and lost but few, if any, of which I have no
report as yet. Our aggregate loss at Bentonville was 1,595.
I am well satisfied that the enemy lost heavily, especially during his assaults on the Left
Wing during the afternoon of the 19th; but as I have no data save his dead and wounded left in
our hands I prefer to make no comparisons.
Thus, as I have endeavored to explain, we had completed our march on the 21st, and had full
possession of Goldsborough, the real objective, with its two railroads back to the sea-ports of
Wilmington and Beaufort, N. C. These were being rapidly repaired by strong working parties
directed by Col. W. W. Wright, of the railroad department. A large amount of supplies had
already been brought forward to Kinston, to which place our wagons had been sent to receive
them. I therefore directed General Howard and the cavalry to remain at Bentonville during the
22d, to bury the dead and remove the wounded, and on the following day all the armies to move
to the camps assigned them about Goldsborough, there to rest and receive the clothing and
supplies of which they stood in need. In person I went on the 22d to Cox's Bridge to meet
General Terry, whom I met for the first time, and on the following day rode into Goldsborough,
where I found General Schofield and his army. The Left Wing came in during the same day and
next morning, and the Right Wing followed on the 24th, on which day the cavalry moved to
Mount Olive Station and General Terry back to Faison's. On the 25th the New Berne railroad
was finished and the first train of cars came in, thus giving us the means of bringing from the
depot at Morehead City full supplies to the army.
It was all-important that I should have an interview with the general-in-chief, and presuming
that he could not at this time leave City Point, I left General Schofield in chief command and
proceeded with all expedition by rail to Morehead City, and thence by steamer to City Point,
reaching General Grant's headquarters on the evening of the 27th of March. I had the good
fortune to meet General Grant, the President, Generals Meade, Ord, and others of the Army of
the Potomac, and soon learned the general state of the military world, from which I had been in a
great measure cut off since January. Having completed all necessary business, I re-embarked on
the navy steamer Bat, Captain Barnes, which Admiral Porter placed at my command, and
returned via Hatteras Inlet and New Berne, reaching my own headquarters in Goldsborough
during the night of the 30th. During my absence full supplies of clothing and food had been
brought to camp, and all things were working well.
I have thus rapidly sketched the progress of our columns from Savannah to Goldsborough,
but for more minute details must refer to the reports of subordinate commanders and of staff
officers, which are not yet ready, but will in due season be forwarded and filed with this report. I
cannot even with any degree of precision recapitulate the vast amount of injury done the enemy,
or the quantity of guns and materials of war captured and destroyed. In general terms, we have
traversed the country from Savannah to Goldsborough, with an average breadth of forty miles,
consuming all the forage, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, cured meats, corn meal, &c. The public
enemy, instead of drawing supplies from that region to feed his armies, will be compelled to send
provisions from other quarters to feed the inhabitants. A map herewith, prepared by my chief
engineer, Colonel Poe, with the routes of the four corps and cavalry, will show at a glance the
country traversed. Of course the abandonment to us by the enemy of the whole sea-coast from
Savannah to New Berne, N. C., with its forts, dock-yards,
gun-boats, &c., was a necessary
11
incident to our occupation and destruction of the inland routes of travel and supply. But the real
object of this march was to place this army in a position easy of supply, whence it could take an
appropriate part in the spring and summer campaign of 1865. This was completely accomplished
on the 21st of March by the junction of the three armies and occupation of Goldsborough.
In conclusion, I beg to express, in the most emphatic manner, my entire satisfaction with the
tone and temper of the whole army. Nothing seems to dampen their energy, zeal, or cheerfulness.
It is impossible to conceive a march involving more labor and exposure, yet I cannot recall an
instance of bad temper by the way, or hearing an expression of doubt as to our perfect success in
the end. I believe that this cheerfulness and harmony of action reflects upon all concerned quite
as much real honor and fame as "battles gained" or "cities won," and I therefore commend all--
generals, staff, officers, and men--for these high qualities, in addition to the more soldierly ones
of obedience to orders and the alacrity they have always manifested when danger summoned
them "to the front."
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff, Washington City, D. C.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, City Point, Va., May 9, 1865.
GENERAL: My last official report brought the history of events, as connected with the
armies in the field subject to my immediate command, down to the 1st of April, when the Army
of the Ohio, Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield commanding, lay at Goldsborough with detachments
distributed so as to secure and cover our routes of communication and supply back to the sea at
Wilmington and Morehead City; Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, with the Tenth Corps, being at Faison's
Depot; the Army of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard commanding, was encamped to the
right and front of Goldsborough, and the Army of Georgia, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum
commanding, to its left and front; the cavalry, Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. Kilpatrick commanding, at
Mount Olive. All were busy in repairing the wear and tear of our then recent and hard march
from Savannah, and in replenishing clothing and stores necessary for a further progress.
I had previously, by letter and in person, notified the lieutenant-general commanding the
Armies of the United States that the 10th of April would be the earliest possible moment at
which I could hope to have all things in readiness, and we were compelled to use our railroads to
the very highest possible limit in order to fulfill that promise. Owing to a mistake in the railroad
department in sending locomotives and cars of the five-foot gauge we were limited to the use of
the few locomotives and cars of the four-foot-eight-and-a-half-inch gauge already in North
Carolina, with such of the old stock as was captured by Major-General Terry at Wilmington and
on his way up to Goldsborough. Yet such judicious use was made of these, and such industry
displayed in the railroad management by Generals Easton and Beckwith and Colonel Wright and
Mr. Van Dyne, that by the 10th of April our men were all reclad, the wagons reloaded, and a fair
amount of forage accumulated ahead.
In the meantime Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, in command of a division of cavalry operating
from East Tennessee in connection with Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, in pursuance of my
orders of January 21, 1865, had reached the railroad about Greensborough, N. C., and had made
sad havoc with it, and had pushed along it to Salisbury, destroying en route bridges, culverts,
depots, and all kinds of rebel supplies, and had extended the break in the railroad down to the
Catawba bridge.
12
This was fatal to the hostile armies of Lee and Johnston, who depended on that road for
supplies and as their ultimate line of retreat. Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson, also in command of the
Cavalry Corps, organized by himself under Special Field Orders, No. [103], of October 24,
1864, at Gaylesville, Ala., had started from the neighborhood of Decatur and Florence, Ala., and
moved straight into the heart of Alabama, on a route prescribed for General Thomas after he had
defeated General Hood at Nashville, Tenn.; but the roads being too heavy for infantry General
Thomas had devolved that duty on that most energetic young cavalry officer, General Wilson,
who, imbued with the proper spirit, has struck one of the best blows of the war at the waning
strength of the Confederacy. His route was one never before touched by our troops, and afforded
him abundance of supplies as long as he was in motion, namely, by Tuscaloosa, Selma,
Montgomery, Columbus, and Macon. Though in communication with him, I have not been able
to receive as yet his full and detailed reports, which will in due time be published and
appreciated. Lieutenant-General Grant, also in immediate command of the armies about
Richmond, had taken the initiative in that magnificent campaign which, in less than ten days,
compelled the evacuation of Richmond, and resulted in the destruction and surrender of the
entire rebel army of Virginia under command of General Lee.
The news of the battles about Petersburg reached me at Goldsborough on the 6th of April. Up
to that time my purpose was to move rapidly northward, feigning on Raleigh and striking straight
for Burkeville, thereby interposing between Johnston and Lee. But the auspicious events in
Virginia had changed the whole military problem, and in the expressive language of Lieutenant-
General Grant, "the Confederate armies of Lee and Johnston" became the "strategic points."
General Grant was fully able to take care of the former, and my task was to capture or destroy
the latter. Johnston at that time, April 6, had his army well in hand about Smithfield, interposing
between me and Raleigh. I estimated his infantry and artillery at 35,000, and his cavalry from
6,000 to 10,000. He was superior to me in cavalry, so that I held General Kilpatrick in reserve at
Mount Olive, with orders to recruit his horses and be ready to make a sudden and rapid march on
the 10th of April.
At daybreak of the day appointed all the heads of columns were in motion straight against the
enemy, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum taking the two direct roads for Smithfield; Maj. Gen. O. O.
Howard making a circuit by the right and feigning up the Weldon road to disconcert the enemy's
cavalry; Generals Terry and Kilpatrick moving on the west side of the Neuse River and aiming to
reach the rear of the enemy between Smithfield and Raleigh; General Schofield followed
General Slocum in support.
All the columns met, within six miles of Goldsborough, more or less cavalry, with the usual
rail barricades, which were swept before us as chaff, and by 10 a.m. of the 11th the Fourteenth
Corps entered Smithfield, the Twentieth Corps close at hand. Johnston had rapidly retreated
across the Neuse River, and, having his railroad to lighten up his trains, could retreat faster than
we could pursue. The rains had also set in, making the resort to corduroy absolutely necessary to
pass even ambulances. The enemy had burned the bridge at Smithfield, and as soon as possible
Major-General Slocum got up his pontoons and crossed over a division of the Fourteenth Corps.
We there heard of the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court-House, Va., which was
announced to the armies in orders, and created universal joy. Not an officer or soldier of my
armies but expressed a pride and satisfaction that it fell to the lot of the Armies of the Potomac
and James so gloriously to overwhelm and capture the entire army that had held them so long in
cheek, and their success gave new impulse to finish up our task. Without a moment's hesitation
we dropped our trains and marched rapidly in pursuit to and through Raleigh, reaching that place
at 7.30 a.m. of the 13th, in a heavy rain. The next day the cavalry pushed on through the rain to
Durham Station, the Fifteenth Corps following as far as
Morrisville Station, and the Seventeenth
13
Corps to Jones' Station. On the supposition that Johnston was tied to his railroad as a line of
retreat, by Hillsborough, Greensborough, Salisbury, Charlotte, &c., I had turned the other
columns across the bend of that road toward Ashborough. (See Special Field Orders, No. 55. The
cavalry, Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. Kilpatrick commanding, was ordered to keep up a show of pursuit
toward the Company's Shops, in Alamance County; Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard to turn to the left
by Hackney's Cross-Roads, Pittsborough, Saint Lawrence, and Ashborough; Maj. Gen. H. W.
Slocum to cross Cape Fear River at Aven's Ferry, and move rapidly by Carthage, Caledonia, and
Cox's Mills; Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield was to hold Raleigh and the road back, and with his spare
force to follow an intermediate route.
By the 15th, though the rains were incessant and the roads almost impracticable, Major-
General Slocum had the Fourteenth Corps, Brevet Major-General Davis commanding, near
Martha's Vineyard, with a pontoon bridge laid across Cape Fear River at Aven's Ferry, with the
Twentieth Corps, Major-General Mower commanding, in support, and Major-General Howard
had the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps stretched out on the roads toward Pittsborough, whilst
General Kilpatrick held Durham Station and Chapel Hill University.
Johnston's army was retreating rapidly on the roads from Hillsborough to Greensborough, he
himself at Greensborough. Although out of place as to time, I here invite all military critics who
study the problems of war to take their maps and compare the position of my army on the 15th
and 16th of April, with that of General Halleck about Burkeville and Petersburg, Va., on the 26th
of April, when, according to his telegram to Secretary Stanton, he offered to relieve me of the
task of "cutting off Johnston's retreat." Major-General Stoneman at the time was at Statesville,
and Johnston's only line of retreat was by Salisbury and Charlotte. It may be that General
Halleck's troops can outmarch mine, but there is nothing in their past history to show it, or it may
be that General Halleck can inspire his troops with more energy of action. I doubt that also, save
and except in this single instance, when he knew the enemy was ready to surrender or disperse,
as advised by my letter of April 18, addressed to him when chief of staff at Washington City, and
delivered into his hands on the 21st instant by Major Hitchcock, of my staff.
Thus matters stood at the time I received General Johnston's first letter and made my answer
of April 14, copies of which were sent with all expedition to Lieutenant-General Grant and the
Secretary of War, with my letter of April 15. I agreed to meet General Johnston in person at a
point intermediate between our pickets on the 17th at noon, provided the position of the troops
remained statu quo. I was both willing and anxious thus to consume a few days, as it would
enable Colonel Wright to finish our railroad to Raleigh.
Two bridges had to be built and twelve miles of new road made. We had no iron except by
taking up that on the branch from Goldsborough to Weldon. Instead of losing by time I gained in
every way, for every hour of delay possible was required to reconstruct the railroad to our rear
and improve the condition of our wagon roads to the front, so desirable in case the negotiations
failed and we be forced to make the race of near 200 miles to head off or catch Johnston's army,
then retreating toward Charlotte.
At noon of the day appointed I met General Johnston for the first time in my life, although
we had been interchanging shots constantly since May, 1863.
Our interview was frank and soldier-like, and he gave me to understand that further war on
the part of the Confederate troops was folly, that the cause was lost, and that every life sacrificed
after the surrender of Lee's army was the "highest possible crime." He admitted that the terms
conceded to General Lee were magnanimous and all he could ask, but he did want some general
concessions that would enable him to allay the natural fears and anxiety of his followers, and
enable him to maintain his control over them until they
could be got back to the neighborhood of
14
their homes, thereby saving the State of North Carolina the devastations inevitably to result from
turning his men loose and unprovided on the spot, and our pursuit across the State.
He also wanted to embrace in the same general proposition the fate of all the Confederate
armies that remained in existence. I never made any concession as to his own army, or assumed
to deal finally and authoritatively in regard to any other, but it did seem to me that there was
presented a chance for peace that might be deemed valuable to the Government of the United
States, and was at least worth the few days that would be consumed in reference.
To push an army whose commander had so frankly and honestly confessed his inability to
cope with me were cowardly and unworthy the brave men I led.
Inasmuch as General Johnston did not feel authorized to pledge his power over the armies in
Texas, we adjourned to meet the next day at noon. I returned to Raleigh and conferred freely
with all my general officers, every one of whom urged me to conclude terms that might
accomplish so complete and desirable an end. All dreaded the weary and laborious march after a
fugitive and dissolving army back toward Georgia, almost over the very country where we had
tolled so long. There was but one opinion expressed, and if contrary ones were entertained they
were withheld, or indulged in only by that class who shun the fight and the march, but are
loudest, bravest, and fiercest when danger is past. I again met General Johnston on the 18th, and
we renewed the conversation. He satisfied me then of his power to disband the rebel armies in
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as those in his immediate command,
namely, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
The points on which he expressed especial solicitude were, lest their States were to be
dismembered and denied representation in Congress, or any separate political existence
whatever, and that the absolute disarming his men would leave the South powerless and exposed
to depredations by wicked bands of assassins and robbers.
President Lincoln's message of l864; his amnesty proclamation; General Grant's terms to
General Lee, substantially extending the benefits of that proclamation to all officers above the
rank of colonel; the invitation to the Virginia legislature to reassemble in Richmond by General
Weitzel, with the approval of Mr. Lincoln and General Grant, then on the spot; a firm belief that
I had been fighting to re-establish the Constitution of the United States; and last, and not least,
the general and universal desire to close a war any longer without organized resistance, were the
leading facts that induced me to pen the "memorandum" of April 18, signed by myself and
General Johnston.
It was designed to be, and so expressed on its face, as a mere "basis" for reference to the
President of the United States and constitutional commander-in-chief, to enable him, if he chose,
at one blow to dissipate the military power of the Confederacy which had threatened the national
safety for years. It admitted of modification, alteration, and change. It had no appearance of an
ultimatum; and by no false reasoning can it be construed into an usurpation of power on my part.
I have my opinions on the questions involved, and I will stand by the memorandum; but this
forms no part of a military report. Immediately on my return to Raleigh I dispatched one of my
staff, Major Hitchcock, to Washington, enjoining him to be most prudent and careful to avoid the
spies and informers that would be sure to infest him by the way, and to say nothing to anybody
until the President could make known to me his wishes and policy in the matter.
The news of President Lincoln's assassination on the 14th of April (wrongly reported to me
by telegraph as having occurred on the 11th) reached me on the 17th, and was announced to my
command on the same day in Special Field Orders, No. 56. I was duly impressed with its horrible
atrocity and probable effect upon the country; but when the property and interests of millions
still living were involved I saw no good reason to change
my course, but thought rather to
15
manifest real respect for his memory by following after his death that policy which, if living, I
feel certain he would have approved, or at least not rejected with disdain.
Up to that hour I had never received one word of instruction, advice, or counsel as to the
"plan or policy" of Government looking to a restoration of peace on the part of the rebel States of
the South. Whenever asked for an opinion on the points involved I had always evaded the
subject. My letter to the mayor of Atlanta has been published to the world, and I was not rebuked
by the War Department for it.
My letter to Mr. N ---- W ----, at Savannah, was shown by me to Mr. Stanton before its
publication, and all that my memory retains of his answer is that he said, like my letters
generally, it was sufficiently "emphatic, and could not be misunderstood."
Both these letters asserted my belief that, according to Mr. Lincoln's proclamations and
messages, when the people of the South had laid down their arms and submitted to the lawful
power of the United States, ipso facto the war was over as to them; and furthermore, that if any
State in rebellion would conform to the Constitution of the United States, "cease war," elect
Senators and Representatives to Congress, if admitted (of which each House of Congress alone is
the judge), that State became instanter as much in the Union as New York or Ohio. Nor was I
rebuked for this expression, though it was universally known and commented on at the time. And
again, Mr. Stanton, in person, at Savannah, speaking of the terrific expenses of the war and
difficulty of realizing the money necessary for the daily wants of the Government, impressed me
most forcibly with the necessity of bringing the war to a close as soon as possible for financial
reasons.
On the evening of April 23 Major Hitchcock reported his return to Morehead City with
dispatches, of which fact General Johnston, at Hillsborough, was notified, so as to be ready in the
morning for an answer. At 6 a.m. on the 24th Major Hitchcock arrived, accompanied by General
Grant and members of his staff, who had not telegraphed the fact of his coming over our exposed
road for prudential reasons.
I soon learned that the memorandum was disapproved, without reasons assigned, and I was
ordered to give the forty-eight hours' notice, and resume hostilities at the close of that time,
governing myself by the substance of a dispatch, then inclosed, dated March 3, 12 noon, at
Washington, D. C., from Secretary Stanton to General Grant, at City Point, but not accompanied
by any part of the voluminous matter so liberally lavished on the public in the New York
journals of the 24th of April. That was the first and only time I ever saw that telegram, or had
one word of instruction on the important matter involved in it; and it does seem strange to me
that every bar-room loafer in New York can read in the morning journals "official" matter that is
withheld from a general whose command extends from Kentucky to North Carolina.
Within an hour a courier was riding from Durham Station toward Hillsborough with notice to
General Johnston of the suspension of the truce and renewing my demand for the surrender of
the armies under his immediate command (see two letters, April 24, 6 a.m.), and at 12 noon I had
the receipt of his picket officer.
I therefore published my Orders, No. 62, to the troops, terminating the truce at 12 m. on the
26th, and ordered all to be in readiness to march at that hour on the routes prescribed in Special
Field Orders, No. 55, April 14, from the positions held April 18.
General Grant had orders from the President, through the Secretary of War, to direct military
movements, and I explained to him the exact position of the troops, and he approved of it most
emphatically; but he did not relieve me or express a wish to assume command. All things were in
readiness, when, on the evening of the 25th, I received another letter from General Johnston
asking another interview to renew negotiations.
16
General Grant not only approved, but urged me to accept, and I appointed a meeting at our
former place at noon of the 26th, the very hour fixed for the renewal of hostilities. General
Johnston was delayed by an accident to his train, but at 2 p.m. arrived. We then con-suited,
concluded, and signed the final terms of capitulation. These were taken by me back to Raleigh,
submitted to General Grant, and met his immediate approval and signature. General Johnston
was not even aware of the presence of General Grant in Raleigh at the time.
Thus was surrendered to us the second great army of the so-called Confederacy, and though
undue importance has been given to the so-called negotiations which preceded it, and a rebuke
and public disfavor cast on me wholly unwarranted by the facts, I rejoice in saying it was
accomplished without further ruin and devastation to the country, without the loss of a single life
to those gallant men who had followed me from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and without
subjecting brave men to the ungracious task of pursuing a fleeing foe that did not want to fight.
As for myself, I know my motives, and challenge the instance during the past four years where
an armed and defiant foe stood before me that I did not go in for a fight, and I would blush for
shame if I had ever insulted or struck a fallen foe. The instant the terms of surrender were
approved by General Grant, I made my Orders, No. 65, assigning to each of my subordinate
commanders his share of the work, and, with General Grant's approval, made Special Field
Orders, No. 66, putting in motion my old army (no longer required in Carolina) northward for
Richmond. General Grant left Raleigh at 9 a.m. of the 27th, and I glory in the fact that during his
three days' stay with me I did not detect in his language or manner one particle of abatement in
the confidence, respect, and affection that have existed between us throughout all the varied
events of the past war, and though we have honestly differed in opinion in other cases, as well as
this, still we respected each other's honest convictions.
I still adhere to my then opinions, that by a few general concessions, "glittering generalities,"
all of which in the end must and will be conceded to the organized States of the South, that this
day there would not be an armed battalion opposed to us within the broad area of the dominions
of the United States. Robbers and assassins must in any event result from the disbandment of
large armies, but even these should be and could be taken care of by the local civil authorities
without being made a charge on the national treasury. On the evening of the 28th, having
concluded all business requiring my personal attention at Raleigh, and having conferred with
every army commander and delegated to him the authority necessary for his future action, I
dispatched my headquarters wagons by land along with the Seventeenth Corps, the office in
charge of General Webster from New Berne to Alexandria, Va., by sea, and in person,
accompanied only by my personal staff, hastened to Savannah, to direct matters in the interior of
South Carolina and Georgia. I had received across the rebel telegraph wires cipher dispatches
from General Wilson, at Macon, to the effect that he was in receipt of my Orders, No. 65, and
would send General Upton's division to Augusts, and General McCook's division to Tallahassee,
to receive the surrender of those garrisons, take charge of the public property, and execute the
paroles required by the terms of surrender. He reported a sufficiency of forage for his horses in
Southwest Georgia, but asked me to send him a supply of clothing, sugar, coffee, &c., by way of
Augusta, Ga., whence he could get it by rail.
I therefore went rapidly to Goldsborough and Wilmington, reaching the latter city at 10 a.m.
of the 29th, and the same day embarked for Hilton Head in the blockade-runner Russia, Capt. A.
M. Smith. I found General Q. A. Gillmore, commanding Department of the South, at Hilton
Head, on the evening of April 30, and ordered him to send to Augusta at once what clothing and
small-stores he could spare for General Wilson, and to open up a line of certain communication
and supply with him at Macon. Within an hour the captured steam-boats Jeff. Davis and
Amazon, both adapted to the shallow and crooked navigation
of the Savannah River, were being
17
loaded, the one at Savannah and the other at Hilton Head. The former started up the river on the
1st of May, in charge of a very intelligent officer (whose name I cannot recall) and forty-eight
men, all the boat could carry, with orders to occupy temporarily the U.S. Arsenal at Augusta,
and to open up communication with General Wilson at Macon in the event that General
McCook's division of cavalry was not already there. The Amazon followed next day, and
General Gillmore had made the necessary orders for a brigade of infantry, to be commanded by
General Molineux, to follow by a land march to Augusta as its permanent garrison. Another
brigade of infantry was ordered to occupy Orangeburg, S. C., the point farthest in the interior that
can at present be reached by rail from the sea-coast (Charleston).
On the 1st of May I went on to Savannah, where General Gillmore also joined me, and the
arrangements ordered for the occupation of Augusta were consummated.
At Savannah I found the city in the most admirable police, under direction of Brevet Major-
General Grover, and the citizens manifested the most unqualified joy to hear that, so far as they
were concerned, the war was over. All classes, Union men as well as former rebels, did not
conceal, however, the apprehensions naturally arising from a total ignorance of the political
conditions to be attached to their future state. Anything at all would be preferable to this dread
uncertainty.
On the evening of the 2d of May I returned to Hilton Head, and there, for the first time,
received the New York papers of April 28, containing Secretary Stanton's dispatch of 9 a.m. of
the 27th of April to General Dix, including General Halleck's, from Richmond, of 9 p.m. of the
night before, which seems to have been rushed with extreme haste before an excited public,
namely, morning of the 28th. You will observe from the dates that these dispatches were running
back and forth from Richmond and Washington to New York, and there published, while
General Grant and I were together in Raleigh, N. C., adjusting, to the best of our ability, the
terms of surrender of the only remaining formidable rebel army in existence at the time east of
the Mississippi River. Not one word of intimation had been sent to me of the displeasure of the
Government with my official conduct, but only the naked disapproval of a skeleton
memorandum sent properly for the action of the President of the United States.
The most objectionable features of my memorandum had already (April 24) been published
to the world in violation of official usage, and the contents of my accompanying letters to
General Halleck, General Grant, and Mr. Stanton, of even date, though at hand, were suppressed.
In all these letters I had stated clearly and distinctly that Johnston's army would not fight, but,
if pushed, would "disband" and "scatter" into small and dangerous guerrilla parties as injurious to
the interests of the United States as to the rebels themselves; that all parties admitted that the
rebel cause of the South was abandoned; that the negro was free; and that the temper of all was
most favorable to a lasting peace. I say all these opinions of mine were withheld from the public
with a seeming purpose; and I do contend that my official experience and former services, as
well as my past life and familiarity with the people and geography of the South, entitled my
opinions to at least a decent respect.
Although this dispatch (Mr. Stanton's of April 27) was printed "official," it had come to me
only in the questionable newspaper paragraph, headed "Sherman's truce disregarded."
I had already done what General Wilson wanted me to do, namely, had sent him supplies of
clothing and food, with clear and distinct orders and instructions how to carry out in Western
Georgia the terms for the surrender of arms and paroling of prisoners made by General
Johnston's capitulation of April 26, and had properly and most opportunely ordered General
Gillmore to occupy Orangeburg and Augusta, strategic points of great value at all times, in peace
or war; but as the Secretary had taken upon himself to order my subordinate generals to disobey
my "orders," I explained to General Gillmore
that I would no longer confuse him or General
18
Wilson with "orders" that might conflict with those of the Secretary, which, as reported, were
sent, not through me, but in open disregard of me and of my lawful authority.
It now becomes my duty to paint, in justly severe character, the still more offensive and
dangerous matter of General Halleck's dispatch of April 26 to the Secretary of War, embodied in
his to General Dix of April 27.
General Halleck had been chief of staff of the Army at Washington, in which capacity he
received my official letter of April 18, wherein I wrote clearly that if Johnston's army about
Greensborough were "pushed" it would "disperse," an event I wished to prevent. About that time
he seems to have been sent from Washington to Richmond to command the new Military
Division of the James, in assuming charge of which, on the 22d, he defines the limits of his
authority to be the "Department of Virginia, the Army of the Potomac, and such part of North
Carolina as may not be occupied by the command of Major-General Sherman." (See his General
Orders, No. 1.) Four days later, April 26, he reports to the Secretary that he has ordered Generals
Meade, Sheridan, and Wright to invade that part of North Carolina which was occupied by my
command, and pay "no regard to any truce or orders of" mine. They were ordered to "push
forward, regardless of any orders save those of Lieutenant-General Grant, and cut off Johnston's
retreat." He knew at the time he penned that dispatch and made those orders that Johnston was
not retreating, but was halted under a forty-eight hours' truce with me, and was laboring to
surrender his command and prevent its dispersion into guerrilla bands, and that I had on the spot
a magnificent army at my command, amply sufficient for all purposes required by the occasion.
The plan of cutting off a retreat from the direction of Burkeville and Danville is hardly
worthy one of his military education and genius. When he contemplated an act so questionable as
the violation of a "truce" made by competent authority within his sphere of command, he should
have gone himself and not have sent subordinates, for he knew I was bound in honor to defend
and maintain my own truce and pledge of faith, even at the cost of many lives.
When an officer pledges the faith of his Government he is bound to defend it, and he is no
soldier who would violate it knowingly.
As to Davis and his stolen treasure, did General Halleck, as chief of staff or commanding
officer of the neighboring military division, notify me of the facts contained in his dispatch to the
Secretary? No, he did not. If the Secretary of War wanted Davis caught, why not order it, instead
of, by publishing in the newspapers, putting him on his guard to hide away and escape? No
orders or instructions to catch Davis or his stolen treasure ever came to me; but, on the contrary,
I was led to believe that the Secretary of War rather preferred he should effect an escape from the
country if made "unknown" to him. But even on this point I inclose a copy of my letter to
Admiral Dahlgren, at Charleston, sent him by a fleet steamer from Wilmington on the 25th of
April, two days before the bankers of Richmond had imparted to General Halleck the important
secret as to Davis' movements, designed doubtless to stimulate his troops to march their legs off
to catch their treasure for their own use.
I know now that Admiral Dahlgren did receive my letter on the 26th, and had acted on it
before General Halleck had even thought of the matter; but I don't believe a word of the treasure
story; it is absurd on its face, and General Halleck, or anybody, has my full permission to chase
Jeff. Davis and Cabinet, with their stolen treasure, through any part of the country occupied by
my command.
The last and most obnoxious feature of General Halleck's dispatch is wherein he goes out of
his way and advises that my subordinates, Generals Thomas, Stoneman, and Wilson, should be
instructed not to obey "Sherman's" commands.
This is too much, and I turn from the subject with feelings too strong for words, and merely
record my belief that so much mischief was never before
embraced in so small a space as in the
19
newspaper paragraph headed "Sherman's truce disregarded," authenticated as "official" by Mr.
Secretary Stanton, and published in the New York papers of April 28.
During the night of May 2, at Hilton Head, having concluded my business in the Department
of the South, I began my return to meet my troops, then marching toward Richmond from
Raleigh. On the morning of the 3d we ran into Charleston Harbor, where I had the pleasure to
meet Admiral Dahlgren, who had, in all my previous operations from Savannah northward, aided
me with a courtesy and manliness that commanded my entire respect and deep affection; also,
General Hatch, who, from our first interview at his Tullifinny camp, had caught the spirit of the
move from Pocotaligo northward, and had largely contributed to our joint success in taking
Charleston and the Carolina coast. Any one who is not satisfied with war should go and see
Charleston, and he will pray louder and deeper than ever that the country may in the long future
be spared any more war. Charleston and secession being synonymous terms, the city should be
left as a sample, so that centuries may pass away before that false doctrine is again preached in
our Union.
We left Charleston on the evening of the 3d of May, and hastened with all possible speed
back to Morehead City, which we reached at night of the 4th. I immediately communicated by
telegraph with General Schofield, at Raleigh, and learned from him the pleasing fact that the
lieutenant-general commanding the Armies of the United States had reached the Chesapeake in
time to countermand General Halleck's orders, and prevent his violating my truce, invading the
area of my command, and driving Johnston's surrendering army into fragments. General
Johnston had fulfilled his agreement to the very best of his ability; and the officers charged with
issuing the paroles at Greensborough reported about 30,000 already made, and that the greater
part of the North Carolina troops had gone home without waiting for their papers, but that all of
them would doubtless come into some one of the military posts, the commanders of which are
authorized to grant them. About 800 of the rebel cavalry had gone south, refusing to abide the
terms of the surrender, and it was supposed they would make for Mexico. I would sincerely
advise that they be encouraged to go and stay; they would be a nuisance to any civilized
Government, whether loose or in prison.
With the exception of some plundering on the part of Lee's and Johnston's disbanded men, all
else in North Carolina was "quiet." When to the number of men surrendered at Greensborough
are added those at Tallahassee, Augusta, and Macon, with the scattered squads who will come in
at other military posts, I have no doubt 50,000 armed men will be disarmed and restored to civil
pursuits by the capitulation made near Durham Station, N. C., on the 26th of April, and that, too,
without the loss of a single life to us.
On the 5th of May I received and here subjoin a further dispatch from General Schofield,
which contains inquiries I have been unable to satisfy, similar to those made by nearly every
officer in my command whose duty brings him in contact with citizens. I leave you to do what
you think expedient to provide the military remedy.
RALEIGH, N. C., May 5, 1865.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Morehead City:
When General Grant was here, as you doubtless recollect, he said the lines had been
extended to embrace this and other States south. The order, it seems, has been modified so as to
include only Virginia and Tennessee. I think it would be an act of wisdom to open this State to
trade at once. I hope the Government will make known its policy as to organization of State
governments without delay. Affairs must necessarily be in a very unsettled state until that is
done; the people are now in a mood to accept almost anything which promises a definite
settlement.
20
What is to be done with the freedmen is the question of all, and it is the all-important
question. It requires prompt and wise action to prevent the negro from becoming a huge elephant
on our hands. If I am to govern this State it is important for me to know it at once. If another is to
be sent here it cannot be done too soon, for he will probably undo the most of what I shall have
done. I shall be most glad to hear from you fully when you have time to write.
I will send your message to Wilson at once.
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-general.
I give this dispatch entire, to demonstrate how intermingled have become civil matters with
the military, and how almost impossible it has become for an officer in authority to act a pure
military part.
There are no longer armed enemies in North Carolina, and a soldier can deal with no other
sort. The marshals and sheriffs with their posses (of which the military may become a part) are
the only proper officers to deal with civil criminals and marauders. But I will not be drawn out in
a discussion of this subject, but instance the case to show how difficult is the task become to
military officers, when men of the rank, education, experience, nerve, and good sense of General
Schofield feel embarrassed by them.
General Schofield, at Raleigh, has a well-appointed and well-disciplined command, is in
telegraphic communication with the controlling parts of his department, and remote ones in the
direction of Georgia, as well as with Washington, and has military possession of all strategic
points.
In like manner General Gillmore is well situated in all respects except as to rapid
communication with the seat of the General Government. I leave him also with every man he
ever asked for, and in full and quiet possession of every strategic point in his department; and
General Wilson has in the very heart of Georgia the strongest, best appointed, and best equipped
cavalry corps that ever fell under my command; and he has now, by my recent action, opened to
him a source and route of supply by way of Savannah River that simplifies his military problem,
so that I think I may with a clear conscience leave them and turn my attention once more to my
special command, the army with which I have been associated through some of the most eventful
scenes of this or any war.
I hope and believe none of these commanders will ever have reason to reproach me for any
"orders" they may have received from me, and the President of the United States may be assured
that all of them are in position, ready and willing to execute to the letter and in spirit any orders
he may give. I shall henceforth cease to give them any orders at all, for the occasion that made
them subordinate to me is past, and I shall confine my attention to the army composed of the
Fifteenth and Seventeenth, the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps, unless the commanding general
of the Armies of the United States orders otherwise.
At 4 p.m. of May 9 I reached Manchester, on the James River, opposite Richmond, and
found that all the four corps had arrived from Raleigh, and were engaged in replenishing their
wagons for the resumption of the march toward Alexandria.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
General JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Chief of Staff Washington, D. C.
21
March 19.--Tenth Iowa drove the enemy from Cox's Cross-Roads.
March 20.--In obedience to orders from superior headquarters the command moved out at 5
a.m. to drive the enemy from Cox's Bridge, and compel them, if possible, to destroy it. After
some sharp skirmishing, and in the face of a heavy artillery fire, the enemy were driven across
the bridge, firing it as they passed over. The whole was accomplished with a loss of only three
men wounded. After driving the enemy from the bridge the command marched as guard to the
entire corps train to near Mill Creek, where our forces had engaged the enemy, arriving there
about 9 p.m., when we bivouacked in reserve.
March 22.--Remained in camp on battle-field.
March 24.--Crossed Neuse River and went into camp near Goldsborough, where we still
[March 31] remain.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Longtown, S. C., February 21, 1865.
MAJOR: In obedience to your communication of the 20th instant, calling for a report, of the
operations of my command from the crossing of Sandy Run until the Federal evacuation of
Columbia, S. C., I respectfully submit the following:
Leaving my camp at Rucker's plantation the morning of February 14, I marched by a
plantation road as far as Sandy Run. I here struck the State road, and, crossing the stream about 2
p.m., I continued for some four miles farther in the direction of Columbia, reaching with my
head of column the camp-ground assigned me at Wolf's plantation at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I
met with the rebel cavalry outpost at this point, but soon drove them back with my skirmishers,
four companies being deployed across the road for that purpose. Encamping my division on a
range of hills well adapted to defense, I threw up good earth-works on my front line, extending
the embankment across the road to protect my battery that had there been put in position. During
the night the rebel cavalry made a dash on my picket vedettes, capturing three of them, as well as
First Lieut. David Rorick, G Company, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, picket officer of the Third
Brigade, who was at that time out superintending his line.
The next morning at daylight I was out of camp and on the road toward Columbia. [ met with
stubborn opposition throughout the entire day, and, being obliged to march with a heavy
skirmish line constantly covering my advance, it was not until the afternoon that I reached the
neighborhood of the Little Congaree Creek, but five miles distant. The enemy was here
developed on the river bank in considerable force, with three pieces of artillery protecting his
position. I ordered Col. R. F. Catterson, commanding the Second Brigade, to deploy his
command to the right of the road, with instructions to feel toward the left flank of the enemy's
line and, if possible, to cross the river below him. At the same time the Third Brigade, Col.
George A. Stone commanding, was moved off to the left of the road with the same object in view
respecting the right flank of the enemy, both brigades moving under cover of a strong connected
line of skirmishers. The First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, was held
in reserve. Colonel Stone's skirmishers getting fairly on the flank of the rebel line, handsomely
turned it, driving the skirmishers back beyond the river. The Fourth Iowa Infantry, moving still
farther to the right and rear of the enemy, managed to effect a crossing over the stream above
him, and at the same time Colonel Catterson having obtained a foothold below and my
skirmishers pressing them very hard in front, the enemy was obliged to fall back from his works
along the river bank to an inner line nearer the main Congaree River. The works thus gained
were strongly constructed and most admirably adapted to the defense of the crossing. As soon as
it was seen that the rebels were leaving their position I at once pushed the Second Brigade and
one section of artillery (Twelfth Wisconsin Battery)
across the river, moving over to the bridge
22
that had been but partially burned by the enemy, moving forward for nearly a mile beyond the
river in pursuit of the retreating columns of the enemy. I was here obliged to halt and wait the
remainder of my division, which was delayed some time at the river crossing. This not coming
up until late in the afternoon, darkness prevented my farther advance, and, selecting a ridge of
ground well adapted for the purpose desired, I encamped my division with my left resting on the
river bank and my right connecting with the Second Division that had in the meantime crossed
the river. My position was made secure by the erection of substantial earth-works along my front
line. The next morning, the 16th instant, it being ascertained that the enemy had withdrawn from
his works in my front, my division was promptly moved forward to a point on the State road
nearly opposite the center of the city. Temporarily halting here, toward night I again moved
forward, crossing the pontoon over the Saluda River, near the factory. I encamped in position on
the bank of Broad River, near the bridge.
During the night, in accordance with instructions received from the major-general
commanding the army corps, a crossing was effected over the river at this place, which, owing to
the great width of the stream and the extreme rapidity of the current, was a very difficult task,
and between 7 and 8 o'clock the following morning the Third Brigade had crossed to the
opposite shore, moving over by means of three pontoon-boats, that were with great difficulty
towed from one side of the stream to the other, and obtained possession of a good range of hills
crossing the main Columbia road, from which it had gallantly driven the rebel skirmishers,
capturing twenty of their number. The enemy very soon withdrew in the direction of Columbia.,
when the mayor of the place came out under a flag and signified to Colonel Stone that the rebels
had evacuated the town. He at once moved his brigade in and took possession, the balance of the
division following as soon as the pontoon-boats were laid across Broad River. I encamped my
command just beyond the city, on the east side of the Columbia and South Carolina Railroad,
throwing up light works in my front.
It may be proper to state that the troops first entering the city were freely supplied by the
citizens with great quantities of intoxicating liquors, so that the confusion inevitable on the entry
into a captured city was very materially increased, and at night, in obedience to the orders of the
major-general commanding, the brigade on provost duty in the city was relieved by the First
Brigade of this division, Bvt. Brig. Gen. William B. Woods commanding. During the evening a
fire broke out in the western part of the city, which rapidly spread over that portion of the town,
owing to the high winds that swept the flames rapidly from one street to another. At the same
time the town was fired in several different places by the villains that had that day been
improperly freed front their confinement in the town prison. The town itself was full of drunken
negroes and the vilest vagabond soldiers, the veriest scum of the entire army being collected in
the streets. Every measure practicable was adopted to prevent the spreading of the fire; but owing
to the gale that was sweeping over the place, the absence of any proper water power, and the fact
that the city was filled with both citizens and soldiers who were in no ways disposed to have the
scene closed, it was an almost impossibility to arrest the flames. About one-third of the city was
destroyed, including the principal part of the business portion of the place.
During the 18th and 19th instant my command remained at and near Columbia. On the 19th a
detailed party from my division destroyed 550 bales of cotton that were stored in the town. In
addition to this there were 820 bales found piled up in the streets that were also destroyed.
I append a statement of the amount of property belonging to the Confederate Government
that was destroyed.
The casualties in this command were: At the crossing of the Little Congaree, 5 enlisted men
killed and 10 wounded; total, 15. At the crossing of Broad
River, 1 commissioned officer and 4
23
enlisted men wounded; total, 5. Please see list of casualties annexed. I shall forward reports of
brigade commanders as soon as they are received.
I have the honor, major, to be very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. WOODS,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to respectfully transmit the following report of the operations of
my division from the time of leaving Savannah, Ga., in January last, until reaching this point the
24th instant:
In obedience to orders received from Major-General Logan, I left my camp near Savannah on
the 10th of January, marching that day to Thunderbolt, the point of embarkation, some eight
miles distant. The Seventeenth Army Corps was found to be making use of all the shipping, and
it was several days before I obtained control of any of the vessels. In the meantime I constructed
two very substantial landings that enabled me to expedite my loading very considerably. It was
not until the 17th of January that my entire division was transferred from Thunderbolt to
Beaufort, S. C., and its vicinity (one brigade being out at Garden's Corners). While here all
possible preparation was rapidly made for the approaching campaign, and on the 27th of January
I left Beaufort, marching my two remaining brigades out as far as Garden's Corners, where I
remained until the morning of January 30, when I moved forward to McPhersonville. I halted
here one day, sending back to Pocotaligo for additional supplies. Leaving my camp the next
morning, February l, I marched forward in the direction of Hickory Hill Post-Office, skirmishing
light with the enemy's cavalry at this point. I had one man wounded in the skirmish at Hickory
Hill. Continuing my march now uninterrupted, I reached Buford's Bridge over the Salkehatchie
River on the 4th of February. The road here had been much obstructed by the rebels, and before
my column reached the river they had evacuated their well-constructed works covering the
bridge and river crossing. Moving over the river on the 5th I advanced some four miles, crossing
the Little Salkehatchie the next day. On the 7th of February I reached Bamberg, a station on the
Charleston and Augusta Railroad, and I immediately, in compliance with instructions received
from the major-general commanding, directed one of my brigades, the First, Brevet Brigadier-
General Woods commanding, at work tearing up the track and destroying the iron and ties, while
the remaining two brigades of my division proceeded about one mile north of the village, where I
took up an intrenched position, covering the approaches to town from that direction. On the 8th I
remained in the position taken near Bamberg, the First Brigade still continuing its work of
destroying the railroad. On the morning of February 9 I moved in the direction of Graham's,
camping north of the railroad near that place. The Third Brigade, Col. George A. Stone
commanding, was here sent forward to Blackville for the purpose of destroying the railroad in
that vicinity. February 10 I remained in camp again, the Second Brigade, Col. R. F. Carterson
commanding, as well as parts of the balance of my command, being engaged in tearing up the
railroad all day. Leaving my camp here on the morning of February 12 I continued my march
without interruption.
For the movements of my division for the ensuing ten days I respectfully call your attention
to the official report rendered by me on the 21st of February when encamped in the vicinity of
Longtown, copy herewith inclosed.
24
Leaving my camp at the place last mentioned on the morning of February 22, I marched to
Peay's Ferry over the Wateree River. Crossing the river on the 23d, I moved forward by way of
West's Cross-Roads to Tiller's Ferry over Big Lynch's Creek, reaching and encamping in the
vicinity of the creek the evening of February 26.
I did not get the crossing until March 1, and I was then obliged to build a heavy bridge of
over 100 yards in length before I could move my command over. This was begun and completed
the night of March 1, and at 7 o'clock the next morning my entire division had crossed the creek.
Moving out of camp from the east side of the creek at 9 a.m. the 2d of March, I marched via New
Market, encamping my division one mile north of Cheraw on the evening of March 4. Breaking
camp again on the morning of March 6 I crossed the pontoon bridge over the Pedee River and
continued my advance without any interruption from the enemy, crossing Lumber River the 10th
instant, and encamped March 12 within three miles of Fayetteville on the main Fayetteville road.
Leaving my camp near Fayetteville on the evening of March 14, I crossed Cape Fear River the
same night, encamping about one mile beyond the pontoon bridge. At this point the First
Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, was detached from my command and
assigned to duty, by order of Major-General Logan, as escort for the trains of the army corps that
were to march by a different route. Moving forward on the morning of March 16, I continued on
the road as taken by the remaining divisions of the corps, reaching the neighborhood of Cox's
Bridge over the Neuse River on the evening of March 19. I encamped my division in position
about half a mile from the point of intersection as made by the Bentonville road with that on
which I had been marching and intrenched my position the same night.
The next morning, the 20th instant, in compliance with the orders given me by Major-
General Logan, with Colonel Catterson in the advance, I moved out on the road toward the
bridge until reaching the point of intersection above referred to, when I took the road leading to
the left toward Bentonville. I marched about four miles before I struck the outposts of the enemy,
but from that time forward my advance had to be made under cover of a good line of
skirmishers, and about 11 a.m., or when I had advanced some eight miles on this road, the Fortysixth
Ohio Infantry, then deployed as skirmishers, became so actively engaged with the enemy
that I immediately deployed the two brigades of my division on either side of the road, selecting
the most advantageous ground and throwing up light rail-works in front of my line. The Fortysixth
Ohio Infantry having dislodged the rebels, and by a most gallant charge driven them from a
strong and extensive line of rail pits that they had established covering the road at the fork
leading toward Smithfield, in obedience to the directions received from Major-General Logan I
immediately moved my lines up to this point and at once took position, extending my lines so as
to include both roads beyond the forks. The Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, still deployed as
skirmishers, was moved down the road leading toward Smithfield, supported by the One
hundredth Indiana Infantry. The Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry was promptly deployed forward,
covering the road upon which I had been marching. The Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry soon struck
the main line of the enemy, discovering him admirably posted behind well-constructed works.
The right of the Twenty-fifth Iowa also had not gone far before meeting the rebels behind their
works. The left of this regiment, that had by this time connected itself with the right of the
Second Division skirmish line, moved forward with it and gradually swung around to the right,
leaving the road entirely in the rear, so that the enemy's line was now developed as running
almost parallel to the road on which my column had been marching and extending across the
Smithfield fork about one-fourth of a mile from where the main road branched. That night my
lines were reformed and I built works anew, conforming them to the lines of the enemy as
developed by my skirmishers, my right connecting with Brevet Major-General Corse, of the
Fourth Division, and my left with Major-General Hazen, of
the Second Division. The next
25
morning, the 21st instant, a heavy skirmish line was advanced along my entire front, discovering
the enemy still strongly posted in his works.
Brevet Brigadier-General Woods rejoined me to-day with his brigade, and I at once placed
him in position in the center of the line, the Second Brigade, Col. R. F. Catterson commanding,
being on the right, and the Third Brigade, Col. George A. Stone commanding, having the left.
My lines were advanced again during the afternoon, the skirmishers moving forward in
handsome style, driving the rebel skirmishers out of their intrenched skirmish pits and forcing
them back upon their main works, my skirmishers holding all the ground gained, and that, too,
under volley firing from the main works of the enemy. I posted a section of the Twelfth
Wisconsin Battery on my line in Colonel Catterson's front, and I cannot but speak of the
admirable execution and service rendered. The firing enfiladed the enemy's line, and, as was
afterward shown, the shots were all directed with great precision, the works giving every
evidence of the battery's presence. At dark the new position I had gained was strongly
intrenched. At daylight the next morning, the 22d instant, my skirmishers were again advanced
and the rebel works discovered to be evacuated.
Colonel Catterson, having received instructions direct from Major-General Logan, moved out
on the Smithfield road, passing beyond Bentonville as far as Hannah's Creek, where he
skirmished considerably with the rear guard of the enemy. I followed up with the balance of my
division, halting at Bentonville, where Colonel Catterson was ordered to return. Remaining here
with my division during the entire day I withdrew to my position of the previous night at 6 p.m.,
leaving Colonel Catterson with his brigade at Bentonville to destroy the bridge over Mill Creek,
with orders to rejoin the division at 4 a.m. the next day. Moving out at about 10 o'clock the
morning of the 23d, I crossed the pontoon over the Neuse River the afternoon of the 24th, and
encamped in the position as assigned me around Goldsborough on the New Berne road.
I respectfully inclose a list of the casualties in my command during the skirmishing of the
20th, 21st, and 22d of March. I also respectfully invite the attention of the major-general
commanding to the amount of corduroying and bridge building as done by the pioneer corps and
the several brigades of my division during the campaign recently closed, and also to the inclosed
statement showing the amount of railroad and other property destroyed, and statistics showing
the estimated amount of grain and forage captured from the country.
I respectfully refer to the inclosed official report of Capt. George A. Henry, provost-marshal
of the division, showing the number of prisoners captured by my command, and to the inclosed
tabular list of the men lost from the division by capture.
I destroyed, including the cotton burned at Columbia, 1,850 bales of cotton, burning 1,370
bales at Columbia alone. I inclose the official report of my brigade commanders.
I would earnestly but respectfully recommend for promotion on account of his efficiency as
an officer and his able management of his brigade during the campaign Bvt. Brig. Gen. William
B. Woods to the rank of full brigadier-general and I also recommend with pleasure the promotion
of Col. R. F. Catterson (Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry), commanding Second Brigade, to the
rank of brigadier-general. Colonel Catterson has long commanded the Second Brigade of this
division, and he has shown himself ever to be a brave, gallant, and competent officer, and one
well meriting promotion.
The officers and men throughout my division have all borne a noble, manly part in the
campaign, enduring hardships and labor without murmuring, and bearing themselves well when
before the enemy. I mention the names as conspicuous for gallantry amongst many: Captain
Allen, of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, who lost a leg in the fighting of the 20th; Captain Teale, of the
Fourth Iowa, mentioned especially by his brigade commander, who was severely wounded on
the 21st; Captain Burch, of the Consolidated Battalion
Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri,
26
badly hurt on the 21st, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Lermond, One hundred and third Illinois,
also wounded on the 21st. Had I space I would gladly mention many more brave men that came
under my notice.
To the various members of my staff--Doctor French, surgeon-in-chief; Major Perkins, chief
of staff; Captain Alexander, assistant commissary of musters; Captain Smith, acting assistant
inspector-general; Captain Henry, provost-marshal; Captain Wilson, acting assistant adjutantgeneral,
and my two aides-de-camp, Lieutenants Critz and Marriott---I tender my thanks for the
willing and able service they have rendered hie, whether in camp, on the march, or on the field of
battle.
I have the honor to be, major, with respect, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. WOODS,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade
during the campaign just closed:
Pursuant to General Orders, No. 5, from headquarters First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps,
dated Beaufort, S. C., January 21, 1865, I assumed command of the brigade at Garden's Corners,
S. C, on the 23d day of January. On the 30th day of January the brigade, at that time comprising
an aggregate of 1,408 officers and men present for duty, moved with the other brigades of the
First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, camping that night at McPhersonville, where it
remained until the morning of February 1, when it resumed the march, arriving at Hickory Hill,
on the left bank of the Coosawhatchie River, about 3 p.m. A force of rebel cavalry, supposed to
be at least a regiment, were found on the opposite bank of the river, with outposts strongly
posted on the causeway and bridge crossing the stream. By direction of Brevet Major-General
Woods, commanding First Division, I deployed three regiments, namely, the Twenty-seventh
Missouri Infantry, Colonel Curly; Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, consolidated,
Major (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Seay, and the Twenty-sixth Iowa, Major Lubbers, and,
throwing forward a strong line of skirmishers, advanced to the bank of the river, intending to
cross in line of battle and drive off the enemy. It was found, however, that the passage of the
stream was impracticable for so large a body of troops, as the river flowed through a dense
cypress swamp nearly a mile wide, in which in many places the water was waist deep. I therefore
pushed forward the skirmishers only, who with great difficulty advanced through the swamp, and
under the fire of the enemy carried the bridge and causeway and drove him from the opposite
bank of the river. In this affair I lost none in either killed or wounded. The next day the march
was resumed, and continued from day to day until the 6th day of February, when the brigade
reached Bamberg, a station on the Augusta and Charleston Railroad, and immediately
commenced the destruction of the road. On this day and the following the brigade utterly
destroyed the track for a distance of four miles, burning the ties and twisting by the use of hooks
and levers, the iron rails. On the 11th of February I also completed the destruction of one mile of
the track of the same road, near Lee's Turnout, reheating the iron, which had only been bent, and
twisting the same.
Nothing deserving special mention occurred after the 11th instant until the 15th of February,
when the First Division approached the Little Congaree River, where it struck the enemy's
cavalry in force. This brigade, being the rear of the
division, took no part in the heavy skirmish
27
of that day until after the enemy had been forced across the stream and driven from his works
upon its bank. After passing the river a line of battle was formed in the open fields of a large
plantation, this brigade occupying the extreme left. To the left and front of the brigade was a
high ridge, affording the enemy a commanding position, and this was occupied by a considerable
force of the enemy's cavalry. I ordered the Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Major Lubbers
commanding, to deploy as skirmishers, and keeping a large reserve to carry the ridge. The order
was executed handsomely, the enemy was driven off, and the ridge held. On the 17th day of
February this brigade marched into and through Columbia, and encamped about a mile and a half
outside the town. About 9 o'clock at night I received an order from Brevet Major-General
Woods, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to march into the city and relieve the
Third Brigade of the same division, which was on provost guard duty there. On entering the city
I found a large part of the place in flames. I am satisfied by statements made to me by
respectable citizens of the town that the fire was first set by the negro inhabitants. A gale was
blowing, and the city being chiefly built of wood, the fire was exceedingly hard to control, but by
the strenuous exertions of the officers and men of the brigade at least two-fifths of the city was
saved from destruction.
On the next day, by order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, commanding Department and Army
of the Tennessee, I was appointed post commander of all that part of Columbia lying south of
Taylor street. The One hundred and third Illinois, Fortieth Illinois, and Ninety-seventh Indiana
had in the meantime been ordered to report to me for duty. I at once appointed Col. Reuben
Williams, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, provost-marshal of the post, and by means of his efficiency
and energy, and that of the officers and men under my command, was enabled to preserve
comparative quiet and good order in the city while occupied by our army. This brigade acted as
the rear guard of the army when the city of Columbia was evacuated by our troops on the 20th of
February, and entered the town of Cheraw with the other brigades of the division on the 4th of
March. As the brigade was moving out of this place, to cross the pontoon bridge over the Great
Pedee River, a large quantity of rebel ammunition, which had been thrown into a ravine near the
road, was accidentally exploded, killing one man and wounding five of the brigade. On the 15th
day of March, after the passage of the Fifteenth Army Corps across the Cape Fear River at
Fayetteville, I received orders from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps to take charge of and
guard all the transportation of the several divisions of the corps, with the exception of
headquarters and regimental teams, twelve ammunition wagons to each division, and the
ambulances. The same was to be organized into one train. The train when thus organized
numbered 550 wagons, and when drawn out on the road extended a distance of four miles and a
half. To assist in this escort duty the Ninetieth Illinois and Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry and the
Twenty-ninth Missouri Mounted Infantry were ordered to report to me. I left Cape Fear River
opposite Fayetteville with the train and escort on March 16, at 11 a.m., and on the 20th instant, at
5 p.m., parked the train, pursuant to orders from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, with the
train of Major-General Mower's division, of the Seventeenth Corps, on Buck Creek, about eight
miles from Dudley's Station, on the Goldsborough and Wilmington Railroad. From the 16th to
the 20th of March, inclusive, the train, with its escort, made an average march of ten miles per
day, including twenty-four hours spent in crossing the South River. During this time the train and
troops crossed the South River, Little Cohera and Great Cohera Rivers, and Buck Creek. All of
these streams were difficult to pass, and the three first named I was compelled to bridge.
Generally the roads were as bad as a treacherous soil and rainy weather could make them.
Leaving the train at Buck Creek in charge of a brigade of Major-General Mower's division, I
started with the escort at 12 o'clock at night to rejoin
the division. I marched until 3 a.m., halted
28
until 6.30 a.m., when I resumed the march and rejoined the division about 11 a.m., about three
miles from Bentonville. The enemy was here in force and intrenched.
Pursuant to orders I placed the brigade in the front line between the Second and Third
Brigades, of the First Division, leaving the Twelfth Indiana Infantry in reserve. Under a sharp
skirmish fire and within 350 yards of the enemy's main line a strong line of earth-works was
built. Pursuant to orders I made preparations to advance a line of skirmishers and drive the
enemy from their skirmish pits. I detailed 100 men as skirmishers, with Capt. William Burch, of
the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri Consolidated Battalion, as officer in charge, and
directed Capt. Edward S. Lenfesty, picket officer on my staff, to take the general supervision of
the movement. The skirmishers moving at the same time with those of the Second and Third
Brigades advanced briskly, and after a hot skirmish, almost amounting to a battle, drove the
enemy's skirmishers from their intrenched position and immediately commenced to reverse the
pits. Before this was completed the enemy came out in strong force from their main line and
retook a part of the pits. They were again driven out and again retook them. I then sent out a reenforcement
of forty men, and with their assistance the pits were again taken and held, and the
enemy driven to his main line. The line thus taken and held was within eighty-eight paces of the
enemy's main line. The loss of the brigade in this affair was 1 killed and 21 wounded. Among the
latter was Captain Burch, commander of the skirmish line, who received a severe and dangerous
wound. The enemy having retired during the night, the brigade, after going on a reconnaissance
with the rest of the division as far as Bentonville, marched to Goldsborough and went into camp
on Rouse's plantation near that place, where it now is, strongly intrenched.
During the campaign the brigade drew its subsistence mainly from the country. No complaint
was made at any time of short supplies, except on one occasion after a day's march of twentyfive
miles through a barren pine forest. The wants of the men were at the time supplied by the
issue of a quarter ration of hard bread. The men have been supplied with an abundance of the
best bacon and poultry foraged from the country. Not a pound of either fresh or salt meat has
been drawn from the commissary. All the mills upon the line of march were used to grind corn,
and the men have been furnished with a plentiful supply of meal.
I cannot speak too highly of the patient endurance of the officers and men of the brigade. All
labors were borne and hardships endured with commendable fortitude and cheerfulness.
Justice requires that I make special mention of the members of my staff--Capt. Edward
Lenfesty, aide-de-camp and picket officer; Capt. R. C. Strong, assistant inspector-general; Capt.
J. A. Jury, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. H. Flint, brigade quartermaster; and Lieut.
M. H. Parks, aide-de-camp, all of whom throughout the campaign have discharged their duties
with great energy and ability.
I herewith submit a list of killed and wounded and captured.
I have the honor to be, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant,
W. B. WOODS,
Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. F. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
CAPTAIN: A report of the operations of my brigade during the campaign just closed has
been furnished to include the occupation of Columbia, S. C., a copy of which please find
inclosed.
29
On the morning of the 20th of February this brigade left Columbia and continued its march
northward, nothing worthy of special note transpiring until the morning of the 20th of March.
My brigade being in advance of the column met the enemy on the road leading from Cox's
Bridge to Bentonville. Six companies of the Ninety-seventh Indiana were thrown forward as
skirmishers, rapidly driving the enemy about three miles, when it was relieved by the Sixth Iowa,
which drove the enemy briskly to within about three miles of Bentonville, where he made a
determined stand. The ammunition of the Sixth Iowa having become exhausted it was relieved
by the Forty-sixth Ohio. During its deployment the enemy was discovered turning the left of my
skirmishers, having already gained their rear. The One hundredth Indiana was hurried forward to
check this move, and they accomplished their work with dispatch and marked gallantry. During
this time the Forty-sixth Ohio moved forward on double-quick, driving the enemy from his
strong barricade of rails in splendid style. I immediately moved the brigade forward to the
position thus gained, and fortified it, at the same time advancing my skirmishers half a mile,
when it was halted, and in this position I awaited further orders. Late in the afternoon we moved
forward several hundred paces to a strong position, which was also fortified. In this position we
camped for the night. On the morning of the 21st my skirmishers--One hundred and third
Illinois--drove the enemy from a line of strong rifle-pits, which at some portions of the line were
within forty paces of his main works. This move was made in a very satisfactory manner, and
fully developed the enemy's position. During this advance Adjt. Frank Lermond, One hundred
and third Illinois, was severely wounded while gallantly urging his men forward. My brigade
was again advanced and its position fortified. The Twenty-sixth Illinois was sent forward to
relieve the One hundred and third Illinois, and in taking position suffered some from a flank fire
caused by the falling back of a portion of the line on my left. On the morning of the 22d my
skirmishers again moved forward at daylight and found the enemy's works evacuated. Two
companies of the Twenty-sixth Illinois, supported by the remainder of the regiment, were moved
forward as skirmishers on the road leading to Bentonville, and reached the bridge across Mill
Creek, near that place, in time to extinguish the flames (the enemy having fired it), and in a very
few moments after the enemy's rear guard had crossed. I immediately crossed with my brigade,
and skirmishing again commenced, we driving our opponents in wild confusion beyond
Hannah's Creek. The bridge over this stream was also on fire, and was saved only by the fearless
daring of my men, who rushed forward and extinguished the flames. At this point I received
orders to recross Mill Creek and take a position covering the bridge. This I immediately did and
bivouacked for the night. At Bentonville the enemy was so closely pressed that he left 40 of our
wounded and 12 rebel wounded in our possession. The brigade also captured 91 prisoners and 82
stand of arms and accouterments.
During the three days' skirmishing mentioned all, both officers and men, deserve great credit
for their gallant conduct.
The casualties during the campaign were as follows: Killed, 5; wounded, 30; prisoners, 8;
total, 43. Total number of prisoners captured from enemy, 166.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
ROBT. F. CATTERSON,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
CAPT. FRED. H. WILSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
30
HDQRS. FORTY-SIXTH OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions received from your headquarters, I have the
honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the past campaign:
Friday, January 27, we broke camp at Beaufort, S. C., and took our position in the brigade
line and marched to Garden's Corners, where the brigade halted until the morning of the 30th.
From that date until February 14 we marched each day with the brigade, not anything worthy of
note occurring.
Wednesday, February 15, after the brigade had marched two miles from where it camped the
night before, skirmishing commenced, and the enemy was pushed back to his works on Congaree
Creek. Here a line of battle was formed and the colonel commanding the brigade ordered me to
take my command and move out to the right of the skirmish line and protect that flank. I
immediately faced the regiment to the right and moved over to the left bank of the creek, then
filed left, and moved up to the line, using the bank of the creek so as not to be observed by the
enemy. On reaching the point designated by Colonel Catterson I halted and went into line,
throwing three companies, commanded by Capt. John B. Foster, forward as skirmishers. I
awaited orders until about 2 o'clock, when I discovered that the enemy was trying to fall back
across the creek, when I ordered three more companies forward, under command of Capt. John
B. Neil, with orders to push rapidly forward and save the road bridge that was already partially
on fire. He started immediately on the double-quick for the bridge, his men firing as they went,
which confused the enemy's movements so much that he did not fire his artillery until after the
men had reached the bridge and a few had run on to it. He then opened his artillery, firing
canister at the bridge. I now ordered the three companies under Captain Foster to move farther
up the creek. After some slight firing I saw that the enemy was retiring from his line of works
and immediately pushed these three companies across the creek on a foot log, and entered the
enemy's works, he still being in gunshot range but retiring slowly. Only a few shots were
exchanged after crossing the creek. I was now ordered to assemble the regiment on the road and
take my proper place in the brigade. Soon after we formed a line of battle and moved forward
(the enemy still retiring) and bivouacked for the night. After dark 100 men were sent out on
picket, under command of Lieutenants Wright and Schock. At an early hour the next morning
they pushed their line forward and found that the enemy had left another line of intrenchments,
crossed Congaree River, and burned the bridge after him. When the regiment moved forward
they joined it with their men.
From February 16 until the morning of March 20 was the usual marching with the brigade.
On that morning a short time after leaving camp the advance commenced skirmishing. About 10
a.m. the colonel commanding ordered me to deploy the regiment as skirmishers with the center
on the road, to move forward and relieve the Sixth Iowa Infantry, who were then on the skirmish
line and out of ammunition. On arriving on their lines I found that the enemy was posted across
the road behind high and heavy rail-works. This position was where the Smithfield road enters
the Goldsborough and Fayetteville road, about three miles southeast of Bentonville. Believing
that it could be carried by a rapid and spirited assault, I gave the command, "double-quick," and
the men took the step bravely and with cheers, reserving their fire until a nearer approach. When
about 400 yards they took the "run" and, with renewed cheers, opened fire on the enemy, who
had been firing briskly all the time. My men did not halt or check until they reached the works
from which the enemy were flying in disorder and confusion. From the amount of shots fired by
the enemy at our approach, I am led to believe that their force numbered between 400 and 500
infantry and cavalry, outnumbering my command two to one. I found two of his dead, left on the
field. If he had any wounded they succeeded in getting
away. There were seven or eight dead
31
horses and mules just behind the works. My loss was 4 killed and 7 wounded. The enemy having
retired on the Smithfield road, I changed direction to the right and followed him until I found he
had a position on a hill, with a small creek and swamp between us. Here I halted and skirmished
with him until dark, when we were relieved by the One hundred and third Illinois Infantry.
While in this position Lieut. John Ackerman succeeded in crawling out to the front about 100
yards, where he found a man belonging to the Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, Fourteenth Army
Corps, who had been shot the day before through both legs, and carried him into our lines on his
back. I mention this because it was a brave and humane act on the part of Lieutenant Ackerman.
About noon on the following day the brigade was moved forward and we threw up a line of
strong earthworks. The next morning, the enemy having evacuated, we moved forward to
Bentonville with the brigade, returning to our line of works the following morning at 4 o'clock.
On the evening of the 24th we reached our present position.
Before concluding this report I cannot refrain from mentioning the exemplary conduct of
both officers and men while on the campaign under trying circumstances, viz: night marching,
bad roads and rainy weather. Each and all performed the duties assigned them with cheerfulness
and alacrity. There is no need of making particular mention of any individual act; all have done
bravely and nobly.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD N. UPTON,
Lieut. Col. Forty-sixth Ohio Vet. Vol. Infty., Comdg. Regt.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Columbia, S. C., February 19, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I respectfully report the action taken by my command in capturing the city of
Columbia:
On the evening of the 16th instant I received orders from Brevet Major-General Woods to
have my command in readiness to cross Broad River in the boats of the pontoon train at a point
to be designated by Colonel Tweeddale, of the First Missouri Engineers, and so soon as crossed
to move at once on the city. The point of crossing designated was about half a mile above the
wreck of the bridge and about two miles above the city of Columbia. We expected to have
effected a crossing and to have moved on the city by daylight, but the current of the river was so
strong the engineers did not succeed in getting a line across until 3 o'clock of the morning of the
17th instant. At 3.50 o'clock I sent over two loads of sharpshooters, under Captain Bowman, of
my staff, with instructions to put them out as pickets or skirmishers, the center of his line to be
opposite the crossing and at least seventy-five yards distant, with the flanks resting on the river.
He had particular instructions to keep his men quiet and not to reply to any firing of the enemy
unless satisfied they meant an attack on him. I went over with the advance of the first regiment,
Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins, and made a personal reconnaissance of the
ground. I found I had landed on a small island about 200 yards in length, 25 yards in width, and
in the shape of a crescent. I at once put up a line of works and by this time four regiments had
crossed. The enemy was now discovered to be very active, their skirmishers annoying us
considerably. From a movement of troops toward his right, I was satisfied the enemy was
endeavoring to re-enforce his line, and that to insure success I should at once attack without
waiting for the remainder of the brigade. Accordingly I made the following disposition of my
troops for the attack: The Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins commanding, was
moved across the island toward the north, nearly parallel with the river, until I found his left
about opposite the enemy's right. I next ordered up Major Abernethy, commanding Ninth Iowa,
with his regiment, his right resting on Colonel Jenkins'
left, and his (Major Abernethy's) left
32
toward the river, with directions that when the assault was ordered he should change direction to
the right on the double-quick in order to turn the enemy's right and also strike him in the rear.
These dispositions being made to my satisfaction, I returned to the island and ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts to assault directly in front of it, the Twenty-fifth Iowa, Lieutenant-
Colonel Palmer commanding, to follow as a reserve, and sent word to Lieutenant-Colonel
Nichols, commanding Fourth Iowa, to join Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer as fast as his men had
crossed. Everything now in readiness, the signal was given and the assault made by all the
regiments at the same time. The result proved no mistake, either in the planning or the execution.
Before the enemy was hardly aware of it we were right into his skirmish line. The Thirtieth Iowa
here captured thirty prisoners. I accompanied this regiment, and can by personal observation
testify to the gallant manner in which they made the assault. In front of the island were a number
of small bayous running parallel with the river, about twenty feet wide and some of them waist
deep. Few stopped to find logs on which to cross, but plunged in, holding guns and cartridgeboxes
above the water. I found Colonel Palmer's brigade of infantry, of General Stevenson's
division, and apparently a regiment of cavalry, were the troops disputing the crossing. Having
driven the enemy in our front, and noticing a demonstration on his right to turn my left, I ordered
a halt and commenced throwing up a line of works while waiting for the advance of Brevet
Brigadier-General Woods' brigade to get over. So soon as I discovered this brigade had
commenced crossing, I moved for the city, easily driving the regiment of cavalry that disputed
our advance.
We had arrived within about a mile of the city, when a carriage displaying a flag of truce
approached containing Mr. Goodwin, mayor of Columbia, and the city aldermen, who came to
offer terms of capitulation. I refused anything but an unconditional surrender, which, after few
words, he consented to and unconditionally surrendered the city of Columbia. I joined the party
in the carriage, accompanied by Major Anderson, of the Fourth Iowa, and Captain Pratt, of
General Logan's staff, and left the brigade under the temporary charge of Lieutenant-Colonel
Jenkins, Thirty-first Iowa, and preceded the column about half a mile. When near the suburbs of
the city I noticed some of the advanced skirmishers, say fifteen in number, being driven back by
apparently a battalion of rebel cavalry. I at once called a corporal and three men, who happened
to be near me, and put the mayor and aldermen in the corporal's charge, and with Major
Anderson took about forty of my flankers and advanced on the cavalry. The corporal was
instructed that in case one man was killed or wounded he should at once shoot the mayor and his
party. Joining the retreating skirmishers with the forty flankers we speedily dispersed the rebel
cavalry, having no more trouble in gaining the city. I proceeded to the state-house with Captain
Pratt and planted the first U.S. flag on that building.
During the engagement the regimental commanders did their duty well, Major Abernethy and
Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins on the left and center, and Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts on the right.
Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, with the Twenty-fifth Iowa, followed by Lieutenant-Colonel
Nichols, of the Fourth Iowa, supported the assault in a handsome manner. Lieutenant-Colonel
Roberts and his adjutant, First Lieut. James M. Smith, deserve notice for the gallant manner in
which they pushed their lines forward. Capt. A. B. Smith, of General Woods' staff, accompanied
me in the assault and also deserves notice for his gallant conduct. My thanks are due all my staff
officers--Captain Bell, Captain Bowman, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Snow, and
Lieutenant Crane, for doing their duty well.
I was absent from the brigade about an hour in placing the flag on the state-house, and when
I rejoined my command found a great number of the men drunk. It was discovered that this was
caused by hundreds of negroes who swarmed the streets on the approach of the troops and gave
them all kinds of liquors from buckets, bottles,
demijohns, &c. The men had slept none the night
33
before, and but lit-tie the night before that, and many of them had no supper the night before, and
none of them breakfast that morning, hence the speedy effect of the liquor. I forthwith ordered all
the liquor destroyed, and saw fifteen barrels destroyed within five minutes after the order had
been given.
Brevet Major-General Woods now sent me word to guard the private property of the citizens
and take possession of all the public buildings. I did so immediately upon receipt of the order,
distributing my five regiments throughout the city and appointing Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins,
Thirty-first Iowa, provost-marshal. A number of buildings were fired during the early part of the
evening, but the fire was promptly put out before it had gained much headway. A great many
drunken men were now showing themselves in the streets from, I should think, every regiment of
our corps, the Seventeenth Corps, and some even from General Kilpatrick's cavalry. My
command was so scattered throughout the city I found it necessary to have a stronger guard, and
therefore applied through my acting assistant adjutant-general to Brevet Major-General Woods
twice, once in writing, for one or two more regiments for patrolling the city, but received no reenforcements.
About 8 o'clock the city was fired in a number of places by some of our escaped
prisoners and citizens (I am satisfied I can prove this), and as some of the fire originated in
basements stored full of cotton it was impossible to extinguish it. The fire engines were ordered
out, but the flames could not be stopped; the buildings were old, nearly all wooden ones, and the
wind blowing almost a gale. At 8 p.m. I received orders that I was relieved by Brevet Brigadier-
General Woods and I sent the brigade to camp about one mile out of town, but remained in the
city myself, working all night to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. STONE,
Colonel, Commanding.
Capt. FRED. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders I respectfully report a summary of the part taken by
this command in the campaign just ended: The campaign commenced on the 10th day of
January, and ended with my command on the 26th day of March, making the duration two
months and sixteen days. On the 10th day of January last I had orders to march from our camp,
near Savannah, Ga., to Fort Thunderbolt. On the 12th of January I took shipping at Fort
Thunderbolt for Beaufort, S. C., with all the regiments of my command save one, the Twentyfifth
Iowa, which was left behind to assist in fetching up the transportation of the division. This
regiment reported to me in camp, near Beaufort, S. C., on the 14th day of January, 1865. On the
27th day of January we broke up camp and resumed the march. During this campaign this
brigade has had four engagements with the enemy. First at Little Congaree Creek, near
Columbia, S. C., on the 15th day of February last. The Second Brigade of this division had the
advance on that day and commenced skirmishing with the enemy within two miles of the camp
we had left that morning. They drove the enemy without further assistance until near Little
Congaree Creek, when from the nature of the ground the enemy was enabled to make a stubborn
resistance. Here my brigade was ordered up and went into position on the left of the Second
Brigade, Colonel Catterson commanding. I was ordered to form in two lines of battle, two
regiments front and the other regiment, the Fourth Iowa, to cover the front as skirmishers and to
move forward to effect a crossing of the Little Congaree Creek if possible. Immediately in front
of the Fourth Iowa was a swamp about waist deep and about
200 yards wide. The regiment did
34
not falter at this obstacle, but gallantly plunged in, led by its commanding officer, Lieutenant-
Colonel Nichols. We were now about 500 yards above the position held by the rebels on Little
Congaree Creek, and a branch of the same stream intervening between us and the creek itself. It
was discovered our present position flanked an outpost of the enemy on the same side of the
stream we were now on, and three companies of the Fourth Iowa and four companies of the
Ninth Iowa were ordered to attack this outpost. Major Anderson, Fourth Iowa, commanded the
skirmishers making the attack, and Captain Bowman, Ninth Iowa, commanded the reserve. The
attack was made with great vigor and was entirely successful. The enemy could not withstand the
impetuosity of the skirmishers and broke after a few minutes' fighting to the opposite side of the
creek. I now moved my command forward to the branch of the Little Congaree, separating us
from the main creek, and with the Fourth Iowa went about three-quarters of a mile up the creek
to a point beyond the enemy's right flank and in their rear. I ordered the Fourth Iowa to cross
here on a log as quietly as possible, intending so soon as that regiment had crossed to support it
with two other regiments and attack the enemy from the rear. Had I succeeded in this
arrangement I have no doubt I should have captured the enemy's artillery and many prisoners,
but the men first over discovered themselves to the enemy and he immediately commenced
preparations to leave. The skirmishers drove him off before the column could get over, and this
opened the crossing to Little Congaree Creek. Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols and Major Anderson,
of the Fourth Iowa, and Captain Bowman, of the Ninth Iowa, deserve notice for the gallant
manner in which they did their duty.
The whole division now crossed and formed a line of battle on a plateau about a mile from
the creek. I again went into position on the left. Some rebel cavalry skirmishers threatening my
front, I moved on them with four companies of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, and we soon drove them
back to their main line. The list of casualties has been already furnished you. My next
engagement with the enemy was at the city of Columbia, captured by my command on the 17th
day of February, an official account of which, with the casualties and the number of prisoners,
was made to you under date of the 19th day of February.
I did not meet the enemy again in any force till the 20th instant on our march that day from
our camp near Cox's Bridge on the Neuse River toward Bentonville. The Second Brigade,
Colonel Catterson, had the advance that day and skirmished freely with the enemy, driving him
easily until we had arrived within three miles of Bentonville. The enemy here became stubborn,
and, threatening an attack on the Second Brigade, I was ordered up and went into position on
Colonel Catterson's left. We now advanced our line of battle of two brigades about half a mile
and put up works. About 3 p.m. I was directed by Brevet Major-General Woods, commanding
division, and also by Major-General Logan, commanding the corps, to take three regiments, and
if possible clear the road in our front and open communication with the Fourteenth Corps, now
fighting apparently about a mile from us on our left front. I placed the Twenty-fifth Iowa,
Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer commanding (which regiment I had ordered out about an hour before
as skirmishers), to take the advance, and directed the Thirtieth Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts
commanding, and the Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins commanding, to follow as a
reserve. The Twenty-fifth Iowa was deployed as skirmishers with their colors in the road I was
going to clear, and my first movement with the regiment was to change direction to the right.
This movement was made steadily until three-fourths of the regiment had crossed the road, when
our proximity to the rebels on my left and in the road caused very severe skirmishing. Two
regiments of the Second Division now came up on my left rear (I think the Sixth Missouri and
the Thirtieth Ohio), one of them, the Sixth Missouri, deployed as skirmishers. I made
arrangements with the officer commanding the last-mentioned regiment to join the two regiments
with mine, and at a given signal the Twenty-fifth Iowa and
the Sixth Missouri should make a
35
charge. The charge proved entirely successful, although at a severe loss in the Twenty-fifth Iowa.
We drove the enemy's skirmishers, composed of Hoke's division, from the Virginia army, back
to their works across the swamp, clearing the road and thus opened communication with the
Fourteenth Corps. The officers and men of the Twenty-fifth Iowa behaved handsomely and
fought desperately. Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, commanding the regiment, and Captain Allen,
acting major, who lost his right leg in the engagement, deserve notice for exposing themselves
freely and for the gallant manner in which they cheered their men forward.
At night I retired to a new line and my place was occupied by other troops. I have already
sent you a list of the casualties and the number of prisoners captured.
On the 21st instant I had orders to erect a line of works on the skirmish line, and at 1 p.m. I
moved three regiments to the front line, the Fourth Iowa on the right, connecting with the left of
the First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, the Thirtieth Iowa in the
center and the Ninth Iowa on the left. The Twenty-fifth Iowa and the Thirty-first Iowa were in
the rear, held in reserve. We put up a temporary line of works under fire of the enemy, and at 2
o'clock I received orders to charge the enemy's skirmish line, 150 yards in my front in good
skirmish pits. We captured the pits with but slight loss, but the enemy evinced so much
determination to regain them that the fighting became very sharp. The enemy's main line of
battle, behind good works, was by actual measurement but 100 yards from these skirmish pits,
and he fired from the works by volley. At three different times they followed up the fire by
volley by an assault on my skirmishers. Their men swarmed over the works and charged
gallantly, but I had re-enforced the line till I had nearly a line of battle, and our incessant firing
prevented them from charging as a perfect organization and every charge was repulsed. The
orders came to me so positive to hold the ground I had already gained, even from Generals
Howard and Logan, that I should have done so or ruined the brigade.
At night I relieved the skirmish line with the Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins
commanding. Colonel Jenkins managed the new line admirably. It rained a great deal during the
night, but his men worked faithfully, and he put up quite a strong line of works so near the
enemy that the conversation had to be carried on in whispers. Captain Teale, of the Fourth Iowa,
deserves especial notice for his gallantry in holding the most exposed and dangerous part of the
line. I regret to announce this gallant young officer was very severely wounded in the leg.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols and Major Anderson, of the Fourth Iowa, deserve mention for
voluntarily going on the skirmish line at a time when there was some wavering manifested.
Captain Bowman, of my staff, also exposed himself freely and deserves notice. I mention these
officers from personal observation, as twice during the day I deemed it my duty to go on the
skirmish line myself. The other officers on the skirmish line--Captain Inman, Ninth Iowa;
Lieutenant Shields, Fourth Iowa; Lieutenant Sharp, Ninth Iowa; Lieutenant Rifley, Thirtieth
Iowa, are all reported to me to have behaved well and set a good example to their men. The loss
on the skirmish line was quite severe. I sent you an official list of the casualties the same night
and the prisoners captured.
On the morning of the 22d, half an hour before day, I rode out to the advanced post and
ordered a patrol forward to feel of the enemy, but it was soon discovered he had left during the
night. I at once sent word to the general commanding the division, and with a detachment of the
Thirty-first followed him up. Everything indicated a precipitate retreat. A few stragglers were
picked up. Some of their dead and wounded were found near the roadside uncared for, and quite
a number of small-arms, haversacks, and clothing were found scattered in their deserted camp.
Just at sunrise I ran onto their rear guard, composed of cavalry, and my detachment being too
small to fight it I covered the road with a few men to make an effect and ordered some ten or
fifteen men as skirmishers to annoy the enemy until a
regiment which I had just ordered up (the
36
Thirty-first Iowa) should arrive. Very soon after this our entire division moved to Bentonville,
where we remained during the day, and at sundown we returned to the camp we had left in the
morning. The graves of seventeen rebel officers in my front indicates that the enemy suffered
severely in killed and wounded. On our march toward Goldsborough on the 23d instant I had the
good fortune to have the post of honor, rear guard for the Army of the Tennessee. The rear guard
of my command fell upon the Twenty-fifth Iowa.
On the 24th instant I was ordered to remain at the pontoon bridge over the Neuse River, near
Goldsborough, to cover the crossing of our corps train, and on the 26th instant I rejoined the
division in camp near Goldsborough.
During the campaign just closed this brigade has been in four engagements, with the
following loss: Killed, 7; wounded, 64; missing, 12. We have captured and turned over to the
provost-marshal 145 prisoners of war. In taking the city of Columbia, S. C., we captured 43
pieces of artillery, about 5,000 stand of arms, immense quantities of ammunition and ordnance
stores, and released 40 officers confined there. We have marched 485 miles, made 15,037 yards
of corduroy roads, and have destroyed 3 miles of railroad. The brigade is in excellent health and
spirits, but very ragged.
My thanks are due all my staff officers---Capt. John N. Bell, Twenty-fifth Iowa; Capt. A.
Bowman, Ninth Iowa; Lieuts. Samuel W. Snow and Baron H. Crane, Twenty-fifth Iowa (now in
the hands of the enemy), and Lieut. John W. Gilman, Thirty-first Iowa--for the zeal manifested
by them during the entire campaign to do their whole duty.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. STONE,
Colonel Twenty-fifth Iowa Vols., Commanding Brigade.
Capt. FRED. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
PETTIGREW HOSPITAL,
Raleigh, April 25, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: Since my report of the 15th, which I inclose, I have seen some of the men with
me at the time of the attack, and am happy to learn that all escaped in the woods excepting four,
who were captured but made their escape the first night; all of whom returned to Goldsborough
and have just rejoined their several commands.
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. C. ROGERS,
Assistant Surgeon, Thirtieth Iowa.
THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT,
In the Field, near Raleigh, N. C., April 15, 1865.
GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report, after having complied with orders
from Surg. John Moore, medical director, Army of the Tennessee, and provided for those who
were unable to proceed with their commands:
The army moved from Goldsborough on Monday, April 10, I following on the next day with
twenty-three hospital attendants and convalescents About nine miles from Goldsborough, at the
plantation of Jack Coley, I was informed by negroes that there were bushwhackers near, and had
been at this place but a short time before. I at once had all those who had guns (being only nine)
to load them and proceed cautiously forward. But we had
advanced less than one mile when we
37
were attacked by a mounted force, compelling us to take to the woods for shelter. Myself, with
one of the drivers, returned on the road to Coley's place and were directed by the blacks to take a
by-road around the plantation, which would enable us to reach the railroad. In this we succeeded,
crossing the railroad half a mile below Pikeville. We then overtook the rear guard of the main
train, and I then returned to the point of attack with Lieutenant Harvey and nine men of the
Thirty-first Iowa. We found our train had been plundered of everything. I lost all my personal
effects and all my papers, both private and official. None of the men could be found, and after
cheering and receiving no response, we gathered up the remnants of our train and joined the
main train about midnight. I have since seen one of the party attacked, William Michael, Eightythird
Indiana, Company G, who says that he was the only one of the twenty-two who took to the
woods who escaped, he having secreted himself till after dark and then came in. I have been
informed by a soldier who was in the vicinity at the time of the attack (which was about 4 p.m.)
that just before dark he heard a volley of fifteen or twenty guns. I fear they have all been shot. I
also was told by the negroes that the son of Jack Coley, and also the son of Bill Lewis, were with
the bushwhackers. This was also confirmed by a family of whites near by; who had seen a party
of nine or ten just before dark.
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. C. ROGERS,
Assistant Surgeon, Thirtieth Iowa.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Raleigh, N. C., April 22, 1865.
Respectfully returned to Assistant Surgeon Rogers, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, who will please
indorse any additional information or confirmation that he may have concerning the affair
referred to within. He will also give the name and regiment of the soldier who gave him the
information that at dark on the evening of the attack some fifteen or twenty shots were heard.
Was it near the place, or where the prisoners were supposed to have been carried? Did
Lieutenant Harvey make any search through the timber and country after evidence of the missing
men? This paper merely speaks of him and his men cheering without receiving any response.
Was there any evidence further than the fact that some soldier heard fifteen or twenty shots fired
that led Surgeon Rogers to believe the prisoners were foully dealt with?
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. R. Woods:
F. H: WILSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
OFFICE ACTING ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,
Neuse River, N. C., April 30, 1865.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this
command from the 15th instant:
April 15, remained in camp on Crab Tree Creek. Orders for march were countermanded.
Received one deserter from enemy. April 16 and 17, remained in same position. April 18, moved
back to city and camped one mile east on Mordecai's plantation, having marched three miles and
a half. April 19 to 22, were devoted to drills, cleaning camp, parades, reviews, &c. April 23, the
Second and Third Brigades were reviewed by the division commander. April 24, the First
Brigade was reviewed by the division commander. Saber
drill at division headquarters by
38
General Hazen. April 25, division was reviewed by General Grant. April 26 and 27, spent in
drilling and making preparations for marching. April 28, in compliance with General Orders, No.
28, dated headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, Raleigh, N. C., April 26, 1865, the Fifty-sixth
Illinois Infantry, Tenth Iowa Infantry, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, and
First Battalion Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry were assigned to this command for duty. April 29,
marched at 9 a.m., reaching the Neuse River at Rogers' Bridge at 4 p.m., and camped two miles
beyond at 5 p.m., having marched eleven miles. April 30, remained in same position and made
periodical muster.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. A. EARNEST. Capt.,
30th Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., 2d Div., 15th A. C.
Lieut. Col. S. D. NICHOLS,
Acting Assistant Inspector-General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command
during the recent campaign from Savannah, Ga., to this place:
In compliance with orders I broke camp at Savannah, Ga., at 6 a.m. January 19, 1865, and
moved with the Second Brigade of my division in advance, crossing the Savannah River on
pontoons to Hutchinson's Island. Here I found the roads badly cut up, almost impassable, and
consequently the movements were slow, thence crossing on pontoons to Pennyworth's Island.
Arriving at the last pontoon I found it unsafe to cross; several of the boats were loose, and the
officer in charge making no efforts, or very faint ones, for its safety. I at once detailed fifty men
to report to him, and by a little urging succeeded in getting it in position and made fast, having
been delayed one hour. Having crossed over to Cheves' rice plantation, I moved over one of the
causeways running through the plantation, which for some distance was high but quite narrow,
barely admitting the passage of wagons. About this time (9.30 a.m.) it commenced raining
slightly, and it was evident that unless we could cross before it rained much it would be
impossible to get through, as our heavy wagons would soon cut down the slight embankment. I
therefore made every effort to reach the Union Causeway as soon as possible. Upon reaching the
latter point, finding that the train was moving without difficulty, and as I thought it had not
rained sufficiently to soften the roads, I pushed forward as rapidly as possible to New River
bridge, to clear the road for the Fourth Division, following me, and at the same time, if
necessary, cover the working party (from the Fourth Division) constructing a bridge across New
River. I arrived at 1 p.m. with head of column, and about 2 p.m. Battery B, First Michigan
Artillery, wagon train of Second Brigade, ammunition, and nearly all of the supply train came
into camp well closed up, having marched a distance of twelve miles. At about 11 a.m. it
commenced raining very hard, and continued to do so during the day. At about 3 p.m. it was
reported to me that the water about the plantation referred to had swollen so that the corduroy on
the low portions of the causeway, or dike, had floated off, and that in consequence a few wagons
of the supply train were stalled, and that the First Brigade, in the rear, could not come forward. I
at once sent one of my staff officers (Captain Wellman) to direct Col. J. B. McCown,
commanding First Brigade, to have the contents of the wagons carried by the men of his
command, and to have the wagons dragged through to this side. I also directed Captain Wellman
to communicate with Brig. Gen. J. M. Corse and report to him the condition of the roads as he
(Wellman) might find them. Captain Wellman found that owing to the sudden and unlooked-for
rise in the Savannah River the whole of the country over
which we had passed was submerged,
39
and only succeeded in reaching Colonel McCown by leaving his horse and wading in places up
to his armpits.
I was not aware of the extent of the flood until the next morning (20th) when I rode down
intending to report our condition in person, thinking I could make my way to Savannah via
Scribner's [Screven's?] Ferry; but this was impossible; the whole country to the extent of three
miles back from the river was submerged. In the meantime I directed Colonel McCown to return
to Savannah with his command and all of his wagons, abandoning such wagons as he could not
get off. This was done with a loss of nine wagons of the supply train, together with their
contents. Captain Wellman joined me on the Union Causeway at about 4 p.m., having just
succeeded in getting back. Finding that the troops and nearly all of the wagons would be saved I
ordered the pioneer corps of my own and of the Fourth Division, which had been sent to assist
the trains, to return to camp near New River bridge, where I arrived at about 9 p.m., and found
the camps covered with water to the depth of from six inches to two feet. There had been no
cessation of rain since noon of the 19th instant. Our advent upon sacred soil was not calculated to
produce a very good impression, and I fear that some of our officers and men lost their usual
equanimity of temper. Our camps were on the site of one formerly occupied by the chivalry, who
had dug, I suppose in a dry season, a number of wells from twelve to fifteen feet deep. These
being now full could not be seen, and a number of men contributed to the merriment of their
comrades by suddenly disappearing from view. I was a victim to some extent. Upon my return to
camp, tired and hungry, I called upon the major dome of our mess for something to eat. He
presented himself with a pig's foot in one hand and some hard-tack in the other. This unusual
proceeding I resented, when he informed me that "dere was no plate, knife and fork, left; dey
was all clean done gone." Upon inquiry I ascertained that he had taken a plunge and deposited
the whole of our scanty mess kit in one of these wells. January 21, broke camp at 8.30 a.m.;
detained by pioneers not having closed up with the command on the 20th, as ordered. Crossed
New River and marched eleven miles, going into camp at 3.30 p.m., three miles south of
Hazzard's Bridge. Seven small bridges were built and 380 yards of road corduroyed. It rained all
day and three miles of the road was covered with water to the depth of from one to two feet.
January 22, broke camp near Hazzard's Bridge at 7 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at
4 p.m. on J. J. Huguenin's plantation, near Bee's Creek; rained hard all day; built five small
bridges, in the aggregate seventy feet. About four miles of the road was through swamps,
covered with water and very bad. January 23, broke camp near Bee's Creek at 8.30 a.m.;
marched ten miles and encamped near Pocotaligo at 3 p.m.; rained all day; corduroyed 480
yards of the road. January 24 to 29, inclusive, in camp, getting supplies for next movement;
weather clear with cold winds. January 30, command broke camp (the First Brigade, Brig. Gen.
W. T. Clark commanding, having reported at 9 a.m.), near Pocotaligo at 12 m., and marched six
miles, encamping one mile west of McPhersonville. Weather clear and pleasant. January 31,
remained in camp.
February 1, broke camp near McPhersonville, S. C., at 7 a.m., under orders to follow the First
Division. Did not get the road until 11 a m.; marched fifteen miles and encamped at Hickory
Hill, head of column arriving at 5.30, and rear guard at 10 p.m.; roads cut badly. February 2,
broke camp at 9 a.m., to follow Second Division; 12 m. before rear of Second Division passed;
marched ten miles and encamped at Anderson's Cross-Roads, advance arriving at 5, and rear
guard at 8 p.m.; weather clear and pleasant; roads bad; crossed several small streams. February 3,
broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched to Duck Creek; distance, five miles; weather cloudy with rain;
foragers had a sharp skirmish with the enemy's pickets on Duck Creek for possession of a mill
which they captured, together with a quantity of corn meal, without loss. The Fourth Regiment
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was ordered to cross Duck
Creek and encamp, which was done
40
without opposition from the enemy. Division encamped at 2 p.m. February 4, broke camp at 6
a.m.; weather cloudy with rain; roads in places very heavy; marched ten miles and encamped at
Harrison's Cross-Roads, near Wills Creek. February 5, broke camp at 7 a.m.; weather cloudy;
crossed Big Salkehatchie River at Buford's Bridge, passing through one mile of swamp on
causeways bridged at twenty-six places; marched four miles and encamped at Moye's plantation
at 10 a.m. February 6, broke camp at 6 a.m.; weather cloudy. About two miles from Lane's
Bridge over the Little Salkehatchie, the enemy's pickets were discovered. Two companies of the
Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry were deployed and thrown forward in advance of the column.
The enemy retiring rapidly, we advanced in this manner to the river, and upon reconnoitering
found that there was a narrow causeway leading to the bridge which had been obstructed by
felling trees. It was supposed also that the enemy had works on the other side, which proved true.
I at once made preparation to force the crossing and directed Col. C. R. Wever, commanding the
Second Brigade, and in the advance, to send one regiment (the Tenth Iowa) about three-quarters
of a mile to our left, at a mill, and one regiment (the Eightieth Ohio) about the same distance to
the right, to protect our flanks, and also, if possible, to effect a crossing, and attack the enemy in
flank. The Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was ordered to make a direct attack from both
sides of the road. These dispositions having been made, the skirmishers from the center plunged
into the swamp, the water up to their knees, and the thickets so dense that it required such
energetic action as none but our brave soldiers possess to penetrate them at all. After contending
with these difficulties a short time a lively skirmish fire was opened. A section of artillery was
now brought up and a few shots fired to develop the enemy's guns, if he had any. Not receiving
any reply the order was given to the center to force their way through, which they did, gallantly
wading the main stream, waist deep, the enemy retiring precipitately, and halting on a ridge half
a mile distant, where they showed themselves in full force to the number of from 1,200 to 1,500
cavalry. The regiment in advance hastily threw up a slight work of rails, until support should got
across, when skirmishers were again deployed and advanced upon the enemy; but as usual they
proved themselves very discreet, and fled faster than we could follow. Our casualties were five
men slightly wounded. The command encamped on Doctor Fishburn's plantation on the road to
Bamberg. Distance marched, ten miles.
February 7, broke camp at 8 a.m.; rained all night and continues to do so to-day; in charge of
trains of First and Second Divisions; roads bad, requiring a great deal of work; marched five
miles and encamped near Bamberg Station, on the South Carolina Railroad. February 8,
remained in camp; weather clear and cool. First Brigade was detailed to destroy three miles of
South Carolina Railroad, which was thoroughly done. February 9, broke camp at 6.30 a.m.;
weather clear and cool; marched seven miles and encamped two miles northwest of Graham's
Turnout. February 10, remained in camp during the a.m.; weather clear and cool. The First
Brigade destroyed two miles and a half of South Carolina Railroad. The Second Brigade
completed the destruction of about one mile and a half of same road, which had been imperfectly
done by the Twentieth Army Corps. Broke camp at 3 p.m.; marched three miles and a half and
encamped at cross-roads near Holman's Bridge. February 11, broke camp at 6.30 a.m., crossed
the South Edisto River on pontoons, passed through Willow Swamp, the water for one mile
about two feet deep, and marched sixteen miles, encamping at Poplar Springs at 4.30 p.m.; roads
good; weather cool. February 12, broke camp at 8.30 a.m. The Second Division, in advance, had
a skirmish with the enemy at Shilling's Bridge, over North Edisto River. Was ordered to hold my
command in readiness to support the Second Division, but it was not required. The division
commenced crossing the North Edisto River on pontoons at dark and encamped near the
Orangeburg road. The rear guard did not arrive in camp until 1 a.m. 13th instant; distance
marched, five miles; weather warm and sultry. February 13,
broke camp at 6.30 a.m.; marched
41
seventeen miles and encamped near Big Crotchpen Creek; weather clear and cool; roads good.
February 14, broke camp at 9 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at 3 p.m. near Sandy
Run Post-Office; roads good. Wagons moved in double column, the troops on either flank.
Weather cloudy and cool. February 15, broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched to Bates' Ferry, on the
Congaree River, where, in compliance with orders, a demonstration to cross was made. We
discovered upon the opposite side a picket guard of from twenty-five to thirty men. Our
skirmishers opened fire upon them, which they returned, seemingly disposed to contest the
ground. In the meantime I ordered one section of Battery B, First Michigan Artillery, in position,
and made such disposition of my command as would create the impression that I had a much
larger force. A few well directed shells dispersed the enemy's pickets, and they did not again
make their appearance. The crossing at this point was practicable, had it been desirable. At dark,
in compliance with instructions, I withdrew my command, leaving one regiment on picket, with
instructions to keep fires burning for a distance of one mile and a half along the river, thereby
giving the appearance of a large camp. The command encamped near Tom's Creek. Distance
marched, six miles. February 16, broke camp at 7 a.m. The supply trains of the divisions were
massed. The command during a portion of the day were near Congaree Creek awaiting orders. In
the p.m. moved up, crossing the Saluda River, near Saluda Factory, on pontoons at 11.30 p.m.
and encamped at 1.30 a.m. on the 17th on Columbia road near Broad River bridge. Distance
marched, five miles. February 17, remained in camp until 3 p.m. and then following the Second
and Fourth Divisions crossed Broad River on pontoons, and marched through Columbia to camp
one mile east of the city. Observing that soldiers were obtaining liquor freely, I gave orders that
no one should leave camp, and remained with my command. February 18, command in camp. A
detail of 500 men each, from the First and Second Brigades, properly officered for fatigue duty,
together with the pioneer corps and fifty wagons, reported to Captain Buel, chief ordnance
officer, to destroy public works, machinery, ordnance, ordnance stores, and ammunition, of
which there were large quantities. February 19, the work of demolishing stores of all kinds
continued. During the day an explosion took place near the river, where a detail of the Sixty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry were unloading ammunition and throwing it into the river, caused by
the reckless habits our soldiers get into by their familiarity with danger. By this explosion Capt.
W. M. Davis, Jesse Johnson, and James Kilpatrick, of Company F, Sixty-third Illinois Volunteer
Infantry; and Coleman P. Wright, of the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, were instantly killed.
Twenty-one men of the Sixty-third Illinois were severely burnt and wounded. (Sergeant Dalbey
is dead.) One wagon and six mules were burned up and a number of animals more or less
injured. I am unable to report the amount of machinery, ordnance, ordnance stores, and
ammunition destroyed by the detail from my command, but some idea may be formed from the
fact that it occupied 1,200 men (including pioneer corps) and 50 wagons from 1 p.m. on the 18th
until 6 p.m. on the 19th. February 20, broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched out on Camden road
twenty-two miles, encamping at 4 p.m. near Rice Creek; weather clear and roads good. February
21, broke camp at 12 m. and marched seventeen miles, encamping at Harrison's Cross-Roads at
11 p.m., rear guard arriving at camp at 12.30 a.m. 22d. February 22, broke camp at 7 a.m. and
marched to Peay's Ferry, on the Wateree River, arriving at noon. At this point all surplus animals
were turned over to Col. G. L. Fort, chief quartermaster. Command commenced crossing on
pontoons at dark and encamped near the river between the hours of 8.30 and 11.30 p.m.; distance
marched, eleven miles. February 23, broke camp at 6.30 a.m. and marched eighteen miles,
encamping at 3.30 p.m. on J. R. Dye's plantation, near Flat Rock; weather cloudy; country very
broken; roads good. February 24, broke camp at 6.30 a.m. and marched sixteen miles, encamping
at 5 p.m. at West's CrossRoads. Quite a large force of Butler's cavalry was seen during the day
upon our left flank, but they kept at a respectful
distance. Weather was rainy and road in bad
42
condition. February 25, at about 10 a.m. Young's command, of Butler's division, cavalry, 600 or
700 strong, captured 7 wagons, 7 enlisted men, and 4 contrabands while after corn at a plantation
two miles in rear of the camp. Some of the enemy came up to within fifty yards of our picketposts,
when one of their horses was shot. This being reported to me I ordered one regiment to
move out to drive them off and if possible recover our wagons. The Forty-eighth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer. Infantry was selected, and deploying skirmishers moved out, driving the
enemy back, off the Camden road. Our wagons, however, had been driven rapidly over the
bridge across Little Lynch's Creek, and having no mounted force I could not pursue them. In this
skirmish we lost 2 enlisted men killed and 1 wounded. Two of our men were brutally murdered,
in plain view of our skirmishers, after having surrendered, in retaliation for which I ordered two
of their men, who were taken in our uniform, to be shot, which was done on the spot. All
necessary dispositions were made to guard the camp against surprise in the event that there was a
large force, but we were not molested any further. February 26, broke camp at 9 a.m. and
marched twelve miles, encamping at 4.30 p.m. at Kelly's Bridge, on Lynch's Creek. February 27,
28, and March 1, the command remained in camp at Kelly's Bridge waiting for a bridge to be
built across Lynch's Creek, the water being too high to ford. My pioneer corps was ordered to
assist that of General Hazen's in constructing the bridge. On the 28th the trains were inspected,
and about 3,000 pounds of tobacco and sundries, which had gathered since a similar inspection
was made at West's Cross-Roads, was thrown out.
March 2, broke camp at 2 p.m. and following the Second Division crossed Lynch's Creek
over a bridge about 580 yards long, which had been constructed by the pioneer corps, and
marched seven miles, encamping at 8 p.m. at Kellytown. March 3, broke camp at 6 a.m. and
crossed Black Creek, on Camden and Cheraw road. Just before arriving at this point I rode about
half a mile in advance of the column to examine the crossing at the creek, which I found in bad
condition, and requiring considerable work to make it passable. While waiting the arrival of the
command I heard five distinct and successive reports of a pistol, and ten minutes after five more,
not fired rapidly, but rather deliberately. I thought it some thoughtless person at the head of the
column discharging his pistols. I was vexed, as these things, if done in my command, are in
violation of positive orders. I soon learned, however, that Lieut. Col. James Isaminger, of the
Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, had been captured by a squad of twenty rebels
clothed in the uniform of our soldiers. Colonel Isaminger had been detached from his regiment
for a few days, and was in charge of the pioneer corps. He had ridden 200 or 300 yards ahead of
the column, and discovering the road obstructed by a tree that had fallen he sent back to the
pioneer corps for a few axmen to come forward and clear the road. He was thus engaged when
these men, whom from their dress he supposed to be our men, approached him, without
suspicion on his part. This occurred within 200 yards of the advancing column, but owing to a
hill between them could not be seen. The pioneers returning to the head of the column gave the
alarm, when the advanced guard immediately deployed. (As soon as I learned what had taken
place I sent my mounted men in pursuit.) It would seem that after capturing Colonel Isaminger
they rode off a short distance, say 200 or 300 yards, and halted, and so completely deceived were
our men as to their appearance that two mounted men from the train rode up to them, seeing
Colonel Isaminger with the group, inquiring where the "rebs" were. One of the men was taken
prisoner, the other, refusing to surrender, was killed. Had our men known they were enemies
they would not have escaped so easily.
I regret the loss of Colonel Isaminger, as he has proven himself one of the most reliable and
energetic officers in the command.
Division marched twenty-nine miles, two of which was cut through the woods on the side of
the main road, and encamped at 6.30 p.m. on the Widow
Campbell's plantation, on Juniper
43
Creek. Weather during the a.m. cloudy and rainy. March 4, broke camp at 7 a.m. and following
the remainder of the corps marched eight miles, passing over Thompson's Creek, through
Cheraw, and encamping one mile northwest of town on Chesterfield road. March 5, broke camp
at 6.30 a.m.; crossed Big Pedee River. About two miles from the river our foragers ran into what
was supposed to be a picket-post, but what proved to be a portion of the rear guard of the enemy
moving out on the Rocking-ham road. The advance guards were deployed and were soon
engaged in a skirmish with them. They retired precipitately, abandoning 2 caissons, 2 forges, and
1 battery wagon, at the edge of Harrington's farm. Two miles farther on the road they cut three
horses from and abandoned two more caissons. All the ammunition chests were filled with light
12-pounder ammunition. They were all destroyed. Command marched four miles, encamping on
Grant's plantation, near Phill's Creek. March 6, command remained in camp, running four gristmills;
weather clear and cool. March 7, broke camp at 9 a.m.; marched twelve miles and
encamped at 2.30 p.m., one mile from the State line, on Oldham's plantation. March 8, broke
camp at 9 a.m.; marched thirteen miles and encamped at Laurel Hill. Rained hard all day, and the
roads were heavy. The trains and rear guard arrived at camp at 3 a.m. on the 9th. March 9, broke
camp at 7 a.m. The roads continued good and the trains moved along well until 2 p.m., when it
commenced raining very hard. The roads, as soon as they got wet, seemed to melt away, and for
four miles, before reaching Gilchrist's Bridge, it was impossible to find enough solid ground for
a mule to stand upon. I cannot find language to describe the condition of our trains; it must have
been seen to be appreciated. By the indomitable energy of the First Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. T.
Clark commanding, amid torrents of rain, they succeeded in reaching our camp at Colonel
McCann's residence, near Randallsville, at 6.30 the next morning. The Second Brigade had been
sent forward from Gilchrist's Bridge, and encamped at 8 p.m. near Randallsville; distance
marched, twelve miles. March 10, broke camp at 9 a.m.; crossed Raft Swamp and encamped at 6
p.m.; distance marched, five miles. March 11, broke camp at 10.30 a.m. Just as the rear of the
division was moving out of camp a small party of the rebel cavalry, dressed in our uniform,
dashed up, cut out two horses from an ambulance, and succeeded in getting off with them.
Marched six miles and encamped at 11 p.m. at Nelson's Post-Office. It is nearly a continuous
swamp from Gilchrist's Bridge to Rockfish Creek. Weather clear. March 12, broke camp at 9
a.m.; marched seven miles and encamped at 6 p.m. two miles from Fayetteville on the left of the
plank road. Weather clear. March 13, command remained in camp. Weather clear and warm.
March 14, broke camp at 11 a.m.; crossed Cape Fear River on pontoons at 4 p.m. and encamped
one mile from crossing. Rear of command reached camp at 11 p.m.; distance marched, three
miles and a half; weather warm and cloudy. March 15, during the a.m. the non-veterans of the
division, principally from the Fifty-ninth Indiana and Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, were
ordered to proceed as guard to refugees, white and black, to Wilmington, N. C., and upon their
arrival there to be mustered out of service. Broke camp at 2.30 p.m. and marched twelve miles,
encamping two miles from South River at 6.30 p.m. Weather was rainy and roads very bad.
March 16, broke camp at 9 a.m. The crossing at South River was in very bad condition. My
command was delayed at this point by Fourth and Second Divisions until 3 p.m. Had great
difficulty in getting my wagons across. Marched seven miles over very bad roads and encamped
at forks of road near the head of Jones' Swamp. March 17, broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched eight
miles and encamped at 3 p.m. at Jackson's Cross-Roads; weather clear; roads bad. March 18,
broke camp at 7 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at Newton's Cross-Roads at 4 p.m. A
rebel cavalry picket having been reported be one mile out on our front, I sent the Sixty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry to reconnoiter. The regiment went out three miles without meeting an
enemy, but saw quite a large force of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps bummers. Weather
cloudy; roads good. March 19, broke camp at 6 a.m., with
the expectation of marching to
44
Goldsborough. The officers and men were very much elated at the prospect. The crossing at
Falling Creek was very bad, the water being deep, and the corduroy on the bottom being full of
holes. From this point I moved on with the advance of the division (Second Brigade), and a
portion of the train (including department and corps headquarters), to Falling Creek School-
House. Being ordered to halt, I sent one regiment (the Eightieth Ohio) to cover the Goldsborough
road; one (the Tenth Iowa) was sent out in charge of Lieut. Col. William E. Strong, of General
Howard's staff, to reconnoiter toward Cox's Bridge, and one (the Fifty-sixth Illinois) was left as
guard with the trains. At 4 p.m. the First Brigade, with the remainder of the trains, arrived. At 5
p.m. that portion of the Second Brigade in camp and on Goldsborough road (Fifty-sixth Illinois
and Eightieth Ohio) was ordered forward to Cox's CrossRoads to the support of the Tenth Iowa,
it being reported that the enemy were moving toward us in considerable force. The First Brigade
encamped at 6 p.m. on the left of the Cox's Bridge road, one mile from the school-house, where a
line of works was thrown up. Heavy firing on the left was heard during the day, occasioned, it
was reported, by an attack upon the Fourteenth Corps. Distance marched, fifteen miles; roads
very bad in places; weather clear and cool. March 20, in compliance with orders received, the
Second Brigade, Col. C. R. Wever commanding, with one section of Battery B, First Michigan
Artillery, moved down toward Cox's Bridge. After a sharp skirmish for one hour our men
penetrated the swamps and thickets, and, obtaining a good position, succeeded in driving the
enemy to the other side of the river. The enemy used artillery freely, having four guns in
position, completely covering the bridge and narrow road leading to it. Our guns could not be
used with effect, as we could not get a position in range for them. At 7.45 a.m. we had
possession of the bridge and completed its destruction, which had already been commenced by
the enemy, who fired it as they retired to the opposite side. At 8.30 a.m. I moved forward,
following the Fourth Division, with the First Brigade and artillery, to Bentonville Cross-Roads,
and placed my command in line, as reserve, in rear of the First Division. The Second Brigade,
which had been left at Cox's Cross-Roads as guard for the trains of the corps, came up with the
same at 5 p.m. Our loss in the skirmish at Cox's Bridge was three wounded. One of the men has
since died. March 21, position of command unchanged. March 22, the enemy having retreated
during last night, the division remained in camp. March 23, broke camp at 7.30 a.m.; marched
via Falling Creek School-House and encamped at 3.30 p.m. near Falling Creek, on Everettsville
road; distance marched, twelve miles; roads good. March 24, broke camp at 7 a.m.; crossed
Neuse River, near railroad bridge, on pontoons, marched through Goldsborough, and encamped
at 4 p.m. in line one mile east of town, the left of the command resting on the New Berne
railroad; distance marched, nine miles; weather clear and windy.
In concluding my report, I beg to return my sincere thanks to Brig. Gen. W. T. Clark,
commanding First Brigade, and Col. C. R. Wever, commanding Second Brigade, as well as
regimental commanders, for their active and cheerful co-operation during the most laborious
campaign of ancient or modern history, taking into consideration the character of the country,
with its innumerable rivers and swamps, hitherto considered impassable by all military men, save
our indomitable leader. The cheerful conduct of our men on their toilsome marches, making
roads, wading streams and swamps, often up to their waists, almost daily, and during the last
twenty days many of them without shoes, merits the highest consideration that can be given
them. There can be no better soldiers.
To my staff--Capt. S. M. Budlong, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. H. Skinner, assistant
quartermaster; Capt. Jasper Johnson, commissary of subsistence; Capt. J. W. Roberts, acting
assistant inspector-general; Capt. J. E. Simpson, aide-de-camp; Lieut. Col. S. M. Archer, division
officer of the day, and Capt. D. L. Wellman, provost-marshal--I am much indebted for the
efficient manner in which they have discharged their
duties.
45
I would respectfully recommend for promotion Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, for his soldierly qualities. His gallantry upon all occasions, particularly
during the assault, October 5, 1864, upon Allatoona, Ga., when he was severely wounded, but
remained at his post, which he commanded during the Atlanta campaign, merits consideration.
I would also respectfully recommend that Capt. Syria M. Budlong, assistant adjutant-general,
be promoted to the rank of major and assistant adjutant-general, for the able and efficient manner
in which he has discharged his duties. Captain Budlong has been in all the battles of the West,
from Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh (where he was severely wounded), Siege of Corinth,
Mississippi campaign, all of the battles in rear of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Georgia and
Carolina campaigns, and in all he has proven himself a worthy officer for the consideration of
the War Department.
The distance marched from Savannah Ga., is 485 miles, number of marching days 46,
making an average of 10 25/46 miles per day. I also submit herewith reports of casualties, as
received from brigade commanders, and tabular statements of amount of forage and supplies,
and number of horses, mules, and vehicles of all sorts taken from the country, amount of
property destroyed, including railroads, gin-houses, resin and turpentine factories, &c.; also
number of rivers and swamps crossed, amount of work done by pioneer corps and command,
number of prisoners captured, Federal officers and enlisted men, and white and colored refugees
joined the command.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. E. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Asst. Adjt. Gen.,Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 30, 1865.
COLONEL: In compliance with instructions I have the honor to submit the following report
of the movements and operations of my command during the campaign just closed, beginning on
the 28th of January and ending on the 24th of March, 1865:
In order to connect and complete the military history of the operations of this division from
its occupation of Savannah, Ga., on the 21st day of December, 1864, to the present time, I would
briefly state that from the day my command entered Savannah up to the 20th day of January it
was engaged by heavy details, furnished daily, for fatigue duty in the city, besides one entire
regiment for special duty, reporting to the chief quartermaster of the army. On the 20th of
January, pursuant to orders from corps headquarters, I broke camp at an early hour, and moving
through the city commenced crossing my troops on pontoons to an island in the Savannah River,
preparatory to a movement across the main channel, and thence into South Carolina in the
direction of Pocotaligo, but had succeeded in crossing only a portion of my command when the
head of column came upon the rear of General Smith's division of this corps, whose trains and
one brigade of infantry were still upon the island and unable to make the pontoons over the left
channel of the river on account of the condition of the roads. At 5 p.m. General Smith's troops,
still being unable to make the crossing, and a violent rain-storm having set in about midday and
continued up to this hour without abatement, in compliance with instructions from the majorgeneral
commanding, I countermarched my division through the city and reoccupied the camps
vacated in the morning, where I remained until the 27th instant, the heavy rains making the roads
almost impracticable for the movement of army trains. During this interval I received
instructions from you, in substance as follows: To move my
command as soon as possible to
46
Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River, uniting there temporarily with the Left Wing of the army;
to cross the river and join my corps (which had left Savannah by water) at or near Hickory Hill,
S. C. In compliance with these instructions, on the 27th of January I pushed one brigade out in
the direction of Sister's Ferry to repair the road, and on the day following broke camp at 7 a.m.,
and with the remainder of my command moved upon the Sister's Ferry road to Keller's
plantation, a distance of twenty miles, uniting my command en route. Taking up my line of
march front this point I moved directly for Sister's Ferry, near which place I arrived on the 30th
instant, and reported to Major-General Slocum, from whom I ascertained that it would be utterly
impossible to move farther for several days, owing to the swamps on the opposite side of the
river being buried by water for several miles out, and in many places not fordable. Here I
remained until the 4th of February, furnishing in the meantime heavy details to be sent across the
river to corduroy the roads as fast as the water receded sufficiently to enable the men to work.
On the 31st of January I received instructions from corps headquarters to hasten forward with
my command as rapidly as possible to Hickory Hill, where corps headquarters would be
established on the 1st of February, the army being then in motion from Pocotaligo. On the
evening of the 4th instant I moved my command across the Savannah River, following General
Geary's division, of the Twentieth Corps, and bivouacked during the night on its opposite bank.
At daybreak on the 5th instant I threw forward three regiments to repair the road through Black
Swamp, and at 3 p.m., with twenty-two days' rations of hard bread and eighteen of sugar and
coffee, and carrying four days' rations on the person, I again took up my line of march, and
pushing across the dense swamp just referred to (being three miles wide), moved via Robertsville
to the right, crossing the Lawtonville and Lawtonville and Gillisonville roads and Coosawhatchie
Swamp, making Hickory Hill at dark on the evening of the 7th of February. At this point I
ascertained that the corps had passed but a few days before, and at once dispatched a staff officer
to you to report my progress and the roads which I should probably traverse in continuing my
march. I would here add that I left the line of march of the Left Wing at the junction of the
Sister's Ferry and Lawtonville roads, leaving that column to the left and continuing directly
forward on what the citizens designated as the Rock Spring road, bearing well to the left after
leaving Johnes' Pen Branch. Before leaving Hickory Hill I was joined by the Ninth Illinois
Mounted Infantry and its train of forty wagons on their way back from Pocotaligo, where they
had been with wounded men of their corps. At daybreak on the 8th I continued my march to the
right, upon the Sister's Ferry road, crossing Whippy Swamp and Great Salkehatchie at Rivers'
Bridge, thence across the Little Salkehatchie River and to the left upon the Holman's Bridge road
to Lee's plantation, near Graham's Turnout, on the South Carolina Railroad, where I arrived on
the evening of the 10th of February, having made a rapid march during that instant of twenty-two
miles, and placed my command in bivouac, being only four miles from headquarters of the corps,
with which I had opened communication during the day. Up to this time my command had been
compelled to contend with the most inclement weather and roads, which under other
circumstances would have been looked upon as almost impassable. The entire division was, as I
may say, organized into a temporary pioneer corps (my pioneer organization being absent with
the Seventeenth Army Corps), the men marching for miles with fence rails upon their shoulders
with which to corduroy the swamps and quicksand roads before a wagon could pass over them,
and in many instances performing the severest labor in water to their waists, remaining thus
exposed until in many cases they were brought from the water in a cramped and spasmodic
condition. Especially was this the case at Whippy Swamp.
Breaking camp at Lee's plantation at 6 a.m. the 11th of February, I moved rapidly forward,
crossing the Branchville and Augusta Railroad to Binnaker's Bridge, over the Little or South
Branch of the Edisto River, where, striking the rear of
the Seventeenth Army Corps, I made a
47
temporary halt, massing my command until I could get possession of the pontoons. At 1 p.m. I
crossed my command, and leaving to my right the road pursued by the Seventeenth Army Corps
moved to Hooper's plantation, where I was compelled to place my command in bivouac for the
night to wait for the Third and First Divisions to pass my head of column. Continuing my march
at daybreak on the 12th, I moved forward to the right, and following the road pursued by the
remainder of the corps arrived near the North Branch of the Edisto River at 11 a.m. and took up a
position on the left of the First Division, and in support of General Hazen, whose troops at that
time were skirmishing with the enemy on the opposite bank. At 6 a.m. on the 13th instant, the
enemy having been expelled from the river, I crossed the Edisto and moved forward, bearing
well to the left; crossed Little Beaver Creek and from thence to Sandy Run Post-Office, striking
at this latter point the Orangeburg and Columbia road, which I pursued to the left a distance of
four miles, and placed my command in bivouac at 10.30 a.m. on the 14th. The entire corps
concentrated at this point. At 8 a.m. on the 15th I moved out on the road above referred to in the
direction of Columbia, following in rear of the Second Division of this corps to Congaree Creek,
and from thence, on the 16th, to a position in front, in open view, and nearly in musket range of
the city of Columbia. It was here, and while throwing my troops into position, that Battery H,
First Missouri Light Artillery, of this division, silenced a rebel battery which was directing its
fire against the right of my infantry and trains of the corps, which were passing in easy range.
The firing of Callahan's battery was well executed and rapid, and no doubt saved our trains from
being stampeded by the enemy's fire. During the night of this day, pursuant to orders from corps
headquarters, I withdrew my command from its position and crossed the Saluda River to Dutch
Fork, and from thence, at 8 a.m. on the 17th, crossed Broad River (leaving my trains under a
sufficient guard) and moved through the city of Columbia to a position nearly east thereof and in
close proximity to the junction of the Charlotte and Charleston railroads. During the 18th and
19th of February my command was engaged in the destruction of the Charleston railroad, nine
miles of which was rendered completely useless, and a number of cars, a depot, bridges, tanks,
&c., burned, a tabular list of which you will find appended.
On the 20th, pursuant to orders from the major-general commanding corps, I moved my
command, via Hopkins' plantation, Traveler's Rest, and Muddy Springs, joining the corps near
Cane Creek, after an arduous march of twenty miles. At this point I was joined by my trains
which were left at Dutch Fork on the 17th of February. Breaking camp at 5.30 a.m. the 21st, I
moved past Round Top, across Twenty-five Mile Creek to the Camden road, at a point three
miles from Ridgeway; thence to the right, along the Camden road to its intersection with the
Rocky Mount road, down which I moved to Dutchman's Creek, having marched a distance of
twenty-one miles. Crossing this creek on the 22d instant, I continued my march, via Poplar
Springs and the intersection of the Carlyle Court-House and Winnsborough and Rocky Mount
roads, to Peay's Ferry, on the Wateree River. Crossing this river on pontoons on the 23d, I moved
in rear of the Second Division to Liberty Hill; thence to the right on the Camden road, to White
Oak Creek. Continuing my march from this point, I moved in advance of the Second Division in
the direction of Camden, crossing Saunders' Creek, at which point I detached a small force under
the command of Colonel Adams, with instructions to move through Camden, driving out any
force of the enemy he might encounter, and destroying all Government property, stores, and
cotton in the city, after which to join me during the night either en route or in bivouac. With the
remainder of my division I pursued a road to the left, and passing within two miles of Camden
struck the Cheraw and Camden road, upon which I moved my command to the left, crossing Big
Pine Tree Creek and going into bivouac on its right bank. Here I was joined by the detachment
sent through Camden, the commanding officer of which had carried out my instructions with a
celerity and promptness highly commendable, having driven
the enemy's cavalry from the place,
48
capturing a number of prisoners, and releasing a number of our own men picked up by the
enemy; also destroying Government buildings, subsistence stores, mills, &c., a condensed
statement of which you will also find appended to this report.
Breaking camp at 10.30 a.m. on the 25th of February, I continued forward on the Cheraw and
Camden road, moving via Pine Tree Meeting-House to Lynch's Creek, where I arrived on the
26th at 10.30 a.m., and found the low land contingent to the stream completely submerged, the
water being in some places four feet deep and extending over a flat of half a mile in breadth. The
bridge (Tiller's) across the main stream I found to be intact, although the road on either side was
impracticable for passing trains. In order to secure the bridges and occupy the position
designated by orders from corps headquarters, I succeeded in crossing my infantry and artillery,
although the men were compelled to wade in water to their waists, making a lodgment on the
opposite bank at 12.30 p.m. Before the troops had fairly made this lodgment, and while in the act
of returning their clothing, which had been stripped before fording the swamp and creek, the
foraging details from my own command and others of the corps had encountered the enemy's
cavalry and been driven in toward Tiller's Bridge, but were checked by the appearance of my
infantry and the addition of a few mounted men of the Seventh Illinois Volunteers. In the
promiscuous skirmishing which took place, nine of the enemy are known to have been killed,
besides a number of wounded and prisoners captured. It was here that Corpl. Elijah G. Davis,
Company I, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteers, distinguished himself, receiving seven wounds. The
services which he rendered are more particularly mentioned in my special report of that date. The
enemy's strength was variously estimated at from 500 to 2,000 men.
During the 27th and 28th of February, and until 1.30 p.m. March 1, my command was
engaged in building bridges and corduroy for the passage of my trains over Lynch's Creek.
Breaking camp at the hour above mentioned (1.30 p.m. March 1), I moved on the Cheraw and
Camden road, crossing Black, Juniper, and Thompson's Creeks to Cheraw, S. C., and from
thence to the left upon the Chesterfield road to Powe's plantation, two miles from the city, where
I placed my command in bivouac and position on the left of the First Division, Fifteenth Army
Corps, which position I retained until the 6th instant, with the exception of one brigade assigned
to provost duty in Cheraw, relieving a brigade of the Seventeenth Army Corps. Breaking camp
on the 6th instant at 7 a.m., I moved through Cheraw in rear of the First Division, and crossing
the Pedee River pursued the Fayetteville road, via Harrington's plantation and Grant's Mill, to
Irby's plantation, from thence to Goodwin's Mills, on Crooked Creek, via Irby's and Easterling's
Mills and the junction of the Bentonville [Bennettsville] and Cheraw roads, to Springfield, N. C.,
where I arrived on the 8th instant, a portion of my march being over the old Stage road. It was
during this instant that the Third Brigade of my division joined me, it having been detached as
escort to the pontoon trains from Cheraw.
Moving forward from this point at an early hour on the 9th instant, I made Laurel Hill via the
telegraph road at 10 a.m., and thence to Johnson's plantation, where I was compelled to halt at
midnight on account of the men and animals being completely exhausted, having marched over
flooded and almost impassable roads during a violent rain-storm, which had continued nearly the
entire day. At daybreak on the 10th instant I placed heavy details, in addition to my pioneer
corps, at work on the road, and succeeded in moving my entire command across Lumber River to
Parson McNeill's plantation, on the old Stage road, where I was compelled to make a halt to
enable the trains of the Second Division to cross Raft Swamp. As soon as I could get possession
of the road I sent three regiments and my pioneer corps into the swamp to repair bridges and
roads, and during the night moved my ordnance and supply trains across to Bethel Church and
started one brigade of infantry for the same point, but owing to the amount of labor to be
performed it did not reach its destination until daylight.
Breaking camp at 6 a.m. the 11th
49
instant., crossed Raft Swamp, and uniting my command at Bethel Church moved in rear of the
Second Division on the old Stage road, crossing Davis' and Big Rockfish Creeks, thence to the
right over fair roads, via Rockfish Factory, on Little Rockfish Creek, to the vicinity of
Fayetteville, N. C., arriving abreast of the Second Division, which had pursued a road parallel
and to my left. Here my command was placed in position and remained until the 14th instant,
when, crossing Cape Fear River, I took up a position two miles therefrom and in rear of the
Seventeenth Army Corps. It was during this halt that the refugees (white and colored), some
1,100 in number, and who had marched with my column from the Wateree River and subsisted
from my supplies, were dropped from my command and started to Wilmington. In compliance
with orders from corps headquarters I turned over for the use of these refugees such
transportation as I could spare, cast off all surplus baggage, and supplied my command with five
days' half rations preparatory to a movement in the direction of Goldsborough, N. C. Having
assigned my supply and the greater portion of my ordnance trains to the corps train, with a
sufficient guard, I moved forward upon the Goldsborough road to South River, where the enemy
was developed on its opposite bank, made up of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery posted in a
strong position, and the bridge over the main channel rendered impassable by the removal of the
planking. Throwing forward a line of skirmishers to engage the enemy, I succeeded in moving a
force to the left and commenced crossing, the men being compelled to ford the swamps, a
distance of 200 yards, but passing the channel of the river on boats floated down and made fast
for that purpose. Before this movement could be completed and the enemy assaulted, as was my
intention, night had set in, the intense darkness of which, accompanied by torrents of rain,
compelling the men to grope their way with great caution through the boggy swamp (covered
with three feet of water), and making it nearly midnight before a lodgment was made on the
opposite bank, when it was ascertained that the enemy had not waited to receive us, but had
taken advantage of the darkness to fall back in the direction of the Little Cohera Creek.
My thanks are due to the officers and men of the Seventh Iowa Volunteers for the energy
they displayed in crossing this river and overcoming the serious obstacles with which they had to
contend.
Upon receipt of the information of the flight of the enemy details were at once made to repair
the bridge, which labor was complete at 7.30 a.m. on the 16th instant, at which hour I crossed my
division, and continuing on the same road a distance of six miles, thence to the left to the
Fayetteville and Bentonville road, which I pursued to the right, crossing both Little and Big
Cohera Creeks, and arriving at Newton Grove on the 18th instant, taking up a position covering
the several roads which form a junction at this place. From this point I moved my command, in
rear of the First Division of this corps, on the direct Goldsborough road, crossing Falling Creek
to its intersection with the Bentonville road, which road I pursued to the vicinity of Mill Creek,
where I arrived on the 20th instant, taking up a position on the right of General Woods with two
brigades in line and one in reserve, with a strong line of skirmishers thrown forward to occupy
the right bank of the creek and swamp, confronting those of the enemy on the opposite bank.
This position was intrenched during the day and made secure against assault. During the 21st
instant new and advanced works were constructed and occupied, with the right thrown forward at
an angle of 35 degrees. With the exception of desultory firing by skirmishers no very active
operations had taken place along my front up to 2.30 p.m. of this instant, at which hour, reenforcing
my skirmishers, ordered an advance upon the rifle pits of the enemy, held by a strong
line of skirmishers, driving them from and taking possession of their works, but failed to hold
them owing to a flank fire received from the left, the brigade holding General Woods' right
failing to support the movement, and the close proximity of the enemy's pits to their main works
on the right of my line, which exposed the men to a
murderous fire. I, however, maintained an
50
advanced position, within easy musket-range of their main works, and successfully repelled
every attempt the enemy made to dislodge this line. Callahan's battery, on the right of my line,
was subjected to a warm fire whenever the enemy advanced, but both officers and men behaved
with great coolness, and used their guns against the enemy with fine execution. A brisk skirmish
fire was continued until long after dark. The loss to my division during the day was something
over forty killed and wounded. The reported loss of the enemy on my division front and that of
General Woods was 500 men, including prisoners. During the night of this instant the enemy
evacuated his works, falling back across Hannah's Creek, and at 3 a.m. on the 22d instant my
skirmishers took possession of the deserted works, pushing forward to the bridge over Hannah's
Creek, four miles distant, at which point the pursuit was stopped by orders from headquarters of
the corps and the men withdrawn to the rebel works. One brigade and the pioneer corps of this
division were during the day placed at work upon the roads, repairing them for the movement of
the corps, which labor was thoroughly performed.
Pursuant to orders received from corps headquarters I broke camp at 6.30 a.m. the 23d
instant, and, commencing a retrograde movement, marched to the right to the Goldsborough and
Smithfield road, thence to the left upon this road, crossing Falling Creek, where the command
was placed in bivouac. On the 24th instant the movement was continued across Neuse River,
through the city of Goldsborough, N. C., two miles to the east thereof, taking up a position on the
Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, which position is at this date thoroughly fortified.
Before closing this report I desire to bear witness to the universal good conduct of the
officers and soldiers of this division during the campaign just closed. During a long and arduous
march of about 500 miles, occupying fifty-five days, a portion of this time on one-third and onefourth
rations, marching over heavy roads, building bridges, and laying corduroy, and laboring in
water during the most inclement and coldest season of the year, without a murmur or complaint
from any.
To the several members of my staff I extend my warmest thanks for their cordial aid
throughout the campaign. It matters little whether in the swamp or on the battlefield, contending
with the elements or an enemy, they manifested such zeal, energy, and willingness of spirit in
each capacity, by night or by day, that I am happy to commend them to the especial notice of the
general commanding as worthy of his highest praise. Capt. L. H. Everts, assistant adjutantgeneral,
in addition to the arduous duties of his office, rendered services so valuable as to induce
me to recommend him to your favorable consideration for promotion in his department.
Permit me to respectfully call your attention to the tabular list or statement hereto appended,
and which embraces as fair an estimate as can possibly be procured.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. CORSE,
Brevet Major-General.
Lieut. Col. MAX WOODHULL,
A. A. G., Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, near Goldsborough, N. C., March 31, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and operations
of my brigade during the campaign from Savannah to this place:
In compliance with orders I moved my command from Savannah, in connection with the
division, on the 28th of January, on the Louisville pike toward Sister's Ferry, passing through
Springfield and reaching the ferry on the 30th. In consequence of the country being inundated
and it being necessary to construct new roads, the command
remained in camp until February 4,
51
when, the roads being completed, we crossed the Savannah River and passed through
Robertsville; crossed Big Salkehatchie River at Rivers' Bridge, Little Salkehatchie at Oatman's
Bridge, South Edisto at Binnaker's Bridge, and North Edisto River on the 13th. On the 16th
crossed Big Congaree Creek and reached the vicinity of Columbia, S. C. In compliance with
instructions I formed my brigade 100 yards from the bank of Congaree River, directly opposite
and in full view of the city. The enemy opened a section of artillery on my line, which was
promptly silenced by Battery H, First Missouri Light Artillery. A line of skirmishers which I
threw forward to the bank of the river prevented any further demonstration being made by the
enemy. Moved across Saluda River at Saluda Factory on the night of February 16, crossed Broad
River on the 17th, and passed through the city of Columbia and encamped about one mile
southeast of it. On the 18th and 19th destroyed three miles of track on the Columbia Branch of
the South Carolina Railroad. Moved with the division toward Poplar Springs, crossed Wateree
River at Peay's Ferry, passed through Kirkwood, and moved in the direction of Lynch's Creek at
Tiller's Bridge. The crossing of Lynch's Creek was effected with much difficulty, the water being
from knee to waist deep, and covering the road for three-quarters of a mile. After having crossed
I encountered the enemy (Wade Hampton's cavalry), who appeared in force and made two
charges on my line, but a strong skirmish line was sufficient to check and repel the charges and
capture a number of prisoners and horses.
It being necessary to construct a wagon bridge over the creek before the train could cross we
remained in camp until March 1. Moved on the Cheraw road; crossed Black and Thompson's
Creeks and entered Cheraw on the 4th. Crossed Great Pedee River at Cheraw on the 6th, and
moved in the direction of Fayetteville. Passed through Brightsville, Springfield, and Laurel Hill,
and crossed Shoe Heel Creek, Raft Swamp, and Lumber River, and reached the vicinity of
Fayetteville March 12. Crossed Cape Fear River on the 14th and moved toward Goldsborough.
Reached Black or South River on the 15th. The enemy (Butler's cavalry) having possession of
the opposite side of the river, I ordered the Seventh Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. C. Parrott
commanding, to proceed three-quarters of a mile above and effect a crossing if possible. At the
same time I sent three companies from Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry half a mile down the river
and deployed skirmishers in front for the purpose of making a demonstration. At about 7 o'clock
in the evening Colonel Parrott succeeded in effecting a crossing, being forced to wade a swamp
600 yards wide, where the water was from waist to shoulder deep, and ascertained that the
enemy had retired. Moved forward on the 16th, crossing Little and Big Cohera Swamps. Crossed
Falling Creek on the night of the 19th. Moved via Cox's Cross-Roads on the 20th to Mill Creek,
where the enemy was intrenched. I occupied a position assigned me in support of the Second and
Third Brigades. On the 21st the enemy's skirmishers were driven in and our line pushed farther
to the front. The enemy kept up a sharp fire on the skirmish line during the night and left our
front in the morning. Resumed our march to Goldsborough on the 23d; passed through the town
on the 24th, and went into camp about one mile east of it, near the railroad.
The following casualties have occurred during the campaign: 1 man killed, 3 men wounded,
20 men captured by the enemy, 3 men died from disease.
It is estimated that my command has marched 470 miles since leaving Savannah, and has
passed over thirty-eight miles of corduroy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. W. RICE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Capt. L. H. EVERTS,
A. A. G., Fourth Div., Fifteenth Army Corps.
52
HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND ILLINOIS VETERAN INFTY. VOLS.,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and
operations of this regiment during the campaign from Savannah to this place, in obedience to
General Orders, No. 8, dated headquarters First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps,
Goldsborough,N. C., March 27, 1865:
The regiment left camp at Savannah, Ga., on the morning of January 28, and marched
eighteen miles on the Louisville pike and encamped for the night. January 29, the regiment
marched nine miles nearly parallel with the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and encamped
for the night. January 30, the regiment marched fourteen miles and encamped near Sister's Ferry.
January 31, the regiment rested in camp.
February 1, the regiment was exercised two hours in the movements of the battalion by its
commanding officer. February 2, the regiment, in connection with the other regiments of the
brigade, was reviewed at 2 p.m. by Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. M. Corse, after which the regiment, with
the other regiments of the brigade, was exercised in the evolutions of the brigade by the same
officer. February 3, the regiment remained in camp. February 4, the regiment left camp at 4 p.m.;
moved across the Savannah River and encamped for the night two miles from the ferry. February
5: Company B, of this regiment, Capt. D. C. Smith commanding, was detailed for forage duty.
The regiment marched at 7 a.m., slowly, four miles, repairing the road through a swamp, and
encamped for the night near Robertsville, S. C. February 6, the regiment marched twelve miles
and encamped for the night. February 7, the regiment marched seven miles, slowly repairing the
road, and encamped for the night at Hickory Hill. February 8, the regiment marched twelve miles
and encamped for the night. February 9, the regiment marched six miles, crossed the
Salkehatchie River, and encamped for the night. February 10, the regiment marched twenty-two
miles in a northeast direction and encamped for the night. February 11, the regiment marched
seventeen miles in a northeast direction and encamped for the night. February 12, the regiment
marched six miles and encamped for the night. February 13, the regiment marched eighteen
miles and encamped for the night. February 14, the regiment marched six miles and encamped
on the Baker plantation. February 15, the regiment marched five miles and encamped near
Congaree Creek. February 16, the regiment marched at 12 m., crossed Congaree Creek,
marching in sight of the city of Columbia, S. C., by a circuitous route four miles, and about 1
p.m. it took a position in line of battle in the left center of the brigade, a few hundred yards from
the right bank of the Congaree. About 2.30 p.m. the regiment was moved to the rear 100 yards,
and rested until 5 p.m., when it moved to the pontoon bridge across Broad River about two miles
above the city, which, after some necessary delay by the train, was passed, and the regiment
bivouacked for the night two miles distant at 10 p.m. February 17, the regiment marched at 1
p.m. through Columbia and encamped for the night two miles southeast of the city. February 18,
the regiment marched parallel with the South Carolina Railroad seven miles toward Kingsville,
burned and destroyed half a mile of railroad, marched back three miles toward Columbia and
encamped for the night. February 19, the regiment marched eight miles toward Kingsville,
burned one-quarter of a mile of railroad, marched two miles north and encamped for the night.
February 20, the regiment marched twenty miles, reaching the Columbia and Camden road and
encamped. February 21, the regiment marched eighteen miles nearly north and encamped for the
night. February 22, the regiment marched eight miles and was assigned an advanced position to
guard a bridge and crossing over Wateree Creek, two miles to the left of the Peay's Ferry road
and four miles distant from said ferry. It having been reported to me by scouts that two soldiers
were lying dead across the creek, and about two miles distant, I sent out a detail of men who
found and buried them, and a description of said two men
and a paper found upon the person of
53
one are herewith inclosed, with the hope that it may lead to their identification. February 23, the
regiment rejoined the brigade at Peay's Ferry, crossed the river and encamped about ten miles
north of the ferry. First Lieut. M. Canon, with a portion of Captain Smith's company (B) having
been relieved from forage duty, rejoined the regiment during the day. February 24, the regiment
marched eighteen miles and encamped near Camden, S. C. February 25, the regiment marched
eight miles nearly east and encamped at 2 p.m. At 7 p.m. the regiment was ordered to report to
Lieut. Col. H. Van Sellar, Twelfth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and together with the
Seventh and Twelfth Regiments Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry moved to cross-roads about
three miles to the left and rear of the former camp, where it encamped for the night. February 26,
the regiment marched eight miles, waded Lynch's Creek, took a position on the left of the
brigade upon the bluff near the creek, and built breast-works in its front.
The regiment now remained in camp until the morning of March 2, when it marched nearly
northeast eight miles and encamped for the night. March 3, the regiment moved in the same
direction fourteen miles and encamped for the night four miles from Cheraw, S. C. March 4, the
regiment marched through Cheraw and encamped two miles north of the city. March 5, the
regiment remained in camp. March 6, the regiment marched back through Cheraw, crossed the
great Pedee River and encamped for the night about six miles east of the bridge. March 7, the
regiment marched ten miles and encamped three miles south of the State line. March 8, the
regiment marched eight miles and encamped in North Carolina. March 9, the regiment marched
ten miles northeast and encamped for the night. March 10, the regiment marched six miles and
encamped at 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., when it marched slowly in rear of the train three miles and
bivouacked at 3 a.m. March 11, the regiment marched at sunrise seventeen miles and encamped
for the night. March 12, the regiment marched nineteen miles and encamped two miles from
Fayetteville, N. C. March 13, the regiment rested in camp. Capt. D. C. Smith with the
detachment of Company B, which was on forage duty, reported to the regiment for duty, having
been relieved. March 14, the regiment moved across Cape Fear River and encamped two miles
from the bridge, after which it repaired the road back to the river. March 15, the regiment
marched twelve miles and encamped near the South Fork of Black River at 3 p.m. At 7 p.m. the
regiment moved down to the river and followed the Sixty-sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteer
Infantry, which waded the river to support the Seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers. While the
regiment was crossing the movement was arrested and the regiment ordered back to camp for
the night. March 16, the regiment marched ten miles and encamped for the night. March 17, the
regiment marched five miles and encamped for the night. March 18, the regiment marched
twelve miles and encamped for the night. March 19 the regiment marched very slowly eight
miles, crossed Mill Creek and was assigned an advance position half a mile to the left on a road
leading to Bentonville, where it arrived at 10 p.m. Relieved the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry and
built a protection of earth-works. March 20, the regiment marched at 7 a.m. fifteen miles and
took a position at 12 m. in the right center of the brigade and constructed works. The regiment in
conjunction with the rest of the brigade moved forward about 200 yards at sunset into the next
line of works, which were strengthened during the night. March 21, the regiment with the rest of
the brigade moved into the next line of works, distant about 300 yards, at 2 p.m. and encamped
for the night. March 22, the regiment rested in camp. March 23, the regiment marched twelve
miles toward Goldsborough and encamped for the night. March 24, the regiment marched ten
miles, crossed the Neuse River, passed through Goldsborough and encamped two miles east of
town.
The following is the list of the casualties which occurred in the regiment during the
campaign: Privates John W. Ramsdell, Company G, and George Goode, Company A, deserted
January 28, 1865; supposed to have gone back to Savannah.
Private Andrew S. Abbott,
54
Company G, deserted February 1, 1865; supposed to have gone back to Savannah. Sergt. Henry
Harman, Company A, wounded in left thigh before Columbia, S. C., February 16, 1865. Private
James Coffee, Company B, captured by the enemy near Florence, S. C., during the retreat of our
cavalry from that place March 6, 1865. Privates Charles M. Stanley, Company C, and John Igow
and C. A. Stoughton, Company B, missing since March 16, 1865; supposed to have been
captured.
Three miles of corduroy road is ventured as an estimate of the amount built by this regiment
during the campaign.
Four hundred and fifty miles is ventured as an estimate of the distance marched by the
regiment during this campaign.
I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. D. DAVIS,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fifty-second Illinois Infantry Vols.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. SIXTY-SIXTH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with General Orders, No. 8, headquarters First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, dated Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865, I have the
honor to submit the following report of the movements and operations of this regiment during
the campaign from Savannah, Ga., to this place:
January 28, this regiment (Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K) marched with the
brigade and division from Savannah, Ga., at 7 a.m. on the Louisville pike and encamped twenty
miles north of the city. January 29, moved at 7 a.m., this regiment being the rear guard; marched
about ten miles through a barren, swampy country, and encamped after nightfall three miles from
Springfield. January 30, this day the regiment was in advance of this division and reached
Sister's Ferry about 5 p.m.
January 31, February 1, 2, and 3, remained in camp, nothing of interest occurring. February
4, crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina and encamped ten miles beyond. February 5,
at 1 p.m. marched through a large swamp, the entire distance (about five miles) being
corduroyed. Encamped near Robertsville. February 6, moved at 7 a.m., passing through
Robertsville. Rain fell during the day. February 7, moved at 7 a.m.; roads very bad by reason of
the rain which fell in great quantities during the night. Crossed the head-waters of the Combahee
River. February 8 and 9, marched each day, nothing occurring worthy of notice. February 10,
this regiment, in advance of the division, passed through Buford's Bridge and encamped, having
marched about twenty miles the day. February 11, crossed the Charleston and Augusta Railroad
near Grahamville, also the South Edisto River and camped three miles beyond, marching
fourteen miles. February 12, marched at 6 a.m. and encamped near the North Edisto River.
February 13, crossed North Edisto River at 5 a.m., and continued the march on the Columbia
road, encamping for the night twenty-three miles from the city. February 14 and 15, moved in
the direction of Columbia, passing Sandy Run Post-Office. February 16, crossed the Saluda
River and encamped for the night on the peninsula formed by the Saluda and Broad Rivers.
February 17, moved at noon and crossed Broad River three miles above Columbia; marched
through it and encamped near and east of the city. February 18 and 19, the regiment was engaged
in destroying the track on the road leading to Charleston. February 20, marched at 7 a.m.,
passing through a sandy, barren plain. This was a very severe march on account of the scarcity of
water. February 21, marched early, passing Round Top, and
encamped on Harrison's plantation.
55
February 22, marched at 10 a.m.; roads good; country very hilly; encamped near the Wateree
River. February 23, crossed the Wateree River; passed through the village of Liberty Hill and
camped on the Camden road, having marched thirteen miles. February 24, moved at 9 a.m.;
rained very hard during the day; roads bad. Crossed Flat Rock Creek; passed through Kirkwood,
near Camden, and encamped three miles beyond. February 25, marched at 10 a.m. and encamped
six miles from Lynch's Creek. February 26, marched at 7 a.m.; crossed Lynch's Creek about
noon, the men wading; some skirmishing in front. Companies A and K, of this regiment, were
ordered on the skirmish line, but were not engaged. Having been assigned position, the men of
the regiment built a line of works equal to the front of the regiment. February 27 and 28,
remained in camp in the earth-works, during this time awaiting the crossing of the trains across
the creek.
March 1, marched at 3 p.m. on the Cheraw road, this regiment in rear of the division;
encamped on Black Creek. March 2 and 3, marched on the Cheraw road; crossed Black Creek
and encamped at Thompson's Creek. March 4, crossed Thompson's Creek and entered Cheraw
and encamped two miles north of town. The regiment remained in camp the following day.
March 6, this regiment, in rear of the division this day, crossed the Great Pedee River at 1.30
p.m. and camped for the night five miles beyond. March 7, marched in advance of the division
at 7 a.m.; roads were in excellent condition and the country much more productive than any
through which we have marched. Bivouacked for the night at Goodwin's Mills. March 8,
marched on the Fayetteville road; entered the State of North Carolina at 2.45 p.m.; encamped at
Springfield Post-Office for the night. March 9, left camp at 6 a.m.; passed through Laurel Hill.
The march this day was undoubtedly the most disagreeable of the campaign, the roads being
almost impassable on account of the rain, which fell in torrents for hours. March 10, crossed
Lumber River; marched three miles beyond, where this regiment was ordered to build corduroy
and a bridge across a stream in a swamp. March 11, moved at 9 a.m., this regiment in advance of
the division. The roads were in bad condition a great portion of the distance traveled. March 12,
marched on the Fayetteville road; passed through Rockfish village and encamped near
Fayetteville. Remained in camp the following day. March 14, moved at daylight ; crossed Cape
Fear River and encamped on the Wilmington road. March 15, marched on the Goldsborough
road and reached Black River late in the afternoon and encamped for the night. The enemy threw
one shell into our camp. March 16, at daylight this regiment waded the river and relieved the
Seventh Iowa Infantry, which was picketing the road on the opposite bank, having crossed the
night before. March 17, continued the march in the direction of Goldsborough, nothing of
interest occurring. March 20, 21, and 22, this regiment was not engaged in the fighting that
occurred during this time, being in reserve and occupying works built by the Eighty.-first Ohio
Infantry. March 23, the enemy having retreated, this regiment with the army took up the line of
march for Goldsborough, and on the 24th arrived at its present camp without the loss of an
officer or enlisted man killed, wounded, or captured by the enemy.
This regiment built probably one mile of corduroy road at different times and places.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROGER MARTIN,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army
Corps.
56
HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
SIR: In compliance with orders I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of my command during the campaign just closed:
The regiment left Savannah with the brigade to which it belongs on the 28th day of January,
1865. During the march to Columbia, S. C., nothing worthy of note occurred. Daily marches,
interspersed with making corduroy roads and passing difficult swamps, occupied the time till the
16th of February. On this day, while the army was passing up the river in front of Columbia, the
regiment, as a part of the brigade went into position on the banks of the river below the city. The
enemy soon advanced a line of skirmishers from the opposite side, to gain the river-bank.
Company G, First Lieut. J. A. De Muth commanding, was deployed in double-quick time and
succeeded in reaching the river before the enemy's skirmishers could do so; and, together with a
company from each of the other regiments in the brigade and the battery, succeeded in
preventing the enemy's line from gaining the river at all until our line was withdrawn. From this
time, in passing through Columbia, destroying the railroad below that town, and until the 26th of
February, nothing of interest occurred with which the regiment was specially connected.
On the 26th the regiment was the advance regiment of the division, and reached Lynch's
Creek at about 10 a.m. The creek was swollen and it was necessary to wade it. This was done by
the men, many of them stripping for the occasion, and the creek passed, the water being waistdeep
for about three-quarters of a mile. Company G was the advance guard of the division, and
crossed a short time before the regiment. Just as the advance of the regiment had reached the
other side, the enemy's cavalry made a dash upon the mounted men who had preceded. Company
G deployed as skirmishers, the men not having time to put on their clothing, and the enemy was
checked. The first few men who had reached the bank, twelve or fifteen in number, were sent
forward, under Captain Heaton, of Company E, to the assistance of Company G, and the
regiment was reformed as soon as the circumstances would admit, and advanced in line up the
road, Company H being sent forward on a road leading to the left, to meet a flank movement
should it be attempted. The remaining regiments of the brigade and a section of Battery H soon
came over, and the enemy after some more skirmishing retired.
From this time until the 20th of March nothing but the usual incidents of the march occurred.
On that day and the subsequent one, in the operations against the enemy near Bentonville, the
regiment did not become engaged, being in reserve.
During the campaign the regiment constructed about one mile and a quarter of corduroy road.
The distance traveled from Savannah to this place is about 470 miles.
The following is the list of casualties: Enlisted men--killed, Company A, 1; died of disease,
3; wounded, 1; captured, 16.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully,
N. B. HOWARD,
Colonel Second Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army
Corps.
57
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH IOWA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with General Orders, No. 8, headquarters First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, March 27, 1865, I respectfully submit the following
report of the movements and operations of the Seventh Iowa Veteran Volunteers during the
campaign from Savannah, Ga., to Goldsborough, N. C.:
The regiment left Savannah on the 28th day of January, 1865, at 7 a.m., moved on the
Louisville pike, and camped near Station No. 2, Georgia Central Railroad; distance marched,
eighteen miles. January 29, moved from camp at 6 a.m.; moved slowly on account of bad roads,
which were almost impassable; marched ten miles and went into camp on east side of Little
Ebenezer Creek, near Springfield. January 30, moved from camp at 6 a.m., the regiment being
detailed for duty as pioneers; did considerable work; crossed the Big and Little Ebenezer Creeks
and camped near Sister's Ferry at 3 p.m.; distance, eleven miles. Remained in camp ti