Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 3

From Averysboro both wings turned eastward by different roads, and on the night of the 18th of March, the army was within twenty-seven miles of Goldsboro, and only five from Bentonsville. The columns were now about ten miles apart. Since leaving Fayetteville, Sherman had remained at the left with Slocum's wing, but now, supposing all danger in that direction past, he crossed over to Howard's column, to be near Schofield and Terry, whom he expected to meet at Goldsboro. During the day, however, word was brought him that near Bentonsville Slocum had come upon the entire rebel army.

Johnston, the night before, had marched his whole command, with great rapidity and without unnecessary wheels, intending to overwhelm Sherman's left flank before it could be relieved by its cooperating column. Bragg, Cheatham, Hardee, Hampton, and all the troops the enemy could draw from every quarter were concentrated, and on the morning of the 19th, the head of Slocum's column, as it advanced, at first encountered cavalry, but soon found its progress obstructed by infantry and artillery. The enemy attacked with vigor and gained a temporary advantage, capturing three guns and driving two of the national brigades back upon the main body. But as soon as Slocum perceived that he had the whole of Johnston's army in his front, he deployed two divisions, and, bringing two more rapidly up, arranged them in a defensive line, and hastily threw up barricades. Kilpatrick also came upon the field, and was