.... It was necessary to dislodge him to prevent that consummation, and also to keep up the feint on Raleigh as long as possible, and hold possession of the road to Goldsboroa, through Bentonsville. Slocum was, therefore, ordered to advance and carry the position. The ground was so soft that horses sunk deep at every step, and men traveled over the pine-barren only with difficulty. But obstacles ...