...attempt by the enemy to reach Bentonville in the rear of our center, and thus cut off our only route of retreat, was gallantly defeated by an impetuous and skillful attack, led by Generals Hardee and Hampton , on the front and both flanks of the enemy's column, by which he was compelled to retreat as rapidly as he had advanced. In this attack General Hardee's only son, a noble boy, charging gallantly wi...