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Sherman.
The two wings were so far separated that it was six or seven hours before the
commanding general, who was with the right wing, could be reached.
At five P. M., of the 19th, he sent the following dispatch to
General Schofield, then approaching
Goldsboro:
‘Since making my dispatch to-day (2 P. M.) General Slocum reports the enemy in force between him and Cox's Bridge; thinks it is the main army of the enemy.
I can hardly suppose the enemy will attempt to fight us this side of the Neuse, but will direct all my columns on Cox's Bridge to-morrow.
You must secure Goldsboro, and fortify.’
At the same hour he dispatched
General Kilpatrick:
‘Your report of to-day is received.
General Slocum thinks the whole rebel army is in his front.
I can not think Johnston would fight us with the Neuse to his rear.’
On the morning of the 20th, at 4 A. M.,
General Sherman wrote as follows to
General Terry:
‘Johnston, with his concentrated force, made an unsuccessful attack on my left wing yesterday, near Bentonville.
I am just starting with my right wing to attack him.’
And again to
General Terry at 6 A. M.:
‘Yesterday Johnston, with his force concentrated, struck my left wing, near Bentonville, and they had a severe battle, lasting until night.
General Slocum beat them off, but was uneasy.
I am now turning the right wing on Bentonville. * * * * By to-night I will know if Jos. Johnston intends to fight me in force, when I will communicate further.’
To
General Schofield, at 2 P. M., of the 20th, he wrote:
‘I am now within two miles of Slocum, but Johnston is between us. We are now skirmishing.’
As will be observed, this was twenty-eight hours after the attack in force began on
Slocum.
At 8 P. M., of the 20th, he wrote
General Slocum:
‘We struck the enemy on his left rear about noon and have pressed him very hard, and have dislodged him from all his barricades except the line ’
