Chronological History of the American Civil War

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W. Slocum’s Union column. Hearing of the battle, the remainder of Sherman’s army turns westward. Schofield encounters more resistance at the Neuse River Bridge and also near Cox’s Bridge. Monday, March 20, 1865 : The remainder of Sherman’s forces arrives in Bentonville. There is skirmishing, but a full-scale battle does not break out. Union soldiers destroy everything as they go. Major General George Stoneman’s (U.S.) and his cavalry move from Jonesborough in East Tennessee toward North Carolina. Federal scouts from Lexington, Missouri that head toward Tabo Church, 12 miles east of Wellington are looking for guerrilla rebels. The Yankees recommend the banishment of certain widows (including the widow of the late Jefferson Wilhite, killed 10 July 1864... he had 28 bullets through him) who are continuing to aid and abet, the Bushwackers in the vicinity. Tuesday, March 21, 1865 : The Union forces occupy Goldsboro, North Carolina. General Sherman attempts to cut off Johnston’s (CSA) forces from the rear. That night, Johnston withdraws to Smithfield. Johnston had to withdraw his army and lost over 2,600 men. Sherman lost 1,500 killed and wounded. Today, will mark the last day of the battle of Bentonville and the last major North Carolina battle. Wednesday, March 22, 1865 : Lt. Cornelius C. Platter (U.S.) with the 81st Ohio Infantry Regiment, during his march through North Carolinas writes in his diary: “This morning we found that the enemy had “skedaddled” during the night. 66’ and 81st were ordered forward to ascertain how far the enemy had gone - They couldn't be found so “Good Bye” Mr Johnston -- It is supposed, he has fallen back to Smithfield and thence to Raleigh - It is generally supposed that our campaign is at an end - and a long Campaign it has been - 54 days, since we left Savannah - Our army will fall back near Goldsboro and there remain long enough to refit. It is said Sherman is well pleased about the way the Campaign has ended.” Brig. General James Harrison Wilson’s (U.S.) cavalry raid of 13,500 strong, leaves Chickasaw, Alabama is going to Selma, Alabama, and Macon, Georgia, in an attempt to destroy one of the last remaining munitions manufacturing facilities of the Confederacy. Thursday, March 23, 1865 : There is a skirmish at Cox’s Bridge on the Neuse River in North Carolina, as Major General William T. Sherman (U.S.) concentrates his forces around Bentonville to square off against the last remaining Confederate forces in North Carolina, under General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA). President, Abraham Lincoln departs from Washington, D.C., with his wife and son, to confer with Lieut. General Ulysses S. Grant and Major General William T. Sherman (U.S.) at City Point, Virginia outside Petersburg.

Friday, March 24, 1865 : Lee asks, Major General John B. Gordon (CSA) (pictured) for his advice, Gordon replies, first, offer peace terms with the enemy; second, retreat from Richmond and Petersburg, link up with the Confederate army in North Carolina under General Joseph E. Johnston, jointly defeat Sherman, and then go after Grant; third, fight without delay. General Lee (CSA) considers his choices. Lee could only muster 35,000 fit men at Petersburg. He decides, that they had to break out if, they were to live to fight another day. He orders, General John Gordon (CSA) to lead the breakthrough. Meanwhile, near Mobile, Major General Canby (U.S.) moves towards Spanish Fort

(CSA) on the eastern shores of the bay. About 7 miles west of Rolla, Missouri on the Springfield Road, guerrillas dressed in Union garb surprise and capture a band of Yankees soldiers are taking a breather along the roadside.