Monday, February 27, 1865
Because the pontoon bridge gave way quite early yesterday morning,
one train did not get across the river. Now the river is rising
very fast, with a tremendously strong current, so that it is virtually
impossible to re-lay the pontoon, without moving it to a point
further down-stream.
At ten a.m., a decision was made to move the bridge about sixty
rods further downstream at a place where the current is less-rapid.
12 hours later
At ten p.m. tonight, the bridge was finished. However, no wagon
train passed all night.
Tuesday, February 28, 1865
Marched at 1 p.m. again as rear guard to train. The whole Brigade
is at work again, building corduroy roadbeds and helping wagon
trains across the river. At 3 p.m., the rear of the wagon train
passed over the pontoon. About 4 o'clock, we marched to the top
of the first hill on the east side of the river and moved on over
still very bad roads, to within three-quarters mile of Warrenton.
There we camped for the night.
The men are exhausted, having labored hard in the mud for three
consecutive days.
Picket; two companies from the 86th Illinois.
Distance marched seven miles.
Camped near Warrenton.
Order of march
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Wednesday, March 1, 1865
Left at 6 a.m. in a direction northeast, then southeast, on a
road leading to Ingram's store at Hanging Rock, where we made
a dinner halt of one hour. After that, we again moved forward
nearly east. Marched most of the day on by-roads leading from
one plantation to another. Road very bad and mirey. Train moved
desperately slow. Head of leading brigade reached camp about sundown,
having marched twenty-two miles under most unfavorable circumstances.
Picket: seven companies from the 52d Ohio.
Distance marched; twenty two miles.
Camped near Little Finch Creek at Mr. Claiborne's.
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Thursday, March 2, 1865
Marched out at 6 a.m. 3rd Brigade was in the advance of the corps
and passed through quite a rough country and over some terrible
roads. Proceeded through Hickory Head and reached Linch Creek
at 12 noon, then camped on the hills in the vicinity.
The men took dinner and then built about half a mile of corduroy
road through a bad, mirey bottom. After that, we moved into camp
on the east side of the river and about one mile away from it.
Camp is very rough and much crowded. Water, however, is good and
abundant.
Picket: two companies from the 52d Ohio.
Distance marched: thirteen miles.
Camped east of McManus' Bridge at Linch Creek.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Friday, March 3, 1865
Brigade detailed as train guard. Marvhed at 6 a.m. in the direction
of Chesterfield Courthouse, and made a dinner halt at Edgeworth
Mills, on Mill Creek. After a stop of forty forty minutes, we
went forward and reached Mt. Croghan at about 2:30 p.m. Then we
turned left on the Halley's Ferry road and camped near Thompson's
Creek.
The roads are very bad and much work has had to be expanded before
the wagon train could be gotten into the night park.
Rain fell in the forenoon, but the sky later cleared.
Picket: two companies from the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: twenty-three miles.
Camped near Thompson's Creek
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
86th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Saturday, March 4, 1865
Proceeded from camp at Thompson's Creek at 7 a.m., on the road
leading to Sneedsboro. Roads continued awful for about three miles,
after crossing the creek. Beyond that, the road goes through a
pine woods, nearly all the way to the Linow & Wadesboro Plank
Road. At that place, we turned to the right towards Linow, about
two miles. Then we camped between the road and the river at the
Ferry.
Had a nice camp and plenty of good water. Two regiments were detailed
for fatigue duty, building corduroy road across the river. Formed
junction with the 20th Army Corps, who were camped on the Great
Pedie River.
Picket: one company from the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: 14 miles.
Camped on the Pedie River about 12 miles below Sneedsboro, North
Carolina.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Sunday, March 5, 1865
Brigade lay in camp all day, awaiting the arrival of the pontoon
train. Everything is quiet on the eat side of the river. Only
a few rebels have appeared at anytime since we arrived at this
place. The river here is about 900 feet wide, but shallow. It
should be easily bridged, unless strong interference is caused
by the rebels.
The pontoon train arrived at about noon and made immediate preparation
for the laying of the bridge. The succeeded in laying nearly half
of the bridge by 8 o'clock in the evening, and then continued
during the night.
Monday, March 6, 1865
Remained in camp all day. Had a little trouble with Kirkpatrick's
cavalrymen, one of whom stole Captain Cantrell's horse and afterward
rode right through our headquarters grounds on the animal. He
was quickly arrested and a placard strapped on his back marked
"Kirkpatrick Horse Thief." In that garb, he was marched
through the whole command and seen by most of the infantry in
the 14th Army Corps. The Cavalry felt greatly offended and started
in force to relieve him. They succeeded in disbanding our guard.
Tuesday, March 7, 1865
Weather pleasant and clear. This morning, we are so favored as
to be free of the qretched Cavalry. They crossed the rive rduring
the night and left the road free. The infantry commenced crossing
this morning. After that, a portion of the bridge broke and caused
a delay of several hours, until it was repaired. The troops then
crossed over.
Had considerable trouble with Colonel Langley about policing the
camp.
Headquarters of 2nd Division commenced crossing the pontoon bridge
at 4 p.m. and camped about 1 1/2 miles from the bridge. Trains
passed up a very steep hill on the east side of the Great Pedie
River, beyond which we found most excellent roads and a very good
country, in a fine state of cultivation.
Our division is now changed, and given the responsibility of bringing
up the rear of the Corps, including the pontoon train of about
one hundred wagons. Our line of march is supposed to be directed
toward Fayetteville on the Cape Fear River.
Order of March
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Wednesday, March 8, 1865
Departed at 6 a.m. and found good roads. Moved along very rapidly.
Forage detail brought in an abundance of flour and meal sufficient
for three days rations for the entire command. They also hauled
in a large quantity of salt meat. Reached 3d Division camp at
9:30 a.m., having gone ten miles.
Along the way, we found Mr. Cameron, an old and professed Union
man. But the cruelties of war have borne down on him, as on all
others, though they are perhaps much less-loyal.
Marched twenty five miles and camped on Mudd Creek.
Picket: four companies from the 86th Illinois.
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Thursday, March 9, 1865
Marched at 7:30 a.m. and found the road in excellent condition
to within three-quarters of a mile of the Little Pedie River.
There, we found the planks on the plank road so badly worn that
it could not be used for the wagon trains. Heavy rain fell during
the afternoon, causing the large and heavy wagon trains to be
mired. Almost the entire distance of the road had to be corduroyed
from the Little Pedie River to the next creek and required the
whole force of labor to put this rotten road in suitable condition
to pass the wagon train.
The Brigade spent 26 hours without rest in moving the train 22
miles.
Distance marched: 22 miles.
Picket: four companies of the 86th Illinois.
Camped on a creek
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Friday, March 10, 1865
Arrived in camp at 1:30 this morning after having spent all yesterday
and all last night working in the accursed Carolina mud, nearly
knee-deep, building corduroy road. Rain fell heavily most of the
night. That has mad the ground everywhere so soft that it is almost
hopeless to think of moving the wagon train, without first covering
the way with corduroy. The men are exhausted and very sleepy.
Division having gone forward when we reached the camp, we halted
and took a fast breather, then again went forward on the flank
of the train until we reached our usual place in the column.
Picket not indicated.
Camped at the 14-mile post on the Fayetteville-Rockingham road.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Saturday, March 11, 1865
Went from camp on the 14-mile post on the Rockingham and Fayetteville
road at ten this morning and moved on the city of Fayetteville.
3rd Division in advance found very little opposition, the enemy
having evacuated the place last night. Located camp about two
miles west of the city. Enjoyed a fine position and good dry ground.
Active arrangements are under way for a nice camp, since many
are under the impression that we will stay here at least a week
or more. Established headquarters and raised three wall tents
which were saved from the destruction.
Picket: three companies of the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: twelve miles.
Camped two miles west of the city of Fayetteville.
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
Sunday, March 12, 1865
Lay in camp until about 5 o'clock this afternoon. Then we received
orders to depart immediately and cross the river. Regretfully,
and that's putting it mildly, we pulled up stakes and moved out
in the direction of the pontoon bridge. We were delayed there
some time, because of some disarrangement, or breakage in the
bridge. All the transportation crossed in the rear of the troops
of the division. Head of train commenced passing over the bridge
about 9 a.m., after which several breaks occurred. Of course,
that made our situation quite unpleasant, because we were compelled
to wait for the arrival of our wagons before a new headquarters
could be pitched.
Picket: three companies of the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: three miles.
Camped near the Rockingham & Fayetteville Railroad.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Monday, March 13, 1865
Marched at sunrise to the bridge across Lock Creek - distance
about one mile - and again went into camp. Once more, we hear
the promise of several days' rest. This camp is located on low,
wet ground, and is very inconvenient. Heard heavy firing in the
distance towards the southeast, which we have since learned was
occassioned by the 20th Army Corps advancing and running on a
force of the enemy.
Saw an old citizen who had been murdered by one of our soldiers.
Circumstantial evidence show it to have been a cold-blooded killing
for booty.
Picket: not recorded.
Distance marched: one mile and camped on Lock Creek.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Tuesday, March 14, 1865
Stayed in camp all day. I relieved the 2nd Brigade pickets on
our front and then went to the front, to Mr. John Waddle's plantation.
Mr. Waddle was the man who was murdered by one of our soldiers.
I had his body shown to some of our men who have burned the home
of the overseer. The place (Mr. Waddle's plantation) was shamefully
neglected.
After reaching the house, I found the dead man laying on his bed
just as I had seen him last evening. I immediately returned to
camp and ordered a detail of one company to carry the murdered
man to the cemetery.
Picket: eight companies of the 85th Illinois.
Wednesday, March 15, 1865
Marched at 9 a.m. Our brigade is in the rear of Division, as guard
to the wagon train. Found the roads to be very good and everything
went along quickly until about noon, except for some brief delay
caused by the 20th Army Corps being in advance of us. Trains of
the 1st and 2nd division were left back, to be brought up by the
3d division. These will leave tomorrow and take a road to the
left, making the distance much shorter.
Had a very bad camp, which by the heavy afternoon rains, has been
made nearly untenable.
Picket not indicated.
Distance marched: 12 miles.
Camped on Flint Creek, 13 miles from the city of Fayetteville.
Order of March
52d Ohio
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Battle Near Averysboro
Thursday, March 16, 1865
Departed at 8:30 a.m. and moved in the rear of the 20th Army Corps
for about three miles. Then we received orders to move by the
transportation of the 20th Army Corps, to the front, and engage
the enemy. That order was promptly executed and the brigade formed
on the left of the 2d Brigade and moved ahead rapidly. A full
connection with the lines was formed on our right and drove the
enemy before us until they reached their line of works. At that
point, a sharp fight occurred. It was heavy fighting.
Picket not recorded.
Distance marched: 5 miles.
Camped near Smith Ferry.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Friday, March 17, 1865
At daylight this morning, we found the enemy had withdrawn from
our front and left the way open for our advance ahead some distance.
The number of casualties in the brigade from yesterday's battle
included one officer killed - Captain J. F. French of Company
K, 86th Illinois. Also, one other officer slightly wounded, five
enlisted men killed and nineteen wounded, to total losses reported
in brigade as twenty-six officers and men. A portion of the 20th
Army Corps has gone forward on the Raleigh road, to engage the
enemy at a point about thirty miles south of Raleigh. This is
meant as a feint, to cover our movement on the Goldsboro road,
which began this morning by the 14th Army Corps and a part of
the 20th Army Corps.
Picket: five companies of the 125th Illinois.
Distance marched: ten miles.
Camped on Black Mirage Creek. Crossed Black River and Black Mirage
Creek.
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
86th Illinois
Saturday, March 18, 1865
Marched at 5:30 a.m. with brigade in the rear as train guard.
Found most of the road very good and the train moved along rapidly
about two miles. Then the head of the column was stopped by General
Burler's cavalry (reb), which, after deployment, and a slight
fight, succeeded in pushing them from our front. After that, we
made temporary camp for dinner.
Almost all of the country passed over since we left the Cape Fear
River at Fayetteville has been a low, sandy, barren region. It
is covered mainly by pitch pine trees and the soil is quite poor.
The chief products of this country appear to be tar pitch, turpentine,
resin and rebels, all of which are abundant, while agricultural
products are quite scarce. That must be expected from such a miserable
soil.
Brigade mounted men had a little skirmish with the rebels at a
nearby creek, at which they lost three men, some wounded. Four
horses were killed.
Our men have been able to procure an abundance of forage today,
since we are in advance of the whole army and have first grab
at whatever the country affords, principally meat, but very little
meal or flour.
Reached a point at the junction of the Goldsboro and Clinton road,
had communication with the 15th Army Corps and camped on the Clinton
Road about two miles from the junction.
Picket: two companies from the 125th Illinois.
Distance marched: eleven miles.
Camped near a creek.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Sunday, March 19, 1965
Heard heavy skirmishing on the Goldsboro road about two miles
ahead, supposed to be with Butler's Cavalry. 1st Division is moving
rapidly to the front, to be followed by the 2d Division.
Marched at 9 a.m. and followed the 1st Division about four miles,
where we reached the front of the enemy's lines and there filed
to the right in support of the 2d Brigade. At that time, the 2d
Brigade was on the front line, with a heavy skirmish line out.
It soon became very warmly engaged and made a charge on the Rebels'
hastily-constructed works. In that attack, the 2d Brigade succeeded
in driving the rebs from this breastworks, but were unable to
hold the position. This was on account of northern support being
too far in the rear and unable to reach the line in time to do
much good. After that, the 125th Illinois was ordered forward
as a support, in case of another assault, which the rebs were
sure to make in case they believed their chances of success were
good.