Battle of Trouble Field Swamp
All was right until about noon when the 1st Division made a shameful
stampede in which they lost heavily in both men and artillery
as well as the whole length of works. That opened a wide gap to
the enemy and had to be immediately closed, by other, less-demoralized
troops.
General Fearing was severely wounded in his right hand, losing
a thumb and four fingers.
As our brigade was in reserve, we were immediately ordered out,
to check the movement of the enemy on our left flank. In that
place, we were very soon wholly engaged by a rebel column on our
right. It was striking squarely on the right flank of our column,
turning the flank. This successful rebel jab frightened our troops
and made a federal rally very difficult. On the right of the line,
a rally was almost impossible, due to the horrible situation.
We were driven back, step by step, for about a half-mile. Then
we rallied at the edge of an open field, and immediately advanced
to some timber at the side of the field. We quickly constructed
a temporary line of breastworks, from which we fought hard and
finally drove the enemy away.
About this time, the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division and the 20th Army
Corps formed on our right with their right well advanced and swept
diagonally across our front. They became hotly involved with the
rebs, but succeeded in holding this line until after dark. After
that, they withdrew a short distance and fortified for the night.
Picket 52d Ohio.
Distance marched: five miles.
Order of March
52d Ohio
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Second Day's Battle of the Trouble Field Swamp
Monday, March 20, 1865
At daylight this morning, we again got ready for action, though
in better condition than yesterday evening. The enemy have withdrawn
from our immediate front and are now busily engaged in strengthening
their works with the evident intention of acting on the defensive
today.
About noon, the enemy were discovered withdrawing from our front
and we immediately advanced, led on by the 1st Brigade. In that
affair, the 16th Illinois and 14th Michigan were badly cut up,
but managed to hold their position.
The enemy has made arrangements to protect and cover that withdrawing
movement by constructing a heavy line of works. These rune nearly
parallel to the Goldsboro road. A six-gun battery is posted there
and opened with grape and canister on our advancing line. After
the movement of the 1st Brigade, the 2d immediately made a left
wheel and again fully confronted the enemy's main line of works,
and connected with General Baird's 3rd Division. 14th Army Corps,
on his left, by some mismanagement, was withdrawn. That left a
large gap in the line which, if the rebels had taken advantage
of it, would have proved disastrous to our army. The stupidity
was accidentally discovered, but was soon partially covered by
a section of the 2d Brigade until two regiments of our Brigade
could be brought forward. That further covered the gap by running
the line somewhat to the rear and a little in front of the 1st
Division line. At this particular time, the 1st Division line
was still terribly demoralized from the effects of yesterday's
stampede. A portion of the 20th Army Corps and the 1st Division
of the 14th Army Corps were perfectly horrified and confused,
at a time well before any damage or disaster could have possibly
befallen them. The rebels had gained a decided advantage at that
instant, which very nearly undid us all and was corrected only
by the most stubborn fighting, under the most adverse circumstances.
. .
The whole division was, at times, actively surrounded by the rebs
and hard pressed on all sides without any chance of a safe retreat
. . .
Tuesday, March 21, 1865
At daylight, Colonel Langley and I went to the front. We examined
our situation and the country before us, which we were unable
to do in the dark of the night before. That was when we took up
the line as we supposed had been vacated by 3rd Division.
But after an examination of the ground, Colonel Langley and I
discovered that the most important position of our line was still
entirely open, and if known by the Rebels, would turn into a terrible
situation.
The gap is now filled by the somewhat demoralized skirmishers
of the 1st Division the 20th Army Corps, who have but partially
recovered from the infantile stampede they staged on the 19th.
In their present fearful state, without any very heavy blows against
them by the rebs, these men would quickly repeat their shameful
conduct.
A report of our situation was immediately given to Generals Morgan,
Carlin, Davis, and other high officials. These men, after studying
the place, temporarily provided for the defect by sending in the
1st Division of the 20th Army Corps. But they are only to stay
about an hour and will then be withdrawn. A heavy line of works
is being constructed now in the rear of the advanced lines and
all troops ordered into them are cautioned to be vigilant.
In this situation, we have been held in suspense all afternoon.
From information obtained via deserters and prisoners, we have
learned that Hardee's Corps was massed on our front and ready
to make a charge, and was only delayed by the heavy uproar made
on our right, by our General Howard. He is with the right wing
of the army, and constant and heavy skirmishing has gone on until
after dark. In the forepart of the day, our skirmishers gained
a good position well in advance of the skirmishers on either flank,
and annoyed the rebels a great deal by a heavy fire. That has
now evidently stopped.
Wednesday, March 22, 1865
This morning at early daylight, we advanced skirmish lines and
found the enemy had withdrawn during the night in the direction
of Smithfield. After a full and satisfactory evidence that the
enemy was gone, the troops were ordered out of their works and
into the open field. There they can dry their blankets, which
have become thoroughly drenched in these last few days in the
swamps and trenches.
After a short stay in the field, orders were received to march
immediately to Coxe's Bridge across the Husa River and accordingly,
we set out. The road was very bad for two miles.
Picket not indicated.
Distance marched: eight miles.
Camped near Coxe's Bridge on the Husa River. Found a part of the
24th and 25th Army Corps at the river.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Thursday, March 23, 1865
Marched at 8:30 a.m. in the rear of the 3d and 1st Division on
the road to Goldsboro. Road was terrible and passage was slow
because of a tardy movement on our front, in General Baird's Division,
which has the advance.
Reached Goldsboro about sundown and found the 23rd Army Corps
strongly fortified and apparently very glad to see their comrades
of the Atlanta Campaign. Goldsboro is a town of about one thousand
inhabitants. Saw the 23rd Army Corps reviewed by General Sherman.
Moved through the town and camped about one mile west of town.
Pickets not indicated.
Distance marched: twelve miles.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
86th Illinois
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Friday, March 24, 1865
This morning, we all feel that the grand campaign has virtually
ended. After a march of nearly sixty days through one of the most
difficult of all countries, over which to move a large army, we
have attained this point. Along the way, much of the road had
to be corduroyed before wagon trains could at all be passed through.
No campaign of this war has so thoroughly taxed the physical endurance
of the men as the one just closed.
Now every effort is being made for the establishment of a nice
camp. Good grounds have been selected and can easily be arranged
so as to be pleasant.
Saturday, March 25, 1865
Weather is decent and everyone is busy. We are arranging camps
and the men are writing letters home, for which an opportunity
is once more offered and being anxiously embraced by all. Consequently,
less was accomplished at policing, than otherwise would have been.
Much energy is used each day to get all the forage that can be
had for both men and animals, with good success thus far. But
that will undoubtedly be stopped soon by some general order.
Sunday, March 26, 1865
Improvements continue to be made in the arrangement of camps and
headquarters. I busied myself along this line most of the day,
and finally succeeded in completing a very good quarters for myself.
This morning, the first train from Newberns, North Carolina, over
the Newberne & Goldsboro Railroad, brought up some supplies,
and carried back about one hundred wounded from our hospital.
Picket: three companies of the 52d Ohio.
Monday, March 27, 1865
Mail was received today, something to which we have not been accustomed
for many months. Had a gay and festive buggy ride. Broke a wheel
and shaft, but repaired them and went on.
Tuesday, March 28, 1865
Spent from midnight until daylight with the General, bathing his
wounds. Was very restless in the after part of the night.
Had a buggy ride to Mr. Bogard's and witnessed the poverty and
wretchedness of the plundered inhabitants of this God-forgotten
country.
Wednesday, March 29, 1865
Nothing unusual occurred today. Weather pleasant. Furnished picket
on Raleigh Road. Consisted of two companies of the 52d Ohio.
Thursday, March 30, 1865
A heavy supply of clothing was issued to the command today. Though
it is very deficient, it greatly adds to the appearance of the
Regiment.
Friday, March 31, 1865
General Ben D. Fearing left for the north at 3 p.m., accompanied
by Doctor M.M. Hooton also on leave of absence for thirty days.
Lieutenant Batchelder has gone to Newberns on leave for six days.
Weather nice and warm.
Saturday, April 1, 1865
Pleasant day. Received another issue of clothing for the Brigade,
which will nearly, or quite equip the command in every respect.
Obtained a new pair of boots for Chester, which cost $4.
Two companies of the 52d Ohio on picket.
Sunday, April 2, 1865
Fine day and a nice Sunday.
Monday, April 3, 1865
Rumors of another march, in two or three days. Captain Swift is
tendering his resignation. Prospects are good for its acceptance.
Weather is quite warm.
Tuesday, April 4, 1865
Still quite warm. No stir anywhere about camp.
52d Ohio on picket.
Wednesday, April 5, 1865
Weather pleasant and everything still quiet.
Thursday, April 6, 1865
Weather continues nice. Rumored capture of Richmond by General
Grant thought to be un-reliable, although such news can now be
expected at anytime.
Friday, April 7, 1865
Capture of Richmond was confirmed by order of announcement secured
from General Sherman. Rousing cheers rent the air.
Saturday, April 8, 1865
Sunday, April 9, 1865
Monday, April 10, 1865
Victory weekend. No entries.
At five a.m. this morning, we again broke camp and marched towards
Raleigh. Found the roads to be good and no enemy on our front,
until we got to within approximately eight miles from Goldsboro,
where we found some enemy cavalry on our front in considerable
force. They had artillery in position.
A lively skirmish opened, but the rebel forces, being cavalry,
were soon driven off. Skirmishing went on all day, but after our
advance, it checked. At Mogacine Creek, another stand was made
about 2 o'clock. That required hard work to dislodge the rebels
and the fighting lasted until nightfall.
Picket: tow companies from he 85th Illinois.
Distance marched: fourteen miles.
Camped on Mogacine Creek.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Tuesday, April 11, 1865
Marched form camp on Mogacine Creek at 7 a.m. in the rear of Baird's
Division. There was heavy skirmishing on the front all morning
until about 10 o'clock. After that hour, no further firing was
heard. We reached Smithfield at 3 p.m.
Roads are very bad, mud is terrible and quite deep, in the swamps
through which most of our march has been conducted. Camped about
1 mile west of the town on low, wet ground, on the right of the
1st Brigade, which was formed in prolongation of General Baird's
division line.
Smithfield is an old town of about eight hundred inhabitants.
Pickets: three companies of the 86th Illinois.
Distance marched: 11 1/2 miles.
Corduroy road built: 500 paces.
Order of March
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Wednesday, April 12, 1865
This morning, the soul-inspiring news of the surrender of General
Lee and his entire army has reached us. The report was read to
every brigade. The news was everywhere received with the most
enthusiastic cheers and smiling countenances.
Marched from cap as train guard at noon and crossed the Husa River,
and there took the road leading to Gallup Station. This road is
in much better condition than the one travelled over yesterday.
Country is very good, but improvements are poor. People generally
live in cabins. Rear of the column reached camp at six o'clock.
Picket: two companies of the 86th Illinois.
Distance marched: ten miles.
Camped one mile east of Gallup.
Corduroy road built: 200 yards.
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Thursday, April 13, 1865
Marched at 6:30 a.m. on the Raleigh Road. Received a circular
informing us that Raleigh had been surrendered by Governor Vance
last night. Owing to the drizzling rain all forenoon, the roads
have become horrible in many places.
Reached Raleigh at 3:30 p.m., the town having been occupied by
Kirkpatrick's Cavalry without much fighting. City is very attractively
situated on a high elevation.
The Stars and Stripes once more float triumphantly from the dome
of the Capitol.
Rebels were arrested for firing at the man who raised the flag.
Picket: three companies of the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: sixteen miles.
Camped one mile west of Raleigh.
Corduroy road built: twenty-five yards.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Friday, April 14, 1865 - Good Friday
Marched at 7 a.m. on the Raleigh and Hillsboro road, which we
found was in very good condition. We were able to travel rapidly.
Saw a great many rebel deserters about the towns. We left them
undisturbed, by General Sherman's order. Head of column reached
Jones Station at 10 a.m., a distance of eight miles from the city,
and then turned to the left on the road leading ot Jones' Crossroads.
Country is very little improved, with much of it covered by dunes
and underbrush. It is also rather hilly.
From Jones Station on the railroad, we took a crooked by-path
or road and marched toward Jones' Crossroads, where we arrived
about 5 p.m. and camped on Haywood Road.
Picket: two companies of the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: nineteen miles.
Camped one mile west of Jones' road.
Corduroy road built: ten yards.
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
Saturday, April 15, 1865
My birthday today.
Departed at 5 a.m. and it rained heavily nearly all day. Reached
Aven's Ferry on Cape Fear River at 2 p.m. Roads are horrible and
the wagons sink in axle-deep in many places. Foragers captured
many valuable horses, principally stallions. Cape Fear River is
about 250 yards wide with low banks on both sides, easily pontooned.
Country marched over is endowed with very poor soil. One principal
product of this area is corn, which is often made into moonshine.
An atrocious murder was committed this evening by rebels clad
in our uniforms. They ambushed members of the 10th Ohio Volunteers
and killed one man, while wounding two others.
Picket: tow companies from the 22d Indiana.
Distance marched: fourteen miles.
Camped near Aven's Ferry on the Cape Fear River.
Corduroy road built: ten yards.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Sunday, April 16, 1865
Remained in camp all day without any preparation being made to
lay the pontoon. A rumor is making the rounds that General Johnston
has surrendered his army to Maj. General Sheridan and incredulous
as it may appear, it receives due consideration in high circles.
Our foragers entered Haywood today and found large quantities
of ham and bacon, meal and flour, also some tobacco. Camp is very
bad and the ground is wet and swampy.
Picket: tow companies of the 22d Indiana.
Monday, April 17, 1865
Nothing very unusual today. Many rumors still going the rounds
amongst the camps. And is now pretty well confirmed that General
Johnston has, or will, surrender to General Sherman, which is
now the cause of our detention. The whole army lays idle, awaiting
the results of negotiations which, I doubt not, will result favorable
to General W. T. Sherman and our armies.
Camps are located in a very bad ground and cannot be made comfortable.
Picket: two companies of 22d Indiana.
Tuesday, April 18, 1865 - This morning, the sad intelligence of the death of our beloved President Abraham Lincoln, was announced to us by an order of General Sherman. This news has shed gloom over all. His murder is a cowardly thing.