Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-04-11
The Occupation of Goldsborough. and Incl.
dents connected Herewith.
GoLDsBoRoUeu, N. O.. March .


dents connected Herewith.
GoLDsBoRoUSH, N e., March "a, 1865.
Gen. Schoteld occupied Goldsborough on
tuesday his advance cavalry reaching the town
early IN the forenoon, the infantry arriving
about II o'clock, a. m., and the General and
stan entering about noon. The enemys cayal.
ry were the last to quit the place. Ii had been
me recognized stronghold of the Conlederacy in
North Carolina the dIstribut ng reservoir for
rebel munitions and supplies from all parts OF
the Coniederacy-the most important point.
next TO Raleigh and Richmond.
The General and staff entered about O'Clock
P. M, and the whole town came out or peered
| iurtiyely through their half-raised curtains TO
see what manner Of man be was. Gen. Cox.
the genuine, pleasant gentleman, whose yery
presence dssipates all fear from the most timo'
rous, and gives assurance Of kind and conslder-
ate treatment, had already marched portion
oil bis command into the town, putting the peo.
pie at rest They already began to suspect thar
the dreadful accounts they had heard OF the
abuses they would suffer at the bands of the
enemy were but weak inventions of the enemy.
The appearance OF General Schofeld and bls
gentlemanly staff at once reassured the people
Ihey expected the town would be sacked of
course, and the most appalling excesses commit
TED on the deiensless inhabitants. There was
period OF awful suspense, and, on the part of
mol u few, actual flight. The battle OF Sunday
with ITS decorating thunder, had sh )ok the
town; and when they learned that Gen. John.
son had been compelled to fall back, a feeling
OF terror seized upon the people which can
scarcely be described. To their great surprise
they saw our troops enter in perfect order, and
march through the place without Offering them
word OF insult or feproach. No act Of out
rage or OF plunder provoked the slightest com
plant.
Could it be that these were the rayenou,
hordes who were to waste, scatter, rayage and
deVour' All fear was soon dspelled. The
troops greeted the people, particularly the Ia
uies' with smiles, TO good natured raillery, and |
oy degrees they came out, and seemed to regard
us as dehyorers rather than as couquerors.
The depot had been destroyed, and the char
red ruins of a few cars and battered locomotive
or Two were left as mementoes of the rebel flight
Guards were placed around the city, and patrols
Kept order in the suburbs The stars and stripes
were soon seen flying from tho top of the Court
House, and from the windows OF dwellings.
A large flag was found IN one Of the stores in
the place, which the owner had kept hid, await.
ing the arrival OF our troops, and the restoration
OF the State TO her ancient place in the Union.
Lieut.. Col. Hays, of Gen. Schofeld's staff. and
Provost-Alarsha Of the Department, made the
necessary arrangements for the preservation of
order.
Ten. Sherman's arrival, with his staff, was
announced by rousing salute fired by order of
Zen Sohoheld, the Sd New. York battery doing
the honors. lie proceeded to the headquarters
OIL Ten. Schoteld, about 10 O'Clock a. m, and
soon ailerward the inyinclble army of "old Te.
oamseh began to arrive and pass 10 review
Ihe Fourteenth Corps led tho way, marching in
column OF company 'front.' and saluting the Gen
erals as they passed headquarters. They have
been two days In passing given point, and are
stll coming.
Their number and their excellent condition
i''eF so long and harrasing a march surprises
very one lhey took up positions asst gned
mem beyond the city, where they have gone iu-
% camp, covering all the roads and possible ap- !
proach to the place. Where necessary they
nave erected deenses, but in many parts Of the {
me, held works, built by the enemy, already
invited their occupation
Gen. Terrys army, which has marched nearly
p'raHei WIN that Oh Ten, Schohelds, holds a
strong position on the loft, covered by Kilpat-
'hk cavalry, also disposed at salient points.
The army Of Gen. Sherman, whose long ex.
leilenee has made them the best ioragsrs as well
IS lighters, have brought with them large quaint. |
'ies ot provisions aud camp supp les. Its arri
lal at Goldsbogough, and grand entree into the
place, VIII forever remain one of the most inter.
sung episodes OF the war. !
10 the rear of each Division followed tho for. !
'eets' n " bnmmers," az thOy are called by the
Oldlers, constituting a motsly group which
strongly recalls the memory Of FalsaH ragged
army, though they are by no means men ia buck. |
am The men having worn out oil their clolh.
ne and shoes during the march, were OBLIGED
. provide themselves the best way they could q
IS they went along
Here came men strutting in mimic dignity in
IN Old swallow-taied coat, with plug hats, the
ops knocked in there group in seedy coats
md pants OF rebel grey, with arms and less
ororudisg beyond all semblance Of fit or Of fash. 4,
90 short jackets, long-tailed surtouts, ana (
oats Of every cast with broad tails, narrow tails
md no tails at all all Of the most an.ieuated :
'yles, Seme wore womens bonuets, or Young Z
aides hsis, with steamers Of faded ribbons 7
Inn La. a.. a..... Al .