The National tribune., 1892-05-05

Mention The National Tribune
army in superb order, and the trains almost
as fresh as when we had started from
Atlanta"
After going into camp at Mount Olive
it was several days before supplies were
received; men and horses had to be fed,
and, our wagons being empty, it became
necessary for each regiment daily to send
their teams from five to 20 miles into the
country around for supplies. The men were
poorly clad, but the weather was warm and
pleasant, and the soldiers enjoyed the rest
By the 1st of April the railroads had been
repaired, and stores were arriving fast from
Morehead City and Wilmington.
Meanwhile all the army was quietly set
tied in pleasant camps about the city, upon
the hiIlsides, and in the beautiful pine for
ests. Sherman deemed if of great impor-
tance that he should have personal inter-
view with Gen. Grant; therefore, ON the
evening of the 25th, leaving Gen. Schofield
in chief command, with two Of bis staff
officers he started for City Point. There he
met President Lincoln and Gen. Grant, and
many of the Generals of the Eastern Army.
ALL RECEIVED HIM MOST HEARTILY.
They talked over matters very fully, and
plan for future operations was there agreed
upon. On the Both he returned to Raleigh.
By the 5th of April such progress had been
made, that he issued his next special field
order, prescribing the time and manner OF
the next march, which was in brief as
follows:
1. On Monday, the 10th, all preparations
presumed to be complete.
2. On Tuesday, the 11th, the columns to
draw out seven miles on their lines, and
close.
3. On Wednesday, the 18th, the march to
begin in earnest, and kept up at the rate of
II miles per day; foraging and other details
to continue as before.
The left wing, Gen. Slocum commanding,
to aim straight for Smithfield along the
Neuse River, crossing to Raleigh; thence to
Warrenton.
A. The center, Gen. Schofeld command
ing, to move to Whitely's Mills, ready to
support the left until it had passed Smith
field; then to follow up Little River to
Roesville, ready at all times to support the
left, and after passing Tar River to move 10
Warrenton.
5. The right wing, Gen. Howard COM
manding, preceded by the cavalry, to move
rapidly on Pikeyille and Nahunta, then cross
to Bulah to Folks Bridge, ready to make
junction with the other armies in case the
enemy offer battle this side of the Neuse
River about Smithfeld thence, if there is
no opposition on the left, to work toward
Earpsboro and Warrenton.
6. The cavalry, Gen. Fitzpatrick command
ing to leave all incumbrance with the right
wing will push as though straight for Well
don until the enemy is across Tar River and
that bridge burned; then defect toward
Nashville and Warrenton, keeping up COM
munication with Headquarters. The Gen.
eral-in- Chief to be with the center, changing
from center to either wing, as circumstances
may require.
During the past two weeks active prepa-
rations with the cavalry have been going on;
the men have been clothed, horses shod,
arms and accouterments repaired, and
thorough inspection had. The soldiers had
spent their time mending up generally,
writing home, and visiting relatives and
friends in other camps and regiments when
OFF duty; for we knew
OUR THE FOR REST WAS SHORT.
I remember visiting the 103d Ohio at Colds
boro, Gen. J. S. Easements old regiment,
then commanding brigade; calling on the
Painesville band, then at Gen. Cox's head
quarters, all old acquaintance and neigh
bors, whom 1 had only seen once during the
service. invited them over to the 10th
Ohio to have social chat and give US some
music, and later in the day sent the officers
horses for them to ride over. This was one
of the best bands in the army, and their
splendid music always enllvened the camp
and march.
Almost daily detachments Of the cavalry
were sent along the front to see what our
neighbors were doing on the other side OF
the fence; generally found them about home.
They as often returned the compliment, visit
ing back and forth in a general way
making short calls.
Ito be continusd0