The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-06-05

away-that is. the few who escaped. Com-
menced to rain this afternoon.
March 22.-Evacuated our lines at Ben
tonville at o'clock this a. m, and crossed
Black River at daylight on the road to
Smithfield. The enemy came on US very
soon. and forced us to halt and form line
of battle. After a slight engagement they
turned our left flank, and at 8 o'clock a. m.
we were forced to retreat, which we did
slowly. The enemy finally drew off, and
we went into camp. Reported that Sher-
man is making a connection with the Fed
eral army from the coast, and we are
forming junction with our troops from
the coast under Gen. Hoke.
March 23.-Camped about three miles
from the Neuse River last night. Re
sumed our march this forenoon at
o'clock and went into camp at IL a. m.
one mile from the Neuse, on the south
side. No news from the enemy today.
March 24.-Resumed our march at noon
today, and passed through Smithfeld on
the way to Weldon. 1 learn, so as to get
within supporting distance of Lees army.
Times are critical. We crossed the N. @.
Central Railroad today. and camped about
two miles from it. This is a fertile coun-
try.
March 25.-Contrary to expectations
we went into regular camp today. No
news from the enemy.
March 26.-In camp. Had preaching
morning and afternoon.
March 27.-Went fishing in the Neuse
River. Caught good mess. This beats
war. l am born fisherman. or at least
was born with lots of love for the sport.
March 2S.-Gen. Connor returned to
the brigade today. He has been absent
long time. Col q. D. Kennedy, of my
haS hoou in Of fhQ
brigade during his absence.
March 29.--W Mt fishing last night. and
fshed until o'clock this a. m. Made
some I've hominy today.
March S0.-Rain all day. The enemy
quiet.
The brigade is rather small.
April All quiet in camp.
April 2.-Had preaching today; text,
Sd Epistle of John, Sth verse.
April 3.-Our corps (Hardee's) was re-
viewed today. The corps is pretty large
A great many Generals were or the field;
Johnston. Hardee, S. d. Lee, Hoke, Nc
Laws, Chatham, Anderson, Taliaferro
and others.
April 4.-The three corps Of the West
ern Army were reviewed today by Gen.
Johnston. The three are not much larger
than ours Hardee's). Gen. Forrest said:
IF you don't go 70 war to get killed. what
do you go to war for?' Poor Western
Army.
April 5.-The capture of Richmond is
reported.
April 6-The capture of Richmond
seems to be conceded. We are not
whipped vet.
Out of soap and clothes dirty. Plenty
to eat. Drew rations of peas. rice, meal
and molasses today. Gosh. Amt we in
the swim all of a sudden?
April Had review Of our brigade
today. Saw Gov. Vance. Gen. Common
babe us adieu. Our brigade is now com
manded permanently by Col. ]. D. Ken
nedy, of my regiment. as he has been pro-
NOTED to supersede Gen. Common.
April S.-Went in swimming in com
pany with my brother today. We needed
the bath and no mistake.
April 9.-The regiments in our brigade
were consolidated today, as some of them
are not much larger than full company.
Ny regiment and the 20th S. G. thrown
together. / was promoted to be Second
Lieutenant in Co. d of the consolidated
regiment. which new company contains
all of my old company I'D.
April 10-Received orders TO move at
$50 this a. m. but did lot move until 2
p. m. Marched about eight miles. but did
not get into camp until after midnight.
Our brigade is now in Walthalrs Division,
Stewards Corps.
April 11.-Three men in our brigade
are condemned to be shot for going home
without leave. One OF them made his es
c1rc.
Marched this morning at 7:30. Went
through Raleigh. Saw many pretty girls.
Lucky to see something pretty.
April 12-Resumed our march a. 100
a. m. All sorts of rumors afoat about
Gen. Lees army.
April 13-Resumed our march at 7:30
a. m. Passed through Hillsboro. All sorts
Of bad ruInors about the war afoat.
April III was put in command of
some men and wagons today to collect
supplies for the command and to prevent
them from falling into the hands of the
enemy.
April 15.-After loading my wagons
yesterday, i was across the Haw River at
] o'clock this a. N. with my men and
teams. Resumed our march this forenoon
In the rain and mud. The reports about
Lees army are getting more tangible. All
quiet in our army. Reported that we will
20 to Georgia.
April 16-Remained in camp until ~.
noon, when we resumed our march for
Greensboro. We camped about six miles
from town. Lee and his army captured
Reported that We will surrender.
April 1T.-Gen. Lee has certainly sur
rendered. Our army is nearly surround
ed. and many rumors in camp about our
surrendering. All of the men anxious A
great many going home without leave.
Our camp is just across the road from
Lieut-Gen Stewards headquarters. Get
ting plenty TO eat and some clothing. We
understand that Jeff Davis, John G..
Breckenridge Gen. Beauregard and Gen
Johnston had conference in Greensboro
as to what shall be done with the army,
and it was decided to leave the whole
matter in Gen. Johnston's hands. and that
he act as his Judgment directs Davis
has gone southwark
April 1S.-Reported that We were sur
rendered here at 10 a. m. More men GO
ing home without orders. The road is
lined with them. They refuse to fight any
more. Gen. Stewart has pleaded with
them to return to their commands, but
they only laugh and mock him.
The army is completely demoraliZed II
is reported that Jeff Davis has gone to
Nassau.
April 19.-No news from any source to,
day. All seem TO be waiting for some
thing to turn up.
April 20.-Gens. Johnston and Sher
man have agreed to terms OF surrender
An armistice has been declared pending
its approval at Washington The terms
provide for immunity because of engaging
in the war, and provide for the gradual
emancipation of the negro chattels. In
case il is not ratified by the United States
authorities, Gen. Sherman is to give Gen
Johnston As hours notice before renewing
hostiiities. In the meantime all com.
mands are to remain in their present posi-
tons. This is the best thiIg that could
be done for I am satisfied that NJ looSt