Fayetteville, N. C.,
March 11-13, 1865.


4th Division, 17th Army Corps, and 3d Division, 14th Corps.

At Fayetteville the two wings of Sherman's army were drawing
near together. Gen. Howard, commanding the right wing, sent
forward a company of scouts, commanded by Capt. Duncan, to
secure the bridge over Little Rockfish creek on the 10th and
the next morning directed him to scout toward Fayetteville.

Duncan encountered the Confederate pickets, and in the skirmish
which ensued was captured, but managed to make his escape.
When Gen. Giles A. Smith reached the Little Rockfish he sent
forward his escort and a company of mounted foragers, to the
assistance of the scouts.

These forces gained possession of Arsenal hill and undertook to
save the bridge over the Cape Fear river, but it had been
previously prepared for firing and the flames could not be
extinguished. Potts' brigade of G. A. Smith's division entered
the town and about the same time Baird's division of the 14th
corps entered it from the northwest.

The mayor formally surrendered the town to Lieut.-Col. W. E.
Strong, of Howard's staff, after which the forces of the right
wing withdrew and went into camp just outside of the city
limits. Gen. Baird was ordered to destroy all property, public
and private, which could be used to an enemy's advantage, but
to protect all harmless private property.

Under this order 2 large foundries, 4 factories, and a
considerable quantity of railroad property were destroyed to
the entire satisfaction of the general commanding. The old
United States arsenal was found to contain a number of cannon
and small arms, some of which were taken for the use of the
army and the remainder, as well as the building, were
completely destroyed.

While the destruction of the property was going on two pontoons
were thrown across the Cape Fear river, and on the 13th the
army was ordered to take up the march to Goldsboro, the 14th
corps in advance. It was soon discovered that a small body of
Confederates had barricaded the road, and the 60th Ill. was
sent forward to dislodge them.

The enemy fell back slowly to a strong position behind a swamp,
when Gen. Vandever ordered forward the 10th Mich. and the 16th
Ill. to the assistance of the regiment already engaged. In a
short time the three regiments completely routed the enemy and
opened the way for the main body of the corps to proceed.

The only casualty reported on the Union side was that of 1 man
slightly wounded.


Source: The Union Army, Vol. 5, p. 395