Raleigh, March 11, 1865
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| General R. E. Lee |
| General-in-Chief |
| |
| General, |
| Lieutenant-General Hardee, then at
Fayetteville, informed me by telegraph last night that General
Sherman's army was within seven miles of the place; that he would
cross the river during the night, and Lieutenant-General Hampton
this morning. The closing of the telegraph office has indicated the
evacuation of the place. General Bragg reported at the same time
that he had not dislodged the enemy from the position which he took
after the action of the 8th, the strength of the intrenched position
and re-enforcements to the enemy making it impracticable. A strong
body of troops was also marching by the coast road to join Cox's
command. He is, therefore, falling back, instructed to halt at
Goldsborough. It seems to me probable that General Sherman intends
to unite the troops near Kinston with his own army. If he moves
toward Goldsborough for this object, I hope to be able to
concentrate our forces there to attack Cox. By the slow working of
the railroad the Tennessee troops are not all up yet, although the
movement commenced eight days ago. |
| Should the Federal army move upon
Raleigh from Fayetteville, the course of the Cape Fear might conceal
his movements to within thirty miles of the place, and prevent my
meeting it near the river, where its columns are most likely to be
separated. |
| Generals Holmes and Gatlin tell me that
the country between Raleigh and Clarksville will sustain no
considerable body of troops, and that to reach the Roanoke it would
be necessary to direct our march at least as low on the river as
Gaston. The chief commissary, however, reports the country along
most of the route to Clarksville abundant. I think that my course
ought to depend much upon your situation. In a battle with Sherman
on equal ground the chances would be decidedly against us. Hardee's
troops have seen little real service, and have among the superior
officers few who have shown themselves competent to their grades.
Their present organization is new--made when Charleston was
evacuated. The Army of Tennessee is represented to be in great need
of reorganization. Their best general officers were lost at Franklin
and Nashville. Lieutenant-General Hardee's force at Cheraw was,
including 1,000 South Carolina reserves and militia, about 10,000.
There have been many deserters since. General Bragg estimated his at
about 7,000. His loss was about 500 in the recent engagement.
General Beauregard estimated the effective total of the Army of
Tennessee at 6,700. Our cavalry is better and more numerous than
that of the enemy, and is under a much abler commander. The Federal
army is supposed by our officers to amount to about 45,000. I have
no other means of estimating its strength. Under such circumstances
I will not give battle to Sherman's united army, unless your
situation may require such a course; but will if I can find it
divided. Of this please advise me. I need not say that your opinions
will have a control equal to that of your official authority. Should
Sherman and Cox unite, their march into Virginia cannot be prevented
by me. In that event, if I understand your letter of February 23,
you will meet us at the southern edge of Virginia to give battle.
Would it be practicable, instead, to hold one of the inner lines of
Richmond with one part of your army, and meet Sherman with the
other, returning to Richmond after fighting? I should be glad to
know as much as you think it prudent to communicate of the effect
upon your position of the interruption by the Federal army of the
railroad by Raleigh. If the possession of the road by Raleigh is
necessary for the subsistence of your army, unless it is improper to
ask, I should be glad to be informed. I beg you to inform me of
everything in your affairs which is connected with my operations,
such, at least, as may be dependent on them, that I may do my utmost
to aid you. I shall also be grateful for any instructions you may
have time to give me. |
| I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, |
| J. E. Johnston |
| General |
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