Headquarters
| Smithfield,
March 17, 1865 -- 10:30 am |
| |
| General R. E. Lee |
| |
| General Hardee was yesterday five miles
south of Averasborough. He was repeatedly attacked during the day by
four divisions of the enemy, but always repulsed him. The enemy was
reported at night to have crossed Black River to the east at various
points with the rest of the army. General Hardee is moving to a
point twelve miles from Smithfield. Schofield's troops are reported
at Kinston, repairing the railroad bridge. Cheatham's corps not yet
up. This railroad {the North Carolina RR}, with its enormous amount of rolling-stock, has
brought us only about 500 men a day. |
| J. E. Johnston |
| {Also at OR, Series 1, Vol. 47,
Part 1, Page 1054} |
|