March 21, 1865---The Battle of Bentonville (Day Three):

MARCH 21, 1865:     

 The Battle of Bentonville       (Day Three):         

Most of the day passes with Sherman and Johnston eyeing each other, daring one another to make the first move. Skirmishing continues, becoming heavy at times, but there is no major movement of troops until Sherman orders General Joseph A. Mower forward to smash through the Confederate line. Mower does so with relative ease, and is on his way to Mill Creek, preparing to flank Johnston completely, when Sherman unaccountably calls him back. Sherman later admits he erred; in hindsight, Mower’s flanking of Johnston probably would have resulted in the encirclement of the entire Army of Tennessee, leading to Johnston’s likely surrender.

The Battle of Bentonville is the last tactical offensive ever mounted by the Joe Johnston’s army. It is also an expensive loss for Johnston’s army. The Confederates suffer a total of nearly 2,600 casualties --- over 10% of Johnston’s entire remaining force: 239 killed, 1,694 wounded, and 673 missing. Among the dead is General William Hardee C.S.A.’s 16 year old son Willie, who had begged to be allowed to fight in the battle over his father’s strong objections.

The Union army loses 194 killed, 1,112 wounded, and 221 missing, for a total of 1,527 casualties.

Following his victory at Bentonville, Sherman does not pursue Johnston; instead, he refits at Goldsboro and moves on toward Raleigh.