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.
