Left bank of Neuse River, 20 miles East of Raleigh,
April 12, 1865, 4 p. m.
Twelve miles
to-day. Our cavalry pushed ahead and drove the Rebels past here at 8 a. m.
Saw a barn
and cotton press in flames to-day. There has been no burning this trip worth
mentioning. This to-day was all I have seen and it was to destroy the cotton.
Poor country to-day, but one very nice country place; the house 4th rate, but
the grounds and shrubbery finer than any in our part of Illinois.
This is an
army of skeptics, they won't believe in Lee's surrender. I do, and I tell you
it makes this one of my brightest days. His surrender makes sure beyond any
chance that what we have been fighting for for four years is sure. Look for me July 4th, 1865. [This
promise was kept. Ed.]
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life
of an Illinois Soldier, p. 369
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