HEADQUARTERS ARMIES
CONFEDERATE STATES,
March 20th, 1865.
HON. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Gen. J. E. Johnston
reports that about 5 P.M. on the 19th inst. he attacked the enemy near
Bentonsville, routed him, capturing three guns. A mile in rear, the enemy
rallied upon fresh troops, but was forced back slowly until 6 o'clock P.M.,
when, receiving more troops, he apparently assumed the offensive, which
movement was resisted without difficulty until dark. This morning he is
intrenched.
Our loss is small.
The troops behaved admirably well.
Dense thickets
prevented rapid operations.
R. E. LEE.
