Randallsville, N. C., March 10, 1865, 12 p. m.
Ten miles to-day, most of which we had to corduroy. Our regiment in
rear of the division and corps. Crossed the Lumber river about 4 p. m. Fine
country. We had reveille at 3 this morning, and the rear of train with our 1st
brigade did not get in until an hour later. They had a hard time. Hope we'll
get the advance to-morrow. This Lumber river is a spoon river, with a third of
a mile of swamp on each side thereof. Hear to-night that Grant has taken
Petersburg, and believe it to be-bosh. Blair, with the 17th A. C., is close to
Fayetteville, but it is said he has orders to be still and let the left wing
enter the town.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier,
p. 359
