22 March 1865: “I have just returned safe & sound from an expedition to Bentonville against Sherman”

Item Description: A letter from Duncan G. Campbell to his wife about the Battle of Bentonville. He mentions capturing commanders, and losses suffered.

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Item Transcription: From Folder #6, in the Campbell Family Papers #135, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription: 

Smithfield March 22nd, 1865

My dear wife,

I have just returned safe & sound from an expedition to Bentonville against Sherman which has been satisfactory on the whole. We went down on Saturday and on Sunday afternoon attacked two corps of Sherman’s army. We killed some few cuups some few and brought off as trophies two comm. Night put on and to the contest. and we returned to our lines. On Monday the Yankees attacked us in the afternoon and after a sharp fight were forced to retire with small loss on both sides. Today we have been moving through the mud, and reached Smithfield at about 2oc. pm. I presume we shall continue to retreat on Raleigh tomorrow or next day. I hardly think it worth while for you to write by the mail for your Afters will probably never reach me, and I don’t like the idea of their falling into other hands. I write whenever I have an opportunity and will write at length as soon as we have day to rest. With much love to all + many kisses to the little ones believe me ever your own devoted

Duncan

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2 Responses to 22 March 1865: “I have just returned safe & sound from an expedition to Bentonville against Sherman”

  1. LizBezera says:

    We killed some few, caught some few, and brought off as trophies two cannon [not commanders!]. Night put an end to the contest and we retired to our lines. Her letters will probably never reach him, not her Afters.

  2. Todd Kesselring says:

    I agree with Liz on all of those. I am amazed by this letter. This is the most positive spin on Bentonville that I have ever read for his side. Is he trying to reassure the family?