[Inclosure.]

MAP.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
March 19, 1865.

General SLOCUM,

Near Bentonville:

GENERAL: Call up Geary and Baird, leaving a brigade to each train. All of the Right Wing will move at moonrise toward Bentonville. Fortify and hold your position to the last, certain that all the army is coming to you as fast as possible.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

We have the bridge at Goldsborough and the cross-roads at Cox's. If you find the enemy gone at daylight, follow up, as he will turn on Howard.

SHERMAN.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,
Three Miles Southeast of Bentonville, N. C.,

March 19, 1865-8 p. m.

Major-General SHERMAN,

General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: I have positive information that General Johnston is here in person with a heavy force. I feel confident of holding my position, but I deem it of the greatest importance that the Right Wing come up