the road to be pursued by the corps on the 23rd instant. This work is reported to have been accomplished thoroughly, and the connecting road between the Bentonville and the road running nearly parallel therewith and to the right is now in condition to pass the trains of the corps.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN M. CORSE,

Brevet Major-General.

SPECIAL
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIELD ORDERS,
FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 49.
In the Field, near Mill Creek, N. C., March 22, 1865.

I. The troops composing this division will break camp at 6 a. m. to-morrow, the 23rd instant, moving upon Grantham's house, near Falling Creek Church. The order of brigades as follows: First, Second, Third. Two regiments will move in advance and two in rear of trains, the remainder of the troops moving by the side of trains. Trains in same order as heretofore, well closed up. Brigade trains in the order of their respective brigades.

By order of Bvt. Major General John M. Corse:

L. H. EVERTS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 73.
Near Bentonville, N. C., March 22, 1865.

* * * * * * *

III. This command will move to-morrow by the river road to Falling Creek. Major-General Mower, commanding First Division, will have the advance and will move at 7 a. m. The Third Division, Brigadier General M. F. Force commanding, will follow the First Division. The Fourth Division, Bvt. Major General G. A. Smith commanding, will follow the Third Division. The Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry will act as rear guard.

* * * * * *

By command of Major General F. P. Blair:

C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Mill Creek, N. C., March 22, 1865.

Major General F. P. BLAIR,

Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: My skirmishers have just taken possession of Mill Creek bridge. General Hardee left here this morning just before our skirmishers arrived. According to the best information I can gather, he will not make a fight on the west side of Mill Creek unless he is closely pursued. My line of battle is within half a mile of Mill Creek.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOS. A. MOWER,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Division.