Head Qrs 2^nd Division 23^rd A.C.

Camp near Kinston N.C. March 13^th 1865

 

Once more dear wife I have reached a point from which I can send a letter to you. On the last night at Wilmington I wrote you and this is the first time since then when it was possible to send a mail. We arrived at our present camp on yesterday, joining the rest of our Corps, with the other troops under Genl Cox. We have made a splendid march and without opposition of movement. It was a dangerous undertaking but has turned out a success. We averaged over fifteen miles each day overcoming all difficulties in our path. We found some bridges destroyed which we rebuilt, but / no enemy that dared stand before us. The last two days of our march was very exciting as we heard heavy guns and from this knew that Genl Cox was fighting. We also heard from him by a courier urging our advance and made our last days march by starting at two oclock in the morning. We did not arrive in time however, or rather the enemy was so badly whipped with last days fight, that he did not dare to make another attack, so that when we arrived the enemy had retreated. How far he is gone we do not know but it is supposed that he has gone as far as Goldsboro. Tomorrow we intend marching across the Neuse river, and will then take up a position, throw up intrenchments and prepare ourselves to defend / until further developments. Today I saw Genl Schofield. He is in fine spirits and has heard direct from Genl Sherman who is today at Fayetteville in this state and who will march on with his whole army until he forms a junction with us. With all the forces united I cannot see how it is possible for the rebels to resist us. All the force they had here was thrown against Genl Cox at this point and badly defeated, how then can they possibly get troops enough in addition to resist Sherman and our increased force. Their prospects seem gloomy and ours bright. We all feel the utmost encouragement which is a great thing in our army. My hopes of a speedy termination / of the war grow stronger every day. The country through which we have marched is the most desolate that I have ever seen. I would not take it as a gift and nothing could induce me to live in such a place. It seems almost entirely a swamp, and the few dry places are sand barrens where nothing seems to grow but pitch pine. All the trees are fixed by cutting the bark in a peculiar form so as to gather the sap or pitch which exudes and this seems to be the principal activity of commerce. The people are poor and ignorant in all things. I expected dear wife to meet a letter from you at this point but have been disappointed Tomorrow perhaps may bring me a letter. Love to Lindy and the children with loving good night kisses to darling wife              M^cLean

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