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

Goldsboro N.C. March 23^rd 1865

 

I hoped to receive a letter from you today dear wife but have been disappointed. In a few days the railroad will be completed to this point and then your letters will probably come this far with regularity. This has been a glad day for the army at this place. Genl Sherman arrived here this morning in person with his staff and brings us good news. The fight between Slocum and Joe Johnson of which I wrote you a day or two since resulted finally most gloriously for us. Johnson with his whole army was / badly beaten and left his dead and wounded upon the field. His army was driven in confusion and retreated in very bad order. We captured from him some nine hundred prisoners. Sherman says that they have taken about three thousand prisoners on their last march. From all accounts all has gone most successfully and the rebels have suffered terribly and can no longer stand against us in this region. There is one terrible feature however in this method of making war, which I cannot think of without a shudder. In order to subsist the army the whole country must be made desolate and the inhabitants necessarily left to suffer for want of something to / eat. Women and children thus pay the penalty for the misdeeds of the men. God grant that this may soon end in the restoration of a perfect and lasting peace. I can see no relief for the rebels, and all things point to their sure and speedy defeat. With such armies against us and all our resources cut off, if I was in command I should consider well before I would longer fight in so hopeless a cause. Every battle that is fought after hope of success is gone is allowing so many murders to be committed. We hope to hear good news from Sheridan and Grant by almost every mail. If they are able to do as well as we have done the war will soon end. 

 

Three armies have concentrated here on one day, by the most brilliant marches, over a country difficult and deemed almost impossible for armies. Now that our strength is combined what can resist us. Sherman, Schofield & [?] are now practically united whilst every force of the enemy that has opposed either of their armies has been badly defeated. Does not all this give you hope and courage dear wife that we will soon again be united in peace and happiness at home. As the time apparently approaches I become more impatient, but I will try and wait for the end, when with every duty performed I can go back to my darling wife claiming proudly her approbation & warmest love. Love to Lindy & children with loving kisses to darling wife                M^cLean

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