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Palmer, Joseph B. (1825-1890) [Report on battle of Bentonville, North Carolina]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03580 Author/Creator: Palmer, Joseph B. (1825-1890) Place Written: Smithfield, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 March 1865 Pagination: 6 p. ; 25 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy

Confederate Major General Palmer gives a detailed report of the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, which occurred on 19-21 March 1865. Describes his brigade's movements and tactics, and lists losses from his brigade including captured, wounded, and killed. "My losses during the fight were 13 killed, 113 wounded, & 53 captured, making in all 179. The enemy's loss I am satisfied was greater, especially in killed." Lists the names and rank of some of the casualties. Includes a one page statement entitled, "Statement of effective total of [General Carter L.] Stevenson's Division in the battle near Bentonville on the 19 of Mch. 1865." On this page he details the casualties of each brigade (Generals Joseph B. Palmer's, Pelter's[?], and Alfred Cumming's) for each day of battle, the 19th, 20th, and 21st of March. Comes up with a total of 274 casualties.

The Battle of Bentonville was the last major battle to occur between the armies of Major General William T. Sherman and General Joseph E. Johnston.

Palmer, Joseph Benjamin, 1825-1890

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