While Slocum's advance was stalled at
Averasborough by Hardee's troops, the right wing of Sherman's army under
command of Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard marched toward Goldsborough. On March
19, Slocum encountered the entrenched Confederates of Gen. Joseph E.
Johnston who had concentrated to meet his advance at Bentonville. Late
afternoon, Johnston attacked, crushing the line of the XIV Corps. Only
strong counterattacks and desperate fighting south of the Goldsborough
Road blunted the Confederate offensive. Elements of the XX Corps were
thrown into the action as they arrived on the field. Five Confederate
attacks failed to dislodge the Federal defenders and darkness ended the
first day's fighting. During the night, Johnston contracted his line
into a "V" to protect his flanks with Mill Creek to his rear. On March
20, Slocum was heavily reinforced, but fighting was sporadic. Sherman
was inclined to let Johnston retreat. On the 21st, however, Johnston
remained in position while he removed his wounded. Skirmishing heated up
along the entire front. In the afternoon, Maj. Gen. Joseph Mower led
his Union division along a narrow trace that carried it across Mill
Creek into Johnston's rear. Confederate counterattacks stopped Mower's
advance, saving the army's only line of communication and retreat. Mower
withdrew, ending fighting for the day. During the night, Johnston
retreated across the bridge at Bentonville. Union forces pursued at
first light, driving back Wheeler's rearguard and saving the bridge.
Federal pursuit was halted at Hannah's Creek after a severe skirmish.
Sherman, after regrouping at Goldsborough, pursued Johnston toward
Raleigh. On April 18, Johnston signed an armistice with Sherman at the
Bennett House, and on April 26, formally surrendered his army.