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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. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 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.

Palmer, Joseph Benjamin, 1825-1890

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