He captured Columbia, South Carolina, on the 17th; thence moved on Goldsboro', North Carolina, via Fayetteville, reaching the latter place on the 12th of March, opening up communication with General Schofield by way of Cape Fear River.

On the 15th he resumed his march on Goldsboro'.

He met a force of the enemy at Averysboro', and after a severe fight defeated and compelled it to retreat.

Our loss in this engagement was about six hundred.

The enemy's loss was much greater.
On the 18th the combined forces of the enemy, under Joe Johnston, attacked his advance at Bentonville, capturing three guns and driving it back upon the main body.