After the close of the engagement (with the Frigate Pawnee), being totally unfit for duty I obtained permission and returned to the company hospital. We had been during this time daily in the receipt of news of the retrograde movement of our troops before Sherman's army, and were therefore not surprised when on the 16th February we received orders to prepare immediately for a move, which move we knew meant nothing else than retreat ... In the night time some of our men had set fire to some of the cabins or loghouses, and soon the whole camp was in a blaze, my own sharing the fate of the other cabins of which I was heartily glad as I did not care to have the enemy enjoying the benefit of my labor ...
Sherman was pressing us hard when we left Cheraw on the 2nd of March before day ... we heard firing early in the morning already which we learnt afterwards had been a skirmish of our cavalry under Gen Hampton with Sherman's advance forces who had entered Cheraw before the former had even left ... On the same day, the 2nd March at about 12 O'clock we crossed the state line into North Carolina, the same being marked by an old tree; this was the first time I had ever left the bounds of my native state, and the fact gave rise to many, many thoughts.
On the 17th March we reached the vicinity of Smithfield, having forded the Neuse River, waist deep, on the way. There we also lay three days, the distant sound of artillery announcing to us that another battle was being fought in our rear, which we learned afterwards was at Bentonville ... soon the arrival of the wounded showed us that the same had not been a bloodless one. ...
Having received orders to go to the relief of Gen. Lee at Richmond we started off in that direction, but had not got far on our new route when we received the news that he had evacuated that city and was falling back on Danville where we were ordered to join him, but when at Trinity College a town near Greensboro we heard that he had surrendered at Appomattox Court House, on the 10th of April, proceeding a few miles further to Bush Hill, we came to a dead stop, having traveled nearly 300 miles in a circuit of only 30, like a fish floundering in a net, darting here and there to get out but in vain, on all sides the fast closing lines of the enemy encompassed us, and we saw now the end of our army also approaching; Gen. Lee's surrender cast a damper over the already fast sinking spirits of our men ...
On the 26th April, Articles of Agreement were signed by Generals Johnston and Sherman at Durham, when the former issued his last order informing his army of the same; when the order was read to our company drawn up in line, and although expected for some time already, a deep hush prevailed over the men, and when our captain, in a husky tone of voice that plainly showed the depth of feeling in the same added a few remarks the emotions welled up from their hearts and many an eye could hardly suppress the tear.
May 2, 1865
General Orders No 22
Comrades: In terminating my official relations I ernestly exhort you to observe faithfully the terms of pacification agreed upon, and to discharge the obligations of good and peaceful citizens, as well as you have performed the duties of thorough soldiers in the field. By such a course, you will receive the comfort of your families and kindred and restore tranquility to our country.
You will return to your houses with the admiration of our people, won by the courage and noble devotion you have displayed in this long war. I shall always remember with pride the loyal support and generous confidence you have given me.
I now part with you with deep regret, and bid you farewell with feelings of cordial friendship and with earnest wishes that you may have hereafter all the prosperity and happiness to be found in the world.
J. E. Johnston
General
Battle of Fort Sumter
Washington Artillery
Engagement with Frigate Pawnee
Battle of North Carolina/Surrender
Journey of the German Fusiliers, 1881