HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
March 23, 1865-11. 40 a. m.

General J. E. JOHNSTON:

GENERAL: A prisoner just sent to the rear states that he belongs to the Fourteenth Corps; that he belongs to the Fourteenth Corps; that yesterday morning they marched over our works, and finding our troops gone, moved in the direction of Goldsborough, and that the Twentieth Corps went with the Fourteenth. He states that parts of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps are camped on the Bentonville and Goldsborough road on the southwest side of Neuse River and about three miles from that river. He says that he saw yesterday men belonging to Terry's troops, and understood that Schofield was stop and get up supplies before moving forward in force. A courier just reports that some of the enemy have crossed Moccasin Creek, moving toward Smithfield. I will soon ascertain all about it. Colonel Ashby was sent to Moccasin Creek early this morning.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

ON RIVER ROAD,

One Mile and a half from Cox's Bridge, March 23, 1865-2 p. m.

Major General J. WHEELER:

GENERAL: General Hampton directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 10. 20 a. m., and to inform you of our position, which is nearly two miles in advance of Moccasin Swamp. The enemy is moving down toward Goldsborough. The Fourteenth Corps commenced crossing at Cox's Bridge on pontoons this morning, and is now skirmishing on our front. General Hampton desires you to occupy the road you are on, and one on the other side of the railroad, which leads from Raleigh to Goldsborough, and which road is now occupied by Colonel Lipscomb, Second South Carolina Cavalry, who will be ordered to report here when relieved by your troops. He desires you to press down these roads, get as near the enemy as you can, and endeavor by scouts, &c., to gain all the information of his movements possible. Endeavor to connect, by scouts or otherwise, with Law, on the river road.

Very respectfuly, your obedient servant,

H. B. McCLELLAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
March 23, 1865-2. 40 p. m.

General J. E. JOHNSTON:

GENERAL: I have moved to within one mile and a half of Moccasin Creek, and have sent out scouts [to watch] the movements of the enemy, some of which have gone to the north and northeast of Goldsborough to ascertain if the enemy are moving in those directions. Colonel Ashby is on Moccasin Creek with his command. I shall remain a this point till I get further information.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.