Confederate maps erroneously show that the two…

Confederate maps erroneously show that the two Union wings are twelve miles (nineteen kilometers) apart, which means each would take a day to reach the other.

Johnston plans to concentrate his entire army on Slocum's wing to defeat it and to destroy its trains before it reunites with the rest of the Union column.

The Confederate attack commences on March 19, as Slocum's men march on the Goldsboro Road, one mile (one point six kilometers) south of Bentonville.

Slocum is convinced he faces only enemy cavalry and artillery, not an entire army.

In addition, Sherman does not believe that Johnston will fight with the Neuse River to his rear.

Therefore, Slocum initially notifies Sherman that he is facing only cursory resistance near Bentonville and does not require aid.

Believing he faces only cavalry, Slocum attempts to brush aside the Confederates by attacking with the 1st Division of Brig.

General William P. Carlin with support from the 3rd Division of Brig.

General Absalom Baird, both from the XIV Corps, but this attack is driven back.

Slocum then deploys his divisions in a defensive line, with Brig.

General James D. Morgan's 2nd Division on the right and a XX Corps division in support, in order to delay the Confederates long enough to allow the rest of his wing to arrive.

None of the divisions, except for Morgan's, construct strong breastworks, which are further compromised by a gap in the center of the Union line.

At 3 p.m., Confederate infantry from the Army of Tennessee launch an attack and drive the Union left flank back in confusion, nearly capturing Carlin in the process and overrunning the XIV Corps field hospital.

Confederates under Major General D.H. Hill fill the vacuum left by the retreating Federals and begin enfilading the Union troops remaining along the front.

Morgan's division is nearly surrounded and is being attacked from three sides, but the Confederate attacks are uncoordinated and therefore unsuccessful in driving them from the position.

Other units under the command of Hardee attack the Union positions near the Harper house bu tare repulsed after multiple assaults.

After a heated engagement, Union reinforcements arrive and checked Hill's assault.

Fighting continues after nightfall as the Confederates try without success to drive back the Union line.

About midnight, the Confederates withdraw to their original positions and start entrenching.