December 18, 1862.
The army marched this day to within seven miles of Kinston. We had to pass through woods on fire; some of the natives had purposely and some of our men having accidentally (the latter through the medium of their camp fires) communicated flames to the turpentine trees. Though the scene was novel and pleasing still it was dangerous, and at times somewhat more than this.
NINTH DAY.
December, 19, 1862.
Your correspondent left the army about seven o'clock this morning, and, after a horseback ride of over forty miles, reached New Berne by sundown. When he left, the army was on its way to New Berne.
THE LATEST.
New Berne, Dec. 20, 1862.
During the progress of the late expedition we came upon large quantities of cotton and turpentine. Our advance was so peculiar and rapid that the rebels did not have time to burn it, although we occasionally found large quantities on fire.
Our entire movement was greatly facilitated by Captain Sleight, to whose energetic course of action was due the keeping of our supply, etc., trains. General Foster highly complimented Captain Sleight for the ability with which he conducted his department.
I forgot to mention in my account of the engagement at Goldsboro railroad bridge that the enemy, on finding that our troops were outflanking them by wading through a mill stream, hoisted the gate at the mill and let the water rush down with astonishing impetuosity. By this means one or two of our men were drowned, while others still pushed on, with the water up to their armpits, regardless of the difficulty.