We learn that the Rogers force arrived just in time to retreat.
The rebels destroyed some eighty or ninety bales of cotton. This we found burning as we entered the town. Most of it belonged to a Scotchman named Nicolo.
During the evening a house accidentally got on fire, when the flames communicated to three or four others, all being destroyed. Energetic measures were taken to subdue the flames.
The provost guard arrangement works admirably. Little or no damage is being done. The good conduct of the troops is remarkable.
FIFTH DAY.
In the Field, Dec. 15, 1862.
We moved out of Kinston at a very early hour this morning, and marched up the line of the Neuse River on the side opposite to that place. The road lay through a section of country hilly and comparatively poor. During the day we came upon the enemy's pickets and drove them in, taking three or four prisoners. By sunset we had marched seventeen miles. We then bivouacked for the night. This day's march was considered a very good one, considering the fatigued condition of the troops. On marching out of Kinston and recrossing the river the bridge we so fortunately saved the day previous was totally destroyed, in order to defeat any design on the part of General Evans to follow up and attack us in the rear. When the main column halted for the night Major Garrard, with his battalion of the Third New York Cavalry, and a section of Captain Jenney's battery of the Third New York Artillery, were sent forward to dash into and take a small town on the Neuse, known as Whitehall. To do this we had to go a distance of three and a half miles from the main column. This we accomplished at a full gallop; but, notwithstanding we pushed forward so rapidly, we found on our arrival the bridge over the river in flames. We also learned that a Virginia regiment had just retreated across the bridge, and that they would be heavily reinforced on the following morning. The Major immediately ordered a reconnoissance of the whole position by dismounted cavalrymen. In this reconnoissance we found previous reports confirmed, in that we discovered a rebel gunboat on the other side of the river.
To destroy the gunboat which was not fully completed, was one of our principal objects; but to do it in the face of an enemy, concealed in the woods on the opposite bank, was a different matter. In order to cast a heavy reflection of light on the enemy, we set fire to large quantities of turpentine, in barrels, in sheds and otherwise. This rendered the scene one of peculiar and lively interest. The flames ascended in all forms and to various heights, communicating to and firing many of the adjacent trees. During all this time the enemy laid low in the woods, only firing one or two small arms.
After brief deliberation, the Major determined to call upon some one to volunteer and swim the river; then, after swimming it, to board the gunboat and fire it. To do this daring deed, Henry Butler, of Company C, Third New York Cavalry, volunteered. Our artillery was ordered up, and opened with shell to the right and left of the bridge. Butler then undressed, ran down the bank, plunged into the river, and swam to the opposite side. He then started to get a fire brand at the burning bridge, when the enemy opened fire on him. Butler instantly turned and ran for the river, followed by a couple of the enemy (who quickly sprang from their hiding places), jumped into the water, was again fired upon, and finally reached his old position without injury. For this gallant act the Major highly complimented Butler on the spot and while Butler was in a situation not observable in civilized, unwarlike society. We then gave the enemy a severe dose of canister, and, finding that we could not well get over to the gunboat, we battered it to pieces with shot and shell. The vessel was a small one, flat bottomed, intended for fast river navigation, designed for one or two guns, built somewhat after the form of the Merrimac, iron plating and all. We then returned to camp, having accomplished our purpose.