l Foster dispatched Col. Potter,
under a flag of truce, to communicate with Gen. Evans, and to demand a
surrender of his forces. The flag was recognized. We found the rebel
regiments retreating up the railroad and on the road and in various
ways, straggling and otherwise, toward Goldsboro.

General Evans refused to comply, on high military grounds, etc. Soon
after our artillery commenced anew to shell the rebels across the town,
firing low--in fact so low that some of the shells swept very closely
over our heads. General Evans then sent, by flag of truce, his
compliments, etc., to Gen. Foster, and requested a place of safety for
the women and children, as he intended to return the fire from his
artillery. Our artillery ceased firing, and the women and children that
could be found were conducted to a place of safety, when, we found, on
preparing again for action, that the bird had flown; that General Evans
had succeeded during the flag of truce operations in safely conducting
off what remained of his entire command. We then advanced a short
distance and encamped for the night.

Our loss in wounded is between 100 and 120. Our total loss in killed,
wounded and missing will not exceed 150. Colonel Gray, of the
Ninety-sixth New York, was killed. Two or three other officers were
wounded. We cannot at this time ascertain the names of these.

All the combinations worked well, and General Foster deserves great
credit for not only his plan of operations, but also the effective
manner in which he carried them out.

General Foster will recommend Colonel Heckmann, of the Ninth New Jersey,
for a brigadier-generalship. Colonel Hunt, of the Ninety-second New
York, made two splendid charges with his regiment, and will also be
recommended for a brigadier-generalship. The Tenth Connecticut lost
heavily. They fought until they used up all their ammunition, and then
advanced with the bayonet.

General Foster highly commends Colonel Ledlie, acting brigadier-general
of artillery, for the energetic and skillful manner in which he operated
a portion of his pieces, or those brought into action.

During the engagement, Captain Cole, with Company K, of the Third New
York Cavalry, was in position in the nearest open field, ready for a
charge, if such a thing was possible, notwithstanding the shot and shell
which fell around the company on all sides.

During the whole affair all the troops engaged behaved with great
courage, and promptly exe