TION, DECEMBER, 1862.

IN THE FIELD, FIFTEEN MILES FROM }
NEW BERNE, DEC. 11, 1862. }

Major General J. G. Foster commenced a movement of his army from New
Berne this morning. At 3 p. m. we came upon the enemy's pickets (near
our present camping ground), when three prisoners were taken by the
advance guard of the Third New York Cavalry. In attempting to press
forward we found the road densely blockaded by felled trees; this
blockade extended for several hundred yards, being situated in the midst
of a swamp possessing an abundance of creeks. Owing to this obstruction
it became absolutely necessary to halt here for the night. During the
same time the woods were cleared and with great rapidity, too, by
pioneers from several regiments and a strong force of "pioneer
contrabands"--the latter under the direction of the civil engineer of
this department, Henry W. Wilson.

DECEMBER 12, 1862.

During the past night the Ninth New Jersey Infantry, under command of
Colonel Heckmann, advanced through the swamp and took up a position
within three miles of Trenton, engaging the enemy successfully for a
short time.

At 9.30 o'clock to-day we came upon a body of rebel cavalry and an
ambush of rebel infantry. Captain Marshall, with Company B., of the
Third New York Cavalry, charged the enemy's cavalry, driving them ahead,
taking seven prisoners and wounding or killing the captain of the
company, besides killing and wounding a few others. In this charge we
lost four men, who were taken prisoners; also Franklin Kingsley, who was
wounded in the leg, and Augustus G. Butler, who was wounded in the side.
We had other light skirmishing during the day; also took a few more
prisoners.

DECEMBER 13, 1862.

We advanced at daylight, making several feints on various roads, but
always finding the enemy posted in such a manner as to be able to
destroy the bridges and otherwise retarding our movements. About 9
o'clock, Company K., Captain Cole, of the Third New York Cavalry, came
upon the enemy at a place called Southwest Creek. The rebels had an
earthwork thrown up directly across the road. Behind it they had posted
four guns. Captain Cole attempted to charge across the bridge, but found
it partially destroyed. He then retired a short distance, afte