r leaving
John Costello wounded in the face, when the rebels opened fire with
their artillery and small arms. We returned the fire with carbines,
driving the enemy for several minutes from a piece of his artillery,
which was posted at the other end of the bridge. About this time
Lieutenant-Colonel Mix arrived with a force of cavalry and a section of
the Third New York Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Day. This
section opened fire with shot with good effect.

Near 10 o'clock the Ninth New Jersey Infantry was brought into action;
also Morrison's battery, of the Third New York Artillery. By the aid of
both of these forces the enemy was soon driven from his position. As
soon as the battery ceased firing, the Ninth New Jersey forded the creek
and charged upon the battery. The battery was taken, the old flag of the
Union waved over it, and cheers were given and an interesting scene
enacted.

While the bridge was being rebuilt, and while the "black pioneer
brigade" was again making itself eminently useful, Colonel Heckmann
pushed forward with the Ninth New Jersey, again engaging the enemy,
capturing a Rodman gun, killing three of the enemy and taking a few more
prisoners. Colonel Heckmann was soon after supported by
Brigadier-General Wessell's brigade.

Just as the sun was sinking in the west we came upon two regiments of
rebel infantry and two of their pieces of artillery, posted on a rise of
ground behind a dense woods. The Ninth New Jersey once more advanced and
drove the enemy back upon their guns after a rapid and sharp fire, when
Captain Morrison's battery, of the Third New York Artillery, forced him
to retire from his position, ceasing his fire altogether. Before the
Ninth New Jersey got engaged, Captain Cole, with Company K., of the
Third New York Cavalry, charged the enemy, clearing the road and driving
the rebels to the woods. In this charge Franklin Chapman was wounded in
the leg. Night having set in, we encamped about three miles and a half
or four miles from Kinston. In the evening affair our losses were: ----
Clifford, of the Ninth New Jersey, jaw broken; and ---- Neucommer of the
same regiment, taken prisoner.

DECEMBER 14, 1862.

Almost immediately after commencing anew our advance, we came upon a
force of the enemy, entering into a heavy skirmish and then a general
engagement.

The Ninth New Jersey advanced slowly down the road and then into