without passing through
our crescent line, the extreme ends of which touched the river above and
below them. They attempted this on Saturday, and met with a bloody
defeat, and until last night, when they retraced their steps, were
confined to an exceedingly narrow and uncomfortable strip of land along
the south bank of the river.

Our loss in the battle will not exceed, perhaps, 2000 men, not more than
500 being slain. It is estimated that the enemy's loss is over 10,000,
and it may greatly exceed that number, as our positions were strong and
our batteries numerous. The enemy fought well, charging repeatedly over
the plain swept completely by our guns, and leaving the earth strewn
with their dead. We have many prisoners, but I have heard no estimate of
the number.

The enemy have taken Kinston, N. C., having overwhelming numbers, and a
letter from Gen. Bragg, dated at Raleigh, yesterday, says it is probable
Goldsborough will fall into their hands. This will cut our railroad
communication with Wilmington, which may likewise fall--but not without
its price in blood.

Why not let the war cease now? It is worse than criminal to prolong it,
when it is apparent that subjugation is an impossibility.

There were no stragglers from Lee's army, and never were men in better
spirits and condition. They are well clad and fed, and exceedingly
anxious for Burnside to resume his "On to Richmond" after the _skirmish_
of Saturday. They call it but a skirmish, for not a brigade was blown,
not a regiment fatigued.

Although men shake hands over this result, they all say they never
looked for any other termination of Burnside. The ladies say he is now
charred all over. Well, he _may_ come again by some other route, but I
have doubts. The rigors of winter are sufficient punishment for his
troops. It is said Burnside intended to resume the battle on Sunday
morning, but his generals reported that their men could not be relied
upon to approach our batteries again. I shall look with interest for the
next Northern papers.

DECEMBER 17TH.--A dispatch from Gen. G. W. Smith, last night, says we
have repulsed the enemy from Kinston, N. C., but a dispatch this morning
says a cavalry force has cut the railroad near Goldsborough, broken down
the wires, and burnt the bridge. We had no letters from beyond that
point this morning.

Last night large quantities of ammunition and some more regiments were
sent to North Carolina. This is done because