Description: A Union expedition led by Brig. Gen. John G. Foster
left New Berne (aka New Bern) in December to disrupt the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad at Goldsborough. The advance was stubbornly contested by Evans’s Brigade near Kinston Bridge on December 14, but the Confederates were
outnumbered and withdrew north of the Neuse River in the direction of Goldsborough (aka Goldsboro). Foster continued his movement
the next day, taking the River Road, south of the Neuse River.
"The enemy held their ground [at Kinston], however, with terrible stubbornness; an almost hand to hand
fight raged for hours." Words of a Union soldier from Jenney's Battery, New York Artillery, shortly after the Battle
of Kinston
Result(s): Union victory
Sources: National Park Service; Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Armies
