Battle of Kinston, North Carolina

On the 4th of December 1862, Wessells' Brigade was ordered to go to New Bern, NC, to reinforce General John G. Foster. Foster was organizing his forces to go to Goldsboro, NC, as a diversion to help General Burnside at Fredericksburg, VA. Wessells' Brigade left Suffolk, marching to the Chowan River near Gatesville, where they boarded ships. They proceeded down the Chowan River into the Albemarle Sound, past Roanoke Island, and then up the Neuse River arriving at New Bern on the 9th. On the 11th, Wessells' Brigade, along with Gen. Foster's 12,000 troops, began their march towards Kinston, NC, en route to Goldsboro.

Wessells took the advance and encountered some of the enemy's cavalry, with only light skirmishing taking place. However, a large number of Confederates were encountered on the evening of the 13th. Wessells' Brigade drove them across West Creek and captured two artillery pieces. Lt. Col. Armor was accidentally injured and sent back, with Major Alexander William Taylor assuming command of the 101st. The following morning, the Confederate forces were located along the south side of the Neuse River near the Kinston Bridge heading into town, located on the north side of the river. The pickets of the 101st PA advanced from their position at sunrise and engaged the Confederates.

The Confederates retreated across the bridge into town and began to burn the bridge to prevent access to the town. However, the fire was extinguished and the Union troops pushed forward as the enemy retreated out of town on the north side of the Neuse. Foster's troops, in control of the evacuated town, helped themselves to many supplies including a large lot of Rebel clothing. The following day, they crossed Kinston Bridge, back to the south side of the Neuse, burned the bridge and continued on their way to Goldsboro.

Credit: 101st Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry History by Edward Boots, President and 101st PA Historian for the Civil War Plymouth Pilgrims Descendants Society