Smith's command and a division of cavalry to report to General Canby.

By the 7th of February the whole force was en route for its destination.
The State of North Carolina was constituted into a military department, and General Schofield assigned to command, and placed under the orders of Major-General Sherman.

The following instructions were given him: "CITY POINT, VA., January 31, 1865.
"GENERAL:-- * * * Your movements are intended as co-operative with Sherman's through the States of South and North Carolina.

The first point to be attained is to secure Wilmington.

Goldsboro' will then be your objective point, moving either from Wilmington or New Bern, or both, as you deem best.