Preparations were at once made for a movement on Goldsboro' in two columns--one from Wilmington, and the other from New Bern--and to repair the railroad leading there from each place, as well as to supply General Sherman by Cape Fear River, towards Fayetteville, if it became necessary.

The column from New Bern was attacked on the 8th of March, at Wise's Forks, and driven back with the loss of several hundred prisoners.

On the 11th the enemy renewed his attack upon our intrenched position, but was repulsed with severe loss, and fell back during the night.

On the 14th the Neuse River was crossed and Kinston occupied, and on the 21st Goldsboro' was entered.

The column from Wilmington reached Cox's Bridge, on the Neuse River, ten miles above Goldsboro', on the 22d.
By the 1st of February, General Sherman's whole army was in motion from Savannah.