WILMINGTON, N. C., December 19, [1862.]

Colonel SIMONTON, Magnolia, N. C.,:

COLONEL: Return with your brigade as soon as the train reaches you. If the cavalry are there direct them to look out for approach of enemy. Retire on their advance toward Wilmington, sending me courier. Enemy have retired from before Goldsborough; supposed to be moving in the direction of Wilmington.

Answer that you receive this.

W. H. C. WHITING

Brigadier-General.

WILMINGTON, N. C., December 19, 1862.

Major General GUSTAVUS W. SMITH:

On receipt of your dispatch I recalled the troops at Magnolia. If enemy approaches Wilmington it must be by the coast east of Northeast Branch of Cape Fear River.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Brigadier-General.

DECEMBER 19, 1862.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.:

I received the following dispatch from General Smith yesterday:

The enemy's army have gone to New Berne rapidly.

W. H. C. WHITING.

CHARLESTON, S. C.,

December 19, 1862-10.30 a.m.

Brigadier-General.

WILMINGTON, N. C., December 19, 1862.

Major General GUSTAVUS W. SMITH:

On receipt of your dispatch I recalled the troops at Magnolia. If enemy approaches Wilmington it must be by the coast east of Northeast Branch of Cape Fear River.

W. H. C. WHITING.

Brigadier-General.

DECEMBER 19, 1862.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.,:

I received the following dispatch from General Smith yesterday:

The enemy's army have gone to New Berne rapidly.

W. H. C. WHITING.

CHARLESTON, S. C.,

December 19, 1862-10.30 a.m.

Brigadier General W. H. C. WHITING,

Wilmington, N. C.,:

Enemy have fallen back in haste to New Berne; probably for James River; but still look out for Wilmington.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, S. C.,

December 19, 1862-10 a.m.

Major General GUSTAVUS W. SMITH,

Goldsborough, N. C.,:

Can't enemy be pursued hotly with 40 rounds of ammunition and five days' provisions in haversacks? They are probably going to James River.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.