HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, N. C., December 21, 1862.

Captain NEWKIRK, Commanding Cavalry:

CAPTAIN: In case of an advance of the enemy from New River or landing at Topsail you will direct one company to retire by Holly Shelter road, advising them that we have infantry pickets at Island Creek. The remainder will join you and keep close observation on the enemy's movements. Scouts should be frequently sent toward the enemy to obtain information.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

DECEMBER 22, 1862.

Major-General SMITH, Goldsborough, N. C.:

I would like Clingman's brigade (including Radcliffe's and Faison's regiments) sent back, if you can spare them. General Rains is in Richmond before now. I burst my best gun at Fort Fisher yesterday against enemy's steamer. Please give all possible facility for 10-inch gun from Richmond.

W. H. C. WHITING.

GOLDSBOROUGH, N. C., December 23, 1862.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

General Evans' brigade reoccupied Kinston yesterday. The bridge at that point is being rebuilt. General Pettigrew's brigade and Leventhorpe's regiments were ordered to Weldon and Petersburg last night, but they were detained by a collision, in which two engines were disabled; no lives lost. The brigade started this afternoon. General French has returned to Petersburg. The cars are running regularly from Wilmington to the Neuse River, and the railroad bridge at that point being reconstructed.

G. W. SMITH,

Major-General.

BURWELL'S BAY, December 23, 1862

Brigadier General HENRY A. WISE:

GENERAL: No change at Newport News; yesterday misty; could not see down to the Point; the day before only three vessels in port. On Monday 45 Yankees came to Smithfield to see about the election; on the same night General Pryor visited the same place. Report says the enemy came to Isle of Wight Court-House yesterday.

WILLIAM HARMAN.

GOLDSBOROUGH, N. C., December 27, 1862.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

I returned this evening from Wilmington. Have ordered Clingman's