The Charlotte Bulletin of the 16th has the following :
The battle commenced 7.30, on Friday. The first shot was fired by the Federalists at the Atlantic railroad shops. Soon after, the firing was indiscriminate, but destructive. Our troops disputed their advance bravely. The Federals numbered 12,000 on land, and 61 transports, while our force was about 6,000. The fight lasted two and a half hours, when it became necessary for our troops to evacuate Newbern, in consequence of their being borne down upon by overwhelming numbers. The citizens, at least several of them fired their own dwelling and business houses. The cotton and turpentine stored in Newbern was first fired, and totally destroyed. Our army stores and provisions were all removed. Two batteries and two car loads, one of ammunition, and the other of arms, fell into the hands of the enemy.
Most of the women and children escaped. They were gathered up on the line of the railroad, together with several wounded soldiers, who were left at Goldsboro.
Our soldiers done all they could to defend Newbern, but were overwhelmed by superior numbers.
The bridge over the Trent river was fired by the enemy, but fortunately, the rolling stock on the road was removed in time to be saved.
Yorkville Enquirer, Yorkville, SC