The latest advices received from
Kinston leave little doubt that the enemy has been largely reinforced at
Newbern, and that a movement has already commenced.
Wilmington is believed to be the point aimed at. These reinforcements have been sent by way of
Norfolk, through
Gates county, and thence down the
Chowan to
Newbern.
The Raleigh papers state that as many as eight thousand took this route at one time.
A negro who escaped from New bern, and recently arrived at
Kinston, says that the notorious
Butler is in command.
Their force is now estimated at from 40,000 to 60,000.
Last week a number of gunboats ascended the
Neuse river four miles above the mouth of Big Swift
Creek, but returned without doing say injury.
A dispatch was received by
Governor Vance on Sunday that the enemy had begun to move towards
Wilmington.
