Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[579] came out of the score of poorly-built, tumbled-down old houses. Many, doubtless, had left the town. Some time ago it was the Headquarters of the rebel cavalry in this vicinity, and up to the time of the arrival of our troops some force had always been kept there. None, however, were to be seen then. A small portion of the troops landed and went a short distance beyond the town, but no enemy was discovered. A private of the cavalry — a small young fellow — who by some chance was just returning on furlough, was captured, with the usual double-barreled shot-gun and old-fashioned sword. The rebels had evidently determined to make no resistance whatever.

On the seventeenth a body of troops were landed, and after marching about four miles, arrived at several large salt works, belonging to rebels of the names of Hawkins, Burnam, and Saunders. These were destroyed. In a clump of trees on the marsh, facing the creek, were a deserted battery and wooden barracks, once furnished with four guns. These had been taken for the defence of Newbern, and were captured by our troops here. The battery, together with the barracks, was destroyed. Several other reconnoissances were made in other directions, but the enemy kept themselves at safe distances, and could not be found.

On Tuesday the expedition, having accomplished its object, returned to Beaufort.