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Just before the final repulse of the rebel infantry, the enemy opened fire upon the brigade, seeming to direct principally upon the Fifth Regiment.
For upwards of two hours the shot and shell flew thick and fast around the regiment; and twice were its colors pierced by fragments of shell before the enemy's guns were silenced.
During the return to Newbern, the regiment acted as the rearguard, and reached its camp.
Dec. 21, having marched about one hundred and eighty miles, and having ten men wounded, General Foster issued an order, directing the regiment to inscribe on its banners the names of the battles of Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsborough.
After Jan. 21, the regiment was employed upon fortifications, upon the completion of which General Foster designated the work as Fort Pierson, in compliment to the colonel of the Fifth; and further time, until the 13th of March, was occupied in brigade, regimental, and company drills.
On the 4th of April, the regiment, with other troops, embarked on transports for Washington, N. C., for the relief of General Foster and the garrison of that place.
April 8.—The regiment joined an expedition to Washington, by land, under command of General Spinola; after a short engagement, the troops were ordered to return.
Two or three short expeditions occupied the time till May 21, when Lee's brigade, with other forces, left Newbern, for the purpose of attempting the surprise and capture of the rebel force in the fortifications at Mosely Creek, reconnoitred by the Fifth Regiment three weeks previously.
Success followed this attack upon the enemy, who were thrown into a panic and fled in great confusion; 200 prisoners were captured, 43 horses and mules and ambulances, 17 wagons, 1 gun, 500 stands of arms, 17 rounds of ammunition, and the entire hospital furniture and supplies of the enemy.
This was the last expedition in which the regiment was engaged, and in some respects the hardest, owing to the intense heat of the weather, the miry swamps, and almost impenetrable jungles on the line of march.
During its term of service, the regiment marched six hundred
1868. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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