Both New Bern and Wilmington are connected with Raleigh by railroads which unite at Goldsboro.

Schofield was to land troops at Smithville, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River on the west side, and move up to secure the Wilmington and Charlotteville Railroad.

This column took their pontoon bridges with them, to enable them to cross over to the island south of the city of Wilmington.

A large body was sent by the north side to co-operate with them.

They succeeded in taking the city on the 22d of February.