March 13, 1865: Kinston Occupied and CSS Neuse Destroyed

MARCH 13TH, 1865:  Confederate General Joseph Johnston had been recalled to duty and sent to North Carolina in a desperate attempt to oppose Sherman's troops.  The Confederate troops withdrawn from Kinston were part of his consolidation of divided armies and detachments, including the troops from Wilmington.

His hope was that he would be able to assemble a force with some chance of success.  This withdrawal from Kinston, however, left a vacuum which was promptly filled by the Federal forces.

They occupied Kinston on the 14th and the CSS Neuse was  destroyed to prevent capture.

--Old B-Runner