BALTIMORE, March 24. – On Thursday last an expedition left
Newbern in steamers, went down the river, struck the railroad,
and took up march for Beaufort, with hand cars from Newbern. No
opposition was made to the advance of our forces. On the evening
of the 20th the rebels learned of our approach, blew up Fort
Macon, fired the Nashville, and retreated across the river to
Morehead City and Carolina city, and in the direction of
Washington. Beaufort was almost entirely evacuated by the
people. Our troops occupied the place the next day. On the same
day, the 20th, Gen. Burnside sent a force with several gunboats
to Washington. No opposition to our landing. Our troops occupied
the town, and the Union flag is now flying on the Court House.
There was nothing new at Newbern. Our Pickets extend about eight
miles toward Goldsboro’. On Wednesday three men strayed beyond
our lines, and were made prisoners by a troop of rebel cavalry.
The inhabitants are gradually returning to the town, and taking
the oath of allegiance.