foster's men began destroying the tracks north toward the goldsborough bridge. clingman's confederate brigade delayed the advance, but was unable to prevent the destruction of the bridge. foster's troops overpowered the small number of defending confederate soldiers and successfully burned down the bridge. his mission accomplished, foster departed to return to their base at new bern. on their way back, foster's men were again attacked by confederate forces, but they repulsed the assault, taking far fewer casualties than the enemy.