New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-03-22

GEN. BRAGG's VICTORY"
On Saturday last the Confederate evacuation
of Kinson was commenced and on Monday the last Of
the Rebels passed through the town on their way TO
not for long stay at the latter
place Thus X will be that notwithstanding the
enormous victory claimed by Gen. Bragg on the en- ia
three days after he had commenced retrograde move
ment In reality the only which he has gained
was the capture Of the principal portions oil TWO New"
England regiments by a surprise. In all the lighting
which eHned he worsted.
DFTEysEs OF KINSToS.
! The defenses which the Rebels have thus abandoned
without a struggle into or hands are of avery power
full description and could have been held by the forces
under Gen Bragg's command for an indefinite tiihe'
had there been other enemy TO threaten them than
Gen Schofeld. These defenses consisted OF two lines
OF works The outer line was situated upon the northern
bank Of South west Creek and extended across the
road leading to Knson and into the swamps upon each
side Four guns, when these works were manned
swept tie road and could have aDaihlated any ap-
preaching column Thanking these works was also
out Of the question. as the ground was impossible
either the right hand the left The second line Of
works was constructed upon the northern bank OF the
Neuse River. Immediately around the city and was
still stronger than the Grst The river In 'front.' OF
course prevented any assauting column from carrying
these works and the switness " the current could
offer an almos. irsup~abe obstacle TO the laying Of
pontoons in the face Of the enemy. as Burnside laid
, them at Fredericksburg.
WHY THEY WERE NOT HELD.
Occupied us these works believed TO have been by
force OF not Ices than IL 900 men, it viii be easily seen
that tie town could have been bed by the Rebels bad
1t not been that their rear threatened The Rich
fsl Oh
40 places which must Ne held at all hazards Tho rea
sons for this plain. Sherman and Schoed must both
be stopped or the Of the confcdoracy would
rapidly grow from bad to worse. To prevent the june
ton OF these COMMANDERS it WIS necessary that they
should be checked each he line 81 advance Kins
ton and Goldsborough the only available posi-
tons for this purpose. Under these circumstances the
evacuation Of Kinston has a deeper meaning than the
mere giving up Of Ii evinces change 81 plan
on the part Of tha Rebel leaders aud tls change was
probably csWed by their inability 10 stop tho sdvancc OF
the Grand RsidcY wi'h kns'on falls Godsborongh
No force which Lee can post there could resist tho
simultaneous advance OF Sherman and schohed upon
two dferen. quarters and some other position must
be chosen for stand. But the union oil the two Union
armies can no longer be prevented, md it is not
believed that the Coniederacy can muster force SUN
cient to oppose them successfully
But ONE COURSE LErT.
There seems TO be but one resource leh in the do
mains Of strategy This resource involves tic abandon
meut Of all the Rebel stongbolds except Richmond aud
Petersburg II lies In the rapid transportation OF john
s,on's men 10 Virginia and the casting them upon
Grant with the expectation OF overwheming him with
the aid Of Lees army. This chance is desperate one
and has doubtless been weighed In the balance by the
Lieut.. General in his plans Of the campaign.
THE EVACUATION.
The evacuation Of kinston was not hurried one
because having no pontoons at the front, schoheds
troops were able 10 cross the river until Wednes'
day IN the morning Of this day few skirmisher
crossed in al old scoY and took possession OF the town.
During the afternoon the main part Of the army
crossed and marched through tie town encsmping
outside. Some troops however, stopped in Kinston
and sought comfortable quarters in the private dwell
ings Of the citizens.
NOT MUCH REMAINING.
Knston had been garrisoned before our advance by
the Sixty seventh North Carolina Regiment, but these
troops were lately reinforced by Hokes Division from
Wilmington. and by a portion Of Gen. Hills troops
Upon evacuating all the Rebel arms and munitions OF
war were taken along except two guns which were
found dismounted upon the river line OF works. and
large quantity Of ammunition which was In bomb
proof.
| REBEL RAN.
Tie ram Neuse from which all manner Of things was
expected was burned Saturday 10 prevent her fall
ing into our hands II that her weight Of timber
was too great for the water In the Neuse and that she
was continually running aground and could not be
depended upon for service For two weeks previous to
her destruction she had been immoyabe. She was
armed with two 6i.pounder Parrot guns.
WHEREABOUTS OF THE FOE.
| The Rebels have been discovered by our cavalry
about seven miles IN 'front.' bit in what force Is not
known. No advance Of this army win probably take
Mace for a few days on account OF the difficulty Of sup
pl,jng the army until the railroad TO Kinston is com
pletcd.
The inhabitants Of Kinston have nearly MI remained
in the town. content rather to submit to the authority
Of the Union than TO follow the fortunes o! the fast fail
lug Confederacy.
.t' DLsrRTERs.
festrters are commencing ID come in rapidly They
report that Braggs troops on the retreat direct "
Raleigh This report is confirmed by the Inhabitants
of Kinston II is not at all improbable that tle capital
OF Moth Carolina has been chosen tie meeting place
Of the various forces under Johnstons command and
il NAV Set witness one of the greatest battles OF the
war Matters arc rapidly approaching q crisis in this
State. aud many days cannot elapse without bringing
/ stirring news.
/ The ~. Adams Raiders.
D