New Berne

or Newbern, at one time capital of the province of North Carolina, was founded about 1693 by Christopher de Grafenried, a Swi baron. During the Civil War, Newbern was an important seaport in the po e ion of the Confederates. It was captured and partially burned by the Union leader, Burnside, March 14, 1862. The gunboats shelled the woods as Burnside advanced, thereby clearing the way. An insignificant fortification was destroyed near the town. Burnside captured forty-six guns, three light batteries and a large amount of stores, Later, in 1864, Newbern was occupied by the Federal General, Foster, with a small force. Pickett commanded the Confederates in that section then, February 1 and 2, he attacked Foster’s outposts and captured them, inflicting slight lo es. Then he a aulted the main encampmient, sending at the same time a regiment to attack the Federal gunboat “ Underwriter,’ then lying at the Newbern dock. Little was accomplished by these attacks, and Pickett retired.