[1] In December 1862, both the Union Army and Confederate forces desired to secure the strategically significant Wilmington and Weldon Railroad Bridge.

On December 17, an expedition under Union Maj. Gen. John G. Foster reached the railroad near Everettsville, aiming to destroy this bridge in order to put an end to the vital supply chain from the port of Wilmington.

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.

[1] 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.