Defense of Fayetteville and the Arsenal-- Part 1: Wilmington Evacuation Puts Fayetteville a Major Target

From Civil War North Carolina by Wade Sokolosky.

Braxton Bragg's withdrawal from Wilmington, N.C. on Feb. 21, 1865, made Fayetteville an even bigger target with the link between the two cities with the Cape Fear River.

Bragg was well aware of the straits Fayetteville was in and advised Lt.Col.  Frederick L. Childs, in command at the arsenal to evacuate his "most valuable stores, especially ammunition for small arms." and procure wagons to transport them to the nearest rail depot.  They would be needed for the defense of North Carolina.

Childs had worried about a Union attack since he assumed command at the arsenal in 1863.  At first, he feared an attack by cavalry from Union-held New Bern.  When he first arrived, he noticed there were no prepared defensive works to protect the city.  Also, his force at the arsenal had no cavalry to warn him of approaching enemy forces.

--Old Secesh