 Burnside 's next target , according to McClellan 's orders , was the city of New Bern , North Carolina . The Coast Division boarded their transports on March 4 , made their way up the Neuse River , and disembarked about 16 miles ( 26 km ) down river of New Bern on March 12 . The 21st , numbering 675 men , led their brigade in the march on New Bern , discovering many abandoned fortifications . On March 14 , the division participated in the Battle of New Bern . The Confederate defenses were roughly centered on a brick yard converted into a makeshift fort . The 21st , approaching the enemy position , was soon ordered to assault the brick yard and the battery therein . Lt. Col. Clark led four companies of the 21st and temporarily occupied the brick yard . As they captured the battery , Clark stood atop one of the guns , urging his men forward . In their advanced position , the 21st suffered significant casualties and was soon forced to abandon the brickyard . However , the Union forces were eventually victorious , and the city of New Bern was captured . After the battle , Maj. Gen. Burnside presented the first cannon captured by the 21st to Amherst College in honor of 1st Lt. <unk> Stearns , son of the President of Amherst College , and adjutant of the 21st , who was killed during the engagement . Lt. Col. Clark received a promotion to colonel for his conduct during the Battle of New Bern . The regiment suffered 58 casualties , or eight percent ( 23 killed , 35 wounded ) . 
