Key Facts
- Date
- March 13–15, 1863
- Confederate force size
- ~12,000 men
- Theater
- Longstreet's Tidewater Operations
- Location
- Craven County, North Carolina
- Duration
- 3 days
Strategic Narrative Overview
Hill's forces achieved initial success at Deep Gully on March 13. On March 14–15, Brig. Gen. J. Johnston Pettigrew attacked well-entrenched Federal positions at Fort Anderson, on the opposite bank of the river from New Bern. However, the arrival of Union gunboats provided decisive fire support for the defenders, forcing Pettigrew to withdraw. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. W.H.C. Whiting, commanding the Wilmington garrison, declined to cooperate, further undermining the Confederate effort.
01 / The Origins
In February 1863, Confederate Lt. Gen. James Longstreet assumed command of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina and launched his Tidewater Operations to reclaim territory held by Union forces. He ordered Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill, commanding the North Carolina District, to advance on New Bern—a strategically important Union-held port city—with approximately 12,000 troops, aiming to restore Confederate control over the coastal region.
03 / The Outcome
Pettigrew's repulse compelled Hill to abandon the New Bern operation entirely and redirect his forces toward Washington, North Carolina. The Union garrison at New Bern was heavily reinforced following the battle. Though the mission fell short of its objective, Hill managed to collect food supplies from unguarded areas, providing some material benefit to Confederate forces despite the overall strategic failure.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
James Longstreet, D.H. Hill, J. Johnston Pettigrew, W.H.C. Whiting.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.