Battle of White Hall

Other Names: Whitehall, White Hall Ferry

Location: Near White Hall, Wayne County, North Carolina

Campaign:  Goldsborough Expedition (December 1862)

Date: December 16, 1862

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John G. Foster [US]; Brig. Gen. Beverly Robertson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Amory's and Stevenson's Brigades (11,000) [US]; Robertson's Brigade (1,500) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 150 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On December 16, Foster's Union troops reached White Hall where Beverly Robertson's brigade was holding the north bank of the Neuse River. The Federals demonstrated against the Confederates for much of the day, attempting to fix them in position, while the main Union column continued toward the railroad. Both sides claimed victory as the Union men claimed they had won because they inflicted serious damage on the CSS Neuse, and because the forces resisting the United States were unable to halt the Army's advance. But, the Confederates claim they won, since they inflicted heavier casualties on the attackers than they suffered, prevented the United States from crossing the river, and had kept the gunboat from being totally destroyed.