Battle of Honey Hill

Other Names: None

Location: Jasper County, South Carolina (then part of Beaufort County)

Campaign: Savannah Campaign (1864)

Date: November 30, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John Hatch [US]; Col. Charles Colcock [CS]

Forces Engaged: 6,400 total (US 5,000; CS 1,400)

Casualties and losses: 796 total (US 746; CS 50)

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

Leaving Hilton Head on November 28, a Union expeditionary force under Maj. Gen. John P. Hatch steamed up the Broad River in transports to cut the Charleston & Savannah Railroad near Pocotaligo. Hatch disembarked at Boyd's Landing and marched inland. On November 30, Hatch encountered a Confederate force of regulars and militia under Col. Charles J. Colcock at Honey Hill. Determined attacks by U.S. Colored Troops (including the 54th Massachusetts) failed to capture the Confederate entrenchments or cut the railroad. Hatch retired after dark, withdrawing to his transports at Boyd's Neck. The position of the Federal force was such that only one section of artillery could be used at a time, and the Confederates were too well entrenched to be dislodged.