Lieutenant General James Longstreet took charge of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina on February 25 and initiated his Tidewater Operations.
He directed D.H. Hill, commander of the North Carolina District, to advance on the Union stronghold of New Berne with about 12,000 men. Major General William H.T. Whiting, who commanded the Wilmington garrison, refused to cooperate.
After an initial success at Deep Gully on March 13, Hill marched against the well-entrenched Federals at Fort Anderson on March 14-15.
Hill was forced to retire upon the arrival of Union gunboats.
The city's garrison was heavily reinforced, and Hill withdrew to threaten Washington, North Carolina.
Result(s): Union victory
Location: Craven County
Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863) next battle in campaign Campaigns
Date(s): March 13-15, 1863
Principal Commanders: Lieutenant Colonel Hiram Anderson [US]; Major General D.H. Hill [CS]
Forces Engaged: 1st Division, XVIII Corps [US]; Hill's Division [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 7 total