Honey Hill, SC

Date(s): November 30, 1864

Location: Please click on link below for map.

Campaign(s): Savannah Campaign [1864]

Battles in Campaign:

Situation:

• The Battle of Honey Hill was the third battle of Sherman's March to the Sea.

Commanders:

• Union: Maj. Gen. John Hatch

• Confederate: Col. Charles Colcock

Principal Forces:

• Union: 5,000

• Confederate: 1,500

Description:

• A Union expeditionary force under Maj. Gen. John P. Hatch left Hilton Head on November 28th in transports up the Broad River to cut the Charleston & Savannah Railroad near Pocotaligo.

• Hatch disembarked at Boyd’s Landing and marched inland.

• On November 30th, 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.

• After dark Hatch's forces withdrew to the transports at Boyd’s Neck.

Slide Presentation: None

Classification²: C

Casualties³:

• Union: 746

• Confederate: 50

Results: Confederate Victory

Battlefield Websites:

• The Battle of Honey Hill - Bitsofblueandgray.com

• Battle of Honey Hill - Wikipedia

Recommended Resources:

¹ National Park Service summary.

² Classification:

• A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

• B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

• C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

• D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

³ Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 02/26/2009