Colonel Edward Dudley Hall, the first commander of the Forty-
sixth regiment, North Carolina troops, was born at Wilmington,
September 27, 1823, the son of Edward Pearsall Hall, a prominent
man of the Cape Fear region. He was educated at Donaldson
academy, and in 1845 was married to Susan Hill Lane, of
Wilmington, who died in 1850, leaving one son.
He subsequently married Sallie Loudon Green, daughter of James S.
Green, by whom two sons and three daughters are living. Early in
manhood he began an active career in politics as a Democrat, was
elected to the legislature in 1846, and as sheriff in 1852, an
office in which he was retained for eight years. In 1861 he
raised the first company of volunteers in that part of the State,
with which, as captain, he was mustered in with the Second
regiment of volunteers.
Upon the organization of the Seventh regiment, State troops, in
August, 1861, he was commissioned major of that command. At the
battle of New Bern, March 14, 1862, he was distinguished for
gallantry in the bayonet charge of his regiment, by which the
enemy were driven from the breastworks at Fort Thompson and a
section of Brem's battery retaken.
Soon afterward, on account of the fame which he gained on this
occasion, he had the honor of being elected colonel of the Forty-
sixth, then forming, though he was personally acquainted with but
one man in the regiment. Going into Virginia with this command
he was assigned to Walker's, afterward Cooke's, brigade, and
served in all the battles of the army of Northern Virginia up to
December, 1864, when disability compelled his resignation.
After the wounding of Colonel Manning, he commanded the brigade
at Sharpsburg and was commended by his superior officers for his
efficient service in this capacity. At Fredericksburg, after the
wounding of General Cooke, he was in command of his brigade at
Marye's hill, where he fought with Cobb's brigade, repulsing six
attacks of the enemy. He declined promotion to brigadier-
general, though urged upon him by A. P. Hill.
During the Gettysburg campaign he rendered conspicuous service on
the South Anna river. After his return home he served one year
as sheriff, and in 1866 was elected to the State senate. He was
a delegate to the first Democratic convention after the war, and
was nominated for lieutenant-governor on the ticket headed by
Judge Thomas S. Ashe. In a campaign which required fearlessness
to conduct he was very active.
In 1883 he began a term of four years as mayor of Wilmington, and
was subsequently elected chief of police. For three years he was
special inspector of customs for the Wilmington district, and
during the four years preceding the final failure of his health,
he held the position of major-general commanding the North
Carolina division, United Confederate veterans. His death
occurred in June, 1896.
Source: Confederate Military History Vol. V p. 524
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