the union plan was to take the bridge at whitehall (present-day seven springs), destroy the css neuse, and proceed by shorter route to destroy the rail line at goldsboro. the confederates had a superior defensive position, and they burned the bridge to prevent the union forces from crossing. the federals spent most of december 16 bombarding the town with artillery fire to destroy the confederate defenses and to destroy the boat. meanwhile, union riflemen fired at the confederates defending the boat. local tradition says the union riflemen were firing high all day, because the south bank of the river (where the federals were) is actually higher than the north bank, though the river creates an illusion that the banks are even.