Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-09-13
The Affair at Hashinrton.


unfortunate rumors which have gone out.
The entire command of the expedition was COM |
mitted in charge of that cool and intrepid officer
Capt Stephen d. Pool, who at the defence Of Fort
Macon and in the recent attack upon Washington,
showed himself to be an able officer.
1t is not true that the enemy was advised both at
Newbern and Washington of the intended attack.
The enemy was ready for it, but was not expecting
it. We learn that the enemy had determined upon
raid upon WILLIAMSON and Hamilton, and that the
force at Washington had been reinforced from New
bern the day before, and was to leave Washington
that morning for the intended raid.
The expedition against Washington was made
with no view or expectation of holding the place, we
are informed but for the purpose Of destroying or
capturing the enemys stores, to capture the "con-
trabands in his possession, and if possible to make
Washington so hot as to drive the enemy from the
place Brig. Gen. Martin committed the entire ex-
pedton to the direction of Capt Pool, having pre-
viousy in consultation ordered the plan of attack
and the general scheme of its conduct. About 800
men composed the expedition, consisting of infant
ry, cavalry and artillery. Gen. Martin, it was un-
derstood would remain in the neighborhood to rem
der any support or succor which might be needed.
The attack was made on Saturday morning last
at day-break. Our force approached quietly until
they encountered the pckets at the west end Of the
town, who Immediately demanded them to halt.
1t Davis, who led the advance, demanded sur
render, when the pickets Immediately fred into our
ranks. Our advance had been peremptorily ordered
not to fire upon the pckets, but to charge vigorous
ly upon them, but unfortunately, when they fired
of pieces. This aroused of course the entire town.
At once portion of our cavalry charged into the
town down Market street. while portion of the in
fantry charged down Second street As soon as our
infantry arrived at the Academy, they were fired
upon by the enemy from the building Here our
men captured pieces of artillery, with ammuni-
tion which were afterwards served by Capt Manney
and his men. At this time Capt. Boothe, who
calamity led the Cavalry, dangerously wounded,
upon which panic seized most of the Cavalry,
cepting portion of Capt. fuckers company, who,
under his command, gallantly demeaned themselves
throughout the whole affair. panic had also
seized many of the infantry, who ingloriously fed.
The enemy took to the houses at once, and fred
upon our troops from the windows, &c. Our men
were forbidden to fire upon the houses, lest they
might injure some of the females and children.
The gun-boats Louisiana and Picket commenced
throwing shells and other missiles upon the town,
damaging the houses, but fortunately did not set
them on fire. During the fight the steamer Picket
was blown up by the ignition of her magazine, kill
ing all on board but II persons-the loss was abou!
60 on board of the vessel.
Capt Pool held the town about four hours and then
retired his men slowly dragging out the four pieces
of cannon captured. The enemys loss, including
the destruction board of the Picket was 160, in
killed wounded and missing. Our loss was Is
killed, Il wounded and 80 missing most of whom
have since come in.
The conduct of Capt. Pool during the whole af.
fair is highly spoken Of Capts. McRae and Cobb,
of the Sth N. c. Regiment Capt. Norman, of the
18th N c., Capt. Manney of the artillery, and Cap
tains Boothe and Tucker, of the Cavalry and others
whose names we have forgotten all distinguished
themselves. Capts. Boothe, Null and Norman were
dangerously, and Lieuts Grimes and Station severe
| ly wounded. Other names among the killed and
wounded we have not obtained
1t is understood that the Cavalry companies Of
Capts. Walker and Lawrence were not in the fight,
having "skeedaddled" at an early period. On the
fall of Capt Boohe, his company, it is said became
panic stricken, and got out of danger Capt Tucker
1t Utley, and other officers and men of his compa-
ny behaved with the utmost courage charging the
enemy in all directions, and damaging him seriously.
We regret to learn that Corporal Smedes, and pr-
Yates r. Burns, j. King, Winborne, Bridgers, and
perhaps others, missing. Some of those it is
feared were killed, and others taken prisoners
| The enemy's force, including those on the gum
| boats, amounted to about 1000. Only about 45O
of our men participated in the fight, some of whom
both officers and men, are said 20 have be-
haved badly. 1t must be considered, however,
that the most of them troops, had not
smelt powder before, and were engaged in a most
| hazardous undertaking. To assault a fortified town.
! guarded by vgilant foe should be undertaken by
veteran and daring troops.
Strange to say, no negroes were apprehended in
| this attack. At the Academy one large impudent
fellow out and assailcd of our men, asking
"What have you id rebels come here for ?"
The soldier replied with his bayonet, running it
through him, killing him instantly. As soon as
they found the Conederates were in the town, they
all rushed for the boats and got out of the way.
After our forces left, we learn that the Yankees
Immediately commenced arresting all the citizens
who were supposed to sympatbise with the Confed-
crates. During the fight, we learn, most worthy
lady received flesh wound in one of her limbs
A friend who was in the expedition writing from
Kinston says: "Capt Tucker won for himself a
name for valor and cooness Of which any man might
be proud"
The City Council of Macon, Ga has rendered to
| the Confederate Government thirty acres of land
within the corporate limits of the city for the erec-