Newbern weekly progress., 1862-09-13
Night Attack upon Washington
IN. C.) by the Rebels.

The Washington Era of the 7th gives the
following particulars Of the attack upon that
place:
The town of Washington was attacked by
the rebels on Saturday morniag, between three
and fonr o'clock, their forces consisting Of
abnut 800 infantry and four or five companies
OF cavalry, commanded by Capt. Poole, under
the direction Of Gen. Martin. Their infantry
came in on the Grcenville road and crossing
over into cornteld when within about mile
from the town. The cavalry came in on the
being about daylight our pickets could not
see the enemy until right upon them. The
iif,ntry came through the plantation and yard
oil James Grls, and came into town at the foot
Of Main street, charging up the street IN front
Of the Mass Gath quarters, completely sur
prising our forces. 1t was but short time
however, before our men were out and at work.
company Of rebel infantry made stand in
front OF the North Carolina 1st quarters, and
shot at them as they attempted to come out of
the building. They were soon dispersed by a
shot of grape from the Louisiana, when they
retreated up the street toward the jamestown
road, joining their cavalry who had charged
upon the quarters OF Co. G, Sd N. Y. Art, and
taken four pieces Of artillery, 6-pounders, which
had been placed in the yard
There was one sentinel over the guns, and
before he could arouse the men and get one
piece into the read and fire, the cavalry charged
upon il, taking ii from them and turning ii
upon our forces. At this place they made a
bold stand for about an hour, but the heavy
gunboat and the cross firing up Second street
by a le cannon of Co, II, 3d N. Y. Art, they
routed them out, when they retrcated out the
Grcenville road, taking the four pieces Of artil.
lery. There was another squadron Of cavalry
charged down back street, endeavoring to
enter the ower. part of the town, and complete
the surprise from both directions. In this how
ever they were foiled by Co. l., Sd N. Y. cav.
airy, under command of Gait. Garrard, who
m de bold charge upon whole squadron,
driving them back and dspers y them in every
direc, ion. Several however got through, and
were captured by our dlsmounted riiemen.-
The whole upper end Of the town was In pos.
session of the enemy for about three hours, and
socessia of the town were in extacies, but their
ardor was socn dampened by a hearty retreat
Of the enemy.
After Cos A and b. OF the North Carolina
got into action they done excellent execution,
fighting with desperation, bringing their man
at every fire. People can no more garble about
the Buflaloes not fighting,
It, Col Mix had command of his cavalry
and Co Fl, Sd N. Y. Art, which arrived the
evening previous, stationng their pieces at the
cross streets, supported by the different com,
panies of cavalry, and small detachmcnts ol
infantry. Great execution was done by our
disnounted rtlemen, who parto, ,k Of the sane
advantages of the enemy, picking them off
wherever they could find them.
The retreat of The enemy was so hasty tina,
they were only able to carry of two ambu
lances full of their wounded, leaving the re.
mainder, which cannot amount to less than
one hundred. Our cavalry took them at the
plantation of Allen Grst, whose house they
nave taken for hospital, and put up flag Of
truce There was some 20 or 30 wounded
there and another house about mile further
on was full Of wounded Our cavalry followed
the enemy's forces as far as Tran,er's creek,
and discovered them, but there being but one
company in pursuit, 1t was deemed prudent moi
to attack them, as it was the orders of Co.
Mix not 10 engage the enemy, but 10 ascertain
their forces or reserves, If they had any. The
army crossed Tranter's creek by ford, an
were last seen going towards Tarboro. The
citizens on the road furnished horses to draw
away the captured pieces Of artillery. ..