Battle of Washington

Other Names: None

Location: Beaufort County, North Carolina

Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)

Date: March 30-April 20, 1863

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John G. Foster [US]; Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill [CS]

Forces Engaged: XVIII Corps, Washington Garrison (12,000) [US]; Hill's Division (9,000) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 100 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

While Longstreet operated against Suffolk, D.H. Hill's column moved against the Federal garrison of Washington, North Carolina. By March 30, the town was ringed with fortifications, but the Confederates were unable to shut off supplies and reinforcements arriving by ship. After a week of confusion and mismanagement, Hill was maneuvered out of his siegeworks and withdrew on April 15. Apart from raids conducted by Foster and Potter, North Carolina remained relatively quiet until 1864 when Robert E. Lee was able to spare troops for another operation against Federal control posts on along the coast.