The Little Battle of Little Washington

Judson Cheney
Born: May 11, 1838, Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County, New York
Died: September 29, 1864, Chaffin Farm, Virginia
Relation to Author: 2nd Great Grand Uncle

On this date, 150 years ago, Judson's 98th Regiment was involved in the Battle of Washington. This was a very minor engagement. There were fewer than 100 casualties on both sides.

William Kreuzter does not tell of this action, since he wasn't with the 98th regiment at the time. So I cannot provide any colorful details of the engagement. But I can tell you the general story.

After the failed attack on Charleston, many of the units returned to North Carolina. During that time, Judson's regiment and some others were called to support a 1,200 man garrison in Washington, North Carolina. The garrison was being besieged by a confederate force. The siege bad been going on since March 30th. Judson's regiment and others arrived by steamer from New Berne on April 19 to resupply and reinforce the town.

Since the confederates were unable to prevent the resupply and reinforcement, they abandoned the siege soon after. By April 21, Judson was back in the Beaufort area.