April 25, 1863, The New York Herald
NEWBERN, N.C., April 21, 1863.
The rebels have abandoned their attack on Washington, N.C., giving it up as a hopeless task. The fortitude and plucky perseverance with which General Foster and his little band of twelve hundred men held out successfully and kept at bay for many days and nights seventeen thousand of the enemy constitute an achievement without a parallel in the history of the war, and one which has endeared this popular and victorious leader still more strongly to his command.
Gen. Heckman’s brigade, which arrived here from Port Royal, with the rest of Gen. Foster’s troops still at that place, are so anxious to return to this department that they offer to re-enlist for the war if they can be allowed to return to the Old North State and fight under their old commander.
An order was promulgated on the 18th inst. by Gen. Foster ordering all the rebel sympathizers and government paupers outside of our lines.
Gen. Naglee and staff arrived here from New York last Tuesday, and left the next day at the head of an expedition in pursuit of the enemy. The return of this gallant and distinguished hero was the occasion of a flattering ovation. After a successful operation against the rebels he returned this day to this place with the commander of the department.
Rebel deserters are coming in daily. They confirm the reports of disaffection and starvation in the rebel army.