Career
He joined the Confederate States Army in April 1861 as a sergeant in the Goldsboro Rifles, which became A company, 27th North Carolina Regiment. He became captain of H company, 2nd North Carolina Regiment 16th May 1861 and Lieutenant Colonel in the 50th North Carolina Regiment on the 15th April 1862.
Colonel
Washington commanded the regiment during Major General Doctorate. H. Hill"s campaign against New Bern and Washington, North Carolina in 1863. He commanded the 50th during Potter"s raid in 1863.
Colonel
Washington received a reprimand for his conduct during action around Tarboro during the raid and he resigned his commission. Before and after the war James Washington worked as a farmer and clerk.