 He became the "de facto" commander after John W. Phelps was promoted to command of a brigade, and he led the regiment during its participation in the Battle of Big Bethel.Washburn was elected adjutant general of the state militia in late 1861, and led it for the rest of the war, including the state's response to the St. Albans Raid.In 1869, Washburn was the successful Republican nominee for governor.