In camp and battle with the Washington artillery of New Orleans : a narrative of events during the late civil war from Bull Run to Appomattox and Spanish Fort : compiled by the adjutant from his diary and from authentic documents and orders : illustrated with maps and engravings

Front matter

©marij College

Urtsston

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Preface

A FEW days prior to the battles of Bull Run and -*--*- Manassas, in July, 1861, an order was issued from the head-quarters of Gen. Beauregard in reference to the posting, at the several fords over Bull Run, the different brigades and batteries of the Confederate forces under his command, to meet the advance of the army of invasion, under Gen. McDowell, then on its march towards Richmond from Washington.

I remember the last sentence of the order ; it read as follows : " In the event of the defeat of the enemy he is to be pursued with cavalry and artillery until he is driven across the Potomac."

After the affair of the 18th July, McDowell's advance having arrived at Centreville, orders were issued, on the night of the 20th, or the morning of the 21st, July, to Generals Ewell, D. R. Jones, and Longstreet, to cross their commands at their respective fords, and taking the different

roads in their front, concentrating at Centreville, to attack

iii iv PREFACE.

McDowell in flank as he continued his march down the TVarrenton turnpike southward.

One or more of these orders miscarried, and a great dispute arose as to the exact hour of the receipt of others by the commanding officers to whom they were addressed.

Meanwhile McDowell chose his crossing-place at Sudley Ford, on Bull Run, completely flanking the left of the Confederate army, causing the battle to be fought on entirely other ground from what was anticipated.

After the battle it was readily seen how important it was for officers (commanding and staff) to keep an exact record of date, time, and place of all incidents by " flood and field," to assist in stating, in official reports, facts which could not be controverted.

Being at that time First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Battalion Washington Artillery of New Orleans, and realizing the importance of this method, I resolved henceforth to be specially careful in my record of events. I adhered rigidly to this determination until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court-House, and upon these records our official reports were made as long as I remained Adjutant of the Battalion.

These records, and many important original orders, are still in my possession, and, at the urgent request of Gen-

PREFACE. V

eral Fitz Lee and others, I have endeavored to prepare them in this form for the use of the future historian, should they prove of sufficient importance.

I do not pretend to write a history of the Civil War, nor any romance, nor will I set down aught in malice, but

"Will a round, unvarnished tale deliver Of the battles, sieges, fortune, that I have pass'd,"

which made up our experience and life during four years' service in the armies of the Confederate States.

WM. MILLER OWEX,

First Lieut, and Adj. Battalion Washington Artillery, 1861,

A. N. Va.

Note. — For the illustrations of this volume I am under obligations to Capt. Fred M. Colston, of Baltimore, Md., formerly Ordnance Officer of Col. Alexander's Battalion Artillery, A.N.Y., for his kindness in having photographic copies taken, from original drawings in his possession, of "War Scenes by the eminent American artists, Allen C. Redwood, W. L. Sheppard, and John A. Elder.

For the accurate and finely executed Maps I have to thank Mr. W. J. Hardee, Civil Engineer, New Orleans, La.

LETTER FROM WM. PRESTON JOHNSON.

136 Gravier Street, New Orleans, April 12, 1884.

Col. W- Miller Owen, New Orleans, La. : —

My dear Sir, — I have read with great interest the MSS. of your proposed volume, and can congratulate you on the success with which you have carried out your plan.

The book is remarkably entertaining, and full of incident, as is quite natural,

VI PREFACE.

since it was hardly possible for any officer to have a more eventful experience than you had in the army.

Ton won deserved distinction on many fields, and it is a source of satisfaction to me that I perceived your merit early in the war ; and to be distinguished in a corps of such especial renown as the " Washington Artillery," won in such an army as Lee's, is a record of which any man may be proud. You had the good fortune, too, to gain the special commendation of some of our best Generals.

The narrative of your personal experience has, therefore, a peculiar value to all students of warfare.

I have not verified the historical accuracy of your book, but I may say that in the points which came under my observation from September, 1861, till the close of the war, and they are veiy numerous, your account is marked by that veracity in purpose and detail of fact without which such a narrative has no historical value. I am sure your intention is always to be just, and the magnanimity and cheerfulness of your temper make it generally easy for you.

I regard your book as a valuable contribution to the history of the war, and, indeed, to the history of warfare, from the side-lights it lets in on the life of the soldier. Wishing you much success,

I am, very sincerely, your friend, (Signed), WM. PRESTON JOHNSTON.

LETTEE FROM COL. J. B. WALTON.

New Orleans, May 31, 1884.

Col. W. Miller Owen, New Orleans, La. : —

My dear Sir, — Having carefully read your very interesting narrative, compiled from your Diary, kept while Adjutant of the Battalion Washington Artillery, and from a mass of authentic documents, it affords me peculiar satisfaction to congratulate you upon having written a book upon the war, at once entertaining and accurate in all the statements and incidents you so happily and graphically describe.

My position during the war as Colonel of the Battalion Washington Artillery of New Orleans, and Chief of Artillery of the First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, enables me to give the fullest endorsement to the historical accuracy of your interesting volume. You have succeeded in presenting a book upon the war, at once entertaining and so replete with fact and incident that it deserves, as it will be, to be universally read and appreciated.

The advantage you possess of having been a prominent and distinguished actor in the scenes and events you describe, shows itself unmistakably all through the pages of your veracious and modest narrative. I heartily commend it as a notable and most worthy production.

I am, very truly, yours,

(Signed), J. p,. WALTON.

CHAPTER I. EARLY HISTORY OF THE WASHINGTON ARTn.LERY

The Washington Artillery before the War. — Its Organization. — War Clouds, 1861. — Expedition to Baton Rouge. — Seizure of U.S. Arsenal. — Services of Battalion Offered to Confederate Government. — Accepted for the War. — Mustering in. — Ordered to Virginia. — Departure from New Orleans. — Lynchburg. — Richmond. — Camp Beauregard. — Manassas. — Camp Louisiana. — Head-quarters. — Personelle. — Our French Cooks, and Cooks in general 1

Chapter II. Address To The Army

Enemy on the March. — Camp Broken Up. — McLean's Ford. — Union Mills. — Rebel Girl. — Engagement at Blackburn's Ford, July 18. — Our Armament. — Battle of Manassas. — Bee, Bartow, Hampton, and Bob Wheat. — " Stonewall Jackson." — Hard Tack and Sherry. — Beauregard and Johnston. — Griffin's and Rickett's Batteries. — Defeat of the Enemy. — President Davis. — Appearance of a Battle-field. — Official Reports 24

Chapter III. Back Ln Camp

Back in Camp. — Retrospection. — Bountiful Larder. — New Friends. Appointments and Promotions. — Our Camps. — Camp Benjamin. President Davis Reviews the Army. — Ccntreville. —

Quaker Guns. — New Tents. — New Battle-flags Distributed. —

ix

X CONTENTS.

Battle at Ball's Bluff. — " Chasseurs-a-pied." — " Here's Your Mule." — "Bolivar Ward." — Col. P. T. Moore. — Major Bob Wheat. — Col. Harry nays. — " Noctes Ambrosia." — " Little White House on Salisbury Plains." — Winter Quarters. — Waltonville 48

Chapter IV. January, 1862

Contributions to Charleston Sufferers. — Mardi Gras in Camp. — Dixie Artillery and Chasseurs-a-pied. — The " Waltonville War Cry." — Snow-balling. — Beauregard Ordered South. — Attached to Longstreet's Division. — Winter Quarters Abandoned. — On the March. — Orange Court-house.- — Dancing Club. — Richmond. — Peninsula. — Williamsburg. — Yorktown. — Richmond. — Camp at Blakey's Mill-pond. — McCleilan Investing the City 70

Chapter V. Fighting Near Richmond

Seven Pines. —Fair Oaks. — Dr. Garnett's. — Gen. R. E. Lee. — Gen. Johnston Wounded. — Seven Days' Battle around Richmond. — Siege of Richmond Raised. — " Change of Base." — McCleilan at Harrison's Landing. — Flag of Truce. — Exchange of Prisoners at Aiken's Landing 82

Chapter VI. Rappahannock Station And Manassas

Gordonsville. — Gen. John Pope. — March from Gordonsville.

Distribution of Batteries. — Spy Hanged. — Engagement at Rappahannock Station. — Enemy Moving. — Jackson in Rear of Pope. ■

Salem. — White Plains. — Narrow Escape of Gen. Lee. Thoroughfare Gap. — Enemy in Possession. — Gen. Longstreet. — Advance of

Longstveet's Corps to ILivmarket. — Gen. J. E. B. Stuart. Jackson

Fighting. — Artillery in Position. — Second Battle at Manassas.

Chantilly. — Gen. Phil Kearney Killed. — On to Maryland. Ford the

Potomac on

CONTENTS. xi

Chapter VII. "maryland, My Maryland."

Explosion of Ammunition. — Boonesboro'. — Hagerstown. — Dr. Maguire. — Jackson to Harper's Ferry. — D. H. Hill at Boonesboro'. — Sharpsburg. — Lost Order of Gen. Lee. — Washington Artillery again in Battle. — Longstreet and Staff as Gunners 130

CHAPTER VIIL

ANTIETAM.

Left Attack. — Burnsicie's Bridge. — A Bide for Gen. Lee. — Attack of Enemy. — Squires, Richardson, and Eshleman Engaged. — D. R. Jones's Division Pressed Back. — Arrival of A. P. Hill. — Garden's and Riley's Batteries Engaged. — Defeat of Enemy. — Meeting of Generals. — Lee Dubs Longstreet his " Old War- Horse." — Quiet Day after the Battle. — Army Crosses the Potomac. — Enemy Follows. — Is Beaten Back. — March to Martinsburg. — Forces Engaged. — Address of Lee to the Army 150

CHAPTER LX.

FREDERICKSBURG.

Martinsburg. — Culpeper. — March to Fredericksburg. — Alarm Guns. — Boots and Saddles. — City Bombarded. — Enemy Crosses the Rappahannock. — Attack on Marve's Hill. — Great Battle Fought. — Enemy Beaten. — He Recrosscs the River. — Winter Quarters 168

CHAPTER X.

CHANCELLORSVILLE.

Contribution to Fredericksburg. — On Recruiting Service. — " Battle House," Mobile. — Manassas Club. — Admiral Buchanan's Ball. — Confederate Guards. — New Orleans Refugees. — Lieutenant K. Owen. — Montgomery. — News from Camp. — Theatricals. — Back to Old Virginia. — Enemy Moving. — Chancellorsville. — (General xii CONTENTS.

Jo. Hooker. — Sedgwick at Fredericksburg. — Barksdale's Brigade. — Early's Division. — Hays's Brigade. — Washington Artillery on Marye's Hill. — Flag of Truce. — Enemy Attack. — Guns Lost. — Hooker Defeated. — Diary of a Captured Officer 200

CHAPTER XI.

GETTYSBURG.

Army in Motion. — Culpeper. — Stuart's Cavalry Review. — Death of Pelham. — Chester Gap. — Ewell in Winchester. — Defeat of Milroy. — Fording the Potomac. — Lee's Orders. — Chamber=burg. — Gettysburg. — Gen. Reynolds Killed. — Lee on Seminary Hill. — Col. Fremantle. — Capt. Ross. — Gen. Barksdale Killed. — Hood Wounded. — Grand Cannonade. — Pickett's Charge. — Retreat. — Williamsport. — Pettigrew Killed. — Crossing the Potomac .... 231

CHAPTER XII.

CHICKAMAUGA. — INDIAN, A "STREAM OF DEATH."

Wm. Preston Johnston. — General Longstreet. — Richmond. — Promotion. — S. W. Virginia. — Abingdon. — Gen. William Preston. — Knoxville. — March through Georgia. — McLemore's Cove. — Dug Gap. — Gen. Bragg. — Gen. Breckenridge. — Fifth Company Washington Artillery. — Gen. Gracie. — Gen. Polk. — Battle of Chickamauga. — Gen. Wm. H. Lytle Killed. — Preston's Charge up Missionary Ridge. — Rosecrans in Chattanooga. — President Davis 263

CHAPTER XIII.

EAST TENNESSEE AND DREWRY'S BLUFF.

Charleston. — Wilmington. — Richmond. — En Route to East Tennessee.

— Lynchburg. — Longstreet at Knoxville. — Dublin. — Gen. Sam Jones. — My Birthday duly Celebrated. • — Richmond. — Dinner at the Oriental. — East Tennessee again. — Report to Gen. Longstreet.

— Assigned to Command a Battalion of Artillery. — Winter Campaign. ■ — Return to Virginia. — Assigned to Duty with Washington Artillery

CONTENTS. xiii

at Petersburg. — Battle of Drewry's Bluff. — Butler Bottled. — President Davis on the Field. — Gen. Beauregard in Command. — Gen. Heckman Captured. — Belger's Battery Captured. — Flag of Truce.

— Col. Otis, Tenth Connecticut. — Petersburg 294

CHAPTER XIV.

GRANT IN FRONT OF RICHMOND.

'ashington Artillery on the Chickahominy. — Assault at Cold Harbor. — Grant Marches to James River. — Petersburg. — The Siege. — Forts Hell and Damnation. — Shelling the City. — Citizens in Bomb-proofs.

— Capt. Dunn. — " Dum vivimus, vivamus." — Gen. Alexander. —

— Fourth of July. —Col. Walton's Resignation. — Explosion of the Mine. — Negro Troops. — Gibbs's Battalion of Artillery. — Flag of Truce 327

CHAPTER XV.

IN THE TRENCHES AT PETERSBURG.

lemy on a Raid. — On the March. — Ice and Snow. — Christmas Dinner.— Virginia Hospitality. — Gen. Pegram Killed. — Gen. J. B. Gordon — Louisiana Brigade. — Winter Quarters. — Hatcher's Run.

— Short Rations. — Fasting and Prayer. — Sherman in Charleston.

— Promotion. — Pickett at Five Forks. — Lines Broken. — Defence of Battery Gregg. — Petersburg Evacuated. — Gen. A. P. Hill Killed 358

CHAPTER XVI.

SURRENDER OF THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.

l the Last Retreat. — Amelia Court-House. — Forty Hours without Food. — Pursued bj- Cavalry. — Wagons Burned. — Army Demoralized.— Fighting, Marching, Starving. — Organization giving Way.

— Marching without Orders. — Appomattox. — Gordon Fighting. — Artillery Captured — Custer, Sheridan, and Longstreet. — .V Game

of " Brag" 374

XIV COXTEXTS.

CHAPTER XVII.

DISBANDMENT, AND HOME AGAIN.

Less than 8,000 Veterans with Lee. — Terms of Surrender. — Paroles.

— Turning in our Batteries. — On to Mexico. —Lee's Farewell Address. — Dispersion of the Confederates. — On to Richmond. — General Halleck. — Sherman's Army. — Fortress Monroe and Baltimore.— " Barnum's Hotel."— "Maryland Club." —"New York Hotel." — Steamship " Monterey." — Bound for Home. — "Pelicans" Returning. — New Orleans. — Home Again 388

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Fifth Company Battalion "Washington Artillery 399

CHAPTER XLX.

Conclusion

The Washington Artillery after the War 425

ADDENDA.

Popular Camp Songs of the Washington Artillery. — Muster-Roll of the "Washington Artillery from 1861 to 1865. — Memories of " Try Us."

— Roll of Honor 433

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Facing Page

Camp Louisiana 50

The Artillery Duel 104

Forming Line of Battle ; Artillery and Skirmishers

Engaged 276

Tout Perdu 392

MAPS.

First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861 . •. . 40

Second Battle of Manassas, Aug. 29 and 30, 1862 . 116

Battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862 142

Battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862 . . . 180 Federal Attack on Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863 212

Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863 250

Battle of Drewry's Bluff, May 16, 1864 . . . 316

Entrenched Lines at Petersburg 330

THE WASHINGTON ARTILLERY.

IN CAMP AND BATTLE

WITH

THE WASHINGTON ARTILLERY.

Chapter I. Early History Of The Washington" Artillery

The Washington Artillery before the War. — Its Organization. — War Clouds, 1861. — Expedition to Baton Rouge. — Seizure of U.S. Arsenal. — Services of Battalion offered to Confederate Government. — Accepted for the War. — Mustering in. — Ordered to Virginia. — Departure from New Orleans. — Lynchburg. — Richmond. — Camp Beauregard. — Manassas. — Camp Louisiana. — Head-quarters. — Personelle. — Our French Cooks, and Cooks in general.

THE Washington Artillery of New Orleans is distinguished as being the oldest military organization in the State of Louisiana.

In the year 1840 the "Washington Regiment, commanded by Col. Persifer F. Smith, was the only military organization in the American quarter of the city. It was composed of cavalry, infantry, and artillery; partaking of the character of a legion.

The Washington Artillery, then just reorganized (February 22, 1840), was the right-flank company of the regiment.

Thus composed, the regiment became the crack corps of the State.

Upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, in 1846, the Washington Artillery, under a requisition from Gen. Zachary Taylor, volunteered, and with its battery of six 6- po under bronze guns, proceeded to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Gen. Taylor and his army were then encamped, and remained there three months in the service of the United States, without incident.

At the expiration of that time the battery returned to New Orleans, and was mustered out of service.

In May, 1846, another requisition was made upon the State of Louisiana for a brigade of four regiments of infantry.

The Washington Regiment was the first to offer its services, and was the first in the field.

The Washington Artillery, acting as infantry, was Company A of the regiment, and served with it, under Gen. Taylor, until all the volunteers on the Rio Grande line were, by orders of the Secretary of War, sent home and discharged.

From that period the company, in face of all adverse circumstances, constantly maintained its organization in a state of efficiency and readiness for service, at the individual expense of the members.

In 1852 another reorganization took place, and Gen. E. L. Tracy was elected captain. He was succeeded by Soria, who lost his life by the premature discharge of a gun while the battery was firing a salute.

After this sad event the company languished until but thirteen members answered to roll-call. But on the 19th

t

of March, 1857, the command was offered to, and accepted by, Col. J. B. Walton.

From that date the command began to build up, and in 1860 a full company had been organized, splendidly uniformed and equipped.

It was perfectly drilled in infantry as well as artillery tactics, and was possessed of both rifles and cannon in its arsenal. For efficiency, drill, and discipline it was not surpassed by any organization of citizen soldiery in the Southern States.

On the 6th of December, 1860, I was elected a private in the command.

Early in January, 1861, the city of New Orleans was in a great state of excitement, and rumors were current that the State authorities intended to take steps hostile to the United States authorities, and orders were issued to the various militia organizations in the city to prepare for service. The Artillery received the following order : —

Head-quarters First Brigade,

First Division L.S.M., New Orleans, January 9, 1861.

To Capt. Walton, Washington Artillery : —

You will repair immediately to the foot of Canal street, in conformity to orders from head-quarters, to receive the reports and assume command of the following-named companies : —

Washington Artillery, Louisiana Grays, Louisiana Guards, Chasseurs A Pied, Sarsfield Eifles, Orleans Cadets.

Ckescent Rifles.

You will report the command when formed to the Adjutant-General for further orders. Strict order and discipline will be enforced by you, in accordance with the rules and regulations of war now in force in the army of the United States.

By order of Brig.-Gen. E. L. Tracy,

T. F. WALKEE, Brigade Inspector.

At a late hour in the evening of the 9th of January, 1861, the company assembled at the arsenal, completely equipped for service as infantry, and embarked on board the steamer "National," with the other city companies, and then it -was made known that the purpose of the expedition was to seize the United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge.

Upon arriving at that place ball cartridges for our muskets were issued, and it began to look serious. Some of the young soldiers, who had come on a frolic, commenced to look a little blue. After breakfast, on the 11th, we were all marched ashore, where we met some country companies, not uniformed, to whom the commanding officer of the barracks had refused to surrender his post.

With a 12-pound musket on my shoulder and a heavy knapsack on my back I tramped around in the rear rank through the deep dust of the streets of the city. At last we were halted, stacked arms, and rested, and while doing so a few of us went out in the direction of the United States Arsenal, the acting adjutant, Lieut. H. M. Isaacson, accompanying us. On the way we met an ordnance sergeant of the U.S.A., who told us he was of our way of thinking, and intended to desert. By and by we marched to the arsenal, and, Major Haskins surrendering, we took possession in the name of the State, of Louisiana. The casualties were few. Sergeant Buck Miller fell down a cellar when performing a "backward dress," and two privates, who were overcome by the excitement, were brought in under arrest. At night I was detailed for guard-duty, and my post was the gangway plank, where I paced my " two hours on and four off," all night. It began to rain, and I got wet, and when I lay down to rest during my " four hours off," using a coil of rope for a bed, with my legs hanging over one side, and head on the other, I felt cramped and miserable, but, with my then developing soldier spirit, I thought it was all right. My sergeant was my friend Eshleman, and we divided the coil of rope between us. The expedition returned to New Orleans on the 12th of January.

A few days after our return from Baton Rouge I was appointed by Major Walton, adjutant, with the rank of first lieutenant, in which position my duties were more confining and numerous, but pleasant.

By the surrender of the arsenal at Baton Rouge the State came into possession of a large number of small arms and some old-fashioned cannon.1

•New Orleans, April 27, 1861.

Major J. B. "Walton,

Commanding Battalion Washington Artillery: —

Sir, — Having, in conformity to orders from you under date of 2.">th inst., visited Baton Rouge for the purpose of " ascertaining, through Capt. Booth, at the Ordnance Department, what there may be there subject to requisition which may be used to place our battery in complete order for active service," I beg leave to report as follows : —

This was regarded as a proceeding of the gravest importance, in view of the fact that it constituted the first serious act of hostility to Federal authority.

The harsh voice of war, with all its attendant horrors, was even then heard resounding throughout the Southern States.

The bombardment and fall of Sumter, and the universal rush to arms Xorth and South had not then occurred.

On the 22d of February the ladies of New Orleans presented to the Artillery a magnificent stand of colors, and the presentation speech was delivered by the Hon. J. P. Benjamin, then the distinguished senator from Louisiana,

Through the kind assistance of Capt. Booth and Mr. Lambert, military storekeeper, I discovered the following-named arms, etc., subject to requisition of the military commander of this district, viz. : —

350 Artillery sabres.

350 Artillery sabre-belts, and sword-knots.

An abundance of old-fashioned pistols and holsters, altered from flint-locks.

An abundance of Colt's army revolvers.

A large quantity of fixed ammunition for 6-pounders.

200 fixed shells for 12- pounder howitzers.

I found one battery-wagon that can be spared. Capt. Booth is now fitting up a battery of six 6-pounders, for which he will require the only forge and caissons he has on hand. He has no extra carriages or wheels.

I found an abundance of the following articles, viz. : —

Cannon locks, and pei-cussion caps for same.

There is no camp or garrison equipage of any description stored at this post.

I regret I am unable to make a more satisfactory report. Capt. Booth informed me that the numerous requisitions made upon him within the last few weeks have almost stripped the arsenal. I noticed in the workshops a large number of hands employed in making rammers, fuses, port-fires, and filling shells for columbiads, moulding bullets, etc.

I have the honor to be

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Wm. Miller Owes, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, B. W.A.

and later the late eminent Queen's Counsel of London, who made the startling announcement that war was inevitable between the States, North and South, and told his audience to prepare for the great struggle, the end of which no one could foretell.

On May 3, 1861, the command was increased, by the election of new members, to four full companies, fully equipped. Authority was given to their Major, J- B. Walton, to offer their services to the Confederate States government at Montgomery, Alabama, which was done in a communication of that date to the Hon. J. P Benjamin.

On the 13th May the following telegram was sent to Hon. L. Pope Walker, Secretary of War, by Major Walton : —

The Battalion Washington Artillery under my command, numbering upon its rolls over three hundred men, two hundred and fifty for service, and divided into four companies, with a battery, complete in all respects, of six 6-pounder bronze guns, two 12-pounder howitzers, one 8-pounder rifle gun, is ready and desirous to take the field.

The Battalion can take the field within a very few days after being notified and provided with horses, camp, and garrison equipage, etc., for which, of course, I will be obliged to make requisition upon the Confederate States.

A delegation was sent — consisting of E. A. Palfrev, who had been elected captain of the second company, and private David Urquhart — to Montgomery to make the necessary arrangements for receiving the command directly into the service of the regular Confederate army.

They were instructed to offer its services " for the war.""

8 THE WASIIIXGTON ARTILLERY.

On the same date Secretary of "War Walker sent the following telegram : —

Major J. B. Walton, — Your Battalion of Artillery is accepted for the war. You are ordered to Lynchburg, Virginia.

L. POPE WALKER, Secretary of War.

Immediate preparations were made. Contributions were received from ladies and citizens generally, in great profusion. Large amounts of money were contributed by members and friends to fill the military chest to overflowing. Each member furnished his own uniform and equipment, officers their own horses. The whole command was put upon a war footing without expense to the State or general government.

In organization and equipment the Washington Artillery was not excelled by any command North or South, and the finest material in the State of Louisiana filled its ranks.

On the 26th day of May, 1861, — a bright Sabbath morning, — the four batteries, in their showy uniforms, bearing aloft the silken colors, the gift of the ladies, marched and formed in double file in Lafayette square.

They were then formally mustered into the service of the Confederate States by Lieut. Phifer, OS. A. It was an impressive scene ; the square was densely packed with the friends and families of the young soldiers. After the ceremony of being mustered in was concluded, the command was marched through the streets to Christ Church, which ancient and sacred edifice was filled to its utmost capacity by the immediate families and friends of the departing soldiers, and by the Battalion. Their colors were distinguished by being placed against the chancel rail. The venerable Dr. Leacock, Rector of Christ Church, delivered a most eloquent address, which impressed profoundly all who were present. Suppressed sobs of mothers, sisters, wives, and sweethearts were audible throughout the church. He enjoined all to remember that they were educated to be gentlemen, and it behooved them to bring back their characters as soldiers and gentlemen unblemished with their arms. He concluded by saying : " Our hearts will follow you, our ears will be open for tidings of your condition, and our prayers will ascend for your safety and return."

After the discourse the colors were held aloft before the altar, and the benediction was pronounced, the entire assembly rising to their feet, roused to the highest pitch of hope, patriotism, and enthusiasm.1

1 The following are the names of the officers and men who, on Sunday morning, May 26, 1861, answered to Lieut. Phifer's roll-call, and who thus became mustered into the Confederate service : —

Staff.— Major, J. B. Walton ; Adjutant, Lieut. W. M. Owen ; Surgeon, Dr. E. S. Drew ; Quarter-master, Lieut. C. II. Slocomb.

Non-commissioned Staff. — Sergt.-Major, C. L. C. Dupuy ; Quarter-master Sergeant, Stringer Kennedy ; Color-Sergeant, Louis M. Montgomery.

Color Guard. — Corporals, George W. Wood, E. L.Jewell, A. H. Peale, J. H. Dearie.

Buglers. — F. de P. Villasana, Jo. Kingslow.

Roll of First Company. — Captain, II. M. Isaacson; First Lieutenant, C. W Squires; First Lieutenant, J. B. Richardson; Second Lieutenant, H. G.Geiger; First Sergeant, Edward Owen; Second Sergeant, J. M. Galbraith; Third Sergeant, C. II. C. Brown, Jr.; First Corporal, F. D. Ruggles; Second Corporal, E. C. Payne ; Third Corporal, W Fellows ; Fourth Corporal, F. F. Case.

Privates. — Thomas S. Turner, G. M. Judd, E. I. Kursheedt, J. W Kearney, C. Rossiter, W. Chambers, W F. Perry, J. E. Rodd, M. E. Jarreau, J. A. Tarlton, T. Y Aby, C. Chambers, G. W.Muse, L. Labarre, M. Mount, P. A. J. Michel, J. M. Payne, R. McK. Spearing, A. F. Coste, J. R. McGaughy, E. A.

At an early hour on the 27th of May, 1861, the crowds of citizens assembling upon the streets gave token of excitement in the public mind. From every tongue came the remark, " The Washington Artillery is going to the war " Then men in the familiar uniform of the corps could be seen flitting about, completing preparations for the journey. At the arsenal all was commotion, — wagons being loaded, knapsacks packed, and blankets rolled. The

Cowen, F. A. St. Amand, W T. Hardie, II. Chambers, E. V Wiltz, J. P. Manico, L. E. Zebal, H. L. Zebal, W. R. Falconer, G. B. DeRussy, F. Lobrano, C. A. Everett.