NEW ORLEANS DAILY DELTA, July 6, 1855, p. 2, c. 1 The Continental Guards and Washington Artillery.—These two fine companies celebrated the Fourth in company in a very happy manner. After the review in Lafayette Square, the Guards presented the Artillery with a beautiful American flag, in presence of the entire brigade, which had formed in a square. Captain Labuzan, in presenting the flag, made a very handsome address, which was eloquently responded to by Captain Hunting. The ceremony of presentation finished, the Artillery escorted the Continentals to the armory of the latter company in Girod Street, where, stacking arms, they all marched together to the residence of General Tracy.
Here the veteran General had prepared an excellent collation, which was partaken of sans ceremonie, with a hearty good will by what might not inappropriately be styled the hungry brigade—for the early hour at which the military were ordered out, prevented most of them from breakfasting. Previous to the collation Capt. Labuzan, on behalf of the Continentals, presented Gen. Tracy with a service of plate as a token of their esteem. The two companies then returned to the Washington Artillery Armory, where several huge bowls of champagne punch had been prepared, together with "something to eat." Here, of course, all restraint was thrown off, a pleasant half hour was passed in soldierly social intercourse, about which we might write a column, but have neither time nor space. The Artillery then escorted the Guards back to their own armory on Camp street, and here they separated; the best good feeling prevailing, which it is hoped will continue to prevail so long as these two companies maintain their present high position and reputation.
NEW ORLEANS DAILY DELTA, August 31, 1855, p. 2, c. 1 Death of a Veteran.—We have been requested, by "old Jourdan," to announce the death of one of his oldest friends and companions in arms, William Savage, a free man of color, who has been accustomed, for over sixteen years, to accompany with his fife the impetuous roll of Jourdan's drum.
Savage had seen much service in his day. He fought in the Florida struggle. On the breaking out of the Mexican war, he accompanied Jourdan as a volunteer to the scene of action, and was honorably discharged at the close of the campaign. We believe he never received any compensation for his services, and was more or less dependent on Jourdan ever since for his daily sustenance. We trust the poor fellow will rest in peace!
NEW ORLEANS DAILY DELTA, September 1, 1855, p. 2, c. 4 A Veteran's Funeral.—Walking along Canal street last evening, we accidentally came across the funeral procession which accompanied to their last resting place, the remains of William Savage, the companion in arms of "Old Jordan," whose death we announced in yesterday morning's Delta. The funeral was really a very respectable one, and fully worthy of the man who volunteered his services at the hour when his country most required them. On either side of the hearse we noticed some of the most prominent officers of the National Guards, followed by Jordan 's band, which discoursed the most melancholy and thrilling music we have heard for a long time. Next came a long line of the colored friends of the deceased in a row of two deep, after which there was a large number of carriages and cabs. Could our Abolition friends of the North have witnessed this procession, in which some of the most respectable of our white and colored population assisted to do honor to the memory of the deceased, they might, perhaps, be induced to form a more favorable opinion of the South and its institutions.
NEW ORLEANS DAILY DELTA, November 2, 1855, p. 2, c. 1 The Rifle Guards.—The Rifle Guards, Company B of the Washington Regiment, had a ball last night at Armory Hall. It was a very brilliant affair. It was well attended, and, for the first military ball of the season, went off with great eclat. The Rifles are a very fine company—overflowing with the patriotism of the heart, not of the lip—and thoroughly deserve the appreciation of the public, which they have so abundantly received. We could hear the pleasant sounds of the polka redowa, the Virginia reel, and the simple waltz, (most beautiful of all dances, in our humble opinion), and almost envied our joyous friends over the way their happy privilege; but even "Sunday shines no Sabbath on the Press;" and so we had to loiter and write a paragraph about them, while they were making love to the blue eyes and slender waists. Ni'importe! We wish our friends, the Rifles, many happy returns of their celebrations.
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans, May 22, 1855 p. 2, c. 5 Eight young ladies of this city having made for the First Company of Washington Artillery six elegant star-spangled banners, presented them, with a tasteful and appropriate note, which was fitly replied to by a committee of the company.
We have the pleasure of laying the correspondence before the reader:
To the First Company Washington Battalion of Artillery: New Orleans , May 17, 1855. Gentlemen—Numerous and varied have been the sentiments expressed by the public and the press of the First Company Washington Battalion of Artillery, though none have spoken "but to praise;" yet we are assured that none can appreciate your gallant company more than we, the undersigned. To prove to you that our feelings of esteem are not of a fleeting momentary character, we beg of you to accept these Flags, and with them our united wishes that your company may ever wear the laurels it has won. Respectfully,
L. M. T******* H. M. K****** L. K. F**** M. A. R***** J. A. G. S**** C. R. H**** L. A. H***** E. C. H*****
_____
New Orleans , May 10, 1855. Young Ladies—The Washington Artillery, through the undersigned committee, have the pleasure of acknowledging the very graceful compliment you have extended to them in the presentation of six beautiful banners for their battery.
Next to the honor of his country, the smiles of beauty should ever be the soldier's highest aspiration, her defence the strongest incentive to his valor, and her approbation the noblest guardian of his toils. For the first he arrays himself in the panoply of war, mimics its dreadful conflict, and prepares to encounter its wildest horrors. For the second he nerves himself with every manly attribute, strengthens each physical energy, and elevates each intellectual faculty that can render him more worthy of its achievement; and while laying his blood-stained laurels at her feet, he proudly claims the third as the richest boon that crowns the hour of victory and triumph.
With feelings such as these, glowing in the hearts of the members of the Artillery, they gratefully accept the banners which have been sent to them by the eight fair daughters of the Crescent City . They are proud of the sentiments with which they have honored them, and pledge themselves never to forfeit their good opinion.
Sent to lead them in the path of honor and of duty never shall these beautiful banners be unfolded but to remind their bearers of the objects for which they were designed; and should danger ever threaten or conflict actually occur, where their graceful undulations lead the way, inspired by the animating recollections of their lovely donors, their stars shall guide us to victory or the grave. Respectfully,
Alex. Smith, Jr. } J. G. Pierson, } Committee F. Scott, }
To Miss T*******, Miss H*****, Miss S*****, Miss F*****, Miss H****, Miss K******, Miss R*****, Miss H*****.
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans, August 23, 1855, p. 2, c. 1 Rifle and Infantry Tactics.—The Secretary of the War Department, at Washington, has given his imprimatur to the system of tactics for Light Infantry and Riflemen, as prepared for the Department by Brevet Lieut. Col. Wm. J. Hardee, of the Cavalry, and as approved by the President of the United States. It is adopted for the instruction of the troops of the United States when acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen, and under the act of Congress of May 12, 1820, for the observance of the militia when so employed.
It has been very handsomely got out in two neat pocket 16 mo. volumes, by Lippincott, of Philadelphia, and the text is illustrated profusely and intelligibly by well executed engravings. Volume one contains the schools of the soldier and the company, with instruction for skirmishers, and volume two the school of the battalion. This manual, it strikes us, is the most perfect and faithful of its kind, and doubtless will be universally adopted throughout the Union .
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans , August 31, 1855, p. 2, c. 1 Death of a Colored Volunteer.—Among our obituary notices this morning will be found one recording the death of William Savage, one of the three colored musicians who served in the Washington Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers in Gen. Persifor Smith's brigade.
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans, August 31, 1855, p. 2, c. 4 Ordnance Experiments.—Rockets.—The National Intelligencer, of the 23d inst., says: Some experiments were made at the arsenal yesterday with a view to determine the merits of a rocket lately introduced by Mr. Robert Hale (son of the inventor of the rockets known by that name) over those which have been adopted in the United States service since 1847.
The firing commenced with the improved rocket, which we understand from its construction is not liable to the erratic flight often taken by rockets. Two were fired from an iron stand, at an elevation of ten degrees, and preserved a good direction throughout their entire flight, striking the water at twelve hundred yards and ricocheting to the end of the range. Four were then fired at fifteen degrees, ranging from two thousand to twenty-two hundred yards; and, lastly, two at twenty degrees, ranging not less than twenty-five hundred yards. These rockets were 12 pounders.
Four of the rockets on the old plan, which had been prepared in the Arsenal some years ago, were afterwards fired. One, at ten degrees, struck the water about four hundred yards distant, very much to the left of the object fired at; the second at the same elevation, mounted a great deal and ranged direct for the object to eight hundred yards. One at twenty degrees ranged one thousand yards, and one at thirty-five degrees eighteen hundred yards.
The superiority of the rocket lately introduced appears from the trial to consist in greater certainty in the line of flight and longer range, particularly in those fired at low degrees of elevation.
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans , October 29, 1855 (afternoon edition), p. 1, c. 5 The Washington Artillery.—This fine company had a moonlight parade on Friday night last in full uniform. They were preceded by their brass band, and marched through our principal streets, delighting our citizens with their soldier-like appearance and fine drill. Capt. Hunting has reason to be proud of the excellent state of discipline to which his company has attained. We are glad to learn that certain matters which threatened to weaken the efficiency of his company have passed away before the light of common sense, even as the clouds passed from before the face of the moon on the night of their parade.
THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans, October 29, 1855 (afternoon edition), p. 1, c. 5 Old Jordan.-The Continental Guards had a moonlight drill on Friday night last, in citizens' dress, and, preceded by Jordan's famous drum and fife band, they passed through the principal streets to the Place d'Armes, in the Second District, where they went through a number of interesting evolutions. On leaving there they marched to the house of one of their officers, where a handsome collation had been prepared for them, and where a couple of hours were passed in the pleasantest manner. A number of toasts were drunk, and among them one to the health of Old Jordan, the drummer of Chalmette . This was received with the utmost enthusiasm, and the veteran was brought in and responded in a strain of native eloquence which pleased and surprised everyone present. He stated, after returning thanks for the honor done him, that his military career had commenced in 1813, more than forty years ago, when the officers of the army wore nearly the same uniform as that now worn by the Continental Guards, and that his heart warmed at the sight of the knee breeches and boots which reminded him of the days and companions of his youth. Never had that uniform been disgraced by the wearers, who in the war then prevailing bravely met the invading foe, and never gave back a foot of ground that was not wet with their blood and that of their enemies. He has served under Gen. Jackson, on the plains of Chalmette, and under Gen. Taylor, on the fields of Mexico, and it had been his fortune to have come under the immediate observation of these distinguished men, both of whom had taken him by the hand and complimented him for his services, not caring whether his skin was white or black. His country had acknowledged those services by placing him on a footing with her other defenders, and bestowing on him the same reward.
In conclusion, he reiterated his pleasure in being again connected with those whose uniform reminded him of that which first struck his youthful fancy, and trusted and believed that, should occasion ever demand it, the Continental Guards of the present day would emulate the deeds of their predecessors; and concluded by hoping that, when the evening of life came on, all present might feel the same satisfaction which their present and past kindness had filled the heart of old Jordan, the drummer.
During the delivery of these remarks, very imperfectly reported from recollection, the crowd were so silent and attentive that the falling of a pin could have been heard, and at their conclusion broke forth into a perfect storm of applause. The whole incident was of the most pleasing character. The convivial board, the respectful stillness of those assembled around it, the veteran of two wars, his complexion, the "shadowed livery of the burnished sun," set off by locks silvered by the snows of age, speaking in a solemn and earnest manner of the noble deeds of a past generation, and encouraging those present to emulate them should their country require it, formed a picture which will live in the memory of those present until their dying day.
Jordan, in addition to furnishing the best field band that ever paraded our streets, is now the Armorer of the Continental Guards, and long may the gallant veteran continue to charm the ears of the present generation with his exquisite drumming for his arm appears to be as vigorous now as it was on the morning of the memorable 8th of January, 1815, when he beat the reveille which roused the hardy sons of America to the conflict from which they came out clothed with never-dying glory.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana , May 5, 1860, p. 3, c. 1 Nicaragua and the United States are two very unfortunate countries. The former has had her President kidnapped and the latter hasn't. We don't know which is entitled to the most condolence.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 23, 1861, p. 2, c. 2 Singular!—It is singular that since it has been discovered that a gray uniform is less likely to be hit in battle than any other color, that an immense number of gray uniforms are now to be found in our volunteer companies.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 30, 1861, p. 2, c. 1 Raising a Secession Flag.—The young ladies of the senior class of the Baptist Female Institute, in Richmond, caused a secession flag to be raised on the cupola of the Institute on Tuesday, which attracted considerable attention while permitted to float. As soon as discovered, it was removed by Mr. Wilson, President of the Institute.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge , Louisiana , April 6, 1861, p. 2, c. 1 Five States having ratified the Constitution of the Confederate States, it is now the supreme law of the land. Texas and Mississippi , through their Conventions, made up the requisite number. In accordance with that fact, the flag of the State was hauled down from the flag staff in the Garrison at Baton Rouge, on Tuesday last, and the flag of the confederacy run up in its stead, accompanied with a salute of seven guns.—Whoever made the flag for the Garrison must have been very short of bunting, it being the smallest flag we ever saw hoisted on so lofty a pole.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 6, 1861, p. 2, c. 1 Secession Drink.—The Petersburg Express says that a popular restaurant in that city has concocted a drink called the "secession trump." It is made up of an equal proportion of brandy and sherry wine, well mixed with small pieces of lemon and orange, and flavored with a few grains of gun powder. It is quite palatable, and very popular. When Virginia secedes, a few sprigs of mint are to be added, and this, is thought will greatly improve the taste of the "secession trump."
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 6, 1861, p. 2, c. 5 "The Stars and Bars"—We used to talk about the "stars and stripes," says the Mobile Advertiser. Now the "bars" take the place of the "stripes," and we can hurrah for the "stars and bars." Long may they wave—if we are to have no better pattern of banner.
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 6, 1861, p. 2, c. 3 Great Suffering in Baton Rouge.—The dreadful announcement made through the columns of a Baton Rouge cotemporary, that in consequence of the ice crop giving out, there was great suffering among ye julep drinkers of that city, met with cordial sympathy in the glorious little town of San Michel. We condoled with our bereaved friends across the river, as it was all we could do, besides taking a "hot whisky," to show our utter abhorrence of ice, and the imperious necessity of the Red Stickians totally and forever repudiating the frozen element. How the editorial fraternity of the Capital must have suffered! To be deprived of tobacco, cigars, and all other luxuries, could be borne without a murmur; but iced juleps never! NEVER!! An indignation meeting was immediately held, and the absence of ice pronounced a calamity of unlimited horror, and further resolutions were passed appointing a committee to wait upon Col. Mann, on his arrival, and inform him that his boats must be unloaded speedily as possible, as the dry julep epidemic was raging with great malignity. Mental aberrations of all kinds have occurred during the epidemic—one man actually paid a bar bill owing for three years! In consequence, several bar-keepers have intimated a feverish desire for a reasonable continuance of the epidemic.
Later—Col. W. D. Mann has just arrived, with Lieut. Sandford and two heavily laden ice boats. The rejoicing amongst the Red Stickers is tremenjus. A Te Deum will be celebrated at lunch time at the "Rainbow" today. Simon says "wiggle-waggle."
SUGAR PLANTER, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 27, 1861, p. 2, c. 1 Good!—Fifteen hundred colored men have enrolled themselves into volunteer companies in New Orleans for active service when called upon.
RICHMOND DISPATCH, June 5, 1861, p. 2
Arrived. – The celebrated battalion of Washington Artillery, from New Orleans , Col. J. B. Walton commanding, arrived in this vicinity yesterday morning.
The Battalion numbers four companies and 300 men, and is the pride of the Crescent City , its members being both soldiers and gentlemen. It possesses eight splendid brass field-pieces and a rifled cannon, and is otherwise well armed. To draw the guns, &c., requires 120 horses. The Washington boys, in their march through the streets yesterday to their quarters at Howard’s Grove, were preceded by three beautiful vivandiers, dressed a la mode.
RICHMOND DISPATCH, July 1, 1861, p. 2
STRAYED - A MARE - From the camp of the Washington Artillery, near Howard’s Grove, branded “WA.” on shoulder. The finder will please return same to the camp.
RICHMOND WHIG, Saturday, May 16, 1863
Disastrous Fire. - DESTRUCTION OF THE CRENSHAW WOOLEN MILL AND A PORTION OF THE TREDEGAR FOUNDRY. – One of the most destructive fires which has visited our city for years past, occurred yesterday morning about 2 o’clock. The large mill of the Crenshaw Woolen Company, situated on the south side of the Canal, took fire, and was totally destroyed, together with all its valuable machinery, and a portion of Anderson & Co’s. Tredegar Foundry, adjoining on the west. The city and country around were lighted to the brightness of mid-day, and the fresh breeze blowing at the time sent volumes of sparks far away through the night, presenting a spectacle of sublime grandeur which is seldom witnessed. The fire originated in the picking room, where the machinery was kept running day and night, and was caused by friction. The operatives, it is said, were so paralyzed by fright as to be unable to give the alarm for some time; though we hear from other sources that the force-pumps were set in operation, but failed to do any service, because the hose were too short to throw water to the spot where the flames were raging. The Crenshaw Mills were insured or $171,500, in Virginia , South Carolina , Georgia , Florida and Alabama offices.
One deplorable effect of this calamity is that one hundred and forty operatives, male and female, are thrown out of employment.
The buildings destroyed at the Tredegar Works consist of a portion of the machine shops and blacksmith shops, and one of the buildings in which gun-carriages were finished. A large number of old patterns were consumed, but the gun patterns were saved, together with the new building for the casting and the machinery for boring the guns; and this operation will be resumed in a few weeks. The rolling mills and spike factory, as well as the foundries for casting shot, shell and railroad wheels, and all the ordnance on hand, were saved.
The property was partially covered by insurance, in the following offices: Mutual Assurance Society, Richmond Fire Association, Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Old Dominion Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Company, and Alabama Insurance Company. (Montgomery .)
The Crenshaw Mill was a brick building, five stories in height, and the walls are now all that is left. The work of manufacturing woolen cloth was carried on here by a joint stock company, mostly for the Government.
RICHMOND DISPATCH, June 5, 1861, p. 2
ARRIVED. – The celebrated battalion of Washington Artillery, from New Orleans , Col. J. B. Walton commanding, arrived in this vicinity yesterday morning.
The Battalion numbers four companies and 300 men, and is the pride of the Crescent City , its members being both soldiers and gentlemen. It possesses eight splendid brass field-pieces and a rifled cannon, and is otherwise well armed. To draw the guns, &c., requires 120 horses. The Washington boys, in their march through the streets yesterday to their quarters at Howard’s Grove, were preceded by three beautiful vivandiers, dressed a la mode.
THE RICHMOND DISPATCH, June 25, 1861, p. 2
N. O. Washington Artillery. - Two companies of the celebrated Battalion of Washington Artillery, under Major Walton, left for Manassas Junction about 12 o'clock on yesterday. The remaining company will no doubt soon join their comrades. We know of no body of men more capable of raining iron hail on their enemies than these same artillerymen. Success to them.
RICHMOND EXAMINER, July 21, 1863
ONCE MORE IN CONFINEMENT. – William Campbell, a deserter from the Washington Artillery, who escaped for the fourth time from Castle Thunder two weeks since, was caught, for the fourth time on Saturday afternoon, by detectives Thomas, Folks and Perdue, and carried back to his old quarters. He was hauled out of bed in a house of ill fame in Lombard alley. The date of his next escape is uncertain, but it cannot be far distant. – He swears the Castle cannot hold him, and as he has made his word good in four instances, he will try it again.
(Editor - William Campbell was a member of 3rd Company – Washington Artillery.)
