Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1890-07-12
SHAM BATTLE
At the Va. Exposition Grounds The
First Battalion, Capt. C.. Il.
Nicholas, Conn.,, and the
Sec. Bat, Capt. E. w. Gould, Meet In
Conflict.


4th of July. 1t was the central
point of one of the most interesting
events that have occurred for some
time in this city. Notwithstanding
the disagreeableness of the weather,
a lolge number of persons was pres
ent to witness the battle between the
militia of the State.
The First Battalion sent invita-
tions to several companies in the
State. The following companies
were present:
Petersburg Blues, Capt. w. II.
johnson, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk,
Va, commanded by Capt. K. w.
Gould. The troops arrived in the
morning and were met at the Union
Depot by Capt. w. A. Hankins, com
manding Attucks Guards and Lieut..
r.. Beecher Taylor, commanding
Carney Guards. The Battalion
Band was present and played sew
eral choice selections. The soldiers
were escorted TO the Armory, where
they were entertained by the soldiers
of the 1st Battalion.
The line of march for the scene of
battle was begun about 1 p. m,
under command of Capt. c. b. Nicho-
las. The Battalion Band headed
the line. On arriving at the Exposi-
ton Grounds the men were ordered
to stack arms and were allowed to
break ranks, with orders TO assem-
bic again at O'Clock p. IN. When
the appointed hour arrived the drum
was heard sounding the roll-call,
and soldiers were seen coming from
all directions and falling into line.
The forces were arranged in the fol-
lowing division:
1st Bat. Capt c. B. Nicholas; Co.
c., Capt. w. T. Edwards; Co. b.,
Lieut.. II. Beecher Taylor; Peters
burg Blues, Capt. W. ii. Johnson.
2nd Battalion, Capt. +. w. Gould 4:
Co. A, Richmond, Capt. w. A. Han
kins: Co. A, Norfolk, Lieut.
-; Co. d., Norfolk, Capt. w. H.
Sheppard. Capt. c. b. Nicholas,
commanding the First Battalion,
occupied the position on the north
ern side of the race course, near the
stables, while Capt. Gould, with the
Second Battalion, was stationed
near the southern portion of the
course, opposite the Broad Street
gate.
Soon after positions were taken,
the pickets began to play their part:
creeping from both sides, sometimes
walking, then crawling; moving
about, trying to get into good posi-.
tions. Finally, after approaching
sufficiently near, they began to fire
and very soon the firing was general.
Capt. w. A. Hankins formed a line
of skirmishers on one side, Lieut.. II
Beecher Taylor one on the Other
side. They advanced towards each
other. The skirmishers behaved ad
mirably we'll on both sides, and de
serve great credit. The line of skir
mishers advanced cautiously, as if il
real war. The large crowd gazing
on in admiration and silence. Aftel
approaching within 80 yards o
each other, the skirmishers began Il
fire. and continued to advance, Capt
w. A. Hankins forcing the OPPOSITE
line of skirmishers so closely anC
RAPIDLY that Lieut.. r. Beecher Tay
lor was Obliged to retreat, but h
kept good order, fighting for ever.
inch of ground. In the meantime
Capt. Nicholas was forming lin
on one side and Capt. Gould on tn
other. The main-lines commencing
to advance, the skirmishers begu
to fall back and form with the main
line. Capt. Nicholas commando
the Attucks Guards, and firin
by fall and advancing. Capt. GOul
returned the fire, advancing slowly
The firing became general along tn
line, but the men showed much coul
age and the officers displayed muc
presence of mind,
Capt. Gould made a flank NOV
ment from his left ON Capt. Nichoial
right, but was repulsed. The left I
Capt. Nicholas line retreated, an
the Mainline of Capt. Gould close
in on Capt. Nicholas, causing n
(Capt. Nicholas') line to retreat
double quick time.
Capt. Nicholas being unable to rs
ly his men, his command was captu
ed.
The prisoners were made to sta'
arms and marched up to the graz
stand in front OF the spectator
Cheer after cheer went up IN applau
ing the victorious army. The occ
sion was highly interesting and e
tertaining throughout. The ma
agement of the officers by Capt.
b. Nicholas, reflected great credit
his ability aud shows what can
done if actually needed.
DR.. S. II. DismOnd, the surgeon
the Battalion was on hand, dire
ing the men in using the stretche
Many men who fell ON the field W.
removed therefrom onthe stretche
presenting a scene OF reality ne'
before surpassed.
On arriving at the armory the o
GERS were entertained In banq'
form and expressed themselves
being very much delighted over
sham battle.
Don't be uneasy. Mr.. Andl