The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-11

precision and discipline, they began to
consider Of the matter. The New YORK
regiment had brought with it only about
seven hundred men in its ranks, and yet
when on Parade or on the march with
It's drum corps and other accessories IN
ci1ent TO a proper organization, 1t I'M
pressed the beholder with all "the pomp
and circumstance of a much more nu-
merous and imposing military force. The
, effect of this was not in vain. 1t was
not long before some of the prominent
military men OF the city met In consulta-
ton upon the situation, and the hrst
thing that impressed them was the ne
cessity Of forming more companies. At
that time there were but three
or four companies OF infantry,
one OF artillery, and one OF
cavalry in the city. The population OF
Richmond was adequate to much larger
force than this, and a movement was at
once set on foot 10 make up the def
cheney. At the same time the feeling In
favor of consolidating the military into
a single regiment was daily gaining
strength In due time this was done, and
Thomas p. August, one of the most popu-
lar young men OF Richmond, was made
colonel. He had served in the volunteer
troops from Virginia who took part in
the Mexican war, and after his return
practitioner Of law In his native city OF
Richmond, and a prominent actor in all
matters Of public interest to its people.
So strong had been the impression
made by the visit of the Seventh regi-
ment that the new organization adopted
even the color of Its uniforms, and now,
instead Of the motley array lately 10
be seen on the streets of Richmond, when
ever there was a military parade, the
companies of the newiy-formed regiment
were uniformed in what was afterwards
known as the Confederate gray.
The regiment Of infantry had scarcely
been organized when II occurred TO some
of the prominent actors in the important
change Just made that to render its eff
cheney more complete a good artillery
corps Of novel and peculiar construction
should be formed OF course, this arm OF
service was not part OF the regiment,
but merely cooperating adjunct In case
OF need Among those who had lately
manifested interest In the military affairs
of the city was one who up to this time
had pursued the practice of his profession
In his own quiet. digpifed way and had
appeared to be so entirely devoted TO the
cold distractions and stern realities OF
the law that II was not supposed his
mind could be diverted from his favorite
occupation.
1t was not long before the community
found out differently. They were as much
surprised as they were gratifed to find in
this new coadjutor wise counsellor and
most competent advocate In developing
the military resources OF the city. He
had not been without experience. In early
youth he had entered the naval service OF
the United States and had spent many
years on board its ships. Naturally OF a
strong and discerning mind he had made
the best OF the training that service could
afford, and above all had acquired In adj
dition TO his native dignity of demeanor.
those habits of discipline and attention
10 duty, which gave assurance Of man
willing himself to obey and at the same
time competent TO command. Why he
had changed his profession does not APP
pear. But his experience as soldier was
now TO become as useful TO his people as
Il was grateful 10 his own tastes.
When II was announced that George
Wythe Randolph had entered the counseIs
OF the military men of the town. and
himself had determined 20 organize the
company of artillery that seemed so ne
cessary 10 the efficiency OF the infantry
regiment, men were not wanting TO I'LL its
ranks. II was not long before the rolls
of the new company were full. and steps
were ut once taken to arm and equip it,
Randolph had not. however, been alone
In effecting the new enterprise. Men Of
like ways of thinking and OF congeniai
tastes by a sort of instructive power OF
selection, are apt to be attracted to one
another when occasion demands. So 1t