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

took occasion to explain at length the
peculiar fitness of the "howitzer" for
this particular service; with what
safety and efficiency such bat
terry could be used in a city in
times OF danger. and with what
ease IL could be handled by the men.
He referred. OF course, to the navy
howitzer. This was a brass twelve
FOUNDER, made light and strong, mounted
on an iron axle, with two larger wheels,
in the rear. and a smaller one
in 'front.' forming tripod. This
gun was used on the decks OF
ships; could be landed in boats for
active service ashore, was moved from
place to place by means OF drag-ropes,
in the hands OF the crew and In action
by pivotal motion, could be
brought TO bear almost at the same mo-
ment upon several given points The util-
ity Of such a weapon In the hands or dlscl-
plined men on the streets OF riotous
city could not be doubted. The company
did not hesitate 10 adopt the suggestions
Of their new captain.
II should be borne In mind. just here
that when these measures were being
adopted. there was no sign OF impending
var. True it was that the political hori-
zen on all sides was lowering and many
a patriot he'd forebodings OF trouble IN
the future. But there were few 10 be
found who could be made TO believe that
the North and South were actually about
TO meet IL deadly conflict Had Captain
Randolph himself believed at that time
that war between the sections was about
to OCCUR he would never have suggested
a battery Of this sort for field service.
The organization of the company was
txr ell
geant In the person OF Mr.. CASTOR G.. Otey.
This young gentleman was also from
Lynchburg, had lately become an active
business man In Richmond. He had re-
ceived a military education at the VIZ
gin!a Military Institute, and was remark
able for his high spirit, energy ana ad-
dress. He, II was, who at later date
became comm ander of the well-known
Otey Battery.
Upon consideration II was determined
to postpone for while the election or
leutonants, the further organization or
the company being confined to the ap-
pontment of the non-commissioned OF
fcers.
CAPTAIN Randolph's efforts were now
directed towards procuring the necessary
arms and outfit for his company. For
this purpose he had already been making
frequent visits to Washington. While
serving in the United States Navy an
intimate friendship had existed be-
tween himself and another officer who
afterwards became prominent on the
Union side. This was Captain Dahigren
then on duty at the Washington navy
ward. an accomplished officer, whose SCI
entinc mind and tastes had been specially
directed to the construction OF ordnance
He had made many improvements In this
branch Of the service. and was the in
yentor of the gun now selected by Capt.
Randolph. He was the father OF Colonel
Uric Dahlgreu, who afterwards became
noted for his enterprise and gallantry on
the side Of the Union. and who, during
the war. was killed in prosecuting
daring raid through the country ada
cent TO Richmond. After frequent visits
and interviews with his old friend. In
which the utility Of the naval howitzer
was fully discussed. the latter consented.
as a special favor. to have constructed a
battery 10 meet the views OF Randolph.
In the meantime the uniform for the COM
pany had been ordered. This was Of the
same shade of gray with that OF the in
santry except that II was TO be trimmed
with red and black. to indicate the spe-
cial branch of the service. Things were
now progressing quite satisfactorily The
men, composed Of the best material the
city kould afford. were looking
forward to the perfection of their organi-
cation. Their second meeting was held
some time in November at Old Market
Hall. where they began their first mill
tary training In the school OF the soldier.
After this, through the courtesy Of the
Hlchmopd Light Infantry Buzz, they bald