Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-10
CAPTAIN JOHN A. HUTCHINSON.
Richmond Howitzers)

tillery were hero as the guests OF the
Iowitzcrs, and a few years ago the
Richmond artillerymen, by special invi-
tatiOn OF their Louisiana friends, jour
ncyod 10 New Orleans to enjoy with them
tho festivities OF the Mardi Gras.
Now that Richmond f. 10 be the theatre
OF another great military gathering IN
honor OF another Of the SCUM
heroes. there Is a strong likelihood Of the
Washington Artillery coming here, and
tho Jowitzors have under Amusement
the question Of inviting them to become
their guests.
ROYALTY ENTERTAINED.
when the LOusanlans were here last
They were entertained by the Howitzer5
az The Exchange Hotel. but IL is doubtful
81 tle Richmond arullerymen viii be able
L. entertain the New Orleans soldiers Ian
a. elegant a fashion again, and therefore
they are hesitatng about extending 20
them the invitation. The matter Is In the
hands OF n committee from the company,
and Il Is understood that this committee
g. waiting before making IT'S report until
the next meeting Of the Reunion ENecu-
live Committee. in order 10 ascertain
whether or not that committee will render
the Howitzers any assistance I'm enter
tanning the distinguished organization.
TWO OLD ORGANIZATIONS
II Is eminonty fitting that lie How
itzcrs and Washington Artillery should
be fast friends. as they are the two
oldest artillery organizations now I'm eX-
istence in the South. The Washington
Artillery antedates the Mexican war. aud
s. one Off not qulte-the strongest and
most Influential military organizations
south OF Mason and DXOn's line.
Colonel John b. Richardson, the present
commander OF tie battalion, Joined the
Washington Artillery as private Decem-
Der rs, 1853, and was elected first lieu
tenant of the First Company Of that
battalion that left New Orleans I'm 1851
Tor Virginia, in May. and was sent from
Richmond at once 10 Manassas. lie
commanded q section OF 3-isch rifles at
the battle OF Bull Run July Us, 1851, under
General Jubal A. Early. and 10 his battery
belongs the distinction OF having fired the
n1st guns of the Washington Artillery
an Bun Run which was the Commp Gee
mont Of that historical artillery duel be-
tween the Washington Artillery and the
United states regular batteries OF Sher-
lam. Ricketts,. and Sprague, all of winch
were silcnced and captured. Lieutenant
Richardson's horse was Killed. under him
in the engagement by a caunon-shot lie
was with the first battery al Bun Run,
First Manassas. 1iall Hil. Munscn's I'm,
and front of Washington city.
PROMOTED TO a COMMAND.
lie was promoted June 10. 1852. TO cap
tain and transferred TO command the
Second Battery of the battalion and COM
munded tais battery at Mechanicsville.
RappahaunocS Station. Second Manassas.
Sharpsburg. defending the bridge over
Antlotam river, Fredericksburg Chancel-
lorsynle. Gettysburg, Wiliamsport Fort
stvens. Drewrys Blum. and also the
sevcn-days engagement around Richmond,
Chickahominy. and the siege OF Peters
burg lie built Fort Malone In front OF
Petersburg. and occupied that and Fort
Walker untn Petersburg was evacuated
ly General r. y. Lee. moved his battery
with the army. ana was continually en-
paccd on the retreat.
The night before the surrender az APP
pomattox his battery brought up the
rear. and was engaged with the cavalry
until n o'clock at night near Appoina'-
toN station. his battery firing the last
CUR OF the battalion at AppomattoN. Next