Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-18
READY FOR ORDERS.
RICHMOND COMPANIES ANXIOUS
TO BE MUSTERED IN.
CAPT. BOSSIEUX DEPENDS The CRAYS
He Denounces n Statement That
Charged This Gallant Command
with Not volunteering for Service.
The Blues in Good shape.

There was a good deal of life but little
news around the Regimental Armory last
night. The commands OF Captains Bos-
sleux and Shackelford are quartered
there. and strict military discipline Is
observed. Twenty men of Captain Masu-
riers company took up their quarters
in the Armory last night 1t is expected
that the three companies will be mus
tered in at the same time, and all the
men are looking anxiously for orders to
this effect.
The presentation of a flag to Company
f, which was to have taken place last
night was postponed until Friday night.
The banner, an exceedingly handsome
one, is a gift from the Hibernians of the
city, and the presentation address is to
be made by Mr.. S. L. Kelly.
A sword will be presented to Second
Lieutenant Masurier on Monday night.
Refutes an Idle Tale.
The following letter. addressed by
Captain Bossieux, of the Richmond
Grays, to the editor of a New Jersey
paper, explains itself:
Armory Company NJ. Second Regiment
Infantry, Virginia.
Formerly Company a, Richmond Grays,
First Regiment, Infantry, Virginia Vol
unteers).
Richmond, Va, May II, 1898.
Editor Sunday Call, Newark, n. j.:
Sir,-I notice in your issue OF the 18th
instant, the following paragraph:
THE struggle Of the Seventh Regiment,
Of New York, to redeem itself deserves
sympathy, but scarcely merits govern
ment encouragement. The officers OF the
Seventh wanted to have the reputation
of a warlike spirit, at low cost. There
are many thousands like them. Nearly
all who now stay at home could be coax
ed to the front upon certain condi-
tons. The Seventies proposed bargain
is one that most other organizations
would like to make, but haven't the cheek
to suggest. Life tells again the
story Of the Richmond Grays, who de-
cded not to volunteer, and had banquet
to celebrate the occasion. veteran
was asked for a toast and gave this:
The Richmond Grays. warlike in peace,
and peaceful in war"
AS | have the honor to command the
company referred TO abOve-namely, the
Richmond Grays, now Company M, Sc
cond Regiment. Infantry, i consider it
my duty to take more notice Of this pub
lication than j usually do of newspaper
fabrications. / simply write to state that
l have no knowledge, Of course, OF any
action that has been taken by the
Seventh Regiment, of New York, but the
allusion to my company is lie.
There is not even a shadow of truth in
anything contained in this paragraph
with reference to the Richmond Grays.
The company has a record that Is we'll
known to every Virginian; Ii has an
swered every call To duty; it was the
first company in Virginia to volunteer
for service I'm the present war; 1t was
taken from it's own regiment and as
signed to the Second Regiment as Com
pany NJ, its own regiment not having been
ordered out; It is now in camp awaiting
marching orders.
l write to ask. hardly believing that
this libel was published with your know
ledge, that you will make a full explana-
ton at an early date.
Any communication will reach me If
sent to the above address. am, sir,
your obedient servant,
(SignedD c. GRAY BOSSIEUX.
Captain Commanding.
p. S.-As your paper has been read in
Richmond. | shall publish this letter in
our daily papers.
The Blues Preparing.
Captain wyatt. of Company A. Blues
Battalion, held long conference yester-
day with the Governor, and it is under
stood that the two companies of the
Blues will be ordered to their armory
tonight. There was a great overhauling
OF camp utensils last night. and general
air OF preparation for departure.
The recruits who have been hard at
work since their enlistment drilled for