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Without a doubt, the Washington
Artillery was the most famous and unique artillery organization,
not only in the service of the Confederacy, but also the United
States.
Formed in 1838, they served
in the war with Mexico and entered the Civil War as a complete
artillery Battalion, fully equipped with private funds, owing
nothing to the state of Louisiana. They were so popular the
Governor Moore donated a Napoleon cannon and limber from his
own funds.
Five companies were raised,
the first four served in the Army of Northern Virginia under
General Lee and the fifth company served in the Army of Tennessee,
initially under General Beauregard. The unit especially distinguished
itself in the defense of Marye's Heights during the Fredricksburg
and Chancellorsville campaigns.
A Brief Summary of the
History of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans:
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1838
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Formed as the Native American Artillery, Later changed
to current name.
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1839
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Assigned to right flank company of the Washington Regiment,
the only military organization in the American quarter
of New Orleans
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1845
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August 22
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As part of the Regiment, they volunteer to serve with
Zachary Taylor in the Mexican War and return to Louisiana
after three months of service.
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1846
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Feb. 22
May 9
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Received regimental flag.
Volunteered as infantry (Company A of the Washington Regiment)
and served three month in the Mexican War |
1857
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Col. Walton Commanding, they adopt the emblem
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1861
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Jan 9
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Board steamer National for secret mission
to seize the arsenal at Baton Rouge. Return victorious
on Jan 11. |
May |
Joined the Army of the Confederacy without
permission of the Governor of Louisiana and needed a special
law passed by the government of the Confederacy to avoid
the attendant problems. First command to operate as an
artillery battalion. |
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May 26
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Mustered in Lafayette Square in New Orleans. Companies
1, 2, 3,and 4 left for service in the Army of North
Virginia with a 12 piece brass band, their French cook
Edouard, cooks and servants. 20 members left behind
to form the 5th Company.
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August
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The blue cloth dress uniforms are shipped home. The
gaiters followed and the only piece of the original
uniform was the gold trimmed, red kepi.
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September
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Each man received the Blue Gray private purchase uniform
jackets. Together with the red kepi, the vest from the
old uniform and sky blue trousers, the final break with
the 1858 Federal style uniform was made.
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For
any questions about the Washington Artillery of New Orleans
Re-enactors, please email us at: info@washingtonartillery.info
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