History of the Military company of the Massachusetts, now called the Ancient and honorable artillery company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888, Vol. II, Part 51

Author: Roberts, Oliver Ayer
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Boston, A. Mudge & son, printers
Number of Pages: 594


USA > Massachusetts > History of the Military company of the Massachusetts, now called the Ancient and honorable artillery company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888, Vol. II > Part 51


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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He died at his residence on Dover Street, Boston, June 24, 1840, twenty-five mem- bers of the Artillery Company, the same number of the Handel and Haydn Society, the mayor of Boston, officers of the city, and members of Mr. Ripley's church, attending the funeral, June 26. Mr. Bourne (1812) was treasurer of the three organizations named above at the time of his decease.


Ichabod R. Chadbourne (1812), lawyer, of Boston, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1808. He moved from Boston, and settled at Machias, Me.


John Childs ( 1812), sail-maker, of Boston. His sail-loft was on Spear's Wharf, and he resided on Unity Street.


Philip Curtis (1812), merchant, of Boston, was born in 1786. Soon after his marriage he was afflicted with a lingering disease, of which he died, Aug. 20, 1825, aged


Abner Bourne (1812). AUTHORITY: Whit- man's Hist. A. H. and A. Company, Ed. 1842.


Philip Curtis (1812). AUTHORITIES: Whit- man's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842; Mass. Military Rolls.


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thirty-nine years. He was buried at Sharon, his native place. The Artillery Company, in citizen's dress, accompanied the funeral procession as far as the South Burial-Ground. He was active and intelligent, a zealous friend, and a pleasant companion.


He was engaged in the West India goods business with his brother, Thomas, at 20 India Street, Boston. His brother, Lieut. Alfred Curtis, joined the Artillery Company in 1817. Capt. Philip Curtis (1812) was ensign of the Artillery Company in 1816. He was ensign in the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Vol- unteer Militia, in 1810 and 1811, lieutenant from 1812 to 1814 inclusive, and captain in 1815.


Ephraim Dana (1812), merchant, of Boston, was a brother of Dexter Dana (1798). He was engaged in the West India goods business with Henry Leach, at Nos. 9 and 10 Central Street.


Daniel Dunton (1812), merchant, of Boston, was engaged in the West India goods trade at No. 34 Long Wharf. He was ensign in the First Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in 1812, lieutenant in 1813, captain in 1814 and 1815, major in 1816, and lieutenant-colonel in 1817. He held the offices of second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1815, and ensign in 1817. He received the degrees in Columbian Lodge in 1808. He died Dec. 1, 1820, aged thirty-five years.


John Frothingham (1812), harness-maker, of Charlestown, son of Richard and Mary (Kettell) Frothingham, was born in that town, March 18, 1787. He was never married. He had a great interest in local military affairs, and rose to the rank of captain. His father served in the active campaigns of the Revolutionary War throughout the contest. Capt. John (1812) was drawn a juryman, Nov. 12, 1816. His harness- shop was at the corner of Main and Eden streets, but for a short time was located on Water Street. In 1825 he visited Demarara ; returned to Charlestown, and soon after made a journey eastward. He was found dead in a forest previous to May 13, 1832. His remains were brought to Charlestown for interment. "A man much esteemed for his good qualities."


Elna Hayt (1812), ivory turner, of Boston, was a lieutenant in the Second Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, from 1812 to 1816 inclusive. He was doubtless a son of Elna Hayt, of Boston, who joined St. John's Lodge, A. F. and A. M., in 1794. He died at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 17, 1821, aged thirty-three years.


Otis Howe (1812), jeweller, of Boston, was ensign in the Second Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in 1813 and 1814. He removed to Portsmouth, N. H., in 1817, and died there in October, 1825, aged thirty-seven years.


Robert G. Mitchell (1812), merchant, of Boston, was lieutenant in the First Regi- ment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in 1816. He became a member of Mount Lebanon Lodge, of Boston, Jan. 5, 1808. Mr. Whitman (1810) says, "Lieut. Mitchell [1812] removed to Havana."


John Frothingham (1812). AUTHORITY : Wyman's Charlestown Genealogies and Estates.


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[1812


David Moody (1812), housewright, of Boston, son of Capt. Paul Moody, was born in Newbury, parish of Byfield, Feb. 10, 1783, and died in Boston, Dec. 2, 1832.


Mr. Moody (1812) was educated by his eldest brother, Samuel, at Hallowell, Me. In early life he spent some time at St. Vincent, West Indies, and on his return settled in Boston. During the war with Great Britain, in 1812, he was captain of a Boston company, and was stationed on Governor's Island, in Boston Harbor. After peace was declared he went to Waltham as superintendent of the out-door work of the Boston and Waltham Manufacturing Company, and remained in their employ until the Boston and Roxbury Mill-dam was commenced. He was employed with Uriah Cotton, the originator of that then great work, and after the death of Mr. Cotton he was appointed in his place, and finished the work. He then engaged with Mr. Gray in the iron works, and continued so connected until the time of his death. He was a member of the common council of Boston in 1828, and representative to the General Court from that city. His father erected the first woollen factory in the State, purchasing water-power on Parker River, Newbury. His brother, Paul, Jr., was prominent among the founders of the city of Lowell.


He received the Masonic degrees in Columbian Lodge, of Boston, and was admitted a member May 4, 1809. He passed through the wardens' chairs, and became master in 1814. A silver pitcher was presented to him by the Grand Lodge about the year 1831, as a token of their appreciation of the services he rendered to them in the pur- chase of the land for the Masonic Temple, and erection of that edifice, corner of Tremont Street and Temple Place. Mr. Moody (1812) was a member of the common council of Boston from Ward 6 in 1828. He was ensign in the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, from 1812 to 1814 inclusive, lieutenant from 1815 to 1817, and subsequently was commissioned captain.


John Park (1812), painter, of Boston, was of the firm of Park & Tolman, painters, No. 4 Water Street. He was ensign in the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, from 1814 to 1817 inclusive, lientenant in 1818 and 1819, and captain from 1820 to 1822 inclusive ; also, second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1816, and ensign in 1820. Mr. Park (1812) received the degrees in Columbian Lodge, of Boston, and became a member thereof, Feb. 5, 1807. He became a member of St. Andrew's Chapter May 1, 1811, and resigned his membership Oct. 7, 1835. He died Sept. 5, 1859.


Joshua B. Phipps (1812), grocer, of Charlestown, son of Joseph and Sarah Phipps, was born in Charlestown, May 15, 1781. He married (1) Elizabeth Hagar, who died Aug. 7, 1817, aged thirty-one years, and, (2) July 16, 1818, Susan F. Pitts, of Wiscasset, Me. Joseph, the father of Col. Joshna (1812), was a cousin of Capt Solomon Phipps (1796). Col. Joshua Phipps (1812) was one of the founders of the Second (Unitarian) Church, in Charlestown.


Ezra Reed (1812), printer and bookseller, of Boston, son of Rev. Peter and Mary (Pitcher) Reed, was born in Attleboro, Mass., Dec. 16, 1777. He married Harriet Orne Fanning, daughter of Barclay Fanning, a captain of the British Army. He learned the


David Moody (1812). AUTHORITY: Hist. of Columbian Lodge, by John T. Heard.


Joshua B. Phipps (1812). AUTHORITY : Wy- man's Charlestown Genealogies and Estates.


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printer's trade at Windsor, Vt., and afterward edited a newspaper in that State. Later, he was associated with his uncle Daniel in publishing musical and other works in New Haven, Conn. He soon moved to Boston, and was associated with Alden Bradford, secretary of state, and became an extensive publisher of law, musical, and other works. They were the first to publish Scott's novels on this side of the Atlantic. His health failing him, he took a trip to Barbadoes, but died of yellow fever soon after his arrival.1


Asa Richardson (1812), grocer, of Boston, son of Asa and Sarah Richardson, of Billerica, Mass., was born in that town, March 5, 1782. His grocery store was on School Street. He was captain of a Boston company in the Second Regiment of the Third Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, from 1812 to 1816 inclusive. He died in Boston, Dec. 11, 1833, aged fifty-one years.


Luke Richardson (1812), hairdresser, of Boston, probably a son of Sergt. Luke Richardson, a Revolutionary soldier, was born at Woburn in 1780. In 1820 he kept a variety store at 27 Marlborough Street. He was twice married.


Mr. Richardson (1812) was lieutenant in the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, from 1813 to 1817 inclusive, and captain in the same in 1818 and 1819. He was also captain of the Light Dragoons, Boston, in 182 1 and 1822, first sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1815, and lieutenant in 1818. " He was faithful, intelligent, and discreet. When of age, he set up for himself, with- out friends or capital. His habits of frugality soon enabled him to purchase a decayed estate of small value near the Boylston Market, where he set up the sign of the ' Rose.'" He died at Medford, April 11, 1830, aged fifty years.


John Roulstone (1812), truckman, and afterward riding-master, of Boston, son of George and Mary Roulstone, and brother of Lieut .- Col. Michael (1810), and of Capt. Andrew (1811), was born Nov. 26, 1769.


"When the Oxford army was raised," says Mr. Whitman (1810), "during the administration of the elder Adams, he was appointed a lieutenant, and also was lien- tenant of the Dragoons, when formed. He had the reputation of being a good officer. His changeable disposition induced him to set up a riding-school, and here he was in his element. Mounted on an elegant steed, prancing among his female scholars, giving lessons on the road, you would certainly think him the Grand Seignor." His riding- school was in Haymarket Place.


He was ensign in the Boston regiment from 1793 to 1795 inclusive ; captain in the same from 1796 to 1799 inclusive ; cornet of a troop of cavalry from 1802 to 1804 inclusive ; lieutenant of the same from 1805 to 1809 inclusive, and captain in 1810. He was first sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1813, and its captain in 1815.


Capt. John Roulstone (1812) and his brother, Capt. Michael (1810), received the Masonic degrees in Rising States Lodge, of Boston, and, demitting, joined The Massa- chusetts Lodge, April 5, 1802. He died about 1841, and his remains were interred in tomb No. 138, on the Common.


Asa Richardson (1812). AUTHORITY: Whit- man's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842.


Luke Richardson (1812). AUTHORITIES: Whitman's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842; Mass. Military Rolls.


John Roulstone (1812). AUTHORITIES : Mass. Military Rolls; Whitman's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842. 1 See Reed Genealogy.


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James Russell (1812), merchant, of Boston, son of James and Rebecca (Adams) Russell, was born in Charlestown, Jan. 14, 1788. He had a dry goods store at No. 61 Cornhill. He was lieutenant of a company in the Second Regiment, Third Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in 1815, and second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1817.


John Langdon Sullivan (1812), merchant, of Boston, third son of Gov. James Sullivan, and brother of Lieut .- Col. George Sullivan (1811) and of Gen. William Sullivan (1819), was born in Boston, April 9, 1777. He married, Oct. 12, 1797, Elizabeth Russell, daughter of Hon. Thomas Russell. He was in middle life a civil engineer, and the continuation of the Middlesex Canal beyond Lowell to Concord was constructed chiefly under his superintendence. He was also engaged with Gen. Bernard in planning the defences for our Atlantic seaboard. He held the position of aide-de-camp on his father's staff in 1808 and 1809, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was a lieutenant of the New England Guards, Second Regiment, Third Brigade, in 1812 and 1813. He never held office in the Artillery Company. He died Feb. 10, 1865.


Henry S. Waldo (1812), shopkeeper, of Boston, was engaged in the dry goods business at No. I Dock Square. He was paymaster of the Second Regiment, Third Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in 1812, and quartermaster of the same, with the rank of lieutenant, from 1813 to 1817 inclusive.


George Wheeler (1812), merchant, of Boston, lived on Purchase Street. He was ensign of the Winslow Blues, the Second Company of the Sublegion of Light Infantry, from r8or to 1806 inclusive, lieutenant in 1807 and 1808, and captain from 1808 to 1813. He died March 24, 1823, aged forty-four years.


Jan. 21, 1812, the Artillery Company met at T. Clark's (1786) room, in Faneuil Hall, for business. One committee was appointed to attend to the interest of the Company before a committee of the Legislature, appointed at the preceding session of the General Court, to inquire into their charter, etc., and another committee was selected "to take into consideration the propriety of establishing badges of distinction for those members of the Company who have served over seven years, and to consider the propriety of changing the color of the plume, knapsack, and canteens."


Tuesday evening, Feb. 4, the Company met at the same place, and the committee to whom were referred badges of distinction, etc., reported, "that those members who have served in the Company five years shall be entitled to one Herrin-bone, and one for every seven years after." The report was unanimously adopted. A knapsack and canteen, completed according to Gen. Welles' (1811) direction, were unanimously agreed to.


Feb. 18 the Company met for business, and March 2, 16, 23, 30, and April 6, for exercise.


Friday, April 10, the Company paraded at Faneuil Hall, commanded by Gen. Welles (1811), for the first time that season, the first Monday of April being State election.


John Langdon Sullivan (1812). AUTHORITIES : Whitman's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842; Loring's One Hundred Boston Orators.


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Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Porter, of Roxbury, was chosen to preach the next anniversary sermon. It was this year that the allotted square on the Common was provided for the first time with a chain around it, to preserve the training-field from being occupied by spectators. When the business was completed (April 10), the Company marched to the residence of Major Blanchard (1794), where a bountiful collation was provided. After firings in Faneuil Hall Square, the Company was dismissed.


April 20 the Company met and heard the financial reports for the year, showing a balance on hand of nine hundred and ninety-five dollars and twenty-four cents. They were unanimously approved.


A meeting for business and exercise was held April 27, and, on the following day, " A Return of the names of every member was made to Lieut .- Col. Daniel Messinger [1792], Lieut .- Col. Peter Osgood [1797], Lieut .- Col. Jacob Stearns, and Lieut .- Col. Jonathan Page."


The return was certified to by the commander and the clerk. The following is a copy thereof : -


A RETURN OF THE NAMES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF MASSACHUSETTS.


Brig .- Gen'l ARNOLD WELLES [1811], Captain. Major BENJAMIN RUSSELL [1788], Lieut. Major GEORGE BLANCHARD [1794].


Ebenezer Torrey, Esq. [1765].


Mr. Benjamin Clark [1806].


Capt. Joseph Eaton [1773].


Mr. Andrew Sigourney [1806].


Gen. John Winslow [1786].


Ensign Caswell Beal [1806].


Capt. Samuel Todd [1786].


Mr. George Welles [1807].


Col. John May [1786].


Ensign Samuel T. Armstrong [1807].


Capt. Thomas Clark [1786].


Mr. Peter Conant, Jr. [1807].


Major James Phillips [1790].


Dr. Terence Wakefield [1807].


Capt. Richard Austin [1792].


Mr. Asa Ward [1808].


Col. Daniel Messinger [1792].


Mr. Ephraim French, Jr. [1809].


Mr. Nahum Piper [1794].


Mr. Benjamin Coates [1796].


Mr. William Jepson [1797].


Col. Peter Osgood [1797].


Capt. Jonathan Whitney [1797].


Mr. Dexter Dana [1798].


Major Samuel Curtis [1810].


Lieut. Thomas A. Drayton [1810].


Mr. John B. Hammatt [1801].


Mr. Abraham Wood [1810].


Mr. James Bird [1801 ].


Ensign John Dodd, Jr. [1810].


Mr. Levi Melcher [1802].


Mr. Edward Gray [1810]. Lieut. Benjamin Loring [1810].


Major Thomas Dean [1806].


Ensign Zachariah G. Whitman [1810].


Mr. David Francis [1806].


Dr. Robert Fennelly [1806].


Mr. John Banister [1806].


Lieut. Edward Childs [1810].


Lieut. Ebenezer O. Fifield [1810].


Mr. James Hooper [1810].


Ensign Joseph Jenkins [1810].


Thomas W. Sumner, Esq. [1792].


Capt. Eleazer G. House [1810].


Lieut. Daniel L. Gibbens [1810].


Capt. Michael Roulstone [1810].


Capt. Nathaniel Heard [1810].


Mr. Thomas Redman [1810].


Ensign John Whitney [1810].


Capt. Melzar Holmes [1798].


Mr. Jacob Hall [1802]. Mr. William Howe [1806].


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Capt. James B. Marston [1810].


Capt. Andrew Roulstone [1811].


Mr. William Cutter [1811].


Capt. George Wheeler [1812].


Ensign Robert Clark [1811].


Capt. John Roulstone [1812].


Mr. Thomas Wells [1811 ].


Capt. Joshua B. Phipps [1812].


Mr. Joseph Lewis [1811].


Capt. Asa Richardson [1812].


Mr. Daniel L. Ware [1811].


Ensign Philip Curtis [1812].


Mr. Horatio G. Ware [1811].


Mr. John Park [1812].


Lieut. Joseph D. Annable [1811].


Mr. Luke Richardson [1812].


Ensign Moses Watson [1811 ].


Ensign Elna Hayt [1812].


Lieut. Isaiah Atkins [1811].


Mr. Robert G. Mitchell [1812].


Lieut. Joshua Simonds [1811].


Mr. I. R. Chadbourne [1812].


Capt. William Fernald [1811].


Lieut. Daniel Dunton [1812].


Mr. David W. Bradlee [1811 ].


Mr. Henry S. Waldo [1812].


Col. George Sullivan [1811 ] .


Lieut. Abner Bourne [1812].


BOSTON, April 28, 1812. DEXTER DANA [1798], Clerk.


ARNOLD WELLES [1811], Comt.


Monday, May 4, 1812, being unsuitable weather, Friday, May 8, the Company paraded at Faneuil Hall, commanded by Gov. Arnold Welles (18rI), for the second time that season. They marched to the north end of the town, thence to the Common, and, after the usual exercise, Gen. Welles (1811) led them to his residence, where he provided a collation.


May 12, 1812, the Company met for exercise, and on the afternoon of Thursday, the 14th of May, the Company marched to the Common for drill.


At a meeting May 18, it was "voted that a committee be appointed to report in what way we can most honor ourselves, by showing in some permanent manner the affection, gratitude, and esteem in which we hold Brig .- Gen. Arnold Welles [1811], for the high honor done to us in commanding the present year ; also for his liberal recep- tion of us on many occasions ; likewise for his brilliant military services, whereby the discipline of the Company has been so greatly improved." Major George Blanchard (1794), Major Benjamin Russell (1788), Lieut .- Col. George Sullivan (1811), Lieut .- Col. John L. Sullivan (1812), Col. Daniel Messinger (1792), Lieut .- Col. Peter Osgood (1797), Major Thomas Dean (1806), Major Samuel Curtis (1810), and Capt. George Wheeler (1812), were appointed said committee.


Friday afternoon, May 22, the Company met at Faneuil Hall for exercise, com- manded by Gen. Welles (1811), marched to the Common, where they went through the usual exercise, after which Gen. Welles (1811), being ill, returned to his home, and Major Blanchard (1794) commanded during the return of the Company to the armory. Having deposited their arms, the committee above named made their report, whereupon the Company voted " that a sword be presented by the members of this Company to Brig .- Gen. Welles (1811) on the first Monday in June next, as a memento of the lasting affection, gratitude, and respect which they bear to him for his able and honorary service during the past year, and his affectionate interest in the welfare and honor of the corps, and that the general be on that day declared an honorary member of this Company." A committee was chosen to procure a sword, and make all necessary arrangements for its presentation.


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Monday, June 1, 1812, being the anniversary of the election of officers, the Com- pany paraded, under command of Gen. Welles (1811), and observed with military precision the usual duties of the day. Rev. Eliphalet Porter, of Roxbury, delivered the sermon in the First Church, in Chauncy Place. Dinner was served at the usual hour ; spirited and appropriate toasts were drank. After his Excellency Gov. Strong retired, this toast was drank, with three times three cheers : " The Cincinnatus of Massachusetts, who retired from public cares to a private station, but who obeys the call of his coun- try, and again appears before the people as their father, their guide, and their friend."


At four o'clock P. M. the election was held on the Common. The Company returned to the Hall, after the investiture of the officers, and a collation was served. The sword was then presented to Gen. Welles (1811). Gen. William Heath (1765), who commanded the Company forty-two years previously, was not able to accept the invitation to be present, on account of ill-health, and Gen. Dearborn (1816) was detained by public duty.


A committee, of which Andrew Sigourney (1806) was chairman, was appointed May 25, to examine the financial affairs of the Company, and ascertain "what now is, and what ought to be, the amount of the funds of the Company." Mr. Sigourney (1806) made a careful examination of the finances of the Company for the forty next preceding years, and presented an exhaustive report thereupon, which is recorded in full.


Attached to the report is an inventory of the arms, accoutrements, etc., belonging to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, July 6, 1812, and the cost of the same : -


"For the commissioned officers 3 silver mounted swords with knots and belts ; 2 espontoons, 3 sashes, 2 Epaulets and 3 gorgets . . $330.00


" For the non-commissioned officers - 4 Swords and Belts, 4 counter- straps, 4 Sashes and 4 Halberts . 166.00 . " For the privates, - 64 guns and bayonets, 64 cartridge Boxes, 64 canteens and 64 Knapsacks, priming wires, brushes, and flints . 1312.00 .


" For six musicians - Six coats, 6 pr pantaloons, 6 pr of gaiters, 6 hats and plumes, and 6 swords with chest to contain them 300.00


" The other properties are : One new and two old standards, belt and socket, I 20.00


" Two drums, one Bass-drum, and three fife cases 70.00


" Three gilt swords, two belts, 3 Epauletts, much worn 40.00


" Other articles including 750 feet of iron chain . " Total


177.82


$2515.82 "


The financial report, as printed in the " Rules and Regulations of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, June 7, 1819," is precisely like the above, except one additional item, viz. : -


" A gilt Frame and Glass, with an elegant Roll of the Company . $35.00"


During the summer of 1812 the following report, found among the papers of the Company, was made and adopted. It is the first suggestion of the use of artillery by the Company : -


" REPORT. - The committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of applying to government for artillery, and to collect information of the expense attending the use


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and service of the same, beg leave to report : That however there may be reason to believe our town and harbor are not exposed to attack at this time, yet as preparation for efficient defence is undoubtedly the surest guaranty of safety, it surely becomes the duty of military corps, and of this in a particular manner, to learn the service of that species of arms on which we must principally rely for defence. Under this impression, your committee are of opinion that it is highly expedient that the Company should learn the exercise of artillery. But as an application to the governor of the Commonwealth would be fruitless, the governor not having power to grant them to other than regular military corps, and an application to the Legislature would be attended with great trouble and very doubtful success, the committee are of opinion that it is not expedient to apply to government for artillery at this time. Considering, however, the expediency that this Company should be acquainted with the service of cannon, and being informed that the company of light infantry (New England Guards), to whom the guns of the ancient Company have been occasionally loaned, would gladly return the favor by loan of the pieces in their possession, your committee recommend that an application to the officers of that company be accordingly made for the use of their cannon, and to Capt. Harris, of the Washington Artillery, for the use of their Washington Artillery gun-house, and that a committee be appointed for those purposes, and to prepare a system of artillery exercise for the use of the Company. Touching the expense attending this mode of learning the service and use of artillery, the committee beg leave to report that all the items of expense are horse-hire, drivers, and ammunition, and that the amount of them may be great or small, at the pleasure of the Company. The number of horses on parade is six, of drivers three, and the ordinary charge for a six-pounder is one and an half of powder. BENJ. RUSSELL, per order."




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