Washington Artillery of New Orleans
The Washington Artillery was founded on September 7, 1838 as the Washington Artillery Company. It received its regimental flag in August 1846 after serving under Zachary Taylor in the Mexican–American War.
26 May 1861 the Unit was mustered into the American Civil War; four companies served in the Army of Northern Virginia and a fifth was in the Army of Tennessee. Elements of the Washington Artillery participated in over sixty major actions. A few notable engagements include: Battle of Antietam, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Chickamauga, Battle of Fredericksburg, First Battle of Manassas, and the Battle of Cold Harbor.
Report of Maj. B. F. Eshleman, Washington (Louisiana) Artillery. for the action of Gettysburg.
Owing to the excessive heat, dry weather, and dust, the march was a severe one, but the endurance of the men and animals proved equal to the task arriving within about 3 miles of the battlefield on the 2nd of July. The artillery battalion known as the Washington Artillery of New Orleans companies 1 through 4 were moved to the Confederate army’s artillery park and waited orders.
Just before dark they were given orders to move to the old school house but before reaching that point all combat had ceased. Again they were sent to orders to park where they waited for new orders which they would receive around midnight. Washington Artillery was ordered to the area of the peach orchard which on the second had seen a lot of heavy fighting due to Federal General Dan Sickles positioning of his corps.
The Battalion consisted of eight Napoleons and two 12lb howitzers along with one capture 3 in ordnance rifle discover on the morning of the 3rd 200 yards in front of their position and with these guns participated in the largest artillery bombardment on the continent. Many officers, gunners, cannoneers, and drivers of the Washington Artillery did their duty under heavy cannon and sharpshooter fire on that day. 1st company only having one gun at its disposal was attached to Captain Miller’s 3rd company with direction of the sole piece under Lt. Brown as Captain Squires was serving as a runner between the battalion commander and Army of Northern Virginia Artillery command.
All totaled on the 3rd of July Washington Artillery lost 3 killed 26 wounded and 16 missing including Lt. Brown who was shot through the abdomen and was captured later on. and a loss of 37 horses 3 guns and 1 limber.
On the retreat from Gettysburg at Williamsport Maryland the Washington Artillery was instrumental in the blocking of the cavalry operations of Buford’s division against the long line of retreating confederate wagons. Expelling all ammo in the process.
After the Civil War, it was reorganized as an independent unit called the “Louisiana Volunteer Field Artillery” where it served the United States in the occupation of Cuba. It later was called into service to protect the Mexican border in 1916. A year later it received the designation 141st Artillery. It Still serves to this day.
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NCO
Officer
