scarded. The long and
trying campaign of 1862 gradually reduced the number of guns to four,
two of which were twenty-pound Parrotts captured at Harper's Ferry, one
a twelve-pound Napoleon captured at Richmond, and one a six-pound brass
piece. The two last were replaced by two more twenty-pound Parrotts
captured from Milroy at Winchester in June, 1863. Each of these guns
required a team of eight horses and as many to a caisson. They were
recaptured at Deep Bottom below Richmond in July, 1864.

The battery's connection with the Stonewall Brigade was severed October
1, at the close of the memorable campaign of 1862, and under the new
regime became a part of the First Regiment Virginia Artillery, commanded
by Col. J. Thompson Brown, afterward by Col. R. A. Hardaway. This
regiment was made up of the second and third companies of Richmond
Howitzers, the Powhatan battery commanded by Captain Dance, the Roanoke
battery commanded by Captain Griffin, and Rockbridge battery commanded
by Captain Graham, with four guns to each of the five batteries.

Our new companions proved to be a fine lot of men, and with them many
strong and lasting friendships were formed.

An idea of the spirit with which the Southern people entered into the
war can best be conveyed by some account of the wild enthusiasm created
by the troops and the unbounded hospitality lavished upon them as they
proceeded to their destinations along the border.

The Rockbridge Artillery traveled by rail from Staunton to Strasburg. On
their march of eighteen miles from there to Winchester they were
preceded by the "Grayson Dare-devils" of Virginia, one hundred strong,
armed with Mississippi rifles and wearing red-flannel shirts. A mile or
two in advance of this company was the Fourth Alabama Regiment,
numbering eight hundred men. The regiment, on its arrival at Newtown, a
small village six miles from Winchester, was provided by the citizens
with a sumptuous dinner. Then the "Dare-devils" were likewise
entertained; but still the supplies and hospitality of the people were
not exhausted, as the battery, on its arrival, was served with a
bountiful meal.

When the battery reached Winchester their two small guns were stored for
the night in a warehouse, and the men lodged and entertained in private
houses. On the following day the company went by rail to Harper's Ferry,
arriving there after dark. The place was then under command of Col. T.
J. Jackson, who was soon after sup