Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 11.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

You will hear from the lips of the gallant Chalaron how the Fifth Company, jealous of the fame of the first four companies of the Virginia army, became in the Army of Tennessee the peer of the battalion, and how, in every battle from Shiloh to Spanish Fort, in Mobile bay, they challenged the record of the older companies, compelling by their gallantry and distinguished service the highest encomiums.

To Adjutant Owen (in connection with these proceedings I cannot say General Owen) has been assigned the duty of tracing the career of the battalion from Bull Run in the east and Shiloh in the west, to the melancholy end. He will tell you like a true soldier, with fire and fancy, a soldier's story of the marches and battles, the trials and triumphs of a command whose name and fame is recognized in all parts of our common country. That he will do justice to his theme, there are none here who know as I do of his action and gallantry, his devotion and bravery, signalized upon every field, who will fail to extend to him a hearty reception.

The distinguished president of the Veterans' Association, Colonel Eshleman, and Colonel Bayne, the indefatigable and honored president of the Washington Artillery Association, will also give voice in answer to the toasts proposed to be drunk in honor of their respective charges.

Now, Mr. Chairman, I desire to express my thanks for the attention that has been bestowed upon my unworthy effort and to apologize for the time I have consumed in my weak endeavor to place before you a partial record of the Washington Artillery from its organization to the date of its departure for Virginia in May, 1861. Imperfect as it is, the labor bestowed upon the compilation has been a labor of love as well as of duty. The history is one of which any command, in any land, might well be proud.