Have you heard of the Chatham Artillery? I hadn't, until 4Branch sent this:
The Chatham Light Artillery was organized in 1756 in Savannah, Georgia for service against the French and Indians and/or the odd Pirate. The unit saw service here and there, and was involved in the American Revolution on the Rebel side. Their service was so
prominent that Gen Washington and Lafayette awarded them the two brass field pieces, taken at Yorktown, now known as the 'Lafayette Guns'.
CLA saw service in 1812, 1846, and 1861-65 with the Confederate Army. The Lafayette guns were buried during the Yankee occupation of Savannah, to be resurrected along with the Battery when the tyrant's boot was lifted from the Southern neck.
They did duty in SpanAm war, and WWI, WWII and sundry mobilizations since, under various federal names concluding with
118th Field Artillery Brigade, now reorganized and reduced to a Battalion. I am no longer current with the status of the unit or the guns. In today's atmosphere, no doubt they're hidden away in some barn, to await a happy homecoming at some future date
The Lafayette guns were normally held on display in the square of that name in Savannah, and being paraded - and fired, on occasions of state. The guns and trappings were maintained by the newest Cornets and Privates of the Regiment, supervised by the Sergeant Major. Eventually the firing was stopped due to age and wear on the old tubes.
Respect to the 118th.
Nescit Cedere,
LSP
