In the background rises the dome of the Capitol which this regiment
remained to defend until it was ordered to Petersburg, in 1864. It appears
in parade formation. The battery commander leads it, mounted. The battery
consists of six pieces, divided into three platoons of two guns each. In
front of each platoon is the platoon commander, mounted. Each piece, with
its limber and caisson, forms a section; the chief of section is mounted,
to the right and a little to the rear of each piece. The cannoneers are
mounted on the limbers and caissons in the rear. To the left waves the
notched guidon used by both the cavalry and light artillery.
[Illustration: A LIGHT BATTERY AT FORT WHIPPLE, DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON