Washington was no longer in danger when this photograph was taken, and the
company is taking its ease with small arms stacked--three rifles held
together by engaging the shanks of the bayonets. This is the usual way of
disposing of rifles when the company is temporarily dismissed for any
purpose. If the men are to leave the immediate vicinity of the stacks, a
sentinel is detailed to guard the arms. The Third Massachusetts Heavy
Artillery was organized for one year in August, 1864, and remained in the
defenses of Washington throughout their service, except for Company I,
which went to the siege of Petersburg and maintained the pontoon bridges.
[Illustration: A HOUSE NEAR WASHINGTON STRUCK BY ONE OF EARLY'S SHELLS