Guard. The company was dormant for a time and revived in late 1856. Union Guard under Captain David J. Goodwin Organized on June 17, 1857 and composed mostly of Irish-Americans Prewar operations 1856 July 3, 1856- In their first Parade, The Portsmouth National Light Infantry Grays marched out to Newtown on the suburbs of Portsmouth and were presented with a flag October 19, 1856- Old Dominion Guard and Portsmouth National Light Infantry grays marched out to Newtown to attend the presentation of a national flag to the Newtown Marion Rifles. After the flag ceremony, the Guard, Grays & Rifles paraded through the main streets of Portsmouth. 1857 April 7, 1857- Battalion election held. David Smith Walton elected Lt. Colonel and P. H. Daughtrey of the Portsmouth National Light Infantry Grays elected Major May 13, 1857- Portsmouth companies take part in 250th Anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. July 4, 1857- Dismal Swamp Rangers presented a Blue Silk Flag by the ladies of Deep Creek October 19, 1857- Parade and Election. With the designation of Regiment, David Smith Walton elected Colonel, P. H. Daughtrey elected Lt. Colonel and James G. Hodges of the Marion Rifles elected Major. November 12, 1857- 3rd Regiment traveled to Norfolk where they were received by volunteer companies of the city and escorted to the fair grounds marching to the music from a brass band belonging to the U.S. Navy Receiving Ship Pennsylvania. In the presence of thousands of spectators, Samuel T. Sawyer presented the regiment a silk flag on behalf of the ladies of Norfolk December 2, 1857- Regiment headed again by the Brass Band of the Pennsylvania marched in procession to honor ex-president Franklin Pierce during his visit to Portsmouth. 1858 Jan 8, 1858- 3rd Virginia in full force participated in target firing drills. The prize medal awarded to the best shot went to the Portsmouth Light Artillery February- The remainder of January and early part of February were spent in preparation for the upcoming visit to Richmond. Here they would participate in ceremonies to honor George Washington on the occasion of his birthday as well as attend the dedication of Thomas Crawford's equestrian statue of which still stands in the Capitol Square. In the week leading up to departure, the companies drilled every evening so as their form would be of the utmost respect due the event. Finally on February 20, a quiet Saturday