The Americans #927 Private William F. Ottinger
Marine rifleman, 1859
It was Fall, 1859, and the wind blew a chill up from
the Anacostia River. Pvt. Ottinger was standing his
post as a Marine guard at Latrobe gate, U.S. Navy Yard,
Washington, D.C. He relaxed a bit holding his
musket and contemplated all of the rumors of secession
and war with the South. Althoguh he was from
Savannah and understood the needs of the South,
he was also a Marine. However is war did come Bill knew
his choice would be hard. But these thoughts faded
as a carriage approached the gate.