The battery of heavy artillery commanded by Captain John R. Richardson was the second company organized as company I of the 2nd North Carolina Artillery Regiment (as known as the 36th Regiment of North Carolina Regiment). The first was commanded by Captain William A. Holland and was known as the Herring Artillery. The second battery was known as the Bladen Artillery. Not known why two Companies I were organized. Richardson's Battery served in the North Carolina coastal defences, at Fort Fisher. Most companies of the 2nd North Carolina Artillery were at Fort Fisher in January 1865 when the fort was captured by union forces. The remnants of the regiment were reorganized as infantry, combined with remnants of the 3rd North Carolina Artillery and continued service until surrendered by General Johnston on April 26th 1865.