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The Gallant Campaign of Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Donald Ward

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A Photograph Of Battery A, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Posing With Their Guns During The American Civil War. Campaign Of Battery D First Rhode Island Light Artillery

Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was a distinguished artillery unit that served with distinction in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Raised in August 1861, the battery was initially equipped with four 12-pounder field guns and manned by 95 officers and enlisted men. Under the command of Captain George W. Adams, Battery A participated in numerous battles and campaigns throughout the war, earning a reputation for bravery and effectiveness.

Campaign of Battery D, First Rhode Island light artillery.

by David R. Bell

4 out of 5

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Early Service

Battery A's first major engagement was the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia, which began in April 1862. The battery's guns played a vital role in supporting the Union infantry and artillery during the siege of Yorktown. After the Confederate forces retreated from Yorktown, Battery A pursued them and participated in the Battle of Williamsburg, which resulted in a Union victory.

In June 1862, Battery A was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and fought in the Seven Days Battles, a series of bloody and inconclusive engagements around Richmond, Virginia. During these battles, the battery was frequently engaged in artillery duels with Confederate batteries. Despite the heavy fighting, Battery A suffered relatively few casualties.

Antietam and Fredericksburg

In September 1862, Battery A played a key role in the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history. The battery's guns supported Union infantry attacks and helped to repulse several Confederate counterattacks. Battery A also participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, but the Union forces were unable to break through the Confederate defenses.

Chancellorsville and Gettysburg

In May 1863, Battery A fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville, where the Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee defeated the Union army under General Joseph Hooker. Battery A was heavily engaged in the fighting and suffered significant casualties. Later that year, Battery A participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. The battery's guns helped to repel Pickett's Charge, the climactic Confederate attack on the third day of the battle.

Later Service

After Gettysburg, Battery A continued to serve in the Army of the Potomac and fought in numerous other engagements, including the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg. The battery was also present at the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

Legacy

Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was mustered out of service in June 1865. The battery's service during the Civil War was marked by bravery, professionalism, and effectiveness. The battery's veterans were honored for their service and continue to be remembered today for their contributions to the Union victory in the war.

Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was a model of excellence in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The battery's officers and enlisted men fought with distinction in numerous battles and campaigns, and their contributions helped to ensure the Union victory. Battery A's legacy is one of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Campaign of Battery D, First Rhode Island light artillery.

by David R. Bell

4 out of 5