The Capture of Winslow's Battery

During the May 5 fighting in Saunders Field, Captain George B. Winslow received orders to rush two guns of Battery D, 1st New York Artillery, to the front to support Union attacks. His men dashed down the turnpike at a trot, crossed the ditch in front, unlimbered their guns across the road, and opened fire into the tangled fighting ahead, for a time killing friend and foe alike. Winslow soon recognized the impossibility of the position and ordered the cannon withdrawn, but before they could escape, Union infantry in front gave way and Confederates surged toward the artillerists. The two limbered guns stalled at the ditch, and before the crews could save them, the Confederates were upon them. With their horses shot and their infantry support gone, the Union artillerymen were forced to abandon the guns, which Colonel Charles S. Wainwright said were fought to the last and lost as honorably as guns could be lost.

Lake of the Woods, Virginia · United States