Union Artillery

Three pieces of artillery were successfully conveyed across the Potomac and put into action at Ball's Bluff. Upon his arrival, Colonel Milton Cogswell of the 42nd New York Infantry was placed in charge of the artillery. Two mountain howitzers of the 1st Rhode Island artillery occupied this area, while a James rifled cannon of the 6th New York Independent artillery was placed approximately where the cemetery now stands. Colonel Cogswell recalled that the hills on the left front were occupied by the enemy's skirmishers, who immediately opened a sharp fire on the left. He directed the artillery to open fire, but it was ineffectual because the enemy was under cover of trees and was shooting down the artillerists at easy musket range. The pieces were worked for a time by Colonel Baker in person, a few other officers, and Cogswell himself.

Leesburg, Virginia · United States