Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery

On September 17, 1862, Horse Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Peter C. Hains, crossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge in the forenoon and, preceded by the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry under Colonel Childs and Battery A, 2d U.S. Artillery, advanced by the road to this point and went into position with one section on the right of the road and the other on the left. The battery came under heavy fire from Confederate artillery on Cemetery Hill and from infantry skirmishers behind fences and stone walls. After losing three men killed, it was relieved by Battery K, 5th U.S. Artillery, and withdrawn to replenish ammunition. About 5 p.m. it returned, took position on the right of the road with its left a few feet from this point, and fired on Confederate infantry on the Piper Farm until nearly dark, when it recrossed the Antietam.

Maryland · United States