Madison Light Artillery

The Madison Light Artillery, part of Alexander's Battalion in Longstreet's Corps Artillery Reserve of the Army of Northern Virginia, was armed with four 24 pounder howitzers. On July 2 it arrived here and opened fire at 4 p.m. After the infantry charge on the Peach Orchard, it took position near there and, with other batteries, supported the infantry in its further advance. Its fire so harassed the retiring Union forces that several guns were temporarily abandoned. It kept up a spirited fire until nightfall and prevented pursuit of the Confederate advanced lines when they fell back shortly before dark. On July 3 it was in position at dawn in the artillery line on the ridge running north from the Peach Orchard and remained on duty there all day. It took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet's assault and retired from the front after night. On July 4 it remained near here until 4 p.m. and then withdrew to Marsh Creek on the Fairfield Road. Its losses were heavy but not reported in detail.

Freedom Township, Pennsylvania · United States