Battery E, 2nd U.S. Artillery

On September 16-17, 1862, Battery E, 2nd U.S. Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Samuel E. Benjamin, took position on the ridge bordering the Antietam above the Burnside Bridge, engaged Confederate batteries on and around Cemetery Hill, and shelled infantry north of Sharpsburg. In the afternoon of September 16, the battery moved to the left and rear onto high ground about 1950 yards east of this point. Early on September 17, it opened fire on and quickly silenced a Confederate battery shelling Rodman's Division, then engaged batteries on Cemetery Hill and adjacent high ground and several times during the day shelled bodies of infantry. At 3 p.m., the battery shifted left to shell A.P. Hill's Division as it came onto the field, and its last six rounds were used against heavy guns on the Confederate left.

Maryland · United States