Battery 4

The largest artillery piece on the battlefield was a 32-pounder commanded by Navy Lt. John Crawley and served by 24 men from the U.S.S. Carolina. It was removed from the Carolina in early December and was in action here during the January 1, 1815 artillery duel. Struck by British artillery fire, the cannon was quickly repaired and ready for action on January 8. Firing grapeshot and landiage (scrap metal), the gun tore gaping holes in the 93rd Highlanders as they moved across the field. To the left was Major Daquin’s Battalion of Free Men of Color and to the right was Major Lacoste’s Battalion of Free Men of Color. These men impatiently waited to join the fight, but their muskets did not have the range to engage the British.

Chalmette, Louisiana · United States