Latimer's Battalion

Latimer's Battalion of the C.S.A. Army of Northern Virginia, in Ewell's Corps and Johnson's Division, included Brown's, Carpenter's, Dement's, and Raine's batteries, with two 20 pounder Parrotts, five 10 pounder Parrotts, three 3 inch rifles, and six Napoleons. After dark on July 1 it crossed Rock Creek and encamped on this ridge. At 4 p.m. on July 2, except for the 20 pounder Parrotts, it took position here and for more than two hours engaged in a heavy cannonade with Union artillery on Cemetery Hill, Stevens Knoll, and Culp's Hill. With ammunition exhausted and losses severe, the guns were withdrawn except for four left to cover the advance of Johnson's infantry against Culp's Hill. In the renewed firing, Major S.W. Latimer was mortally wounded. During the cannonading, the 20 pounder Parrotts, positioned half a mile north, took an active part. On July 3 the 20 pounder Parrotts took part in the great cannonade while the other batteries were in reserve. On July 4 the battalion withdrew and began the march to Hagerstown. Its losses were 10 killed, 49 wounded, and 30 horses killed.

Pennsylvania · United States