Howlett Line

Howlett Line. . , These earthworks are part of the strong Confederate defensive position known as the “Howlett Line.” Composed of a string of interconnected redoubts and trenches, the line ran eight miles north and south and was named for the Howlett House which was located on the northern end, near the site of Battery Dantzler. With batteries housing large caliber guns anchoring the line on the James River to the north, and the Appomattox River to the south, the “Howlett Line” defended the eastern approaches to Richmond between the two rivers. Construction of the “Howlett Line” began on May 19, 1864, and was ready by June 17, when Parker’s “Boy Company” took up its position here., The first few weeks along the “Howlett Line” were rather active for the artillerists. While the Union army shifted its attention south to Petersburg, its batteries frequently dueled with their Confederate counterparts in this area. Of particular annoyance to Parker’s men was harassing fire coming from northern sharpshooters concealed in Ware Bottom Church, a small wooden building located between the lines. One dark evening, three of Parker’s artillerists crawled out to the church and set fire to it, thus relieving their battery from the deadly fire of the Union riflemen.