The Guns of Mill Creek Ridge

The Guns of Mill Creek Ridge. "Screaming and Hissing Shells". , The Confederate defensive line was centered around a powerful group of cannon positioned on the ridgeline to your right, including Courtney's, Raine's, Rice's, and Lusk's batteries. Another battery, the Baltimore Light Artillery under Capt. John B. Brockenbrough, was on the far left of the line. Perched along this high ground, the gunners had a commanding field of fire., Courtney's Battery was the first to rumble into position when it unlimbered and opened fire on Union troops pursuing the 15th Alabama. As the opposing Federals deployed in greater strength - including their own artillery - Ewell added the other batteries, establishing a daunting mass of defensive fire., The cannon of both sides opened fire around 10 a.m., beginning with scattered blasts from individual guns but quickly building to a thunderous, ground-shaking roar. New York Times reporter Charles H. Webb, who was near Union Church, wrote that "The diabolical precision with which shot and shell were instantly pitched at us exceeded anything I had before imagined.", The gunners also helped defend against Union infantry. One Federal foot soldier described "the screaming and hissing shells... as thick as leaves." During one Union advance, Confederate Lt. Joseph Latimer asked an officer to delay moving forward so Latimer could first "give them a few more rounds" of anti-personnel canister., Situated behind the crest of the ridge, the gunners were protected from the direct fire of Union cannon, but higher-arcing shells took a toll. One of Latimer's sergeants was struck in the head by a shell that knocked away fragments of his skull. The fire was also hazardous to infantry units supporting the guns. "Solid shot, grape, and bombs seemed like they were raining down upon us," said Irby G. Scott of the 12th Georgia. A single shell killed or wounded nine men., By the end of the battle, the Federals had failed to reach Mill Creek Ridge, thanks in no small part to the Confederate artillerymen who had stood bravely up to their work" throughout the long day., (Caption):, Lt. Joseph Latimer, later famous as "The Boy Major of the Confederacy." Latimer was mortally wounded at Gettysburg and died in Harrisonburg on August 1, 1863. , Courtesy Virginia Military Institute.