My experience in the military has given me a much greater respect for soldiers who fought in battles during the 19th Century. As a US Marine, I learned about the distinct nature of offensive and defensive combat. I quickly realized the rigors associated both with specific regards to what you can expect or assume the enemy will do. There’s a major difference between today’s warfare and that of the 19th Century (and earlier). Most of the weapons and tactics used during that timeframe required a very up close and personal engagement with the enemy. “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” mentality. The battlefield experience included being surrounded by the screams of wounded and dying men, the crushing of bones and the smell of fire, gunpowder, and death. This should paint a pretty horrific picture and still cannot fully describe what the soldiers of past generations endured.
Formations of men were placed in lines and ranks for ease of movement and control over open ground. These formations were easier and quicker to move/position during what the military defines as the “fog of war”. Combat was very physical, and hand to hand combat was practically routine and expected. The sights and sounds of battle were literally “in your face”.
There’s one weapon that could single handedly change the outcome of these battles. An instrument of destruction that could reach out a half a mile and devastate the ranks of opposing forces while they positioned for the attack. Capable of plowing holes through entire ranks of men, their sheer presence on any battlefield was enough to serve as a major deterrent. The booming echo of their fire, the blaze of fire, the billowing smoke, and an unguided projectile guaranteed to destroy whatever it hits, with no discrimination or remorse.
Enter the field artillery, along with its nickname (and for good reasons), “the King of the Battle”.
Military strategists knew that the emplacements of cannon were a major key to the success of any battle. Potential battle grounds were explored and mapped in advance. The effective range of cannons and artillery pieces determined engagement areas, and the gunners in many cases knew exactly where their shells would fall. Cannon are very heavy, require teams of men and beast to support the battery, and they are not easy to move. Capturing a single cannon emplacement or 4 or 6-gun battery was a major accomplishment and served a critical blow to the enemy with the loss of a major battlefield asset.
Metal detecting on sites once occupied by these units is a very unique opportunity. Not only do you have the chance to discover typical infantry artifacts, but there’s also the chance to find items associated with these support-intensive units. Artillery pieces were pulled by a limber, which typically consisted of a 6-horse train. Each piece also had its caisson, also pulled by up to six horses. Finally, the batteries had a wagon which carried all of their supplies, powder, and reserve ammunition. As you’ll see, the footprint of the common field artillery unit was pretty massive.
The Civil War Uncovered received permission to detect on one of these sites, and the team is most likely going back for more detecting in the future as some incredible artifacts were found. Check out Bob Painter’s first hunt in Episode 5 of The Civil War Uncovered, “New Market Cannonade”.
David Shackleton
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