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"Bronze Guns and Iron Men"

In the minds of the early-war volunteers, both Federal and Confederate, there was no glory to be found in the Artillery.  Life in the Artillery was difficult.  The guns were heavy and difficult to manhandle into position.  They were dirty and required constant cleaning and maintenance.  The roar of their fire was deafening.  When not in combat, the men were either training or caring for the more than 100 horses necessary to haul the guns and ammunition, as well as all of the guns & equipment. 

But the men who served the guns took the hardships in stride.  They were a special breed of soldier and were proud of their responsibilities.  The cannoneers had to stand by their guns amid the smoke and fire of battle, and as the batteries usually occupied key positions in the battleline, they became prime targets for enemy artillery and infantry attacks.  The loss of a gun was one of the greatest disgraces an artilleryman could face and many "Redlegs" died trying to save their guns from capture.

Last updated on: October 11, 2003
Written by: Interpretation Staff
http://www.nps.gov/peri/art

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