Captain Charles Griffin's Howitzers

Advanced position held by Capt. Charles Griffin's two Federal howitzers

NPS/Hassler

As fighting continued without little progress from the Federals, Union captain Charles Griffin recognized the challenging position his artillerymen held. The Federal artillery was too close to the Confederate line to be effective, and they lacked the necessary infantry support to protect their guns and achieve a victory on the battlefield. Griffin took two 12-pound smoothbore howitzer guns north of the Henry House and positioned them on a knoll on the left flank of the Confederate line.

This position gave Griffin multiple advantages. A small knoll provided some cover for Griffin’s men. His smoothbore cannons, which have a shorter range than a rifled gun, could more effectively reach the confederate left flank. Despite the riskiness of this decision, Griffin realized keeping his guns on Henry Hill would eventually result in their capture or retreat. However, before Griffin could execute his new plan, he noticed infantrymen clad in blue uniforms and civilian clothing in the woods to his right, only 200 yards away.