Position of the 2nd Connecticut Light Artillery August 20-25, 1864

Construction began on August 19th on two artillery positions that were emplaced only 200 yards from the southeast bastion of Fort Morgan. These positions, which were part of Battery Bailey, anchored the southern flank of the Federal siege lines. Although a tremendous storm briefly delayed completion the battery positions were ready for emplacement of the guns by the morning of August 20th. That day, two 3-inch Ordnance Rifles and 12-pounder "Napoleons" of the 2nd Connecticut Light Artillery were transported across Mobile Bay from Fort Gaines. The 2nd and its guns were within easy range of Confederate heavy artillery on the southeast bastion and infantry located on the counterscarp. A soldier of the 2nd described the battery's ordeal in the line.

"Our battery was the last to get into position and was placed on the extreme left of the semi-circular line of entrenchments. We were within 300 years of the southeast angle of the fort and had to place our guns in a position under the grape and canister of the enemy and the ire of their sharpshooters who were posted behind sandbags on the parapet. During the night previous we succeeded in getting safely posted and safely entrenched without damage, although with many narrow escapes, as the enemy was watching our movements and constantly firing at us. After working all



night we were ready at daylight to join the grand chorus of the general bombardment."

The 2nd Connecticut, which had served with distinction at the Battle of Gettysburg, was ordered to dislodge sharpshooters and to keep three of Fort Morgan's heavy guns from firing into the Federal lines. " We had a fine opportunity for target practice at the short range," as one soldier put it. Accurate firing by the 2nd destroyed all three of their targets.

On August 25th, the 2nd Connecticut Artillery was ordered out of their position at Fort Morgan and transported across Mobile Bay for service at Cedar Point.

(caption)
The crew of two 12-pounders "Napoleons" prepare to open fire front on an entrenched position similar to those constructed by the Federal Army at For Morgan. (Library of Congress)

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