Hardaway’s – Hurt’s Alabama Artillery

Confederate Regiments & Batteries * Alabama

Two markers tell about the Hardaway Artillery on the Gettysburg battlefield.

1861
June 1 Organized by Captain Robert A. Hardaway, who provided side arms and camp equipment at his expense.
June 21 Mustered into Confederate service for the duration of the war at Lynchburg, Virginia under Captain Hardaway, First Lieutenant William B. Hurt (Hardaway’s brother-in-law) and Second Lieutenant Lieutenant John W. Tullis
Moved to Manassas Junction and armed with 32 pounder naval guns from the United States Navy Yard at Newport News.
September Private John T. Singleton died.
December Private Hartwell Harrison died.
1862
March Converted to field artillery and armed with four 3″ Ordnance Rifles. Moved to the Yorktown fortifications.
April Attached to D.H. Hill’s Division Artillery, Army of Northern Virginia.
May 31-June 1
Battle of Seven Pines

The battery fired the signal gun launching the battle.
June 25- July 1
Seven Days Battles

The battery lost 1 man killed and 25 wounded; two guns burst.
September

Maryland Campaign

The battery was armed with two 3-inch Rifles and one 2.75-inch Whitworth. The breechloading 12-pounder Whitworth Rifle was the most advanced and longest-ranged piece of artillery in either army.
September 17
Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam)

The battery lost nine men wounded.
September 19
Battle of Shepherdstown
December 3 Captain Hardaway was promoted to major. Lieutenant William B. Hurt was promoted to captain and took command of the battery.
December 4
Battle of Port Royal

Duelled at a range of three miles with four Federal gunboats using the battery’s single Whitworth Gun, driving them off at nightfall.
December 13
Battle of Fredericksburg

Attached to D. H. Hill’s Division
1863
February Attached to McIntosh’s Battalion of the Second Corps Artillery Reserve, Army of Northern Virginia
May 1-4 Battle of Chancellorsville
June Attached to McIntosh’s Battalion of the Third Corps Artillery Reserve.
June 21
Battle of Upperville

The battery’s Whitworth gun engaged and drove off a large force of cavalry, infantry and artillery at three miles range.
July 1-3
Battle of Gettysburg

The battery had 71 men engaged serving two 3″ Ordnance Rifles and two Whitworth Rifles. Captain Hurt and Lieutenant Tullis were wounded, Lieutenant Tullis losing his foot on July 2nd and falling into captivity when he had to be left behind when the army retreated.

Two markers tell about the battery during the battle.

From the marker on Oak Hill:

July 1. The Whitworths were in position to the right of the Chambersburg Pike near the position of Pegram’s Battalion. Opened fire slowly and effectively shelling the woods occupied by the Union troops to the right of the town.

July 2. The Battery in position on Seminary Ridge south of the Hagerstown Road exposed to a heavy fire from the Union sharpshooters and artillery.

July 3. The Whitworth guns were moved to this position and fired with great effect. The 3 Inch Rifles remaining on Seminary Ridge south of the Hagerstown Road.

July 4. Withdrew at evening to Marsh Creek on the Fairfield Road.

From the marker on West Confederate Avenue:

July 1. The Whitworths were in position near Chambersburg Pike west of Herr’s Tavern and actively engaged.

July 2. All the guns were in position here and actively engaged under heavy fire of sharpshooters and artillery.

July 3. The 3 Inch Rifles remained here. The Whitworths were moved to position on Oak Hill. All were actively engaged. The Whitworths were beyond the range of Union guns whilst their own fire reached all parts of the field.

July 4. Withdrew at evening to Marsh Creek on Fairfield Road.
July Attached to McIntoch’s Battalion of the Third Corps Artillery.
October 14
Battle of Bristoe Station

Lieutenant Jesse Crenshaw was in command and was captured along with the two Ordnance Rifles when the battery’s infantry supports withdrew. The Second Rockbridge Artillery was also captured.
November-December
Mine Run Campaign
1864
April 9, 1864 The battery reported 94 men present for duty.
April Lieutenant Tullis was exchanged but did not return to the battery due to the loss of his foot. He went on to command a home defence battery in Georgia.
May 3-4
Battle of the Wilderness
May 8-21
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
May 27
Battle of Hanover Court House
June 3
Battle of Cold Harbor
June-April
Siege of Petersburg
July 27-29
Deep Bottom
August 14-20
Fussel’s Mill
Fort Field
September 29-30
Fort GIlmer and Fort Harrison
Henrico Poorhouse
October 13
Darbytown Road
Decembe 28 The battery reported being armed with one 8-inch Howitzer, two 3-inch Rifles, and one 12-lb Whitworth Rifle.
1865
April 9
Appomattox Court House

The battery surrendered 2 officers and 81 men under the command of Captain George A. Ferrell