John B. Richardson elected to First Lieutenant in Company A

Captain Merritt B. Miller enrolled as Captain in Company C

The battalion took a 12 piece brass band, their French cook Edouard, cooks and servants

(Captain Benjamin F. Eschleman (where?) wounded

1st Company: T.L. Rosser, four 12 pounder Howitzers

2nd Company: Captain M.B. Miller, 2 6 pounder guns M1841

3rd Company: Lieutenant J.J. Garnett, 1 6 pounder Rifle and 1 6 pounder gun M1841

5th Company: Lieutenant Charles W. Squires, 3 6 pounder guns, M1841, 2 6 pounder Rifles (Lieutenant J. B. Richardson

Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam)

1st Company: Captain C.W. Squires, 2 3 inch Ordnance Rifles, 2 10 pounder Parrotts

1 killed, 12 wounded

2nd Company: Captain J.B.Richardson, 2 Napoleons, 2 12 ounder Howitzers

1 killed 5 wounded

3rd Company: Captain M. B. Miller, 4 Napoleons

2 killed, 10 wounded, 2 missing

From AOTW: Miller’s Battery was ‘conspicuous’ in helping defend the otherwise open center of Lee’s line at Sharpsburg after Gen DH Hill’s infantry positions in the Sunken Lane were overrun at about midday on the 17th. Gen Longstreet and his staff helped man a gun in this battery at that time (see the Dale Gallon painting).

This company also had a caisson explode spectacularly after a direct hit from a Federal battery.

Col Walton, in his official report, details the Battery’s actions:
At 9.15 a.m. Captain Miller’s battery, of four Napoleons, was ordered from its original position to a point to the left of the main road and near our center. Here Captain Miller was so fortunate as to meet with General Longstreet, who assigned him a position. He immediately opened upon the enemy’s infantry, which were advancing upon our left and front. Here he suffered considerably from the fire of the enemy’s sharpshooters, losing two of his gunners and several of his cannoneers, wounded, when, ascertaining that the enemy was beyond effective range, he was ordered by General Longstreet to cease firing and go under cover. Here he remained twenty minutes, when, the enemy again advancing, he ordered his battery again into position. Lieutenant Hero having been wounded and Lieutenant McElroy having been left to watch the movements of the enemy on the right, Captain Miller found himself the only officer with his company, and, having barely men enough left to work a section effectively, he opened upon the enemy with two pieces with splendid effect. ”

“After an action of half an hour, he removed his section to a more advantageous position 100 yards to the front and right, placing the remaining section under Sergeant Ellis, directing him to take it completely under cover. He then continued the action until the ammunition was nearly exhausted, when Sergeant Ellis brought up one of the remaining caissons. The enemy had made two determined attempts to force our line, and had been twice signally repulsed. They were now advancing the third time, and were within canister range, when Sergeant Ellis, who had succeeded in rallying some infantry to his assistance, brought one of the guns of his section into action on Miller’s left, and gave them canister, with terrible effect. The three guns succeeded in checking the enemy’s advance, and remained in action until the ammunition was exhausted, when they were retired to be refilled. After procuring the required ammunition, Captain Miller was returning to his former position, when he was directed by General Lee to an elevated and commanding position on the right and rear of the town, where General A. P. Hill had but just begun his attack. Here I placed him in charge of the guns that had been ordered to this position, leaving Lieutenant McElroy to command his section, and he continued the fight until its close at nightfall.”

“Too much praise cannot be bestowed on Captain Miller for his stubborn defense of the center for several hours; to Lieutenants Hero and McElroy and Sergeants Ellis, Bier (chief artificer), and Dempsey (artificer), for their gallantry. ”

“This part of the action was under the immediate eye of General Longstreet, commanding, and his staff, who, when Captain Miller’s cannoneers were exhausted, dismounted and assisted the working of the guns. Captain Miller was compelled, owing to his loss of horses, to leave one caisson on the field. He endeavored to bring it off the next day, but it was deemed unadvisable, it being in range of the enemy’s sharpshooters, and it was abandoned and subsequently destroyed.”

4th Company: Captain B. F. Eshleman, 2 6 pounder guns, 2 12 pounder howitzers

1st Company:
Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Eshleman’s Battalion Squires’ Battery
One Napoleon
July 3. Having but one gun it co-operated all day with Miller’s Battery. Advanced before daylight into position about 100 yards north of the Peach Orchard assisted in repelling skirmishers and took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault. Moved several hundred yards to the left after the repulse of that assault to aid in resisting a countercharge if attempted. Withdrew soon afterward to the rear.
July 4. At 9 A. M. marched with the Battalion to Cashtown to reinforce the cavalry escorting the wagon train.
Losses not reported in detail.

2nd Company:

Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Eshleman’s Battalion Richardson’s Battery
Two Napoleons
One 12 Pounder Howitzer
July 3. The Napoleons took position before daylight north of the Peach Orchard but moved at dawn further northward and West of Emmitsburg Road. A Union 3 inch rifle left the day before between the lines was brought in under a heavy fire of skirmishers and served with this Battery which took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault. After the repulse of that assault was joined by the Howitzer and made preparations to assist in repelling a countercharge if attempted. Withdrew from the front after dark.
July 4. At 9 A. M. marched with the Battalion to Cashtown to reinforce the Cavalry escorting the wagon train.
Losses not reported in detail.

3rd Company:

Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Eshleman’s Battalion Miller’s Battery
Three Napoleons
July 3. Advanced before daylight into position about 100 yards north of the Peach Orchard. This battery fired the signal guns for the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault took part therein and supported the charge of the infantry by advancing 450 yards and keeping up a vigorous fire. After the repulse of the assault moved to the left and west of the Emmitsburg Road ready to aid in resisting a countercharge if attempted. From loss of horses but one gun could then be used. The others were sent to the rear and that gun was withdrawn after dark.
July 4. At 9 A. M. marched with the Battalion to Cashtown to reinforce the cavalry escorting the wagon train.
Losses heavy but not reported in detail.

4th Company:

Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Eshleman’s Battalion Norcom’s Battery
Two Napoleons One 12 Pounder Howitzer
July 3. The Napoleons advanced before daylight into position 150 yards north of Peach Orchard near the Emmitsburg Road but their fire in the forenoon was desultory. Took active part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault and one of the guns supported the infantry attack by pushing forward 450 yards and keeping up a vigorous fire. After the assault was repulsed the Napoleons were moved several hundred yards to the left but soon disabled and sent to the rear. The Howitzer was brought forward and did effective service until withdrawn after dark.
July 4. At 9 A. M. marched with the Battalion to Cashtown to reinforce the cavalry guarding the wagon train.
Losses not reported in detail.

Captain Richardson refused to surrender his battery. He buried his four Napoleons and disbanded the battery, making his way to Johnson’s Army in North Carolina.