|
||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|||||||||
|
17379 - UNION 6 HORSE ARTILLERY SET
(Click here to go back) |
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
| The field artillery of the Federal Army
was made mobile with the use of a six-horse team. The typical weight
of a limber and 12 pound cannon was 3875 pounds. While this could
be moved with 4 horses, 6 proved more practical for bad roads and
rough terrain. A union battery of 6 guns, 12 limbers and 6 caissons
would typically need 110 horses. The three teams pulling each limber
and gun were referred to as "lead team", "swing team",
and "wheel team" with the team riders always mounted on
the left hand horse. The connecting harnesses that included small
chain and leather were referred to as "traces". This harness
arrangement was designed for quick removal and replacement of dead
and injured horses.
A field gun with limber and horses could travel nearly 5 miles per hour if the roads were smooth and the horses in good condition. During battle, the batteries usually maneuvered at a trot with the gallop only reserved for great emergencies. When the unit was engaged in battle the command "action foot" was given. With this, the field piece would be unlimbered and the team with limber still attached withdrew 17 yards to the rear. Even with this safety measure, many horses would be killed or injured by enemy counter-battery fire. This also meant that ammunition and primers would have to be relayed from the limber chest to the cannon. The mounted riders handling the horse teams were adept at working
under trying conditions. The noise and explosions of battle would
often cause panic among the horses. Frequently, fright in one horse
could lead to frenzy in the rest of the team. Many teamsters displayed
acts of courage in controlling a stampeding team. For men seated
on the limber, a ride over rough ground was a spine jolting experience.
Many of these gunners suffered broken bones when sent flying from
the seats. The pounding hoofs and rattle of the wheels was indeed
a terrifying sound when a battery went into action. |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
