Confederate Artillery Batteries
“Moody’s Battery”
The marker to the Madison (Louisiana) Light Artillery is southwest of Gettysburg on West Confederate Avenue. (Tour map: West Confederate Avenue – Part 4) The battery was commanded at Gettysburg by Captain George V. Moody.
The 24 Pounder Howitzers were large brass pieces with a 5.82 inch bore.
Captain Moody was quarreling with Captain Pichegru Woolfolk, Jr. of the Ashland Artillery over an incident where one battery had improperly taken the place of the other in the line of march. The two men were to have fought a duel on the morning of July 2nd with rifles at ten paces, but it was postponed for the battle. Woolfolk was wounded at Gettysburg, and the duel was never fought.
Text from the marker
Army of Northern Virginia
Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Alexander’s Battalion Moody’s Battery
The Madison Light Artillery
Four 24 Pounder Howitzers
July 2. Arrived here and opened fire at 4 P. M. Following the infantry charge upon the Peach Orchard took position near there and with other batteries supported the infantry in its further advance. Aided in so harassing the retiring Union forces as to compel the temporary abandonment of several guns. Kept up a spirited fire until night fall and prevented pursuit of the Confederate advanced lines when they fell back shortly before dark.
July 3. In position at dawn in the artillery line on the ridge running north from the Peach Orchard and on duty there all day. Took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault and retired from the front after night.
July 4. Remained near here until 4 P. M. and then withdrew to Marsh Creek on the Fairfield Road.
Losses heavy but not reported in detail.
See more on the history of the Madison (Louisiana) Artillery in the Civil War.