The command of Jenkins pursued its march rapidly through Maryland, and struck the Pennsylvania line near Greencastle. Thence their way lay up the Cumberland Valley to Shippensburg, where a halt was made for a short time to allow the tired troops to partake of the delicious apple-butter, ham, bread, &c., furnished them in abundance by the startled inhabitants. Whilst thus enjoying themselves to their hearts’ content, the cry of “Yanks” was raised, and in an instant the scene changed. Cavalrymen sprang to their horses, and artillerymen to their guns, but the wary enemy could not be induced to come within range of Griffin’s Parrott’s, but retired towards Carlisle, followed leisurely by Jenkins.
Upon arriving within sight of that town, the Yankee flag was found defiantly flying from the public buildings, when Jenkins, supposing the enemy to be there in force, prepared to attack. Placing two pieces of artillery in a position to rake the main street, and disposing of his other troops in the most available manner, he demanded the surrender of the town. It was not long before a deputation of the “solid” citizens made their appearance, and surrendered the place, which General Jenkins at once took possession of.
After remaining at Carlisle one day, during which time they were bountifully supplied with provisions and forage by the citizens, the command moved in the direction of Harrisburg. At Mechanicstown a small body of cavalry were encountered, but a shot from Griffin caused them to heat a hasty retreat. Upon reaching the Susquehanna, the Confederate commander found the opposite side of the river strongly fortified, but he at once opened fire from his batteries, which was promptly responded to. This continued until late in the afternoon, when the enemy’s infantry advanced in force, and a severe skirmish ensued, which lasted until after night. General Rhodes (I have forgotten to mention the fact that Jenkins and Rhodes united their forces at Carlisle) having accomplished his purpose, that night withdrew in the direction of Gettysburg.
Upon arriving at Gettysburg the battery was ordered to report to Major Latimer, who assigned it a position a short distance to the left of the Cashtown pike. In the terrible battle that ensued, the Baltimore Light Artillery played its part, and when the retreat commenced it was kept in the rear to assist in covering the passage of the army and wagon trains through the mountain passes.
At a point near Mount Zion the enemy had so stationed his guns as to completely command the road through the gap over which a column of infantry must pass. There was but little time to spare, for the enemy were pressing them hard. Captain Griffin was ordered to place his guns in position, and if possible silence the battery. It seemed a desperate undertaking, but there was no alternative. Quickly the brave fellows ran their guns to within point blank range, and opened a deadly fire. It was promptly returned, and a heavy artillery duel continued for some time, when the enemy’s battery was driven from its position, and the infantry and wagon train passed in safety. I have heard it asserted by old soldiers that this was one of the most desperate artillery fights they ever witnessed. And the Marylanders had every reason to be proud of their victory, for it was their old antagonist, battery M, of the regular artillery, that they had again measured strength with.
At Hagerstown the battery participated in a severe cavalry fight, in which the Confederates were entirely successful.
After the army of General Lee recrossed the Potomac, the battery was ordered to Fredericksburg, where it remained for a few days, and then rejoined the main army at Culpepper Court House, and was assigned to the battalion commanded by Major Beckham.
For two weeks everything remained quiet, and well it was, for human endurance had been taxed to the utmost limit in the severe campaign of the summer, and required rest and repose.
On the 10th of September Meade became restive, and General Lee moved forward to give him battle if he desired it. Beckham was ordered to advance and take position with his artillery near Muddy Creek. In a short time the enemy appeared in force, and a sharp artillery fight ensued. The enemy then threw forward his infantry, and compelled Beckham and his supports to fall back to the vicinity of Culpepper Court House. The artillery was here ordered to take a position and “hold it.” The fighting soon became fierce, and the Baltimore Light Artillery was exposed to the severest part of it, but they gallantly held their ground for some time, despite the fire of six pieces that were playing upon their three. But this could not last long, for all support had been withdrawn, and the enemy’s dismounted men were advancing in heavy force. It seemed scarcely possible to save the battery, but the brave fellows had been in such scrapes before, and they determined to hold on to their pieces as long as there was a hope. Retiring through the town, they had nearly accomplished their purpose of escaping, when a body of the enemy charged up a cross street and captured the rear gun, with Lieutenant John McNulty and nine men attached to it. The remaining guns were safely taken off the field.
The next morning the enemy made their appearance in considerable force, and the battery was enabled to repay them for the rough treatment received the day preceding, for as a body of cavalry were engaged in drill, entirely ignorant of the close proximity of the Baltimore battery, it opened upon them with deadly effect at very close range.