The History of Battery H First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery in the War to Preserve the Union 1861-1865

A carefully assembled chronicle follows Battery H of the Rhode Island Light Artillery from its roots in a 19th‑century maritime tradition to its first steps onto the Civil War battlefield. Drawing on daily memoranda, official reports and personal letters, the narrative brings the regiment’s early training at Camp Mauran and Camp Barry to life, highlighting the transition from coastal guns to field artillery. The account captures the anticipation and tension as the unit moved to Washington, faced its first loss, and prepared for the brutal fighting ahead.

The second part paints a vivid picture of camp drills, the camaraderie among the men, and the harsh reality of early engagements such as Chancellorsville and Salem Heights. Illustrated portraits, a map of Washington’s defenses, and detailed rosters add depth, while candid memoirs reveal the soldiers’ hopes and fears. Together, these elements offer listeners a richly textured glimpse into the everyday experience of a Union artillery battery during the war’s opening chapters.