American Civil War Artillery?

Question

This is actually a few questions. First, what was the most common artillery piece used by the Union and Confederate Armies? Second, how many horses were required to move it, and at what speed?

Answer 1

The most common piece was the Napoleon; The model 1857 gun howitzer, a 12 pounder smooth bore saw little use prior to the Civil War but was in operation in all quarters near the end. Generally made of bronze, this instruments of war brought devastation to a new meaning. (Section Chiefs) Had command of, and responsibility for, their respective sections consisting of two platoons (40 men top average), and their equipment (two cannon, two caissons, four limbers, and 20 to 30 horses). I could not find a speed and I am certain it is because there cannot be average speed. You would need to see if the men were riding or walking; the weather; the condition of the roads; the equipment (what piece you were shooting) and the list goes on and on. I DID FIND THIS REFERENCE FROM RIPLEY'S BOOK THEY CLAIM THEY REACH A SPEED OF 20 MPH; I SAY BS. God Bless You and Our Southern People.

Answer 2

Most of the cannons used in the early part of the war were the 6 and 12 pound bronze left over from the Mexican -American war. These were combined with the 10pound/ 3inch Parrott and the 3 inch ordinance gun. The bronze were smooth bore accurate to about 600 yards. The Parrott and Ordinance were rifled bore and were good to 1700 yards plus. There were also a few French and British made cannons.
They used 6 horses as a rule this fluctuated with availability. Speed was only slightly faster than the infantry as they didn't want to get separated. about 7-8 miles an hour. My reenactment group has an original 6 pound bronze. It's alot of fun to fire!!

Answer 3

The most common piece for both sides was the 12-pound smoothbore Napoleon gun. Most artillery pieces were direct fire weapons - the gunners had to see their targets to hit them. The guns all used black powder - after firing a few rounds the guns would be shrouded in thick white smoke, making it hard to see the target. Most artillerymen preferred to wait until the infantry attack, and not waste ammunition in a preliminary bombardment. Three types of projectiles were fired: Shell, ball, and cannister.

Answer 4

civil war artillery projectiles