Jim,

It all depends on the situation, terrain, threat level, etc.

The infantry was there to protect the battery from other infantry. The credible defense that the field artillery had against infantry was canister and canister only has an effective range of about 300 yards. With the advent of the rifled musket the infantry could outmatch (outrange) the range of the canister. Therefore, the enemy infantry could pick off the crew and the horses without too much trouble. The friendly infantry support's task and purpose was to destroy enemy infantry in order to allow the field artillery to do their mission of fire support. Depending on the situation, avenue of enemy approach, terrain (cover and concealment, rural or urban environment, etc) you may want to place the supporting infantry on the flank. You may have to place them among the guns. Cleburne had to do this on Missionary Ridge and at Ringgold Gap. At Missionary Ridge the infantry ended up manning the guns because the gun crews had been attrited down so much.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html