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Re: Hart's artillery battery
In Response To: Re: Hart's artillery battery ()

Michael, I doubt that the battery received another flag for it was disbanded soon after the battle. According to General Orders No. 15, July 17, 1862 (vol.8, p.330 of the Official Records) Hart's Battery was disbanded after the Battle of Pea Ridge for "shameful conduct in the presence of the enemy." Its four 6-pounder guns were reassigned to MacDonald's St. Louis Battery. Eight enlisted members of the battery were exonerated from the general censure.

According to William Shea and Earl Hess in "Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign in the West," on the second day of the battle Gen. Van Dorn ordered Hart's Battery and Clark's Missouri Battery from reserve into the front line. Hart's Battery arrived first and unlimbered but came under converging fire from twenty-one Federal guns. His men, who were green and untried, became unnerved by the enemy fire and within minutes limbered to the rear, probably without firing a shot. On reaching Elkhorn Tavern, Hart complained to Van Dorn that the fire had been too hot for them. In anger Van Dorn placed him under arrest for cowardice, redistributed his ammunition to Clark's Battery and ordered Hart's guns to the rear. I suspect that the battery flag was dropped during their retreat and eventually recovered by a Federal soldier.

The flag itself is a large first national flag, longer than average in relation to its height. In the center of the white stripe are gold crossed cannons. On their barrels are painted the inscription: "Hart's Arkansas Battery/Dallas Artillery." It's in excellent condition. I'm sure you can get more details on the flag by contacting the Missouri State Museum.

I hope this is helpful.

Bill

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Hart's artillery battery
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Hart's artillery battery - described in letter????
Re: Hart's artillery battery - described in letter