The Confederates acquired most of their heavy artillery pieces either from foundries east of the Mississippi River, like Tredegar, or from stockpiles at places like the Norfolk Navy Yard. There may have been a few heavy pieces at the Baton Rouge Arsenal that were moved across to the west side. And then they captured some heavy pieces from the Union army and navy.

Oliver J. Semmes commanded the 1st Confederate Light Battery at the time he took over the "Diana." He later resumed command of his battery and led it until promoted to major and given an artillery battalion under Dick Taylor.