The Influence of Horse Supply Upon Field Artillery in the American Civil War

The study of the field artillery of the American Civil War (1861–65) has often focused upon the technical aspects of the arm and assessed military performance largely in terms of these criteria. This article examines an understudied influence upon field artillery performance in the form of horse supply, highlighting the problems both armies faced trying to find and maintain animals for their guns. As well as creating strategic and tactical problems for both armies, shortage of horse supply influenced the Confederate decision to substantially reorganise their batteries by 1863. The difficulties of horse supply and its effect on artillery performance have implications for the wider debate on whether the American Civil War marked the beginnings of “modern” war.