BATTERY A, LIGHT ARTILLERY [1st], "RIGBY'S.

THIS battery was organized at Baltimore and Pikesville, Maryland,
in August and September, 1861, to serve three years.

On the expiration of its term of service, the original members
(except veterans) were mustered out, and the organization, com-
posed of veterans and recruits, retained in service until March
11, 1865, when it was consolidated with Battery B, Maryland
Light Artillery.

Battery A- was originally a part of the Purnell Legion, Mary-
land Volunteers.

In the latter part of the year 1861, Battery A was sent to the eastern shore of Vir-
ginia, where it rendered efficient service.

In the early part of the year 1862, the battery was sent to the Army of the
Potomac, then under General McClellan, in his campaign against Richmond, Virginia,
and assigned to the artillery reserve under General Hunt, where it performed splendid
service, more especially at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862, on the right
of the Federal line with Sumner's corps. In this battle the Federal artillery was
instrumental in repulsing, with severe losses, the Confederate army under General
Robert E. Lee.

During the Maryland campaign, caused by the invasion of Lee's Confederate army
in September, 1862, Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, again rendered conspicuous
service, especially at Crampton's Gap, Md., September 14, 1862, and at the battle of
Antietam, September 17, 1862.

At the battle of Antietam (really the most severe in losses by death in a single
day's fight during the Civil War), Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, was posted on
the right of the line with Slocum's Division, in front of the Dunkard Church, where
the battle raged fiercely all day, with alternate victory and defeat.

The battery was commended by General Slocum, commanding division, for its gal-
lantry and efficiency.

The battery experienced serious loss in the battle.

After the battle of Antietam the battery took part with the Army of the Potomac
in all of its subsequent movements, culminating in the battles of Fredericksburg, Va.,
December 13, 1862, and Marye's Heights, Va., May 3, 1863.

Atthe battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Battery A was highly complimented by Colonel
Wainright, Chief of Artillery of the 1st Army Corps.

Battery A marched with the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg Campaign.