Johnston's Company, Tennessee Heavy Artillery


Historical Notes:
"Memphis Southern Guards"; "Southern Guards Artillery" - Formerly Captain James Hamilton's Company; Captain S.H.D. Hamilton's Company; Company "L", Artillery Corps of Tennessee.

This company was organized at Memphis, Tennessee, April 21, 1861, with James Hamilton as its first captain. It was mustered into Confederate service at New Madrid, Missouri on August 20, 1861. It was first stationed at Fort Pillow, Tipton County.

Johnston’s Battery remained on Island Number Ten during the siege of that place beginning March 18 and ending with the evacuation of the island and the capture of a portion of the garrison on April 8, 1862. At the evacuation of the island, the guns were spiked and lost, but Johnston’s Battery was not among the troops surrendered there. Being a twelve months’ organization, and its term of enlistment having expired, it was mustered out of service by General Beauregard on April 14, 1862. Captain Johnston later commanded another battery, and some of the men from this battery re-enlisted in it,
Officers:
James Hamilton
Captain T. N. Johnston - sometimes listed as Johnson
Assignments:
Fort Pillow
Battles:
Island No. 10
Rosters:
The roster of this unit contains the names of 133 men.


  • Bibliography for Research:



    For Additional Research