c. 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
1863 September first week spent at Newton Station, MS, where General Review conducted by Gen.  Featherston on 3rd.  On 7th, Battery ordered to Meridian, MS, arriving on 9th, going into camps 1 ½ miles from Meridian, MS.

Sept. 16, the Company receives 40 prs pants; 103 shirts; 88 prs drawers; 23 jackets; 19 overcoats; 22 caps; 5 flannel shirts; 12 hickory shirts; 5 skillets & lids; 75 horse & mule shoes; 25 curry combs; 16 pairs shoes.  Capt. Barry cites the reason for the requisition as “…many of my men are nearly naked and need the clothing on hand.” 

List of Articles lost or destroyed in the public service in the field while in the possession and charge of Capt. R.L. Barry during the months of July Aug and Sept 1863:

No or Quantity  Articles   Circumstances and Cause
1    Sorrel Horse  Left sick not able to travel on the retreat from Jackson
1    Sorrel horse    Escaped during the siege at Jackson
1    Mule         Left sick not able to travel on the retreat from Jackson
 1   Bay horse     Died of Collick
1    Black horse  Stolen from the picket rope
1    Bay Mare     Escaped from the pasture
1    Mule              Escaped from the pasture
 1   black horse   Died of Scowers
12  tents              left on account of transportation and … captured
3    tent flies       left on account of transportation and … captured
6       Bakers       left on account of transportation and … captured
4       Ovens        left on account of transportation and … captured
12      Mess Pans  left on account of transportation and … captured

During the month of September, Francis Marion Roberts, Jacob Shelton, and E. R. Underwood die in field hospitals.

1863 October 1, the Lookout Artillery departs camp for Brandon, MS, staying overnight in Meridian waiting for train transport.  The drivers travel overland with horses, caisson and gun carriages to rendezvous with others at Brandon.  Those travelling by train depart Meridian at 7 a.m. the following morning.  The train runs very slow, arriving Brandon at 10 p.m.  It was an unlucky trip, resulting in injuries to Sam Todd’s fingers due to gunshot wound and Dr. Fielding Wells Gray’s fall from a train car.  Oct. 3, the Battery moves into camp near Brandon; the caissons and wagons arrive two days later.

Lt. John S. Springfield is given leave to secure the safety of his wife and daughters from the advance of Federal troops into North Georgia.  He takes with him a letter written by Milo Scott to deliver to Scott’s family.

Oct. 16, Battery receives orders to march, arriving Canton, MS, Oct. 17.  Cannonading can be heard in distance; move into a new camp two miles from Canton Oct. 19.  Wm. Brown harvests 4 pumpkins from a nearby field and is put on report by Capt. Sykes.  Oct. 23 – 24 cold and rainy.

Supply requisition received at Canton, MS, Oct. 30,  includes 2 wagon sheets; 50 pair shoes; 8 tents & 8 sets poles; 70 pairs pants, 30 jackets; 10 shirts; 12 pairs drawers; 10 over coats; 60 caps; 12 tin cups; 1 griddle; 12 bushels Charcoal.

1863 November spent in camp near Canton with a Division Review by Gen. Loring on 5th.  Remainder of time spent building stables and houses, drilling and cleaning equipment.   November 17,  Cooper and Goins desert, bringing the number of men to 20 who have deserted from the Lookout Artillery, according to Wm. Brown.  Dec. 12 inspection by Maj. Myrick.

Ways Bluff, MS Detachment:  One detachment, under the command of Lt. Watkins, is sent to Ways Bluff, MS, during November and December.  They receive forage for 16 horses, and an additional requisition of 4 shirts, 1 overcoat, 1 pair shoes, 9 pars drawers, 8 hats, 1 tent, 1 mess pan, and one skillet.  On Dec. 18, Lt. Watkins makes the following request:

Camp Artillery             }
Ways Bluff Miss           }           Hon. Secretary of War
December 18th 1863   }           Richmond, VA.

 Dear Sir,

As I am frequently solicited by the re-enlisted men of this the Lookout Battery & other re-enlisted men whose term of service will expire in four & five months to raise a Cavalry Company for the service of the Confederate States – I hereby submit the question to you for your consideration & respectfully ask your permission on behalf of the above mentioned men to grant me the authority:  I apprehend no difficulty in raising a company.

The 7th of March 1862 I obtained authority from Hon. J. P. Benjamin Secretary of war to raise this the Lookout Artillery Company.  I now at the solicitation of men desiring to enter the Cavalry service request that the Authority to raise a Cavalry Company be granted.    –R. L. Watkins

Throughout the last quarter of 1863, the Lookout Artillery remains in Mississippi, hearing news from home of the Battles of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge.  Milo Scott receives word that Federal soldiers have burned his home, “the enemy robbing me of all I possessed – sad tidings.”