The unit spent the majority of the war in the western theater, fighting as part of the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

While the battery was under heavy fire during the Battle of Buena Vista, on February 23, 1847, General Zachary Taylor road up to Captain Bragg's guns.

[9] The ninth day of August, 1861, found the Fort Smith Artillery, camped on Wilson's Creek, ten miles south of Springfield, in south-west Missouri, assigned to the 1st Division (Brigade) of the Provisional Army of Arkansas (State Troops) commanded by State Brigadier General Nicholas B. Pearce.

Pearce's Division, comprised one part of the Southern force under the overall command of Confederate Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch.

[12] The battery reorganized after Wilson's Creek, but Captain Reid did not stand for re-election, having accepted a staff position.

Following the Confederate defeat at Pea Ridge, the army reconsolidated at Van Buren, Arkansas, The battery was assigned to an artillery brigade commanded by Brigadier General D.M.

[17] All twelve-month regiments and units had to re-muster and enlist for two additional years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home.

[20] Shortly afterward, Captain David Provence resigned to accept an appointment as colonel, 16th Arkansas Infantry Regiment.

On November 18, 1862, the battery received a large number of transfers and details from the Arkansas regiments and battalions of McNair's Brigade.

The enemy's guns (supposed to have been sixteen in number), then firing upon our infantry and other troops in his front, were immediately turned upon us with great precision and rapidity.

With two pieces (a 3-inch rifle and 6-pounder gnn) we maintained the fight until our advancing lines were charging the enemy's guns, when we were ordered to fall back, which we did, to a point some 300 yards in rear of that position.

John W. Rivers, when the cannoneers at a piece were disabled, seized the sponge staff, and, calling others to his aid, filled the post of No.

Oliver P. Richardson, whose gallantry on the field of Richmond, Ky., attracted the attention of General Churchill, commanded his section with ability.

Henry C. Riggin, after Lieutenant Gore was wounded, was entrusted with the command of that officer's section, and rendered efficient service through the day.

All the above-named officers in this engagement behaved with a gallantry and displayed a devotion to cause and country which should entitle them to the favorable consideration of the commanding general.

Duty Sergeants Thompson, Casey, Greer, Long, Brewer, and Burket are all deserving of favorable mention for high courage and efficiency.

All were in trying positions, and suffice it to say that no men could have behaved better while subjected to a terrific tire of shot and shell which tore down trees like the whirlwind and scattered them like the lightning.

[23]According to the consolidated casualty report for the Battle of Stones River, the battery suffered six wounded, including one officer and five enlisted men.

[26] In a May 19, 1863, report on the artillery of Lieutenant General Polk's army corps, Humphreys battery is listed as having two 6-pounder guns, two 12-pounder howitzers, and 64 horses, 14 of which were deemed unserviceable.

Lieutenant John W. Rivers, who had risen from the ranks, was promoted captain, effective October 15, 1863, and commanded the battery to the end of the war.

Union Brigadier General Peter J. Osterhaus' men of XVII Army Corps, had breached the confederate line and were moving north up the east side of the ridge.

[36] On February 16, 1864, Captain Rivers signed a voucher for clothing received at Dalton Georgia, including 75 Jackets and 75 Pants.

"[37] Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee, beginning in May 1864, opposed by the Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston.

In July, the Confederate president replaced Johnston with the more aggressive John Bell Hood, who began challenging the Union Army in a series of damaging frontal assaults.

[37] Hood's army was eventually besieged in Atlanta and the city fell on September 2, setting the stage for Sherman's March to the Sea and hastening the end of the war.

Unable and unwilling to leave the important industrial city undefended, Southern commanders were prevented from moving aggressively against General Sherman's main columns.

This prevented them from attacking and harassing his main columns during the early stages of the March to the Sea when his units were strung out and his supply trains were vulnerable.

General Howell Cobb, who commanded the Confederates in Macon, was blessed with an abundance of artillery, totaling 39 guns.

As a Confederate counterattack retook the guns on the crest of Dunlap's Hill, Kilpatrick decided that he had accomplished his mission and began to fall back.

[37] The 1st Arkansas Light Artillery was involved in the following battles:[43] In accordance with Confederate Adjutant and Inspector General's Office Order Number 131,[45] Private John Campbell of the battery was recognized for courage and good conduct on the field for the Battle of Murfreesboro[46] Confederate forces at Macon, Georgia, including the 1st Arkansas Light Artillery and Key's Arkansas Battery were surrendered on April 20, 1865, by Confederate General Thomas Howell Cobb to Union Brigadier General James Harrison Wilson.