The different batteries belonging to the regiment formed between 17 August 1861 and 6 June 1862, and enlisted for three years' service.

Chapman's artillery company of the 14th Illinois Infantry Regiment was consolidated with Battery B in April 1862.

[2] The Shiloh order of battle shows Battery B among the unassigned units of Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Tennessee.

[6] As the Union soldiers were driven back on the first day of Shiloh, Grant ordered his chief of staff Joseph D. Webster to organize a final line of defense covering Pittsburg Landing.

The battery was armed with at least four 24-pounder cannons, named Old Abe, Dick Yates, Secretary Hatch, and Jesse DuBois, plus one 8-inch howitzer.

The big guns were never intended to be used as field artillery, but their large caliber could be expected to have a strong psychological impact.

The guns were positioned to command the Dill Branch ravine and the flat area near the Corinth Road.

[1] As withdrawing artillery batteries appeared, Webster inserted them into his final defense line until there were about 50 guns.

Gage's Alabama Battery, Chalmers' supporting artillery, was hit so hard by Union cannon fire that it was forced to retreat.

Battery B was positioned on the east edge of town and began firing blindly toward a location supposed to be occupied by Confederates.

Unfortunately, the Union counterattack pushed their enemies back 150 yd (137 m) and became the target of friendly fire from Battery B, which inflicted "dozens" of casualties.

[10] Battery B performed garrison duty at Corinth through January 1864, though the organization to which it was assigned changed several times.

The battery belonged to Artillery, 1st Division, XVI Corps in April–June 1864 even though it was still in Fort Pickering's garrison.

The battery fought at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads (or Tishamingo Creek) on 10 June.

Forrest expected his cavalrymen to make short work of the Union infantry who would be worn out by marching in hot weather.

When 3,600 exhausted Union infantry arrived with their three supporting batteries, Forrest launched a heavy attack with his dismounted cavalry and finally defeated them.

[12][note 1] When it reached the field, Battery B was positioned at the crossroads where it fired shell at the enemy with the fuses cut to three or five seconds.

After failing to get through, at 1:00 am Fitch and the other battery captains abandoned their cannons after spiking them, smashing the wheel spokes, and throwing the ammunition into the swamp.