"The shot and shell were flying around in good style for the enemy had a good range upon us ... I lay with the company in line just in a hollow exposed to raking fire of artillery and musketry, as I was looking out for my men cautioning them to lay low I happened to glance to the left of me when I saw a solid shot coming directly towards me I had just time enough to whirl over on to my left side when it struck in just the place where I sat, grazing my right arm and tearing my coat sleeve almost entirely off."
- George Barton, 57th Massachusetts

The artillery experience on the Eastern Front at Petersburg was one of constant bombardment at close quarters.