Overview
The 12th New York Independent Battery served as an artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Albany, New York, it was mustered into United States service for a three-year term on January 14, 1862. The battery remained active beyond its original term as a veteran organization and participated in several major campaigns in the Eastern Theater. It was known for its service with both the III Corps and II Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
Organization & Service
The 12th New York Independent Battery was organized at Albany and mustered in on January 14, 1862, under the command of Captain William H. Ellis. The unit departed New York for Washington, D.C., on January 17, 1862, where it was stationed for over a year. In the summer of 1863, the battery was assigned to the artillery brigade of the III Corps, Army of the Potomac. It participated in the pursuit of Lee’s army following the Battle of Gettysburg, engaging at Wapping Heights and later at Kelly’s Ford. The battery also took part in the Mine Run Campaign in late 1863.
In 1864, the 12th Battery was transferred to the artillery brigade of the II Corps. It was engaged in the Overland Campaign, fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, and Cold Harbor, and later at the Weldon Railroad and Reams’ Station. The battery suffered notable casualties in these actions. From September 1864, it was assigned to the Artillery Reserve of the Army of the Potomac and participated in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865. The battery was mustered out at Albany, New York, on June 14, 1865, under the command of Captain Charles A. Clark.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Defense of Washington (1862–1863)
- Pursuit of Lee after Gettysburg (July 1863)
- Wapping Heights
- Kelly’s Ford
- Mine Run Campaign
- Wilderness Campaign
- Spotsylvania
- North Anna
- Cold Harbor
- Weldon Railroad
- Reams’ Station
- Siege of Petersburg
- Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
Casualties
The 12th New York Independent Battery lost a total of 19 men killed or died of wounds and by disease during its service. Specific breakdowns include 3 killed at Spotsylvania, 4 at North Anna, 1 at Cold Harbor, 11 at the Weldon Railroad, and 11 at Reams’ Station. Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain William H. Ellis
- Captain George F. McKnight
- Captain Charles A. Clark
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 12th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.
To view the complete roster, visit the 12th New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts.
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War.