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Battery D
New Jersey Artillery
| Regimental History |
| Battery D. — Capts., George T. Woodbury, Charles R. Doane; First
Lieuts., James B. Morris, Reuben V. King; Second Lieuts., Thomas B. Pollard, John H.
George, David A. Pollard, Morris C. Cole. This battery, which achieved a high reputation
by its distinguished services, was recruited principally in Essex, Mercer and Monmouth
counties. The first detachment of recruits went into quarters at Camp Perrine, Trenton,
under charge of Sergt. John Otto, about the middle of Aug., 1863, just after the terrible
battle of Gettysburg when the whole country, awakened to a fresh appreciation of the
necessity of energetic action, was addressing itself with enthusiasm to the work of
supplying the 300,000 additional volunteers called for by the president. The quota of New
Jersey under that call included three batteries of light artillery, in addition to the two
previously furnished by the state. This branch of the service having always been the
favorite with recruits and veterans alike, little difficulty was experienced in filling
the ranks, notwithstanding several regiments of infantry and one of cavalry were at the
same time in process of formation. Batteries C, D and E went into camp at Camp Perrine,
and left for Washington almost simultaneously. Battery D taking its name from its
commandant, was at that time more familiarly known as "Woodbury's battery," and
subsequently as the "4th N. J. Battery," being so reported at the war department
and carried on its rolls. Reaching Washington on Sept. 30, 1863, it proceeded after a
night's rest to Camp Barry, the artillery camp of instruction, on the Bladensburg road,
where it reported to the commandant of the post and quarters were assigned for the
officers and men. The first action in which the battery was engaged occurred on May 10,
1864, on the Richmond & Petersburg turnpike, in which several were wounded but none
killed. Being placed in Fort Marshall, Bermuda Hundred, a few days later, it remained
there until Aug. 14, participating in the continued heroic defense of that place. In the
fight near Malvern hill in August, the battery again displayed remarkable courage and
efficiency. It participated in operations around Petersburg until after the surrender and
was mustered out on June 2, 1865. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 3
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