9th Indiana Light Battery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 9th Indiana Light Battery served as an artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, in December 1861, the battery was mustered into service on December 20, 1861. It participated in operations across the Western Theater, including major campaigns in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Missouri. The battery is noted for its early action at the Battle of Shiloh and its extensive service throughout the war.

The 9th Indiana Light Battery was attached to various commands, including Lew Wallace’s Division, the 13th Corps, and the 16th Corps, and was involved in several significant campaigns and expeditions. The unit remained active until its final muster out in June 1865.

Organization & Service

The 9th Indiana Light Battery was organized at Indianapolis in December 1861 and mustered in on December 20. The battery departed Indiana on January 27, 1862, reporting to General Paine at Cairo, Illinois. Due to informalities in its original muster, the battery was remustered on February 25, 1862. On March 27, it moved to Crump’s Landing, Tennessee, joining General Lew Wallace’s division. The battery arrived at the Battle of Shiloh at the close of the first day’s fighting and opened fire at daylight on the second day, being the first Union battery to do so. It continued firing throughout the day, expending 1,152 rounds and sustaining casualties.

Following Shiloh, the battery participated in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, serving with Wallace’s division in reserve. It was later detached to Bolivar, Tennessee, and assigned to the right wing of the 13th Corps, remaining there until November 1862. After Captain Thompson’s retirement in August, Lieutenant George R. Brown assumed command. The battery moved with Grant’s army to Holly Springs, Oxford, and the Yockeney River, then retraced its steps and was detached at the Tallahatchie River crossing, remaining until January 20, 1863. It then moved to Moscow, Tennessee, and subsequently to Collierville and Memphis, before being ordered to Columbus, Kentucky, and then to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to reinforce General McNeil. Arriving too late for action, the battery returned to Columbus and participated in a campaign against Roddey’s forces in July 1863.

Later in 1863, the battery was stationed at Union City, Tennessee, and joined General Smith’s division in pursuit of Forrest. In early 1864, it moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and was attached to Moore’s brigade, Smith’s division, 16th Corps, participating in the Meridian expedition and related engagements. At Meridian, the battery assisted in the destruction of the town and railroad. Thirty-two men reenlisted as veterans during this period.

The battery took part in the Red River expedition, including actions at Henderson’s Hill, Pleasant Hill (where it captured two guns), and several skirmishes during the retreat to Alexandria. It was engaged at Bayou Boeuf, Marksville, Mansura, and Yellow Bayou. After returning to Vicksburg, the battery moved to Lake Chicot, Arkansas, where it fought against Marmaduke’s forces. In June 1864, veterans were furloughed home, while the remaining detachment participated in the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi.

The battery reunited at Memphis and took part in the pursuit of Forrest, then moved to St. Louis and joined the pursuit of Price to the Kansas border. It remained at St. Louis until November 1864, then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and participated in the battle there in December. Following Hood’s retreat, the battery moved to Eastport, Mississippi, and was ordered to Indianapolis for muster-out and reorganization in January 1865. While en route aboard the steamer Eclipse, a boiler explosion at Paducah, Kentucky, resulted in significant casualties. The non-veterans were mustered out on March 6, 1865, and the remaining veterans and recruits were mustered out at Indianapolis on June 26, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Bolivar, Tennessee (1862)
• Grant’s Central Mississippi Campaign (late 1862)
• Meridian Expedition (February 1864)
• Red River Expedition (March–May 1864): Henderson’s Hill, Pleasant Hill, Cloutierville, Cane River, Cotile Landing, Bayou Rapides, Alexandria, Bayou Boeuf, Marksville, Mansura, Yellow Bayou
• Lake Chicot, Arkansas (June 1864)
• Battle of Tupelo (July 1864)
• Pursuit of Forrest (August 1864)
• Pursuit of Price (October 1864)
• Battle of Nashville (December 1864)

Casualties

• Battle of Shiloh: 1 killed, 5 wounded
• Steamer Eclipse disaster (January 27, 1865): 30 killed or died of wounds
• Other specific casualty figures are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Noah S. Thompson
• Captain George R. Brown

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 9th Indiana Light 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 state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 9th Indiana Light Battery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 17, 24, 32, 34, 39, 45 (various reports and correspondence)
• Indiana 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
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3