Overview
The 13th Indiana Light Battery was an artillery unit organized in Indiana for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered in at Indianapolis on February 22, 1862, the battery served primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee, engaging in both anti-guerrilla operations and regular field service. The unit was notable for its involvement in actions against Confederate cavalry raids and for its defense of key positions in the Western Theater.
Organization & Service
The 13th Indiana Light Battery was organized at Indianapolis in the winter of 1861–62 and mustered into Federal service on February 22, 1862. Shortly after organization, the battery moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was temporarily detached as cavalry to pursue guerrilla bands. The battery participated in a sharp skirmish at Monterey, successfully routing enemy forces and capturing over 100 prisoners.
Throughout the summer of 1862, the battery was active in operations against Confederate cavalry under John Hunt Morgan, engaging in pursuits and actions to counter Morgan’s raids through Kentucky. In September 1862, a portion of the battery reached Munfordville, Kentucky, on the 15th, where it participated in the defense of the town against the advance of General Bragg’s Confederate army. During the ensuing two-day fight, the battery lost one gun, and the garrison was compelled to surrender due to overwhelming enemy numbers.
During Bragg’s advance on Louisville, the battery assisted in repelling Confederate forces. At the Kentucky River near Versailles, the battery was engaged in a brisk fight, successfully driving the enemy from the field. The unit continued to participate in the pursuit of Morgan’s forces on several occasions.
A section of the battery was stationed at Hartsville, Tennessee, with a brigade of Dumont’s division when Morgan’s command attacked and captured the post, resulting in the loss of two guns and two men killed. The battery subsequently moved to Gallatin, Tennessee, where it refitted and was assigned to the defense of Fort Thomas. The unit remained at Fort Thomas until January 23, 1865, when it was ordered to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for garrison duty at the forts there. The 13th Indiana Light Battery was mustered out of service on July 5, 1865, returning home with 146 officers and men. Captain Sewell Coulson initially commanded the battery, succeeded by Captain Benjamin S. Nicklin after March 11, 1862.
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
- Anti-guerrilla operations in Kentucky (Spring–Summer 1862)
- Skirmish at Monterey, Kentucky
- Operations against Morgan’s cavalry raids (Summer–Fall 1862)
- Defense of Munfordville, Kentucky (September 15–17, 1862)
- Action at Kentucky River near Versailles
- Engagement at Hartsville, Tennessee
- Garrison duty at Fort Thomas, Gallatin, Tennessee
- Garrison duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee (1865)
Casualties
During the engagement at Hartsville, Tennessee, the battery lost 2 men killed. Additional detailed casualty figures for the entire term of service are not specified in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Sewell Coulson (resigned March 11, 1862)
- Captain Benjamin S. Nicklin
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 13th Indiana Light Battery is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details for those interested in genealogical or historical research.
To view the full roster, visit the 13th Indiana Light Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes.
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report, Civil War Volumes.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- Federal Publishing Company. The Union Army, Vol. 3 (1908).