2nd New York Battalion Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 2nd New York Battalion Light Artillery, also known as the Irish Brigade Batteries, was a Union artillery battalion organized in New York City in the fall of 1861. The battalion was mustered into United States service for three years on December 9, 1861. Initially intended to provide an artillery company for each regiment of the Irish Brigade, the battalion ultimately consisted of four batteries. Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., the battalion was consolidated into two batteries, designated A and B. The battalion served primarily in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War.

In October 1862, the battalion organization was discontinued, and its batteries became the 14th and 15th Independent Batteries, New York Light Artillery. These batteries went on to serve in several major campaigns and engagements with the Army of the Potomac and later in the defenses of Washington and the Department of West Virginia.

Organization & Service

The 2nd New York Battalion Light Artillery was recruited in New York City during the fall of 1861 and mustered into federal service for a three-year term on December 9, 1861. The original plan called for the formation of an artillery company for each regiment of the Irish Brigade, resulting in four batteries. The battalion left New York State on December 16, 1861, and upon reaching Washington, D.C., was consolidated into two batteries, A and B.

In October 1862, the battalion structure was discontinued. Battery A became the 14th Independent Battery, New York Light Artillery, and Battery B became the 15th Independent Battery, New York Light Artillery. The 14th served with Richardson’s Division, 2nd Corps, from March to May 26, 1862, after which its sections were attached to other batteries: the first section to Battery C, 4th U.S. Artillery; the second to Battery G, and the third to Battery B, 1st New York Artillery. On January 16, 1863, the first section was transferred to Battery G, 1st New York, and in September 1863, these transfers were made permanent, with the battery discontinued by order of the War Department.

The 15th Independent Battery received additional men from the 4th Battery in December 1863. Upon the expiration of its term, the original members (except veterans) were mustered out, and the remaining veterans and recruits were consolidated with the 32nd Battery on February 4, 1865. The 15th served in several major campaigns and was assigned to the 22nd Corps and the Department of West Virginia during the winter of 1864–65.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Antietam
• Leesburg
• Charlestown
• Snicker’s Gap
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Rappahannock Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy Creek
• Cold Harbor
• First Assault on Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• Siege of Petersburg (June–November 1864)

Casualties

• 14th Independent Battery (formerly Battery A): 2 officers and 3 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded; 4 enlisted men died of disease.
• 15th Independent Battery (formerly Battery B): 9 enlisted men killed in action; 3 enlisted men died of disease and other causes.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Major Thomas O’Neill
• Captain William H. Hogan
• Captain Michael Mitchell
• Captain Henry J. McMahon
• Captain William O’Donoghue
• Captain James McKay Rorty (14th Independent Battery)
• Captain Patrick Hart (15th Independent Battery)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 2nd New York Battalion Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 2nd New York Battalion Light Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes.
• 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.
• Contemporary reports and regimental returns.