3rd New York Artillery Light in the American Civil War

Overview

The 3rd New York Artillery (Light) was a Union artillery regiment organized in New York State during the Civil War. The regiment served as part of the Union Army’s artillery branch and was primarily active in the Eastern Theater. The unit was mustered into service in 1861 and participated in various operations throughout its term of service. Notably, the official records and New York State Adjutant General’s reports indicate that the artillery service of this regiment is closely associated with the 19th New York Infantry, reflecting a unique organizational history.

Organization & Service

The 3rd New York Artillery (Light) was organized at Elmira, New York, beginning in 1861. The regiment was originally formed from the 19th New York Infantry, with its batteries mustered into United States service between July and August 1861. The regiment was composed of several batteries (A through M), each serving as a separate light artillery battery. These batteries were assigned to various divisions and corps within the Department of North Carolina, the Department of Virginia, and the Army of the Potomac at different times.

The batteries of the 3rd New York Artillery participated in expeditions and garrison duties in North Carolina, including the operations around New Bern and the defense of key coastal positions. Some batteries were detached for service in Virginia and South Carolina. The regiment’s batteries were mustered out at various times between June and October 1865, depending on the expiration of their terms of service and operational needs.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations in North Carolina, including the capture and defense of New Bern (1862–1865)
• Expeditions and skirmishes in the Department of North Carolina
• Detachments participated in operations in Virginia and South Carolina

Casualties

According to Dyer’s Compendium and New York State records, the 3rd New York Artillery (Light) lost a total of 4 officers and 61 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and 3 officers and 170 enlisted men died of disease, for a total of 238 deaths during its service. Figures may vary slightly by battery and source.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James H. Ledlie
• Colonel Charles H. Stewart
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry M. Stone
• Lieutenant Colonel William A. Howard
• Major George W. Cole
• Major John Wall
• Major William H. Rogers

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 3rd New York Artillery (Light), including officers and enlisted men for each battery, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, enlistment dates, and other service details as recorded in the New York State Adjutant General’s reports.

To view the complete roster, visit the 3rd New York Artillery (Light) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes IX, XVIII, XXVII
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Phisterer, Frederick. New York in the War of the Rebellion