3rd New York Independent Battery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 3rd New York Independent Battery was an artillery unit organized in New York City shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War. Serving on the Union side, the battery was mustered into United States service at Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1861, for a three-year term. The battery operated primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac.

Originally formed as Company D (the howitzer company) of the 2nd New York Militia—later the 82nd New York Infantry—the battery served detached from its parent regiment from the outset. Over the course of the war, it was commanded by Capts. Thaddeus P. Mott, William Stuart, and William A. Harn.

Organization & Service

The 3rd New York Independent Battery was recruited and organized in New York City in the spring of 1861. It left the state for Washington on May 19, 1861, under the command of Capt. Thaddeus P. Mott. Initially designated as Company D of the 2nd New York Militia (later the 82nd New York Infantry), the battery served detached from the regiment and was mustered into federal service as an independent battery on June 17, 1861.

While still associated with the 82nd, the battery participated in the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. In September 1861, attached to W. T. Smith’s brigade, Potomac Division, it was engaged twice at Lewinsville, Virginia. In the spring of 1862, the battery joined the 2nd Division, 6th Corps, for the Peninsula Campaign, taking part in the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Lee’s Mill, Williamsburg, Chickahominy, and the Seven Days’ Battles. At Lee’s Mill, the battery suffered 11 casualties, and during the Seven Days’ Battles, it lost 10 men at White Oak Swamp Bridge.

After the Peninsula Campaign, Capt. Mott resigned and was succeeded by Capt. William Stuart. The battery was then attached to the 1st Division, 4th Corps, and participated in the Battle of Antietam. At Fredericksburg, it served with the 6th Corps, to which it remained attached for the rest of its active service. In 1863, the battery was engaged at Franklin’s Crossing, Marye’s Heights, Salem Church (Chancellorsville Campaign), and Gettysburg, followed by the campaigns in Virginia, including Mine Run.

In 1864, the battery took part in the Wilderness Campaign and the subsequent siege of Petersburg, remaining before Petersburg from June 1864 until April 2, 1865. During this period, it sustained additional casualties. The battery participated in the Appomattox Campaign, including the final assault on Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, and Appomattox Court House. Non-veteran members were mustered out as their terms expired, while veterans and recruits continued service. The battery, under Capt. William A. Harn, was mustered out at New York City on June 24, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)
• Lewinsville (September 1861)
• Peninsula Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862): Siege of Yorktown, Lee’s Mill, Williamsburg, Chickahominy, Seven Days’ Battles (including White Oak Swamp Bridge)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863): Franklin’s Crossing, Marye’s Heights, Salem Church
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Virginia Campaigns (1863): including Mine Run
• Wilderness Campaign (May–June 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (April 1865): Assault on Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, Appomattox Court House

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 14
• Died of disease: 4
• Wounded (not mortally, partial figures): 6 (during Petersburg operations)

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Thaddeus P. Mott
• Captain William Stuart
• Captain William A. Harn

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 3rd New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 3rd New York Independent Battery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, Artillery reports, 1861–1865)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, annual volumes (1861–1865), Battery returns and muster rolls
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary reports and correspondence of battery commanders (O.R.)