Overview
The 4th New York Independent Battery, also known as Serrell’s Artillery, Parrott’s Battery, and at times as Battery C (later D), New York Artillery, served as a light artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in New York City, the battery was mustered into United States service at Staten Island on October 24, 1861, for a three-year term. The unit drew its nucleus from the 1st Troop—Washington Greys—and was equipped with Parrott guns. The battery served primarily in the Eastern Theater, attached to the Army of the Potomac.
Organization & Service
The 4th New York Independent Battery was organized and recruited in New York City, mustering in at Staten Island on October 24, 1861, under the command of Captain James E. Smith. The following day, the battery departed New York for active service. In October 1861, it received its Parrott rifles, and in December, several members of Busteed’s Chicago Battery were transferred in to reinforce the unit.
Initially, the battery was attached to the 3rd Corps of the Army of the Potomac, where it served until July 1863. Afterward, it was assigned to the 2nd Corps and later to the Artillery Reserve of the same army. The 4th New York Independent Battery participated in numerous campaigns and battles, including the Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven Days’ Battles, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristoe Station, and the Mine Run Campaign. The battery was discontinued on December 4, 1863, at which time it was commanded by 1st Lieutenant William T. McLean. Upon discontinuation, its members were transferred to the 1st New York Engineers, the 5th and 15th New York Batteries, and Battery B, 1st New York Artillery.
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
- Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
- Williamsburg (May 5, 1862)
- Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
- Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
- Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
- Chancellorsville (April 30–May 6, 1863)
- Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
- Auburn (October 13, 1863)
- Bristoe Station (October 14, 1863)
- Mine Run Campaign (November 26–December 2, 1863)
Casualties
During its service, the 4th New York Independent Battery lost 5 men killed or mortally wounded in action. Additionally, 1 officer and 11 enlisted men died of disease and other causes. At the Battle of Gettysburg, the battery suffered 2 killed, 10 wounded, and 1 missing. Total losses for the unit are recorded as 17.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain James E. Smith
- 1st Lieutenant William T. McLean
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 4th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.
To view the full roster, visit the 4th New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 33, 36
- 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