6th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 6th New York Artillery (Heavy), also known as the Anthony Wayne Guard, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily from recruits in Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties, the regiment was initially mustered as the 135th New York Infantry at Yonkers on September 2, 1862, for a three-year term. In October 1862, it was converted to heavy artillery and redesignated as the 6th New York Artillery. The regiment served in both artillery and infantry roles, participating in major campaigns in the Eastern Theater.

The unit was notable for its service in the defenses of the Upper Potomac, the Army of the Potomac’s campaigns, and later in the Shenandoah Valley and at Petersburg. It experienced significant casualties in several major battles and underwent multiple consolidations and transfers before mustering out in August 1865.

Organization & Service

The 6th New York Artillery (Heavy) was organized at Yonkers, New York, as the 135th Infantry and mustered into U.S. service for three years on September 2, 1862. In October 1862, the regiment was converted to heavy artillery, with two additional companies (L and M) mustered in December. The regiment left New York on September 5, 1862, and Companies L and M joined at Baltimore later that year.

Initially, the regiment served with the 8th Corps at Harper’s Ferry and in the defenses of the Upper Potomac until July 1863. It was then attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, and in August 1863 to the Reserve Artillery, Army of the Potomac, serving as an ammunition guard. The regiment participated in the action at Manassas Gap (July 1863) and the Mine Run Campaign (November 1863).

From late 1863 through July 1864, the 6th New York Artillery served as both infantry and heavy artillery with the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. It was engaged in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and the initial assault on Petersburg, suffering heavy losses. In July 1864, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Hardin’s Division, 22nd Corps, and ordered to Washington for garrison duty. After five weeks, the regiment joined the Army of the Shenandoah, serving in Kitching’s Provisional Division and later in the 2nd Brigade, Ferrero’s Division, Army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred.

The regiment was heavily engaged at Cedar Creek, where both Colonel Kitching and Major Jones were mortally wounded. It was present at the fall of Petersburg on April 2, 1865. On June 28, 1865, men whose terms expired by October 1 were mustered out at Petersburg. The remaining veterans and recruits formed a battalion of four companies. On July 19, 1865, members of the 10th and 13th New York Artillery were transferred to this battalion, which was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on August 24, 1865, under Colonel Baker.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of the Upper Potomac (1862–1863)
• Action at Manassas Gap (July 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 1864)
• North Anna (May 1864)
• Totopotomoy (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Garrison Duty at Washington (July–August 1864)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (1864)
• Battle of Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Bermuda Hundred (late 1864–1865)
• Fall of Petersburg (April 2, 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 6 officers, 130 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accident, or in prison: 6 officers, 278 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 420

Casualty figures are based on Dyer’s Compendium and New York State Adjutant General reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. Morris
• Colonel J. Howard Kitching
• Colonel George C. Kibbe
• Colonel Stephen D. Baker
• Lieutenant Colonel Ralph E. Prime
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward R. Travis
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward B. Williston
• Lieutenant Colonel James B. Campbell
• Major J. H. Robinson
• Major Frederick Shonnard
• Major Absalom A. Crookston
• Major Edmund Y. Morris
• Major Ferd. R. Hassler
• Major C. H. Palmer
• Major Edward Jones

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 6th New York Artillery (Heavy), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, service, and, where available, casualties and transfers.

To view the complete roster, visit the 6th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 25, 27, 36, 40, 46
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports, Annual Reports for 1862–1865
• Contemporary regimental and state histories