Overview
The 8th New York Independent Battery was an artillery unit organized in New York for three years’ service during the Civil War. Principally recruited from Delaware County, the battery was formed at Newburg and became part of the 10th Legion, 56th New York Infantry, before being officially designated as the 8th Independent Battery on December 7, 1861. The unit served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater, and participated in both field and garrison operations.
The battery was mustered into U.S. service on October 30, 1861, and left New York under the command of Captain E. Butler Fitch. It saw action in several campaigns and was notable for its service with both infantry and cavalry divisions. The battery continued as a veteran organization until its final muster out in June 1865.
Organization & Service
The 8th New York Independent Battery was organized at Newburg, New York, and mustered into federal service for a three-year term on October 30, 1861. Initially, it was attached to the 10th Legion, 56th New York Infantry, and officially designated as the 8th Independent Battery on December 7, 1861. The battery departed New York on November 7, 1861, under Captain E. Butler Fitch, and proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it was assigned to Casey’s Division.
In 1862, the battery was attached to the 4th Corps and participated in the Peninsular Campaign, including the Battle of Fair Oaks, where it sustained casualties. Following this campaign, the unit performed garrison duty at Gloucester Point, Yorktown, and Portsmouth, Virginia. During this period, it was engaged at Gloucester Court House and Baltimore Cross-Roads. In May 1864, a section of the battery was detached to serve with the cavalry division of the Army of the James during operations against Petersburg and Richmond. The battery continued in service as a veteran organization and was mustered out at Norfolk, Virginia, on June 30, 1865, under Captain Peter Morton.
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
- Peninsular Campaign (1862)
- Battle of Fair Oaks
- Garrison duty at Gloucester Point, Yorktown, and Portsmouth
- Engagements at Gloucester Court House and Baltimore Cross-Roads
- Operations against Petersburg and Richmond (May 1864, with cavalry division, Army of the James)
Casualties
- 1 enlisted man died of wounds
- 40 enlisted men died of disease and other causes
- Total known deaths: 41
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain E. Butler Fitch
- Captain Peter Morton
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 8th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three years’ service, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the full roster, visit the 8th New York Independent Battery 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