10th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 10th New York Artillery (Heavy), also known as the Black River Artillery or the Jefferson County Regiment, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This heavy artillery regiment was organized primarily from recruits in Jefferson and Lewis counties, New York. The regiment was mustered into United States service for three years, with companies organized and mustered at various locations between September and December 1862. Although designated as heavy artillery, the regiment was often armed and drilled as infantry, particularly during its service in the field.

The 10th New York Artillery participated in both garrison and combat roles, serving in the defenses of Washington, D.C., and later joining major campaigns in Virginia, including actions at Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Cedar Creek. The regiment was mustered out in June 1865, with remaining recruits transferred to the 6th New York Artillery.

Organization & Service

The 10th New York Artillery (Heavy) was formed on December 31, 1862, by consolidating the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Battalions of the Black River Artillery. The battalions had been organized at Sacket’s Harbor in September 1862, and the consolidation was completed on December 27. The companies were mustered into service as follows: Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and M on September 11 at Sacket’s Harbor; Companies H and I on September 12 at Staten Island; Company K on November 12; and Company L on December 27 at Fort Schuyler.

The 2nd and 4th Battalions departed New York on September 17, 1862, and were assigned to garrison duty in the forts surrounding Washington, D.C. The 1st Battalion remained at Fort Richmond and Sandy Hook, New York Harbor, until June 1863, when it joined the rest of the regiment at Washington. In late May 1864, the regiment was sent to the front with other heavy artillery units to reinforce General Grant. Upon arrival, it was assigned first to the 4th Brigade, 1st Division, and then on June 24 to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 18th Corps. The regiment saw its first combat at Cold Harbor and participated in the assault on Petersburg in June 1864.

On August 13, 1864, the regiment was withdrawn from the front and assigned to the 1st Brigade, De Russy’s Division, 22nd Corps. It joined the provisional division of the Army of the Shenandoah on September 27, 1864, and was engaged at Cedar Creek. In December, it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, Ferrero’s Division, Army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred. The regiment was actively engaged in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865. The 10th New York Artillery was mustered out at Petersburg on June 23, 1865, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel G. De Peyster Arden. Remaining recruits were consolidated into three companies and transferred to the 6th New York Artillery on June 27, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty in the defenses of Washington, D.C. (1862–1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Siege operations before Petersburg (June–August 1864; December 1864–April 1865)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Bermuda Hundred (December 1864–April 1865)
• Final assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 47 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 2 officers, 218 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 267
• Losses at Cold Harbor: 9 killed and wounded
• Losses at Petersburg (June 1864): 43 killed and wounded
• Losses in the works before Petersburg (June 15–August 13, 1864, and December 1864–April 2, 1865): 11 killed, 76 wounded, 1 missing (total 88)
• Losses at final assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865): 90 killed, wounded, and missing

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Alexander Piper
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Spratt
• Lieutenant Colonel G. De Peyster Arden
• Major Joseph Spratt
• Major James B. Campbell
• Major Thomas W. Osborne
• Major Charles C. Abell
• Major G. De Peyster Arden
• Major S. R. Cowles

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 10th New York Artillery (Heavy) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes details on enlistment, rank, and service records as preserved in official sources.

To view the full roster, visit the 10th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes (see index for Army of the Potomac, 18th Corps, 22nd Corps, Army of the James)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Report for 1865, Vol. 3, pp. 1106–1127
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3, p. 1460
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, pp. 561–562
• Contemporary regimental and county histories (as cited in New York State records)