13th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 13th New York Artillery (Heavy) was a Union regiment organized in New York City and recruited from across the state. Mustered into United States service for three years between August 1863 and March 1864, the regiment served primarily in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. It is notable for its service as siege artillery, its participation in the defense of Bermuda Hundred, and for forming the naval brigade of the Army of the James. The regiment also contributed to the raising of the first Union flag over Richmond at the city’s surrender in 1865.

This regiment is classified as heavy artillery and should not be confused with light artillery or infantry units from New York. Its companies were mustered at various locations, including Staten Island, Elmira, Fort Schuyler, Riker’s Island, Norfolk (Virginia), and New York City.

Organization & Service

The 13th New York Artillery (Heavy) was organized at New York City, with companies mustered into service as follows: Companies A, B, and C at Staten Island (August 12 and 29, and September 11, 1863); Company D at Elmira (August 4, 1863); Companies E, F, G, and H at Fort Schuyler (February and March 1864); Company I at New York City (November 10, 1863); Company K at Riker’s Island (February 21, 1864); Company L at Norfolk, Virginia (June 11, 1864); and Company M in December 1863. Men enlisted for the 11th New York Artillery, 29th New York Veteran Infantry, and the incomplete 36th Independent New York Battery were transferred to this regiment in 1863.

The regiment left New York by detachments, with the 1st Battalion (Companies A, B, C, D) departing on October 5, 1863. The 1st and 2nd Battalions garrisoned the defenses of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, and New Berne, North Carolina. From May 1864, Companies A and H served as siege artillery in the 3rd Division, 18th Corps, Army of the James, participating in the defense of Bermuda Hundred. The 3rd Battalion (Companies I, K, L, M), under Major Robert W. McLaughlin, served as a coast guard and later formed the naval brigade of the Army of the James from July 1864, operating on light-draft gunboats along the Atlantic coast.

Elements of the regiment participated in operations against Petersburg and Richmond, as well as engagements at Swift Creek (North Carolina), Day’s Point (Virginia), Fort Fisher (North Carolina), and the final assault on Petersburg. Companies I, K, L, M, and men whose terms would expire by October 1, 1865, were mustered out under Colonel Howard on June 28, 1865. Remaining men were consolidated into a battalion of five companies and transferred to the 6th New York Artillery. Notably, Lieutenant J. L. De Peyster of the regiment raised the first Union flag over Richmond at its surrender in 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia
• Defenses of New Berne, North Carolina
• Defense of Bermuda Hundred
• Operations against Petersburg and Richmond
• Swift Creek, North Carolina
• Day’s Point, Virginia
• Fort Fisher, North Carolina
• Fall of Petersburg
• Occupation of Richmond

Casualties

During its service, the 13th New York Artillery (Heavy) lost 3 men killed in action and 12 wounded (2 mortally). Three officers and 144 enlisted men died of disease and other causes. The total loss reported is 152. The only officer killed in action was Captain John A. Gordon at Swift Creek.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William A. Howard
• Lieutenant Colonel James J. Walsh
• Major Oliver Wetmore, Jr.
• Major Ferdinand R. Hassler
• Major Robert W. McLaughlin
• Captain John A. Gordon (killed at Swift Creek)
• Lieutenant J. L. De Peyster (raised first Union flag over Richmond)

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 13th New York Artillery (Heavy), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, enlistment dates, and service records.

To view the full roster, visit the 13th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts covering operations in Virginia and North Carolina, 1863–1865
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, annual volumes for 1863–1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion” (1908)
• Fox, William F. “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War” (1889)
• Contemporary regimental and state histories of New York artillery units