16th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th New York Artillery (Heavy) was a Union regiment organized during the Civil War, serving in the artillery branch. Raised under the command of Colonel Joseph J. Morrison, the regiment was organized at New York City with men recruited from across the state. The unit was mustered into United States service for three years between September 1863 and February 1864. The 16th New York Artillery served primarily in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, performing both heavy artillery and infantry duties. It is notable for its participation in the Dutch Gap Canal operation and engagements around Petersburg, Richmond, and Wilmington.

Organization & Service

The 16th New York Artillery (Heavy) was organized at New York City, with companies mustered in at various locations: Companies A and B on September 28, C on October 21, and D on December 7, 1863, at Albany; E and G on December 16, 1863, and January 9, 1864, at Riker’s Island; F, H, I, and K between January 19 and February 2, 1864, at Elmira; and L and M on January 26, 1864, at Auburn. The regiment included a surplus of men, some of whom were transferred to the 6th New York Artillery in February 1864, and others to the 81st and 148th New York Infantry and the 1st New York Mounted Rifles in May 1864.

The regiment left New York by detachments between October 14, 1863, and February 1864, and was initially assigned to garrison duty at Fortress Monroe, Yorktown, and Gloucester Point. In July 1864, seven companies joined the 2nd Brigade, Terry’s (1st) Division, 10th Corps, while two companies served in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps. On August 9, 1864, Companies A, B, C, F, G, and K volunteered for the Dutch Gap Canal project, working under hazardous conditions and sustaining casualties. In October 1864, the regiment was engaged at Darbytown Road, suffering significant losses. From July to December 1864, the regiment participated in operations before Petersburg and Richmond, with ongoing casualties. In December 1864, Companies A, B, C, F, G, and K served in the 1st Division, 24th Corps, while other detachments joined the artillery brigade of the same corps, participating in actions at Fort Fisher, the Cape Fear intrenchments, Fort Anderson, and near Wilmington, North Carolina. The regiment was consolidated in July 1865 and mustered out at Washington, D.C., on August 21, 1865, under Colonel Morrison.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty at Fortress Monroe, Yorktown, and Gloucester Point (1863–1864)
• Dutch Gap Canal operation (August 1864)
• Darbytown Road (October 1864)
• Siege operations before Petersburg and Richmond (July–December 1864)
• Fort Fisher (January 1865)
• Cape Fear intrenchments
• Fort Anderson
• Operations near Wilmington, North Carolina (early 1865)

Casualties

• Killed in action: 42 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 284 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 328

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Joseph J. Morrison
• Lieutenant Colonel John H. Ammon
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Strong
• Lieutenant Colonel Frederick W. Prince
• Major Alexander H. Davis
• Major Charles E. Pearce
• Major Julius C. Hicks
• Major Frederick W. Prince
• Major James C. Caryl

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 16th New York Artillery (Heavy) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes details on enlistment, rank, and service records.

To view the full roster, visit the 16th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Department of Virginia and North Carolina, 1863–1865)
• 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 regimental and state histories