16th New York Independent Battery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th New York Independent Battery, also known as “Dickinson’s Light Artillery,” served as a light artillery unit for the Union during the American Civil War. Organized at Binghamton, New York, during the winter of 1861–62, the battery was mustered into United States service at Washington, D.C., on March 27, 1862, for a term of three years, with service dating from December 10, 1861. The battery participated in operations in the Eastern Theater and was attached to various corps throughout its service.

This unit was primarily engaged in siege, garrison, and field operations in Virginia and North Carolina, and is noted for its participation in the siege of Suffolk, the assault on Petersburg, and the campaign leading to the surrender of Confederate forces under General Johnston.

Organization & Service

The 16th New York Independent Battery was recruited and organized at Binghamton, New York, during the winter of 1861–62. The battery left New York State on March 10, 1862, and was mustered into federal service at Washington, D.C., on March 27, 1862, for a three-year term, effective from December 10, 1861. Initially stationed in the defenses of Washington, the battery remained there for approximately one year.

In the spring of 1863, the battery saw its first active service as part of the 7th Corps during the siege of Suffolk, Virginia. Following this, it was stationed at Yorktown and Newport News, Virginia, performing garrison and defensive duties until the summer of 1864. In June 1864, the battery joined the Army of the James before Petersburg as part of the 18th Corps and participated in the first assault on the Confederate works. The unit was engaged at Chaffin’s Farm in September 1864, where it suffered four men wounded, and again saw action on the Darbytown Road in October 1864.

Later, the battery accompanied the 24th Corps to North Carolina, participating in operations at Fort Fisher, Cape Fear, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington in January and February 1865. On March 1, 1865, it was attached to the Provisional Corps and took part in the Carolinas Campaign, culminating in its presence at Bennett’s House for the surrender of General Johnston’s Confederate army. The battery was mustered out of service at Elmira, New York, on July 6, 1865, under the command of Captain Richard H. Lee.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Suffolk (Spring 1863)
• Garrison duty at Yorktown and Newport News (1863–1864)
• First assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Chaffin’s Farm (September 1864)
• Darbytown Road (October 1864)
• Fort Fisher (January 1865)
• Cape Fear (January–February 1865)
• Fort Anderson (February 1865)
• Wilmington (February 1865)
• Carolinas Campaign, including Bennett’s House (March–April 1865)

Casualties

During its term of service, the 16th New York Independent Battery lost a total of 45 enlisted men who died of disease and other causes. No specific figures for killed or mortally wounded in action are reported in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Milo W. Locke
• Captain Frederick L. Hiller
• Captain Richard H. Lee

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 16th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 16th New York Independent Battery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on the Army of the James, 7th Corps, 18th Corps, and 24th Corps)
• 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 wartime reports and returns