Overview
The 23rd New York Independent Battery, also known as Battery A, Rocket Battalion, served as an artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Albany, New York, the battery was recruited primarily from Niagara, Essex, and Warren counties. It was mustered into United States service on December 6, 1861, for a three-year term and departed for Washington, D.C., shortly thereafter. The battery served exclusively in the Department of North Carolina and later participated in the Carolinas Campaign under General Sherman.
This unit is distinct from other New York artillery batteries and maintained its independent designation throughout its service. The battery reenlisted as a veteran organization upon the expiration of its original term and remained active until the end of the war.
Organization & Service
The 23rd New York Independent Battery was organized at Albany and mustered in on December 6, 1861. The original recruits were drawn from Niagara, Essex, and Warren counties. Initially designated as Battery A, Rocket Battalion, the unit was soon reclassified as the 23rd Independent Battery. After mustering, the battery left New York for Washington, D.C., on December 9, 1861.
In April 1862, the battery was ordered to North Carolina to join the forces under General John G. Foster. It participated in the Goldsboro Expedition in December 1862, seeing action at Kinston, Olive Station, Goshen Swamp, White Hall Bridge, Thompson’s Bridge, and Goldsboro. In March 1863, the battery was engaged at New Berne, followed by actions at Blount’s Creek and Greenville. Upon the expiration of its original term, many members reenlisted, and the battery continued as a veteran organization.
In April 1865, the battery was attached to the cavalry division of General Sherman’s army and took part in the Carolinas Campaign, including engagements at Washington and Bennett’s House. The battery was mustered out of service at Fort Porter, Buffalo, on July 14, 1865, under the command of Captain Samuel Kittinger, Jr.
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
- Goldsboro Expedition (December 1862): Kinston, Olive Station, Goshen Swamp, White Hall Bridge, Thompson’s Bridge, Goldsboro
- New Berne (March 1863)
- Blount’s Creek
- Greenville
- Carolinas Campaign (April 1865): Washington, Bennett’s House
Casualties
The 23rd New York Independent Battery sustained no losses in battle. However, 46 men died of disease during its term of service. No additional casualty figures are reported in primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Alfred Ransom
- Captain Samuel Kittinger, Jr.
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 23rd New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, enlistment dates, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the complete roster, visit the 23rd New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XVIII, XXVII
- 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