Overview
The 26th New York Independent Battery, also known as “Barnes’ Rifle Battery,” served as an artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Rochester, New York, this battery was mustered into United States service for a three-year term on February 25, 1863, at New Orleans. The unit primarily operated in the Department of the Gulf and participated in several significant campaigns in the Western Theater.
The battery is notable for its arduous journey to the Gulf, including two shipwrecks and a 51-day transit before reaching its post. It served in both garrison and field operations, including the Red River Campaign and the Mobile Campaign.
Organization & Service
The 26th New York Independent Battery was recruited and organized at Rochester, New York. The unit departed the state on December 4, 1862, bound for the Department of the Gulf. During transit, the battery’s transport was wrecked twice, resulting in a prolonged journey of 51 days before arrival in New Orleans. The battery was officially mustered into federal service for three years on February 25, 1863.
Upon arrival, the battery performed garrison and guard duty at New Orleans and Port Hudson for approximately one year. In March 1864, it was attached to the 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, and participated in the Red River Campaign, including actions at Cane River Crossing, Avoyelles Prairie, and Mansura. After the campaign, the battery was stationed in the District of Morganza and later assigned to the reserve of the 2nd Division, Department of the Gulf.
In the spring of 1865, the 26th Battery joined the artillery brigade of the 13th Army Corps and took part in the operations against Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and Mobile. The battery was mustered out of service at New Orleans on September 1, 1865, under the command of Lieutenant Adam Beattie.
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
- Garrison and guard duty at New Orleans and Port Hudson (1863–1864)
- Red River Campaign (March–May 1864): Cane River Crossing, Avoyelles Prairie, Mansura
- District of Morganza (post-Red River Campaign)
- Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and Mobile (spring 1865)
Casualties
During its service, the 26th New York Independent Battery lost 34 enlisted men to disease and other causes. No detailed breakdown of battle casualties is available in primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain J. Warren Barnes
- Captain George W. Fox
- Lieutenant Adam Beattie (commanded at muster-out)
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 26th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the complete roster, visit the 26th New York Independent Battery Regimental Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXIV, XXXIX, XLIX
- 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