Overview
The 34th New York Independent Battery, also known as the “Hamilton” or “Flushing Battery,” served as a light artillery unit for the Union during the American Civil War. Recruited primarily at Flushing, Long Island, the battery was organized from the artillery company of the 15th New York militia. It was mustered into United States service for a three-year term on November 28, 1861. The battery was initially assigned as Company L, 2nd New York Artillery, but operated independently and was permanently detached and designated as the 34th Independent Battery on November 19, 1863. The unit served in both the Eastern and Western Theaters and was notable for its participation in several major campaigns and battles.
Organization & Service
The 34th New York Independent Battery was organized at Flushing, New York, by Captain Thomas L. Robinson, with the artillery company of the 15th militia forming its core. The battery was mustered into federal service on November 28, 1861, for a three-year enlistment. Shortly after, on December 5, 1861, it was assigned as Company L to the 2nd New York Artillery but continued to serve as a detached light battery. Captain Robinson was discharged on March 4, 1862, and succeeded by Captain Jacob L. Roemer.
The battery left New York State on December 2, 1861, and was stationed in Washington, D.C., until the summer of 1862. Its first combat occurred at Cedar Mountain, Virginia, while attached to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps. The unit participated in General Pope’s campaign and the battles around Manassas. It was subsequently assigned to the 9th Corps, with which it served for the remainder of its term. The battery saw action at Jefferson, Sulphur Springs, Fayetteville, and Fredericksburg.
In 1863, the battery moved with the 9th Corps to Mississippi, participating in the siege of Vicksburg and the engagement at Jackson. It then took part in operations in Tennessee, including Blue Springs, Lenoir Station, Campbell Station, the siege of Knoxville, and Rutledge. Returning to Virginia in the spring of 1864, the battery was engaged in Grant’s Overland Campaign, fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and the initial assault on Petersburg in June 1864. The battery remained before Petersburg from June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865, participating in actions such as the mine explosion, Poplar Grove Church, Hatcher’s Run, and Fort Stedman. A majority of the original members reenlisted as veterans, and the battery continued as a veteran organization. The unit was mustered out at Hart’s Island, New York Harbor, on June 21, 1865.
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
- Cedar Mountain
- Pope’s Campaign (including battles around Manassas)
- Jefferson
- Sulphur Springs
- Fayetteville
- Fredericksburg
- Siege of Vicksburg
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Blue Springs
- Lenoir Station
- Campbell Station
- Siege of Knoxville
- Rutledge, Tennessee
- Wilderness
- Spotsylvania
- North Anna
- Totopotomoy
- Cold Harbor
- Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
- Mine Explosion (Petersburg)
- Poplar Grove Church
- Hatcher’s Run
- Fort Stedman
- Siege of Petersburg (June 16, 1864 – April 2, 1865)
Casualties
- Killed and mortally wounded: 7
- Died of disease and other causes: 15
- Total deaths: 22
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Thomas L. Robinson
- Captain Jacob L. Roemer
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 34th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.
To view the complete roster, visit the 34th New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts.
- New York State Adjutant General’s Reports.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War.
- Contemporary reports and regimental documents.