E523.8
1st A 5

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Purchased from the income
of the bequest of
WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE
Honorary M.A. 1949, for
material in the field
of American Studies

CORRECTION
Careful examination after the book was in press
revealed the following errors:
Page 137 — Wm. H. Simons was discharged in 1802
instead of 1863.
Page 140 — John Crouse lost a leg at Gettysburg,
July 2d, 1863 instead of 1865.
Page 145 — Sergt. Geo. R. Barse was promoted to
lieutenant in 1864 instead of in Sixty-fourth.

BATTERY G MONUMENT
Erected by. State of New York, 1893, at Peach Orchard, Gettysburg, Pa.

HISTORY OE BATTERY G,
EIRST REGIMENT
NEW YORK LIGHT ARTILLERY

BY
CAPT. NELSON AMES
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA

MARSHALL PRINTING CO.
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA
1900

NELSON AMES
1863

1st s

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
TO THE
MEMBERS OF BATTERY G, FIRST REGIMENT
NEW YORK LIGHT ARTILLERY
BY THE AUTHOR
NELSON AMES
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA
1900

NELSON AMES
1900

FOREWORD

BATTERY G, First New York Light Artillery, was
recruited in Mexico, New York, through the activ
ities of Nelson Ames. After it was formally organized
and had become a part of the United States Army, Ames
refused the captaincy of it in order that an experienced
and trained soldier might be put in command. An
appointment was given to John D. Frank, then First
Sergeant in the regular army. While Captain Frank
was the nominal commander of the Battery, and Nelson
Ames was the First Lieutenant, it is the testimony of
the men and in accord with the facts, that the real com
mander, whose opinions controlled, whose confidence
was sought, and whose loyal fellowship and friendship
was held in the highest esteem, was the First Lieutenant.
When Captain Frank resigned in April, 1863, the choice
to fill vacancy fell upon Nelson Ames, for whose appoint
ment a petition bearing the signature of every member
of the Battery, was presented to Colonel Wainwright,
and he became its Captain, regularly commissioned and
mustered. From the beginning of its corporate exist
ence, through all the shadows of camp life and through
all the storms of fiercest conflict, until now, when each
roll-call is significant by the name not called, though
"accounted for, "Battery G has loved and regarded one
superior officer, and he the author of this monograph.
Fraternally yours,
Jos. W. Kay,
Dept. Commander New York G. A. R.
Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1900.
Note — At the request of the members of the Battery, and against
the wishes of the writer, the above is published.

ILLUSTRATED AND
PRINTED BY
MARSHALL PRINTING CO.
MARSHALLTOWN

HISTORY OF
BATTERY G, FIRST REGIMENT
N. Y. LIGHT ARTILLERY

BY CAPT. NELSON AMES.

ATTERY G, First Regiment
of New York Light Artillery,
was recruited at Mexico, Os
wego County, State of New
York. The recruiting officers
were Marshall H. Rundell and
Nelson Ames. The battery
was enlisted in the first part of
September, 1861, and left Mexico for Elmira,
New York, on the 20th day of September,
1 86 1. There were fifty-four men in the battery,
all of them young, with the vigor and strength
of healthy youth. Most of them were sons of
country parents, and had received the training
of farm life. At the time of enlistment, every
man of the battery realized the dangers as
well as the privations of the soldier's life, but
the call had come to defend the honor of the
flag of their country in a time .of danger, and

io History of Battery G.
these fifty-four men offered themselves for any
service, and, if need be, for any sacrifice for
the sake of the nation.
The writer will never forget the scenes at
parting, as the men marched down the main
street of Mexico, ori that September day, in
order to take wagons for Oswego, the nearest
railroad station. Fathers and mothers, brothers,
sisters and sweethearts were assembled to bid
these "brave boys" goodby, and though they
did not realize it, for some it was a final fare
well. There were tears and prayers for the
safety of these country boys upon whom rested
the responsibility of preserving the American
nation. The citizens of Mexico furnished the
teams and wagons to take the battery to Oswego,
at which place the train was to be taken for
Elmira. On the way to Elmira, the train was detained
at Syracuse for several hours owing to a failure
in making connections. From Syracuse the
train started for Elmira at five o'clock in the
afternoon. It was half past eight in the evening
when Elmira was reached, this being the place
appointed as general rendezvous for the regi
ment. From the railroad station to the barracks,
which were situated on the banks of the Chemung
River, was a march of two miles. When the
battery arrived at the barracks we were assigned

History of Battery G. 1 1
to quarters consisting of a rough wooden build
ing hastily and poorly constructed. Such build
ings were designed as quarters for each company;
there was a tier of bunks on each side of the
building and a hall running through the entire
length of it. As the men were tired from their
tedious journey, preparations were made at once
to retire. The couches were inviting but could
not be suspected even by the most extravagant
imagination of being soft and downy. The beds
upon which that first night was passed did not
need to be made up as they consisted of the soft
side of rough hemlock boards; no cover to spread
over the sleeping form ; no mattress to throw
under. As the battery had not been examined
and accepted, the government had provided "no
blankets. One can easily imagine even in these
more recent days of luxury and comfort, the
amount of sleep which the men got during their
first night in army quarters. There can be no
question about the thoughts and feelings in the
minds of some of the boys that first night. What
would mothers at home have said to see their
darling sons sleeping on a shelf? Some of the
home friends would have suspected sudden fall
ing from grace could they have listened to certain
expressions about some of those barrack beds.
The difference between a feather bed in a country
farm house and the accomodations of a barracks

12 History of Battery G.
bed was never more clearly realized than that
first night out. If there was any sleep for any man
during that first night the writer would be pleased
to know of it; the recollection of groans and
grunts and other things is painfully evident after
all these years.
At half past four in the morning we heard
some one trying to blow what sounded like a tin
horn; this proceeded from the headquarters of
the regiment; when inquiry was made of a man
near by as to what that sound meant, we were
told that it was the headquarters' bugler sound
ing reveille. There was no need of a bugle blast
to get us up; we had been up all night; At half
past six o'clock the call for breakfast was sounded
and the men fell into line and marched to the
dining hall; this was a large rough board build
ing situated on the bank of the canal or race
way; it contained long pine tables made of planks
and running its entire length. In view of the
strange realities of military inconveniences, there
were visions of chairs and spreads and the other
articles usually found at home floating before our
minds. Instead of white china dishes, each man
was furnished with a tin cup and tin plate, knife
and fork, and a spoon made of iron, and was
admonished to be careful of these precious
things, for if lost, they would be charged to his
personal account. The provisions set. before

History of Battery G. 13
these tired recruits would not appeal to delicate
appetites. Plenty of meat was offered which,
upon examination was found to be boiled beef.
It was placed upon the table in large dish pans
which also contained potatoes. There were
stacks of baker's bread in irregular piles a few
feet apart the whole length of the table. Cans
of coffee strong enough to float an ironclad sent
forth a redolent odor upon the air; some of us, I
fear, suggested that the bill of fare was rather
plain, but most of the men, if judged by their
actions, did not mind that.
On the 2 2d day of September the men were
examined by the surgeon of the regiment, and
all of them passed muster as being fit subjects
to serve as soldiers in Uncle Sam's service.
On September 23d, the battery was organized
and ready to be mustered into the service of the
United States, with the following commissioned
and non-commissioned officers. John D. Frank,
at that time serving as first sergeant in Captain
Tidball's United States Battery of Horse Artil
lery, then stationed at Washington, District of
Columbia, was elected captain on recommenda
tion of Colonel Bailey, who was in command of
the regiment. Nelson Ames was elected first
lieutenant, the captaincy of the company having
been offered to Nelson Ames and refused by
him; Marshall H. Rundell, second lieutenant.

14 History of Battery G.
The following is the list of non-commissioned
officers: H. M. Ames, first sergeant; F. F.
Goft, quartermaster sergeant; O. H. Whitney,
H. G. Backus, George H. Barse and J. J. Bur-
dick, sergeants; H. G. Whitney, J. E. Bush,
B. A. Everts, R. E. Salisbury, D. E. Webb,
N. R. Alfred, C. A. Rathburne and M. F. Par
sons, corporals; Milton Crocker and J. C. Bun-
worth, buglers; Julius A. Stebbins and Addison
Patrick, artificers; Warren W. Dawley, wagoner.
On the 24th day of September, the battery
was regularly mustered into the service of the
United States for three years, by the United
States mustering officer, Captain Tidball. Be
sides the officers named above, there were thirty-
three privates. As the company was not suffic
iently full, Lieutenant Rundell was detailed as
recruiting officer, and returned to Mexico in
order to secure the number of men necessary to
complete the company's roster. On the 8th day
of October he returned with thirty-one men, who,
after the proper examination, were mustered
into service on the 9th day of that month by
Captain Tidball. Most of the time during our
stay in the Elmira barracks, we were kept very
busy in drilling. The formula which was used
by the captain of the company will never be for
gotten by those who heard it. It is not difficult
to hear now that peremptory voice, ' 'Hay foot,

History of Battery G. 15
straw foot, now you've got it, damn you, keep
it." It was evidently the intention of Captain
Frank to make these raw recruits into regular
soldiers in the most expeditious way possible,
and though his was not an easy task, he selected
the ordinary method. Some of the men of the
company thought the captain unnecessarily strict,
but it is the opinion of the writer that the strict
ness of this officer contributed to the strength of
the battery.
During our stay at Elmira, we drew the full
supply of clothing from the quartermaster's
department. The results of this drawing cannot
be described. New uniforms on raw soldiers
given out in the way of those days, produced a
combination that would make an army mule
smile. There was no distinction as to suit or
fit; a pair of pants were a pair of pants, no mat
ter whose legs they were to go on; the waist
measure made no difference; they were pants,
that was all. When the man's name was called,
he stepped forward and took what was handed
him; when it was shoes, if he wore number fives,
he might get number elevens; if it was a coat,
he might receive what would wrap the fattest
Dutchman, though the wearer be as lean as a
hop stick; if complaint was heard, he had the
consolation of being told to "make them fit."
The members of this company may remember

t6 History of Battery G.
what the writer will never forget, how Billy
Simons looked when he tried to march in the
ranks on dress parade with a pair of number
eleven shoes upon his feet, while he was the
smallest man in the battery. The sight of Bill
Whitney as he came out of the barracks with a
pair of pants that reached just below his knees,
made the boys hurrah, but all he said was that
he thought the government must be short of
cloth; he hoped that before the winter was over
they'd grow to fit him. For a few days after
the distribution of the clothing, the barracks
took the semblance of a Jew clothing shop; men
were exchanging different articles of wearing
apparel in order to make their pride meet neces
sity, thus improving their appearance, for they
had swapped and traded and remodeled until in
their new uniforms they looked well.
We were to take the train for Washington,
and on the second day before we were to start,
the kind hearted boss of the boarding hall
thought he would give all the boys a rare treat
for supper. When the hungry and tired soldiers
saw mush and milk before them, their appetites
were stirred; they ate heartily and with rare
enjoyment at first, but the consequences caused
many a bitter and disagreeable recollection.
The activities of the regiment increased during
the night and next day; and a sadder and wiser

History of Battery G. if
set of men could not be found in the whole army
than the First New York Light Artillery. It
was discovered upon mutinous inquiry, that all
who enlisted were treated in the same way
before having been sent south. The medicine
which the doctor had put in the milk helped the
men to stand the new climate.
Our stay at Elmira with daily drilling and in
struction continued until the 30th day of Octo
ber, 1 86 1, when we were ordered to take the
train for Washington, District of Columbia. A
part of the regiment was to be transported in
box cars which were no rivals of the modern
Pullman coach. Some of these box cars had
been used just before to ship livestock in, and
were riot particularly clean. Some of the live
stock had been permitted to remain, though the
boys did not know it when the train was taken.
We left Elmira just at dark; Harrisburg, Penn
sylvania, was the station at which we stopped in
the morning at seven o'clock. The night had
been cold and chilly; it was evident as soon as
the train pulled into the station at Harrisburg
that something was up; the companies that had
occupied the box cars left the train as soon as it
stopped, and refused, rightly, to.go another mile
in such filthy conditions.
Nearly all the officers had left their commands
and gone forward to the passenger cars that

1 8 History of Battery G.
were furnished for them; some of the officers,
among whom was the writer, had remained with
the men during the night; it was by the sugges
tion of these officers that the box car travellers
refused to continue the journey. The colonel
of the regiment and other officers tried in every
imaginable way to persuade the men to travel on;
threats were made; promises were extended, but
the men stoutly and positively refused to move.
It was suggested that no other cars were avail
able at that place, but word would be sent ahead
so that clean cars would be at the next station.
The men, however, had good grounds for their
convictions and declared they would not move
from Harrisburg until better facilities were pro
vided for the journey. There were five hundred
who stood out against this unfortunate condition
but after a delay of two hours, other cars were
secured and the train started on its way. Capt.
J. D. Frank of Battery G was left behind at
Harrisburg, sick with the measles, and Lieuten
ant Ames took command of the company. The
journey to Washington was uneventful excepting
for the experience at Harrisburg, and the Capitol
City was reached on the evening of the 31st day
of October. The regiment went into camp on
Capitol Hill on the east side of the city. As
this was the first experience which we had in
pitching tents, many mistakes and some very

History of Battery G. 19
ludicrous ones, were made, but after repeated
efforts the camp was in order and the tents well
arranged; no precautions, however, had been
taken when the tents were pitched, against a
storm that might arise, and that first storm in
camp taught lessons never to be forgotten. The
men could never forget that first hard rain ; they
learned that a tent pitched in a hollow gave
promise of everything floating off; one experi
ence was sufficient to indicate how we were to
pitch our tents.
It was during the time of our encampment here
that sixty-four men and one officer, Second
Lieutenant S. A. McClellan, were permanently
transferred from Busteed's battery of the Chicago
Light Artillery to our battery; 'it was done by
special orders from the headquarters of the
Army of the Potomac, dated November 7, 1861.
By this transfer, we became a full six-gun bat
tery. Thus furnished with men, we were
entitled to draw from the government six ten-
pound Parrott guns, caissons and implements
complete, together with a full supply of ammu
nition and the necessary horses. Everything
was now provided to put the battery in perfect
condition for the field, and we remained in
Washington for drill purposes until about the
15th day of November, when orders came to
join Major General Sumner's Division. Ours

20 History of Battery G.
was the first battery ordered to .take the field
from a regiment of twelve batteries. General
Sumner's Division was encamped on the War-
renton Turnpike about two miles out from
Alexandria, Va. We marched through Wash
ington, crossed the long bridge into Virginia,
and joined this division. Here we remained
during the entire winter that followed; our
chief est activity was in drilling, being called for
this purpose two or three times a day. Now the
rigors and hardships of camp life began to be
felt; should a record of this winter be narrated
in detail, it would be a story of sickness and
severity and discipline.
It was on the 7th day of March, 1862, that we
broke camp from near Alexandria and advanced
with the rest of the Army of the Potomac
towards Manassas; the march was by way of
Union Mills, near which we camped the first
night out; and what a night it was! A heavy
rain and sleet storm was upon us; there were no
tents for protection and every man exposed to
the raging storm; but rest was secured in spite
of the drenched condition, and the next morning
the march was continued and we passed the old
camps of the enemy at Manassas. We followed
them by hard marching as far as the Rappahan
nock River, at which place we were engaged for
a short time with their rear guard. A halt was

History of Battery G. 21
then called and we stayed for a few days by the
Rappahannock, then with the rest of the troops,
returned to Alexandria. Our next order was to
embark on transports for Fortress Monroe, Vir
ginia. The guns and caissons were loaded upon
the same barge that contained some of the goods
belonging to the headquarters of General
Meagher's Brigade. Within a very few hours
after we left Alexandria it was quite evident that a
gold mine or something about as precious had
been found on the barge. These goods for
Meagher's quarters had a special attraction for
some of our boys; an investigation was ordered
with the result that it was quickly discovered
that these goods were cases containing liquids
in bottles. Everything that was done with these
bottles was done on the quiet, but the writer
believes that when the officers to whom the cases
were addressed opened them at their destination
and found the bottles all right but the "stuff" not
in them, some very inelegant and picturesque
language was used; of course no one in the
barge knew anything about it, but some of our
boys had a keen sense of taste after that.
We arrived in due time at Hampton Roads
and disembarked in a drenching rain storm; went
into camp about two miles beyond the fortress.
Here at Fortress Monroe the battery remained a
few days, when we took up the march towards

22 History of Battery G.
Yorktown. Over a good deal of the journey the
roads were soft; so soft and marshy that the
heavy guns would not travel over them, and so
they had to be corduroyed; this involved great
labor and delayed the journey; but we arrived in
due time in front of Yorktown, took part in the
siege of that place, and had something to do
with its capture. It was before we arrived at
Yorktown that one section of the Fourteenth
New York Independent Light Artillery was as
signed to Battery G by the following order:
Headquarters of Richardson's Division, )
May 26, 1862. [
(Special Order No. 26. )
In compliance with Special Order No. 157, Head
quarters of the Army of the Potomac, dated May 25,
1862, the 'first section of Hogan's Battery is hereby as
signed to Captain Hazard's, the second section to Cap
tain Pettit's Battery and the third section to Captain
Frank's Battery. The horses belonging to the battery
wagon and forge will be turned over to Captain Hazard's
Battery, Fourth United States Artillery. The two officers
in arrest will remain in camp; the other three are tem
porarily assigned to Captain Hazard for duty; the bat
tery wagon and forge will be turned over to the ordin
ance officer of the division, who will receipt for the
same. The commanding officers of the batteries, upon
receiving the above property, will receipt for the same.
By order of
Brigadier General Richardson,
John M. Nowell, Commanding Division.
Captain and Assistant Adjutant General.

History of Battery G. 23
On the 30th day of June, 1862, the muster
roll showed as follows:
Captain — John D. Frank.
First Lieutenants — Nelson Ames and Marshall H.
Rundell. Second Lieutenants — Samuel A. McClellan and George
F. McKnight.
First Sergeant — Thomas H. Bates.
Quartermaster Sergeant — F. F. Goff.
Sergeants — Homer M. Ames, Henry G. Backus, Jessie
J. Burdick, George H. Barse, James W. Nutting and
Sylvenus Wilson.
Corporals — Edwin J. Brooks, Reuben E. Salisbury,
Dwight E. Webb, Nelson R. Alfred, Charles A. Rath-
bun, William E. Sykes, Harrison L. Lane, Merrit C.
Steele, Ashley T. Vaughn and Oscar M. Bates.
Buglers — Fritz Hultzer and Milton Crocker.
Artificer — Charles W. Bennett.
PRIVATES
William B. Adams Robert L. Best
Ira D. Allen Orin J. Blodget
Albert H. Austin Sydney L. Brown
Caleb A. Baker Alfred M. Brown
Martin V. Barnes William E. Brownell
William Barty Charles L. Budrough
John H. Bennet Henry E. Boorn
Alexander Bulson Moses Furney
Abraham Bulson Wesley Gale
Joseph C. Bunworth Fernando Gale
Griffin P. Bush George Garrison
James C. Burke John Gilgray
Mathew Callahan Lewis Gillon
David Cheney John Gothier

24

History of Battery G.

Edgar Coleman
Elias Crawford
John Crouse'
Alva Cummings
Henry Cushing
John Dawley
Warren M. Dawley
George W. Dawley
Alva K. Dean
Jerad D. Delap
Adam Dennis
George Duell
Orcelus Evans
David E. Fancher
Charles W. Fogg
Cephus H. Frary
Abraham Fry
Charles A Lee
George Loomis
Jerome Loucks
Edmund F. Lister
William J. Lister
Judson D. Matterson
Nelson W. March
Josiah F. May
Andrew McBratney
John McCann
Andrew J. McKillop
Henry M. Morgan
James Murphy
John Newberry
James Nicholson
John L. Nichols

Franklin B. Gregory
Albert D. Green
William Hagerman
Charles H. Halsey
William M. Hatch
Xavier Hinderlet
Martin Hopper
James Hutchinson
George F. Jaquin
Isaac Johnson
Almond Johnson
Patrick Caton
Joseph B. King
George Kline
George Knowles
Horace Larkin
Henry V. Latham
Alien W. Phillips
Chancy Poore
Albert W. Powers
Henry A. Rathbun
Hector J. Robertson
Charles Sage
William H. Simons
Charles H. Sheldon
John Shields
Alonzo Smith
Elisha Smith
Daniel W. Smith
Horace S. Smith
Julius A. Stebbins
Regnal H. Stevens
Ceylon H. Talmadge

History of Battery G.

25

Hiram Odell
Jefferson Paine
James C. Parkhurst
Newton M. Parsons
Stephen Palmerton
Addison Patrick
Henry Pierce
Benjamin N. Whipple

Franklin Tubbs
Bertrand Webb
Isaac G. Winnie
John H. Wiltse
Thomas Whalan
William B. Whitney
Orville H. Whitney
George G. Woodmansee

William H. Wilkes
The following named officers and men of
Hogan's Battery were serving with the battery,
having been assigned by Special Order No. 26,
Headquarters Richard's Division, May 26, 1862:
'First Lieutenant — -William O'Donahu.
Sergeants — Charles Hennesy and James Fennesy.
Corporals — Timothy O'Riley, .William McCarty, Pat
rick Smith and James Ryan.
Bugler — Thomas Farrell. PRIVATES

Barnard Ball
George Baxter
Joseph Birch
Patrick Carbary
Patrick Carolin
James Cavanagh
John Clark
Michael Connehan
James Cullen
Hugh Duffy
Thomas Ennis
John Fitzpatrick
James McDonnell

Patrick Fleury
Patrick Ginley
Peter Hannan
William Hickson
James Higgins
William Hogan
Michael Kearns
Thomas Keating
Daniel Kelly
John Lee
Hugh Mullholland
James McCarty
Dennis Seeahan

26

History of Battery G.

Thomas McGuire
Nicholas F. McLaughlin
Michael Noonan
John Riley
John Scullins

George Thompson
George Taffe
John Tuite
Thomas Watson
Patrick Clifford

The following named men of Hogan's Battery
joined Battery G later on:
Sergeant — James Hennessy.
Corporals — William Corrigan, Frederick Gibbons and
Thomas Hughes. PRIVATES Thomas Barnwell

Samuel B. Allen
Fergus Callahan
James Cuddy
Francis Devlin
Daniel Fitzpatrick
Charles Grimes
Michael Murphy
Charles McGovern
Lorenzo O'Connor
John Shea
Michael Tracy

Dennis Cully
John Coughlin
Cornelius Dawlings
Michael Gibbons
Maurice Healey
John McDermot
Patrick McGuire
Charles Reid
Michael Sweetman
John Noonan

All the above named men were permanently
transferred to Battery G by Special Order No.
401, War Department September 7, 1863.
The addition of these men brought the quota
of the battery up to a full eight gun battery
standing with one captain and five lieutenants.
Those not acquainted with the nature of the
country about Yorktown can form no idea of the

History of Battery G. 27
fficulties which were encountered by the army
1 it advanced to the attack of that place. Nat-
•ally strong in its location it had been made
uubly so by the erection of heavy earth works.
here was a deep ditch in front of the city
ctending for miles, with heavy guns located
jon every commanding position. In front of
is extensive ditch, the ground was filled with
irpedoes, and it was by the explosion of these
irpedoes that some of our men were killed as
e advanced after the enemy had evacuated the
ace and fallen back upon Williamsburg.
During our encampment before Yorktown, a
itition was drawn up and addressed to Captain
rank, stating that the men objected to and
¦otested against the harsh and unjust treatment
iey were receiving at his hands; this petition
as signed by 124 of the men. Our company
11 into line and marched up in front of the cap-
in's tent; the committee of three advanced
*arer and presented the petition to him; at the
ime time the petition was presented to Captain
rank, a copy of it was sent to the major-geneial
jmmanding the corps. When Captain Frank
w what it was and what it meant, he became
riously angry and threatened all kinds of severe
ings. He forgot that he was powerless in the
•esence of so many signatures, and did not
:alize that such a petition could not be passed

28 History of Battery G.
by slightingly. Only one man in the whole
company refused to sign it. An incident that
happened at the corps headquarters is well worth
narrating just here. When the copy sent to
Major-General Sumner reached his tent he looked
it over and became indignant. The writer was
at the headquarters when this petition arrived;
he had been sent to headquarters by Captain
Frank to get a requisition for horses approved.
He was immediately called before the general
and questioned as to the truth of the statement
made in the petition; the least that could be said
was that the statement was true. The writer did
all in his power as he spoke with the general to
prevent the arrest of Captain Frank, for it was
the expressed intention of the commander to
order a court martial at once in view of these
serious charges, but at the earnest request of the
writer, he consented finally to send for the cap
tain and talk matters over with him. This was
done and it is a pleasure to record that after that
conversation, the men had little, if anything, to
complain- of against their captain as long as he
remained with the battery. The great trouble
with this officer was that he had been with the
regular army so long that he had the fixed opin
ion of soldiers; he forgot that volunteers as a
class were different from the regular army, but
he learned, if with difficulty, that harsh treatment

History of Battery G. 29
endured by the regulars, could not be tolerated
by the volunteers.
As the enemy fell back from Yorktown, we
advanced towards the city in a heavy rain storm;
the condition of the roads was fearful; it was
one sea of soft mud and filled with cavalry,
artillery and infantry struggling to go to the
front as quickly as possible to assist General
Hooker, whose guns could be easily heard. He
was engaged at Williamsburg, and it was hoped
that we could reach him without serious delay.
The impassable condition of the roads made the
forward march slow and heavy, and night fell
upon us while we were in the midst of dense
pine woods. A halt was called in this pine
timber for the night, but there was no sleeping
for any one on that march. We were on flat
ground which was covered with water from two
to four inches deep; the writer well remembers
how he vainly tried to get a little sleep by sitting
on a log and resting his back against a pine
tree, while he had a foot bath in the cold water;
his was not an over-comfortable position for the
purpose of resting as may be easily imagined.
The night seemed endlessly long, but the morn
ing, as it came, brought new difficulties of its
own; there was no place in all that pine woods
where a fire could be made to cook coffee, so we
passed on as soon as there was light enough to

30 History of Battery G.
march by, and in our passage covered a portion
of the field where the battle had been fought
the day before. The sight that met our eyes
was not very inviting to new soldiers, but it
became very soon a sight too frequently wit
nessed. We passed through Williamsburg that
day and camped about one mile beyond the
town. Here we remained a few days, and then
continued in our advance up the peninsula; pass
ing White House Landing, we arrived at the
north bank of the Chickahominy river where
camp was pitched. In this place there was little
to do until the battle of Seven Pines began. The
opening of this battle was due to the fact that
the enemy attacked the troops of General Casey
just as our battery came into camp from the
Sunday inspection; the roar of musketry was
heard as the battle unexpectedly opened. We
received orders to move to the front, to cross
the Chickahominy River at Grapevine Bridge,
leaving our sick in camp, with battery wagon
and forge; two caissons also were left behind,
and with eight horses on each gun, we started
at about one o'clock in the afternoon. The
scene of the battle was only about five miles
off in a straight line from where we were, but
the roads were in such a condition that it took us
until seven o'clock the next morning to reach
the battle field. Through Sunday afternoon and

History of Battery G.

3i

GOING THROUGH THE SWAMP

32 History of Battery G.
night we had been wading and wallowing through
mud and water while the rain fell in torrents.
The Chickahominy River had overflowed its
banks and was nearly a mile wide as it flowed.
Night came upon us before we could reach
Grapevine Bridge; we were in thick woods and
amidst underbrush, and it was so dark in that
place that one could not see a man an arms length
away. The road leading through the woods to
the bridge had been so cut up by the troops in
advance of us, that we were obliged to leave it
and cut one slowly for ourselves in the midst of
that darkness. Many times during that night
the guns and horses would mire down and it ¦
became necessary to unhitch the horses, attach
drag ropes to the guns and haul them one by
one out of the mud by hand, in this way we
worked all through the night, finally reached
the bridge and crossed it just at daylight on
Monday morning. The bridge across the Chick
ahominy was all afloat, and we were obliged to
hold it in place while the guns were being trans
ported, and a few minutes after we had passed
that way the bridge was entirely swept off by
the flowing water. No one living who was
engaged that night trying to get the battery
through the swamp can forget the difficulties
encountered, or fail to remember the struggle
that was almost paralyzing.

History of Battery G. %%
When we arrived at the front, position was
quickly assumed along the railroad where we
were supported by the Irish brigade; the fighting
was desperate and close, but because of our loca
tion in thick pine woods, and surrounded with
heavy underbrush, our position was such that
although exposed to heavy musketry fire, we
could accomplish little with our battery lest our
own men should be injured. That underbrush'
enveloped us in thick darkness; just before us
no distinction could be made between enemies
and friends; though we had the consciousness of
- accomplishing little, the enemy was steadily and
surely driven back all along the line; the fight
was concluded by night; several men and horses
belonging to us had been struck by musket balls.
Our losses, however, when considered in view of
all the circumstances, were very slight.
It was upon this battlefield that our battery was
encamped until the seven days' fight began just
on our right at Gaine's Mill. Our chief activities
were in support of our picket line. During en
campment here, the stench from the dead of the
previous battle was at times almost overpower
ing. When the army began the flank move
ment on Harrison's Landing we were most of
the time with the Second Corps under Genera]
Sumner, and covering the rear of the army as it
fell back. The fighting during this movement,

34 History of Battery G.
while desperate, did not include our artillery,
which could not well be used in the woods. The
enemy soon understood the intention of our
corps and were held at bay. Then we fell back
by way of Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp
and Malvern Hill. What suggestions arise at the
mention of that last place! Savage's Station had
its struggle and it was a savage one; White Oak
Swamp witnessed severe activities, but the tug
of war came at Malvern Hill. It was on the
ist day of July when the battery reached this
place, tired and hungry and ready to rest. We
had been on the move constantly for a number
of days, but our first order when we arrived at
Malvern was to report for service to General
Porter who immediately commanded the battery
forward into position in a wheat field. The
enemy was at that time advancing, and their
artillery was all located; as we advanced to take
the place designated, a heavy fire rained down
upon us from the enemy, but forward at a trot
we moved in spite of a storm of shot, shell and
musketry, until close range was secured and we
took our places. Six guns of the battery took
position on the rise of ground and opened fire at
once. The right section under Lieutenant Ames
moved a short distance to the right and went
into position near an old house and orchard, be
coming heavily engaged with the enemy at close

History of Battery G. 35
eanister range immediately. The enemy ad
vanced in heavy lines of battle; they were as
sisted by the fire of artillery so placed as to
sweep the field. Notwithstanding our desperate
activities which drove them back, they reformed
their shattered ranks and came on and on more
desperately than ever; it seemed for a while as
though we could not check them. Our men
may have been surprised and doubtless were, at
their vigor and determination, but the inspira
tion to do great deeds came upon us. Our guns
were ploughing great gaps through their lines,
pouring out as they did a steady fire of shot and
canister; it was hot firing and for a time one's
hand could not be held upon the unsponged
guns; that was fierce fighting at Malvern Hill,
but the results of it began soon to appear. The
enemy's ranks wavered, and despite all the offic
ers could do to urge their troops forward, they
fell back and back and we thought retreated for
good. The courage, however, of desperation
possessed them ; their broken lines were reformed ;•
other troops came to their aid; they advanced
again with grim, hard-set resolution. There had
been a few moments in which we had recovered
ourselves and were ready for renewed activities.
Orders were given to the chiefs of pieces to fire
low at the advancing lines; to aim at the feet of
the enemy. As they came on we were told not

36 History of Battery G.
to take time to sponge; on they came for a new
charge and it seemed to us like a solid endless
mass of men, and the guns belched forth their
fire of death. At every discharge, the canister
cut huge gaps in the lines and the men were •
mown down like ripe wheat before the sickle,
but those behind filled up the broken spaces and
on they came. Destruction ravaged our side
too, men dropped here and there but the remain
ing ones steadily mounted their pieces and con
tinued firing. Nothing short of the vision of
that day can teach what fortitude and persistence
in a great cause means.
The enemy advanced actually to within a few
rods of our guns; the strife was endured as long
as possible; human beings could endure no more;
their lines broke almost automatically and fell be
hind a small hill from which they had started.
The difference in number between those who ad
vanced and those who fell back was noticeably
great after these three attacks. It was while the
enemy was retreating the third and last time that
Lieutenant Ames was injured hy the explosion of
a shell from the enemy's gun; it burst close to his
head and destroyed the hearing of his right ear, an
injury from which he never recovered. The
fight was mostly over by eight o'clock at night;
it had been fierce and hot, and its results, what
were they? The Union side, by this battle, had

History of Battery G. 37
changed its base of supplies, had saved its army
train and all materials. The enemy had suffered
irretrievable loss, had endured an irrecoverable
repulse; thousands in its army had been killed.
After the fighing was over most of our troops
withdrew during the night from their position,
and continued their march toward Harrison's
Landing on the James River. Four guns of the
battery remained on the field with the troops
that were there. The right and center sections,
with two small regiments of cavalry and two reg
iments of regular infantry, all under the com
mand of Colonel Averell, of the Third Pennsyl
vania Cavalry. It was intended that this should
cover the withdrawal of other troops and their
train. It was the sad privilege of some of us to
remain on the field until the morning of July 2d,
and such -sights as met our vision in the light of
day cannot be described. The dead and wounded
lay in piles promiscuously, as they had fallen,
and that battlefield of Malvern Hill, as we saw
it, can never be forgotten. As one moved from
point to point over the field it was heart-rending
to hear the wounded plead for water, which
could not be secured for them by any means in
that place; those cries echo yet. About ten
o'clock that morning the lines of the enemy were
seen to be advancing, we fell back slowly, all
the time skirmishing with their front. After we

38 History of Battery G.
had passed the bridge from Turkey Run it was
destroyed behind us and we marched on to join
the troops that had proceeded to Harrison's
Landing. Two miles beyond the run we passed
in behind the rest of our troops to find that they
were drawing up in line of battle. We made
our way to Harrison's Landing and went into
camp for the night, during a drenching rain
storm. The camp was pitched just at dark; the
enemy threw their shell into our camp, but little
damage was done.
Our loss in the battle of Malvern Hill was six
men wounded, one mortally, and fourteen horses
either killed or wounded. One caisson was so
injured by a shot from the enemy that we were
obliged to abandon the body of it on July 2d.
Lieutenants Ames and Rundell were sent to the
general hospital on July 5th and on July 21st,
1862, in the general hospital in Brooklyn, New
York, Lieutenant Rundell passed away.
While we were in camp at Harrison's Landing
the battery substituted six light twelve-pound
guns in place of the ten-pound rifle Parrot guns
which they had used. The ten-pounders were
worthless and the new guns were drawn to take
their place. Among our other activities while
in this place, we took part in several recannois-
ances that were made here. We remained at
Harrison's Landing until the 17th of August,

History of Battery G. 39
when, with the rest of the army, we fell back
towards Fortress Monroe, the Chickahominy
River was crossed on pontoon bridges, and
marching by way of Williamsburg, we arrived at
Hampton, Virginia, about two miles from Fort
ress Monroe, on the 21st of August.
It will be remembered that when we advanced
up the river we were obliged to corduroy the
roads and drag the guns by hand; when we came
down the peninusula we were almost smothered
by the thick dust; our diversified experiences
express the differences in seasons. At Hampton
Roads we embarked on transports on the 26th
of August for Alexandria, Virginia, at which
place we arrived on the 31st of August, with
guns and caissons; the horses did not arrive until
the next day, having been separated from the
rest of the battery by a heavy storm on Chesa
peake Bay. It was impossible for us to get
transports to the wharf because of the storm,
and the horses could not be unloaded until Sep
tember 2d. After the horses had been secured
the battery left Alexandria at twelve o'clock at
night, on September 2d and marched to Arling
ton, arriving there at six o'clock the following
morning. From Arlington we marched to Fort
Corcoran and went into camp at that place on
September 4th, at noon. We remained here
until the 6th of the month, when we broke camp

40 History of Battery G.
for Rockwell, where we arrived at two o'clock
the following morning.
The 9th of September we were on the march,
and after five hours along the road, pitched tent.
The next day from ten in the morning to two in
the afternoon we were on the road again. On
the nth of September camp was broken at six
in the morning and at noon we pitched tents
near Clarksville. Six hours we spent on the
road September 12th; on the 13th, after six
hours of marching, we were near Frederick City,
in Maryland. On the 14th four hours were
spent in marching, and on September 15th, after
three hours, from one in the morning to four
o'clock, we arrived at Bolivar. Here we rested
till eight that morning, and after resuming the
march reached Keedyville at ten o'clock at night.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon on Septem
ber i6thwhenwe left camp to again take up our
journey. At nine p. m. we camped north of
Keedyville, after pretty heavy skirmish fire in
front of us, just at dusk. This fire was pro
voked by the advance of our troops in order to
take position along Antietam Creek and the hills
which overlooked it. On September 17th, at
eight o'clock in the morning, the battery was
placed in position at the right and center of our
lines, and was supported by the Sixth Regiment
of main infantry from Hancock's Brigade.

History of Battery G. 41
Within an hour and a half the battery from the
enemy opened a heavy fire upon us, but was soon
driven from their position by a well directed fire
from our guns. It was while we were engaged
with this battery from the enemy that another
was placed in a piece of woods near by, which
opened a heavy flank fire. The battery changed
front forward on left piece and we opened
heavily on this new danger spot, causing the
battery to fall back and out of range. A battery
located in a cornfield was fired upon at two
o'clock in the afternoon and was dislodged with
the assistance of another battery on our right.
During the afternoon Generals McClellan and
Sumner rode up to where we were posted and
examined the lines of battle with their glasses.
In the course of their visit a rebel battery on our
front was throwing shells into our line. General
McClelland turned to Sergeant Barse and told
him to give them a few straight shots. So suc
cessful was his effort that the fourth shot dis
mounted one of their guns, and we were not
troubled again by them while in this position.
It was while sighting his gun in this place that
Corporal Salisbury was mortally wounded; when
the men carried him a few paces to the rear and
laid him down in a place where he would not be
run over, they asked him if they could do any
thing for him. He remarked, "Yes, return im-

42 History of Battery G.
mediately to your guns; don't mind me, this is
my last fight, I shall live only a few moments at
the most; you go back." In a very brief time
he was dead. The field of battle was richer for
the blood of such a man, and the history of free
men shows no brighter example of great pur
pose and high courage than this. His spirit is a
fair illustration of that shown by all the men of
the battery. Defeat is impossible when bravery
such as this exists; death does not conquer such
a spirit; death may be as it was in this case, an
inspiration to quicken and stimulate it.
Just as darkness fell upon the field the fight
ing ceased, but we remained in position through
the night. Our loss this day was one man killed,
five men wounded and nine horses killed or
wounded; the loss of material was slight and
was made up next day, mostly from what was
picked up on the field. On September 18th we
left the battlefield at eight o'clock in the morn
ing for ammunition; found the train a short dis
tance in the rear, refilled the chests and returned
into position on the field at noon, but were not
engaged during the day. There was some
picket firing but both sides were busy burying
their dead and caring for their wounded.
On September 19th, at the break of day, our
skirmishers advanced. The orders had been
issued during the night to attack the enemy at day-

History of Battery G. 43
break, but the enemy fell back during the night
and crossed the Potomac River into Virginia.
Many of their dead and wounded were left scat
tered over the field of battle for the "Yanks" to
care for. Almost every house and barn from the
battlefield to the river was filled with the enemy's
wounded. Those who remained upon the field
were supposed to be mortally injured and so
were left to the tender care of "Lincoln's hire
lings," as the rebels termed the Union soldiers.
Thus ended one. of the bloodiest battles of the
war, considering the length of time it consumed.
To offset the criticism which might arise after
this statement, I copy the list of losses which
followed that 17th of September. On the Union
side: Killed, 2,108; wounded, 9,549; captured
and missing, 753; total for the Union army, on
one day, 12,410. The loss of the enemy needs
not to be specified, but was still greater than
that of the Union forces.
The battery remained in camp near Sharps-
burg until September 22d, on which day camp was
broken and the men were marched along the
river road for Harper's Ferry. This place was
reached at four o'clock in the afternoon after
journeying over rough and hilly roads. The
battery went into camp on the north side of the
Potomac River, and remained in this place until
the 24th of September, when we moved across

44 History of Battery G.
the river on pontoon bridges and entered camp
on Bolivar Heights. Lieutenant Ames re-joined
the battery on September 25th.
Here we remained until the ist of October, on
which date, at six o'clock in the morning, the
battery started with Hancock's Division on a re-
connoissance to Leesburg, Virginia. It was
eight o'clock in the evening when we arrived
near enough to our destination to go into camp.
At five o'clock in the morning of October 2d
we moved out of the first camp and journeyed
until three o'clock in the afternoon, when we
halted about two miles from Hillsborough, scouts
having reported that the enemy was moving to
cut us off from the ferry. We broke camp at
ten o'clock that night and returned to our old
camping place on Bolivar Heights at four o'clock
next morning. The monthly report of October
9th indicates that at this time the battery con
sisted of 166 officers and men.
Our next move was with Hancock's Division
in the reconnoissance to Halltown, Virginia.
The battery was ordered to take position on the
top of a very high and steep hill, the ascent be
ing so steep that the horses were unable to draw
the pieces, so the men were compelled to lend
assistance with the use of drag ropes. This pull
up the hill in a heavy rain storm, every man wet
to the skin, and after all our up-hill work the

History of Battery G. 45
enemy remained at a safe distance and we were
not privileged to open fire from our exalted po
sition. In this place we stayed for two days,
returning to Bolivar Heights on the 18th and
remaining until the 30th of October.
Our next move began at five o'clock in the
afternoon of this date, when we crossed the
Shenandoah River on pontoons and went into
camp three miles from the bridge at nine in the
evening. The next morning at seven we were
on the march; three hours afterward camp was
formed two miles northwest of Hillsborough,
Virginia. A shift was made on the ist of No
vember, and we were marching from ten in the
morning till three in the afternoon, after which
we encamped near Wood Grove.
On November 2d, after three hours on the
march, we encamped near Snicker's Gap. There
was some firing of a slight sort in the front of
us. On November 3d, we broke camp at nine
a. rn. and marched until five p. m., when we
camped near Ashley's Gap. The same length
of time was spent in marching the next day, at
the close of which we were near Salem, Virginia.
It was while we were in this camp that General
McClellan was relieved of the command and
General Burnside was placed in charge of the
army. The 8th day of November found us
in motion at nine o'clock in the morning and on

46 History of Battery G.
the journey until six o'clock in the evening. The
record for November 9th indicates nine hours of
marching, at the end of which we encamped
near Warrenton. The 15th of November was
another moving day, and after marching from
nine in the morning until four in the afternoon
we pitched camp three miles south of Warrenton
Junction. Nine hours marching on the 16th of
November found us in the early evening near
White Plains, and from this place on the follow
ing day, after eight hours of tramping, we en
camped not far from Falmouth, Virginia. On
November 20th the camp was shifted to within
one and a half miles north of Falmouth, where
we pitched in heavy oak and pine timber. Work
was at once begun for the erection of winter
quarters. These consisted of log huts, covered
with shelter tents for the roof. An open fire
place was in each hut, and four men were as
signed together. These were very comfortable
quarters, and the spirit of the men in general
was altogether praiseworthy.
On the 5th day of December Second Lieut.
S. A. McClellan was promoted to first lieuten
ant and assigned to our battery, by Order No. 10,
from headquarters of the First New York Light
Artillery. Lieut. William A. Harn was assigned
to Battery E by a similar order dated November
16th. Second Lieut. J. B. Hazelton was assigned

History of Battery G. 47
to the battery by Order No. 12, Headquarters
First New York Light Artillery, dated Novem
ber 26th. This camp was the home of the bat
tery until the morning of December nth, on
which day we started to march at six o'clock in
the morning and keeping to the low ground be
hind the hills, got out of sight of the enemy.
As the morning was very misty the enemy did
not perceive our movement, and after traveling
two miles we encamped opposite Fredericksburg.
Here we lay all day while the engineers were
endeavoring to throw a pontoon bridge over the
Rappahannock River in front of the town. As
soon as our men advanced to lay the bridge they
were shot down by the enemy's sharpshooters,
who were concealed in rifle pits, in buildings and
in every conceivable place from which they could
take advantage and be safe from our fire. As night
fell, orders were given to discontinue the work
of bridging the river. All through that night of
December nth preparations were made for a bat
tle the next day, and every man gave himself
vigorously to preliminary work. At seven o'clock
the next morning we moved forward to the river
bank in front of the town; the battery was quickly
formed with other batteries and opened a heavy
fire on the pits and buildings where the enemy
was concealed. Effectual work was done by the
heavy cannonading, several buildings were set

48

History of Battery G.

CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK AT FREDERICKSBURG

History of Battery G. 49
On fire by our shells, and the enemy's sharp
shooters were driven from their places of con
cealment. While we were thus engaged a regi
ment of our infantry passed over the river in
pontoon boats, and being covered by artillery
fire, seized the opposite bank. While we were en
gaged in this manner the enemy opened upon us
in heavy form with rifled batteries located back
of the town; we did not, however, attempt to
reply to them, owing to the fact that our smooth
bore guns could not reach their lines. The
bridge having been completed across the river,
the battery was limbered up and moved down
the road that had been cut the night before, on
the side of a steep bank, leading to the river.
When we arrived at the bridge we were sub
jected to a heavy fire from the enemy; three men
from our battery were wounded in crossing, one
mortally; one caisson axle was broken by the
enemy's fire. On the other side of the river we
parked near the river bank in the rear of a large
tobacco warehouse, where we remained during the
night. Other troops were crossing while we were
in this place. While crossing the river an inci
dent occurred which is worth recalling, as it indi
cated the condition of our troops. Just as that
section of the battery which was commanded by
Lieutenant Ames was descending the steep hill
on which a road had been cut to reach the bridge,

$0 History of Battery G.
the enemy opened heavily with its artillery upon
our battery; the air was thick with shot and shell.
One of the drivers of the second caisson (the one
in front) had his leg shot off and fell from his
horse; his team became frightened by the burst
ing of the shells and turned to run up the hill.
Although the driver was mortally wounded, yet
he held to the bridle reins as long as his strength
lasted. Before anyone could reach him with
assistance he was obliged to let go his grasp.
The team being now free, and being exhausted
and frightened, ran into the center and wheel
team and upset the caisson, which rolled down
the steep hill. It was a moment of the greatest
danger, horses, caisson, everything went rolling
down in one confused mass to the bottom; our
desperate plight was perceived by the enemy,
who opened fire as rapidly and fiercely as possi
ble, hoping, no doubt, to explode the caisson.
Lieutenant Ames saw what would probably hap
pen, and although he was commanded by a staff
officer to leave the caisson and horses until the
enemy's fire had slackened, yet he disobeyed
that order, called to his cannoneers to follow
him, and dashed down the hill, as it seemed to
certain death. The caisson was found bottom
side up, the six horses were in one pile, the cen
ter and wheel drivers were under their teams.
Without undue haste and surely without im-

History of Battery G. 5*
proper leisure, the men were assigned to posi
tions, and calmly undertook the task of lifting
the horses one at a time, from the drivers. It
would seem now, as one attempts to describe the
scene, as if it must have taken a long time, but
in a very few moments, fewer than would be
imagined, the horses were up, the caisson was
righted, the teams were hitched in again and
new drivers took the places of those who had
been pretty badly squeezed, but not mortally
injured, and the caisson rejoined the battery just
as it started to cross the bridge. No personal
glorification is here intended; one man was as
earnest and as willing as another; the incident
is repeated simply to indicate the sort of ma
terial the volunteer army was composed of.
The battery remained in park until the infantry
had crossed the river and gotten into position.
Shortly after noon of the 13th, Lieutenant Ames
with the right section was ordered to advance in
front of the town and engage the enemy for the
purpose of drawing the enemy's fire while the
infantry formed. Nothing in all the war is more
certain than that he succeeded, and succeeded
well, that day in drawing their fire. The right
section advanced up one of the main streets that
led towards the south. As soon as the edge of
the town was reached, we were exposed to the
full view of the enemy's batteries which opened

52 History of Battery G.
hot and heavy at the head of the column. Total
destruction seemed in store for us, yet this little
band, without noticable fear, and surely with no
thought of turning backwards, marched forward
until a good position was reached in which to
form. The section went into action in a garden
adjacent to a house. Our smooth bore guns did
not permit us to reach the enemy's batteries that
were posted on the hill; they had a decided
advantage; they were above us, and as they fifed
from the high ground, their shot literally tore up
the ground all around us at every discharge.
We remained, however, in this position "drawing
fire of the enemy," until ammunition was
exhausted, when we withdrew, and falling back,
went into park in the same place we left when
we were ordered to move forward.
At about two o'clock in the afternoon, the four
other pieces of the battery under the command
of Captain Frank, received orders to advance to
the front of the town; and taking position to the
right of the brick kiln, became immediately and
warmly engaged. This movement was ordered
for the purpose of giving support to the infantry
as they charged time after time in vain endeavors
to carry the enemy's lines. As the enemy had
three lines of battle formed one above another
on the side hill, it was possible for each of them
to open fire at once, the rear ones over the heads

History of Battery G. 53
of the ones in front and it was therefore impos
sible for our troops to dislodge them. After
serious and vigorous fighting through the after
noon, the attempt to carry these well located lines
was given up. Our troups fell back a short dis
tance; we were in line during the whole night;
it was cold and raw; every man suffered and
many of the wounded perished that night from
cold. It was quickly perceived that some one
had made a fearful mistake in trying to force the
enemy from that strong position; the effort cost
dearly; the price of fool-hardiness in battle is the
loss of precious life. Our battery had one man
killed and one man wounded who died at the
field hospital; four seriously and others slightly
wounded. Four horses were killed outright and
six were wounded. The loss in material was
slight. On the 14th of this month the battery re-
crossed the river and went into park a short
distance from the river bank. We were just be
hind the short hill out of range of the enemy's
artillery; their shots struck in front of the place
where we were parked. We could hear them
rebound and see them pass over our heads. At
break of day on the 15th the battery moved for
ward and assumed position on the hill overlook
ing the pontoon bridge. We were ready to
open fire if the enemy attacked our infantry as

54 History of Battery G.
they came over the pontoon. After all the
troops had safely crossed and the bridge had
been taken up we returned to the camp which
we had left when we started on this ill-planned
and unfortunate movement. It is scarcely ever
the privilege of a soldier to criticise the plans
and actions of his superiors, but it is every man's
prerogative to state his opinion after a lapse of
so long a time.
There was one satisfaction which came to the
men of the battery in the way of consolation
after the battle of Fredericksburg, and that was
a good supply of tobacco was furnished. There
are times in a man's life when common comforts
seem ordinary, but this was a time in the lives of
these soldiers when the common comforts of a pipe
was regarded as heavenly bliss. The way we came
upon the tobacco was as follows: Our ammuni
tion chests were empty or nearly so; orders were
received for the battery to cross the river. Be
fore the crossing begun the writer asked one of
the sergeants what the brick building in front of
us contained, and was informed that it contained
tobacco. Then a suggestion was made that in
all likelihood some of it might fit in our chest in
place of exploded ammunition; the suggestion
was made that the writer go down to the bridge
by way of the front of the building and see when
the battery could cross the river most con-

History of Battery G. 55
veniently. Information was given to the boys
that the brick building contained tobacco, and
while it would be improper for them to take any
without requesting the privilege of so doing, of
the officer in charge, (which would have to be
refused) yet they were informed that the officer
in charge was about to be conveniently absent.
When he returned to camp from the inspection
of the river the quantity of new ammunition in
those chests suggested that no grass had grown
under the soldiers' feet during that short period
of official absence.
On January 13, 1863, Capt. J. D. Frank was
compelled to leave the battery on sick leave.
First Lieut. Nelson Ames took command. On
January 15th, Second -Lieut. J. B. Hazleton
joined the battery for duty. The tri-monthly
roster, made up January 29th, reported an
aggregate of one hundred and seventy-six offic
ers and men, who, present and absent, belonged
to the battery. A very comfortable winter was
passed by the men of the battery in active serv
ice at this camp. All were kept busily engaged
drilling and preparing for spring activities. On
the 5th day of March, Quartermaster Sergt. F.
F. Goff was promoted second lieutenant and
assigned to the battery by orders from Head
quarters First Regiment New York Light Artil
lery. Capt. J. D. Frank was mustered out of

56 Hi story, of Battery G.
service on the 4th day of April, 1863 by Special
Order No. 155 issued from the War Department.
First Lieut. Nelson Ames was promoted to the
rank of captain to date from April 4, 1863.
On the 28th of April of this year, the battery
broke camp and marched to United States Ford
on the Rappahannock River. It was one o'clock
in the afternoon when we arrived at this ford and
went into park for the night. At seven o'clock
on the following morning we crossed the river
on a pontoon bridge and moved to the front near
the Chancellorsville House on that famous bat
tle field. In this place we remained in position
until the morning of the 2d day of May, when
the battery was ordered back to United States
Ford. We arrived at the latter place at eight in
the morning, went into park immediately, fed
the horses, cooked coffee for the men; it being
the humane action of soldiers in the service of
the United States Government to look after their
beasts of burden before they remembered them
selves. After being in this place a short time,
orders were received directing the battery to
return to the front over the same three miles
that had been previously traveled. When we
reached the new destination and had reported to
Major General Couch, commanding the Second
Army Corps, we were ordered to return again
to the place from which we started — United

SERGT. GEORGE H. BARSE
Chief of Sixth Piece
Promoted to Lieutenant June 22, 1 864
Participated in every battle in w hich the Battery was
engaged, until promoted
Transferred to Battery E and served to close of war

SERGT. WILLIAM CORRIGAN
Chief of Fifth Piece
Participated in every battle in which the Battery was engaged

History of Battery G. 57
States Ford. The reason for this return was
that the attack on our lines which had demanded
our presence, had been repulsed before our
arrival, and so we had no more excitement than
the excitement of a journey. Upon our immed
iate return to the ford we again went into park,
the horses, however, were kept harnessed ready
to move at a moment's notice.
On the morning of May 3d orders were re
ceived to move again to the front. Upon our
arrival we went into immediate position, opened
fire and helped repel several attacks of the
enemy, who advanced to feel our lines. A short
time after the firing ceased, the battery was or
dered to its old situation at the ford. The woods
all about our position were on fire, the work of
the enemy possibly, or fired by our shell. This
fierce fire raged fiercely through the dry leaves
and brush and through the dead timber, of which
there was a great quantity, and the heat was' in
tense. A large number of the wounded of our
side who were unable to move themselves and
whom we could not remove from between the
line of battle, were burned up. It was no small
task to return from our position on the field to
our former situation at the ford, but, covering our
ammunition chests with rubber and wool blankets
and going through a perfect sea of fire, the
woods in places being wrapped in flame over our

5 8 History of Battery G.
heads as well as under foot, we made desperate
efforts to reach and secure a place of safety. A
cannoneer was placed on each gun and caisson
so that the brands of fire as they fell on the car
riages might be thrown off, and for nearly a mile
through this leaping and furious sea of flame,
the cannoneer on each piece was kept constantly
busy. With feelings of profound thankfulness we
reached United States Ford, and it seemed noth
ing less than a miracle that we had escaped the
fire without the explosion of ammunition chests.
We were not left, however, at the United States
Ford for a very long time. Not more than two
hours after getting to this place, orders came
again to return to the front as rapidly as possible.
The enemy was advancing in heavy lines of bat
tle to the left of our army. Commanding the
cannoneers to keep close to the carriages to
throw off fire brands as they fell, we moved for
ward into that sea of fire which we had so thank
fully and miraculously once passed through.
During this return journey very frequently the
horses would stop on account of the fearful heat
and smoke. It seemed at times utterly impos
sible for us -to advance another step. Captain
Ames was mounted on a powerful horse which
responded to the spurs that were constantly given
to him, and whenever the battery seemed dis
posed to stop, that spurred horse was urged to

History of Battery G. 59
the front as an example and inspiration for the
others to follow. When we arrived at the line
of battle we were, soon in position. At that time
the Eleventh Corps broke and came stampeding
to the rear with Stonewall Jackson's men in close
pursuit. A part of the Eleventh Corps ran
through our battery and obstructed the firing.
Captain Ames vainly endeavored to get them to
rally and reform on a line with the battery. It
was, however, evident that they had started for
the rear and intended not to stop until they
reached that place. It seemed to the men of
the battery that the officers of the corps were
more frightened than the men. As soon as the
front of the battery .was unimpeded, a few well
directed rounds from our guns caused the enemy
to fall back and seek shelter for themselves in
the thick wood on the other side, where, for a
while, they stayed. During the night we threw
up earthworks.
On the 4th and 5th of this month we took
part in repelling several advances of the enemy.
During the night of the 5th we fell back and
recrossed the river at United States Ford, taking
our position just overlooking the bridge on the
north bank. This was done in order to cover
the crossing of the infantry. After such troops
had all crossed and the bridge had been taken
up, the battery fell back about one mile from the

60 History of Battery G.
river bank, fed the horses, cooked coffee for the
men, after which the march was continued until
we arrived in our old camp near Falmouth by
twelve o'clock noon. It was very evident from
all these activities that some one had blundered
and had blundered mightily, for when the cost
of a blunder is several thousand men killed and
wounded the proportions of the blunder become
more clearly apparent. We remained in this
camp at Falmouth until the 8th of May. At five
o'clock of that day we broke camp and marched
to a position near the Lacey House on the bank
of the river in front of Fredericksburg, which
we reached at about seven o'clock. In this po
sition the battery remained until the 18th of May,
when it joined the artillery reserve, Army of the
Potomac, some four miles away from the old
camp at Falmouth. On the 27th of May the
camp was moved a short distance and here we
remained until the 4th of June, when we marched
to Grove Church, eighteen miles away. On the
9th Lieutenant Hazleton's section was sent to
Kemper's Ford to support the infantry pickets.
On the 13th we broke camp at eight in the even
ing and marched to Morrisville, which we reached
at ten o'clock that night, having covered a dis
tance of about eight miles. On the 14th of June,
Lieutenant Hazleton's section rejoined the bat
tery at seven o'clock in the morning. Camp

History of Battery G. 61
was broken at noon and after marching eighteen
miles, over very hot and dusty roads, we reached
Catlett's Station at eight p. m. The next day
camp was broken at five in the morning and
after marching twelve miles we came to Manasses
Junction at about noon. Here we stayed until
the next day at about five in the afternoon, and
marched eleven miles to Fairfax Court House;
which we reached at eleven p. m. On the day
following, camp was broken at eight in the morn
ing and pitched two miles west of Fairfax Court
House, where we remained until the 24th _of
June. On that day camp was broken at six in
the morning. At eleven o'clock the horses were
watered at Hunter's Mill; the march was con
tinued until the Potomac River was crossed on
pontoon bridge at Edward's Ferry, and now in
the State of Maryland, camp was pitched one
mile from the place of crossing. The whole
journey between- the breaking of the previous
camp and the pitching of this one was twenty-
eight miles in length. It was a pretty hard
march because of the fearful heat and dust.
On June 27th camp was broken at nine in the
morning; the battery passed to the left of Sugar-
loaf Mountain and went into camp again at nine
p. m., one mile north of Frederick City. The
journey for twelve hours had been over a very
bad road. On the 29th of June, camp was

62 History of Battery G.
broken at seven in the morning, and after a
journey of twenty-seven miles was pitched again
at nine p. m., one mile north of Bruceville. The
next day at one o'clock in the afternoon, we left
camp and marched to a new site near Taney-
town, which was reached at about five p. m.,
after a journey of six miles. The next morning,
which was the ist of July, we were on the move
at half past eight and after a three hours' march
pitched camp near Harney, Pennsylvania. The
next morning at five o'clock camp was broken
and after a five mile march the battery arrived
near Gettysburg. Here we parked for a short
time and fed the horses.
An order was received to report to Major
• General Sickles, commanding the Third Army
Corps on the left. Captain Ames road forward
and reported to General Sickles for orders; he
was commanded to move his battery forward
and park in a small hollow near a large brick
barn, sending the battery wagon and the sick to
the rear. The battery moved forward and by-
keeping as much as possible under cover of the
woods, did not draw the enemy's fire. When
we arrived at the place designated the battery
was parked. A careful examination was made
to see that nothing had been overlooked or
omitted, so that the battery might be ready to
go into action at a moment's notice. Every

History of Battery G. 63
man's canteen was filled with water, as was also
each sponge bucket. While the battery was
parked in this place. Captain Ames road forward
to the extreme front and examined the ground
carefully, all the time under a continuous fire
from the enemy's sharp shooters. In this place
the battery remained until four o'clock in the
afternoon, at which time the enemy's lines began
to advance. The battery was now ordered for
ward into position in Sherfy's peach orchard,
that being the highest ground on that part of
our line; it is just where the orchard makes a
square turn along the Emmettsburg road. Mov
ing out of park we passed by a slight hollow just
to the left and front of the large brick barn. We
were going through a corn field where the corn
was about six inches high. As soon as we
reached the top of the rising ground, three bat
teries from the enemy, which were in good po
sition, opened on us with considerable activity,
and it is needless to say that under the circum
stances we felt that we were in a rather delicate
and ticklish place. It was without question that
the enemy thought that they could disable the
battery before we could get into position. It is
a pleasure to record that the promptness and
coolness of the men of Battery G frustrated the
intention of the enemy. With steady march we
went through that storm of shell as calmly as

64 History of Battery G.
though we were upon drill; not a man flinched
from the duty that was clearly his; every eye
was upon the little leader who rode as calmly at
the head of the line as though there was no
danger. When we arrived at the peach orchard
the battery was formed forward into battery left
oblique; the caissons were fairly well sheltered
in the rear just where the ground began to de
scend. Each chief of section was ordered to
open fire on the enemy's batteries as soon as
position was assumed. The lieutenants in com
mand of the center and left sections were new
officers and Captain Ames remained with them
to give such directions as their lack of experience
might make necessary, and to see that their sec
tions were properly handled and placed in posi
tion. It was the thought of the captain that the
right section, which was under the care of an
old officer, would look after itself, but one can
never foresee some of the unexpected happen
ings on a field of battle. Just as the left and
center sections had gotten down to business,
which means that every shot was plainly telling
upon the enemy, Sergeant Burdick of number
one gun advanced to Captain Ames on the run
and said: "For God's sake come and tell us
where to place our guns; we have been running
them up and down all over this field, no place is
satisfactory to the lieutenant; all my men and

History of Battery G. 65
Sergeant Hutchinson are tired out." It took but
a moment for Captain Ames to dash through the
thick orchard to the road and to designate the
position for the other two guns. Just as soon
as positions were indicated the guns were quickly
in operation, the sergeant having been ordered
to open fire at once. By slow fire and slow pro
cedure we were able to observe the effect of
every shot. The lieutenant in whom had been
reposed such confidence a little while before, be
gan to remonstrate with the captain against
opening fire until certain peach trees could be
cut down and cleared away. Nothing but sum
mary treatment seemed to make an impression
upon the lieutenant's mind, but when the captain
told him that if another word escaped his lips
during the battle his sword would be taken from
him and he sent to the rear, he "became dumb
with silence." He had up to this time been
always a brave and true officer, and the wiiter is
of the opinion that he was at this time confused,
as a consequence of a shot passing close to his
head. As soon as the guns opened fire, or just
after it, he became himself again and handled
his section well during the action. The captain
remained with this section long enough to ob
serve the splendid execution that it was doing,
but directed both sergeants to report to him irn-
mediately if there was any special need for his

66 History of Battery G.
services, and promised to visit them as often as
possible during the engagement. The orchard
was so dense and thick and the ground so un
even that one could not see all the guns at the
same time unless, possibly, he was in the center
of the battery; To this position and towards
the left section the captain returned, where he
watched the firing from the pieces, and declares
without hesitation that finer execution was never
done by artillery on any field of battle. The
sergeants almost always took the places of their
gunners in sighting pieces. So fierce and so
perfect was the work done by the battery that
the enemy's batteries were seen to change posi
tion. The advantage of our higher ground made
it possible for every one of our shots to take
effect. We could watch them one by one go
plowing through the opposite ranks. Their shots
directed against us generally struck in front and
rebounding passed over our heads. It was evi
dently the intention of the enemy to concentrate
fire on our position in order, if possible, to silence
our guns or drive us from the place we assumed,
but it was just as evidently the intention of our
men to stay where they were and work from that
point, for both sides realized that whoever held
or could hold our place, held the key to the en
tire situation.
The writer remembers with what curious feel-

History of Battery G. 67
ings he watched the enemy massing their forces
in heavy lines to the left and front of the battery,
preparing to make a charge from the woods upon
our line. One could never forget the magnify
cent manner in which they moved out of the
timber and deployed to charge across the open
field in order to reach our line of battle, which
had been formed in the woods on our left. As
they marched out into the clear opening, the two
guns of our left section were turned upon the
enemy's infantry, the other four continued to fire
at the front. Sergeants Barse and Winnie, with
their two guns, were doing the best execution
possible. Every shot they fired tore its way
through the enemy's ranks. Huge gaps were
clearly seen but were filled up quickly by the liv
ing, who moved grandly forward. It was evi
dent that their lines were obliquing a little to
our left in order to strike our lines between
Devil's Den and Little Round Top. As soon
as their line had passed out of the range of our
battery behind the woods to our left, the two guns
that had paid especial attention to the charging
enemy, were turned upon those in front, and not
a moment too soon was the substitution made,
for the enemy had brought up an additional bat
tery, had placed it behind a large cattle shed
and now for a short time were firing through
openings made in the siding. It was rather

68 History of Battery G.
puzzling for a while to determine where all the
shots came from. As Captain Ames went a
short distance to the left of the battery out of
the smoke, and with his glass made observa
tions, he located this battery behind the shed.
He then returned to his own men and directed
Sergeant Barse to turn his gun towards that shed
and see if he could set it on fire. As soon as
the distance was given and a little attention paid
to the new target, we had the satisfaction of see
ing it burst out into flames; shells from our gun
had evidently burned the hay. It was plainly
evident that they had no time to spare as they
hurried their battery away from that barn to es
cape the flames, but they were soon in position
again sending their compliments to us in the
shape of ten pound shells. As the line of the
enemy struck ours in the Devil's Den the crash
of musketry was dreadful. There was a contin
uous roar of firing from muskets and an occa
sional addition from the artillery, but we who
were at the peach orchard had no time to dis
tinguish sounds or listen to anything taking place
on the right or on the left. Our duty was to ob
serve conditions immediately in front of us. The
enemy were gradually working their lines for
ward toward our left. We were able to keep
them from advancing, however, directly from the
front. We noticed then that the lines were be-

History of Battery G. 69
ing slowly pushed back on our left. This could
be told by the heavy firing from that quarter, if
for no other reason. We were supported by
Graham's Brigade of Burney's Division, Third
Corps. The battle was furious all along the left
part of our line from Little Round Top to the
peach orchard, and it seemed to us that some of
the troops at the peach orchard had been se
lected for special attack and an unfailing fire was
poured in upon them. As the line had been
driven back upon the left to some noticeable de
gree, it was very important that the angle at the
peach orchard should be held, at all hazards,
until a line should be established in the rear, the
ground in the peach orchard being the best part
of the field, which was known to the enemy as
well as ourselves. They concentrated all their
battery fire on that point, being determined to
drive us out. General Hunt, the chief of artillery
of the army, came dashing up to Captain Ames
in the thick of the battle and asked him how long
he could hold the position, at the same time in
forming him of the importance of holding that
place until a new line could be established in the
rear. Captain Ames responded that while his
ammunition was getting low he felt sure that he
could hold the position as long as it lasted. The
general had no sooner ridden away after this
conversation than the enemy brought a battery

70 History of Battery G.
into position just three hundred yards from our
guns in a piece of timber on our right flank, and
opened upon us with canister, sweeping our
front from right to left. The position was taken
and the firing begun before we were conscious
of their presence. The captain heard the rattle
of canister upon the right. He was in the rear
of the guns of the left section. As soon as this
new position was discovered the chief of the sec
tion where the captain was standing came up on
the run and asked him if he did not think the
battery had better fall back, announcing to the
captain that it was impossible for a single battery
to contend against all their batteries at once.
The captain ordered the lieutenant back to his
guns with an emphatic command to keep his
mouth shut and make no more suggestions of
that sort; if his guns were to fall back the lieu
tenant would hear of it at the proper time. It
would be impossible to describe the expression
on the face of the lieutenant, or his whole air of
chagrin as he turned back to rejoin his guns. It
was the opinion of the captain that the judg
ment of this lieut,enant was singularly good, but
he is now sure that it was better always after
that remark. The same lieutenant used to say
occasionally after this experience that the last
thing he would ever think of doing was to make
a suggestion to fall back to that ' 'little bull dog"

History of Battery G. ft
as long as he was in command of the battery.
When the captain went to the right section
and saw the position of the enemy's battery three
hundred yards away, and observing it pouring
in a continuous stream of canister, he gave
orders for the right section to change front for
ward on right piece and to use solid shot. The
lieutenant of that section remonstrated, saying
the enemy were using canister, and so should
we. The captain responded that so long as his
eyes remained good, he was able to observe
what the enemy were using and hoped they
would continue to use canister, but we would
show them what could be done with solid shot,
the purpose of course being to disable their guns.
It took but a short time to place the guns in the
proper position and for the gunners to set their
sights at point blank. Then they were directed
to fire as soon as ready. The captain stepped
a few paces to the right in order to observe the
effect of the shot without the obstruction of
smoke. The first one fired passed just under
the axle of the enemy's gun. The sight was
again adjusted for the gunner; the second shot
passed about the same distance above the axle.
Then when the sight was set again the captain
remarked to the gunner that it would be better
not to get excited as this shot would settle the
fate of the enemy's gun. The gunner was told

72 History of Battery G.
to fire whenever he was ready. It seemed as
though that gunner was a long time in sighting,
but just as soon as everything was ready, he
fired and his shot struck under the barrel of the
gun on the end of the stock, thus dismounting
it and throwing it nearly as high as the tops of
the trees. When the smoke and dust had cleared
away, the men who served that gun could be seen
lying on the ground where a moment before they
had stood, and it was evident that they were
struck down by flying pieces of iron and wood.
Captain Ames congratulated Sergeant Burdick
on the effect of that shot and remarked that it
would be well to try the next gun while he went
to see how Sergeant Hutchinson was getting
along. Sergeant Hutchinson had just disabled
one of their guns by knocking a wheel to pieces.
Between Sergeants Burdick and Hutchinson,
three of the enemy's guns had been disabled; the
fourth one had been drawn back into the woods
in order to save it. It seemed an opportune
time for the captain to remark to the lieutenant
that it would be well for him to change his opin
ion about firing canister. During this duel on
the right of the battery, the center and left sec
tions were firing slowly for want of ammunition.
This gave them an opportunity to note carefully
the effects of each shot upon the batteries in
front. We had borrowed some ammunition

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

History of Battery G. 73
from the battery on our left. During all the
time of this activity, the enemy had been getting
more upon our rear and on our left, and was also
crowding the lines back upon the right. As
these things were being observed and as we
noted that the enemy was advancing a heavy
line in front, an order was received from General
Sickles to fall back. The enemy was so close
that it would have meant the loss of our guns
had we attempted to limber up at that time and
retreat. The only chance to fall back into a
position of safety was by first beating them back.
One of the consequences certain and sure if the
order had been obeyed as given, would "have
been the death of the horses of the battery. The
men were nearly exhausted from their activities,
but when they were told that they must drive
back the enemy's lines so that the battery could
limber up in order to fall back, they nobly re
sponded to the call. Then came the second
order to fall back, but with such sergeants as
Burdick, Hutchinson, Hennessey, Brown, Winne
and Barse and their gunners, Corporals Sykes,
Bates, Hopper, Cushing, March, Smith, Corri-
gan, Gibbons, Hughes and McNeal and such
brave boys as served in this battery it was not
an open question about falling back. The guns
began to pour forth a stream of fire and death.
Then when the enemy was checked in their ad-

.74 History of Battery G.
vance an order was given to fall back by sec
tions from the right. The right section fell back
first. As soon as that was out of the way the
center section followed and finally the left. By
falling back in this way a part of the guns could
be used to cover the retreat of the others. When
the last of the battery left the orchard, the enemy
was so close that we could distinguish their
officers as they yelled hoarsely and coarsely, ' 'sur
render you yankee  ." The captain
remained in position until the last gun fell
back. The wounded were placed on the caissons
and brought back with the guns; that is, those
who had not been sent on before.
A little incident occurred during the thickest
of the fighting just described that will give the
reader a notion of the spirit that animated the
men of this battery. A shell from one of the
guns of the enemy exploded and cut John
Krouse's foot off just at the ankle. He was
serving as number one on his gun and had just
stepped in to load as a flying shell burst. Num
ber two had also stepped in to put a charge in
the gun. When his companion saw that Krouse's
foot had been shot off he stepped back as if he
would wait until another man could take the
place of the wounded. Krouse called out to
him as follows: "D  you, what are you wait
ing for; put your charge in; I am going to have

History of Battery G. 75
one more shot at them, leg or no leg," and it is
worthy of record that he loaded the gun while he
was standing on the stump of that foot. Captain
Ames passed from one flank of the battery to the
other just at this time and said to Krouse, "Well,
John, have they wounded you at last?" "Yes,"
replied Krouse, ' 'the d  fools have shot my
foot off; that was the best they could do." The
captain asked him if he would like to have a
swallow of whisky. There was a big smile on
Krouse's face as he replied to this question, and
said, "I don't think I ever saw a time in my life
when it would be more acceptable." The cap
tain reached down, took out a flask which he
always carried in his saddlebags when going
into action — it was carried to help men who
might be wounded. .As he handed it to Krouse
he said, "Take a good drink; that will brace you
up;" but as he watched him adjust the flask to
his mouth and keep it there he felt very thankful
that the flask itself was not swallowed. This man
Krouse was placed on a stretcher and sent to the
field hospital, where his leg was amputated. It
did not heal and had to be amputated again; it
never did heal thoroughly. It goes almost with
out saying that with such men to serve in battle,
defeat was impossible. Men may be obliged to
fall back, but when they do such service as John
Krouse did, falling back is no dishonor.

,76 History of Battery G.
The chiefs of section had been ordered to halt
in falling back, as they came near the large brick
barn close to the place where the battery started
when it advanced. The battery had been en
gaged in the peach orchard from four to seven
p. m. It may be suspected that three hours is
an inconsiderable time to be in action. Men do
not live by the tick of a clock, but by the experi
ence they get as they go, and .during these
three hours' work at the guns with the spirit of
heroes, these men lived more that day than most
men live in a whole lifetime.
When the captain arrived at the point near the
brick barn, where the sections had been ordered
to halt, he found the battery parked on the same
ground that had been left when the advance was
ordered. From this place the battery fell back
to the ammunition train near the Baltimore turn
pike. During the night the ammunition chests
were replenished. New horses were secured and
put in place of those that were, killed and
wounded. The battery was put in as good con
dition as was possible under the circumstances,
and was again ready for action. At daylight on
the 3d of this month the captain reported to
headquarters for orders, and was directed to park
the battery near the Taneytown Road, out of
sight of the enemy. Moving forward we parked
in the rear of a piece of heavy oak woods and

History of Battery G. jf
remained in this place near the Taneytown Road
until the fearful artillery duel of this day opened.
While the battery was waiting here the captain
went forward and examined the ground and the
roads hereabout in order that he might be pre
pared to move at a moment's notice. When the
enemy opened up with all their artillery, the bat
tery did not wait for explicit orders, but moved
immediately. Maj or MacGilvray was in command
of the artillery on that part of our line. As the
battery moved out of its place of park, Major
MacGilvray was accosted and asked for instruc
tions. The only instructions given was to take
the best position that could be found. As the
battery moved over a slight rise of ground
through the woods, the air about us was literally
filled with bursting shells, and it is no exaggera
tion to state that we went through a perfect
tempest of shells that were falling all about us
after we got out of the woods. We went for
ward to the extreme front of our lines, went into
battery and opened fire on the batteries of the
enemy. To attempt to describe the fearful artil
lery duel of this day reveals the poverty of lan
guage and the impossibility of clear narrative.
There was one continuous roar from nearly three
hundred pieces of artillery. The consequence of
this action was that men and horses and gun car
riages were being blown to pieces in every direc-

78 History of Battery G.
tion. Hour after hour the roar and the destruc
tion went on, but just when we were in the
thickest of the fight, orders were received to cease
firing and hold the position. When the firing
stopped the men were ordered to lie down, which
they did. When we ceased our activities th e
enemy increased theirs, and it was evidently their
notion that they had silenced our guns. As the
smoke cleared away we could see Pickett's men
as they formed for the charge. That charge will
go down into the annals of history as one of the
most desperate charges ever made in the history
of warfare. Men were never placed in a more
trying position than were the men on our line
that day when they were obliged to remain idle,
subject to an incessant artillery fire, but not
allowed to fire a shot in return. Around them
their comrades were being shot down by hun
dreds and thousands, but they calmly faced that
storm of iron, knowing that their turn would
come in due season. There they lay flat upon
the earth, some of them did not seem thicker
than a case knife, as they hugged the ground
and escaped shot and shell flying over them.
The captain stood leaning against a gun with
glass in hand, watching the enemy forming for
the charge. Some of the sergeants suggested to
him that it would be better to lie down and not
expose himself. He replied, casually, "You

History of Battery G. "jg
never mind me, I want to see what they'are do
ing." It did not take hini'long to see. It did
seem an age to him before the troops of the
enemy began to move, but slowly and surely on
they came. As they reached their artillery line,
it ceased firing. We did not wait for orders to
open fire; the captain gave the order in the
words, "Now it is your turn, up and give them
the best you've got.'' There was one mighty
roar; it seemed as if not only our battery had
fired, but as if also every gun on our line had
fired at once. The air was filled with shot and
bursting shell as the enemy's lines came down
against ours. How any man lived in that charg
ing column and returned alive to his lines is
nothing less than a mystery and a miracle.
Battery G used solid shot during this engage
ment most of the time, and it was plainly evi
dent that disastrous effects followed such shots
as they were pouring through that living line of
men. The gaps, however, were promptly closed
and the line moved on. Most of the artillery
belonging to the enemy were precluded from
action lest their own men might be killed. Now
the head of their charging column came within
reach of our infantry fire. Then, as if by a touch
of magic, there was one. mighty roar of musketry.
This, combined with the fierce shriek from the
artillery, seemed as though the heavens had

8© History of Battery G.
burst in twain and the earth was alive with vol
canoes. The ravage was terrific; whole com
panies of that charging line fell as falls the grass
before the reaper. Still on they came and
crossed (some of them) the stone wall behind
which our troops were stationed. The shots
they escaped were now followed by the gleam
of the bayonet. They had reached the limit of
human effort. Men waging war for desperate
stakes could do no more than they had done. It
was not strange that they should break and fail.
Many of them surrendered — a few got back to
their lines, but the fight which involved the
heavy firing on this part of our line was over.
The consequences, however, of that fight can
never be adequately described. Gettysburg
stands before the thought and imagination of
the world as an indisputable conflict, during
which, for three days, two great armies had
struggled with an intensity of passion and in
domitable purpose that never had controlled men
before. The loss, as is commonly known, was
fearful. Colonel Fox, in his History of Regimental
Losses, gives the Union loss at twenty-three
thousand and one; the enemy's loss must have
been still greater, as they were the attacking
force. When night fell upon the battlefield all were

History of Battery G. St
tired and worn out; rest was not sought in com
fortable places, but was found wherever the sol
dier could fall. The writer of this narrative
made his bed on a stone wall that had been lev
eled down between our lines of guns and caissons,
and although the rain poured down in torrents
all through the night and there was nothing but
hard stones to lie upon, no infant in its cradle
ever slept more soundly. The next morning at
daylight every man was on the alert prepared to
renew the battle. During the night the enemy
had quietly fallen back and all night long had
been struggling through the rain on their way to
Old Virginia.
The battery's loss in this battle was nine men
and sixteen horses killed and wounded. The
loss in material was made good off the field.
One reason why the loss to the battery was no
greater was because the men were so prompt
and attentive to every order given. There was
not the least excitement from the opening to the
close of the battle. It might have seemed to an
inactive observer that the battery was practicing
instead of being engaged in one of the most
desperate battles of the war.
About ten o'clock in the morning of the 4th,
our cavalry was advanced and found that the
main body of the enemy had departed. They
had left behind them their pickets, their dead

82 History of Battery G.
and their badly wounded. It was not an un
common thing for the yankees to take care of
the wounded and dead of the other side. As
soon as the cavalry reported, troops were started
in pursuit of the enemy. It was a different sort
of celebration of the Fourth of July for us in the
field from those at home in the North. We
were hard pressed and were doing our duty; the
North had reason to rejoice over the battles of
Gettysburg and Vicksburg, signally won. At
four o'clock of the afternoon of this day, orders
were received for us to march. We leftsthe
battlefield and marched back about one mile,
parked for a short time, then continued the
march until ten o'clock that night, when we
went into camp near Littlesburg. A march of
eleven miles had been made over roads that
were rough and muddy. This camp was left on
the 7th of the month, on which day we started
at seven in the morning to encamp again at ten
p. m., near Woodsboro, a -journey of twenty-
eight miles, over typical, and that means bad,
southern roads. The next day we left camp at
twelve o'clock noon and reached our former
camp near Frederick City, Maryland, at three in
the afternoon, after a journey of nine miles.
The next day, July 9th, we broke camp at.
twelve o'clock noon and at half past nine that

History of Battery G. $3
night formed camp one mile west of Boonesboro,
having journeyed nineteen miles.
On July 10th, camp was left at four in the
afternoon, and passing by Boonsboro we went
into camp an hour after the start, having journ
eyed two miles. On July 1 ith, camp was broken
at half past six in the morning, and after march
ing about two miles, the battery went into park.
In this place we remained during the whole
of this day, the horses being harnessed so that
the battery might be able to move at a moment's
notice. July 12th we left camp at three in the
afternoon, and after marching three miles, went
into park again for two hours, then moved to the
front and went into position. On the 13th of
July, the battery moved up to the breastworks
that had been thrown up during the night at the
edge of a piece of woods. On the 14th of July,
at daybreak, it was discovered that the enemy
had left during the night and recrossed the
Potomac River, thus going into Virginia. At
twelve noon of this day the battery withdrew
from the breastworks and marched almost to a
place called Falling Waters on the Potomac
River, where we went into camp at half past four
p. m., the journey being three miles long. On
the 15th of July, camp was broken at seven in
the morning and we marched to Maryland
Heights, where we went into camp at half past

o*4 History of Battery G.
six in the evening, the journey being twenty-one
and one-half miles in length. The next day,
July 1 6th, we left camp at seven in the morning,
and after waiting all day to cross the Potomac
River, went into camp near Sandy Hook, after
a journey of two miles, at ten p. m. Next
morning, July 18th, found us leaving camp at
seven o'clock in the morning; we crossed the
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harper's
Ferry, went into camp one mile from Hillsboro,
Virginia, at half past three in the afternoon, hav
ing journeyed nine miles. July 19th camp was
broken at twelve o'clock noon and we recamped
at half past four p. m. one mile from Wood-
grove, six miles journey. July 20th camp was
broken at half past eight in the morning and the
•battery went into camp near Bloomfield, having
journeyed nearly ten miles. At half past five
July 2 2d, we left camp at three p. m. to camp
again near Ashby's Gap at eight o'clock p. m.,
having journeyed eleven miles. The next day
camp was broken at six in the morning and was
formed again near Petersburg at nine that night.
On July 24th march was begun from this camp
at one p. m. At six p. m. camp was formed
near Macon Station, having journeyed four and
one-half miles. On the 25th of July, leaving
camp at eight a. m. and journeying fourteen
miles, camp was formed near White Plains at

History of Battery G. -85
half past three in the afternoon. On July 26th,
having left camp at .six p. m. and journeying
seven miles, we recamped near Elkton at ten
p. m. On July 31st, we left this camp at eight
in the morning to recamp again at Morrisville
five miles away at twelve o'clock noon. Here
we remained until the fourth of August, when
we moved camp to a position one mile west of
Morrisville. On August 2 ist the right section of the bat
tery went on picket. The next day, August 2 2d,
Second Lieut. F. F. Goff was sent to the general
hospital, sick. On the 23d of August the right
section returned from picket. August 27th the
center section went on picket at four p. m. On
August 31st the battery left camp at seven in the
morning without the center section and camped
near Bank's Ford at six of the same night. The
center section joined the battery as we passed
Morrisville. On September 4th camp was broken
at six p. m. and the battery went into camp at
one o'clock the next morning near a former
camp at Morrisville. September 5th this camp
was deserted at twelve o'clock noon and the bat
tery camped with the Third Division of the Sec
ond Corps at Elkton.
On September nth fifty-two enlisted men of
Hogan's New York Light Battery, who had been
attached to Battery G, First New York Light

86 History of Battery G.
Artillery, were permanently transferred by Spec
ial Order No. 401 of the War Department, dated
September 7th, 1863. These men had served
with Battery G from January to September of
this year, though no official order had been
issued for their permanent transfer with the bat
tery until September 7th. Previous to January
of this year these men had served in the battles
of Fair Oaks, Allen's Farm, Savage's Station,
White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam and
Fredericksburg with Battery C, Fourth United
States Artillery. They came into Battery G,
therefore, as seasoned veterans, not as raw re
cruits, and had behind them an enviable record
for courage, endurance and skill.
On September 12th the battery left camp at
eleven in the morning and marched to Rappa
hannock Station with the Third Division, and
after a journey of eight miles encamped at five
p. m. ; on the 13th of September camp was
broken at eight a. m. We crossed the Shenan
doah River on a pontoon bridge, marched nearly
to Culpepper, and went into camp after a journey
of eighteen miles, at four p. m. Lieutenant Mc
Clellan rejoined us on this day, having been ab
sent because of sickness.
On September 15th camp was broken at three
in the afternoon and after a journey of three
miles was formed again southwest of Culpepper

History of Battery G. &7
at five p. m. September 17th we left camp at
eight in the morning, and after a journey of
eight miles, went into camp again at Cedar
Mountain at two in the afternoon. On Septem
ber 19th the camp was moved one mile south
west during the afternoon. On the 23d of
September, Lieutenant Farrell was assigned to
the battery by Special Order No. 53, Head
quarters of Artillery Brigade, Second Army
Corps. On September 30th camp was moved to
Mitchell's station, three miles from its former
site, where the battery remained in camp until
October 6th. Upon the latter day camp was
moved to a place near Culpepper, eight miles
from former location. On the 10th of October
the camp was moved two miles west of Culpep
per. The record for October nth shows that
camp was broken at two in the morning and the
battery marched near Bealton Station, where,
after a journey of twenty-one miles, we went into
camp at three p. m. On October 12th we moved
out of camp at one p. m., and after a journey of
eight miles, re-encamped at six p. m. near Brandy
Station. On October 13th camp was broken at
half past twelve a. m. and marching through the
night and the next day, camp was reformed near
Warrenton Junction at six p. m., after a journey
of twenty-eight miles.
As night fell upon us here in. this camp we

8S History of Battery G.
could see the campfires of the enemy on three
sides of us. Every man realized that the prob
abilities of a fight the next day were more than
likely. The enemy evidently thought that we
were game for their pack. The campfires indi
cated the enemy's opinion, but our boys did not
intend that the. enemy should close in the pack
unless the game had something emphatic to say
about it. Orders were given for us to build
campfires, as usual, but not to renew them as
they burned out. Division and brigade com
manders were ordered to report at corps head
quarters. Captain Ames was one of those thus
required to report. He went to Major General
Warren, commanding Second Corps, in place of
Gen. W. S. Hancock, who was absent because
he had been wounded at Gettysburg. The gen
eral pointed out on a map the point where our
troops had camped, and also the position of the
enemy, and stated that he proposed to cut his
way through the enemy's lines at daylight and
rejoin the balance of the army then near Ma
nassas. The Second Corps was left in the rear to cover
the baggage train as the army fell back from the
Rappahannock River. Our battery and a brigade
of infantry was selected to advance at four in the
morning of the next day. We were directed to
force the crossing of a ford near an old mill at a

CORP. FRANKLYN B. GREGORY
Gunner Fifth Piece
Participated in every battle in which the Battery was engaged

PRIVATE PATRICK G1NLEY,
Cannoneer of First Piece
Escaped captivity by heroic action in the battle of
Ream's Station
Led a charge against the enemy at
Reams Station
Commended by Major General W. S. Hancock, and others.
Wears Medal of Honor.
Served with distinction in the Crimean War
Served with distinction in the Indian Mutiny
Engaged at Balaklava as one of the "noble six hundred."
Wears Victoria Cross

History of Battery G. 89
place known as Auburn Hill. At the appointed
time the battery moved forward promptly. As
the ford was approached we could see through
the mist the campfires of the enemy. There they
were, just on the hill overlooking the ford. As
soon as the skirmishers struck the ford, where
they were closely followed by our battery and
the infantry on each flank, the enemy's battery,
which was placed on the hill, opened fire. Most
of their shots passed over our heads. We were
so close to them, and in a hollow place, that they
could not depress their guns sufficiently to do us
harm. Just as the enemy opened fire, our men
cheering, charged over the hill where the battery
of the enemy was in position. We were obliged
to build a bridge over a small canal, through
which water was conducted to the mill, before
we could transport the battery across, but there
was plenty of material at hand in the mill yard
for this impromptu bridge. It took but a few
moments to throw timber into position. We
crossed and took position on the hill overlook
ing the ford and remained here until our rear
troops were over, when we fell back. Here we
remained in the rear with General Caldwell's
Division, Second Corps, and a brigade of cav
alry. We were actively moving from one posi
tion to another as we fell back. Some skirmish
ing was done during the day but nothing of a

90 History of Battery G.
serious nature occurred until our advance struck
the enemy at Briston's Station, where, for a short
time, the fighting was sharp and fierce. One
section of the battery took position near the rail
road in a field of thick scrub pine. The enemy
advanced just as we were in position, but they
were quickly driven back by a few well directed
shots from this section. The other four guns
took positions more to the left and rear and were
engaged with the brigade of the enemy that was
trying to work around to get in the rear of our
troops. This they did not succeed in doing, as
the execution of these guns was greatly suc
cessful. During the fighting at this place a man who
looked after the cooking for the officers thought
it was best to take his pack horse and outfit to
the rear, and thus escape danger. He asked
Captain Ames if there were any objections to his
going to the rear with his pack horse in order
to get out of the enemy's range of fire. The
reply assured him that there was no reason for
his staying where he was, and the man started
for what he supposed was the rear. He had not
gone far, however, before the enemy's skirmishers
fired on him. He turned at once and tried in
another direction, but with the same result; then
returning to the battery, finding the captain and
noticing the expression on his face, he put to

History of Battery G. 91
him this significant question: "Will you please
tell me where in h — the rear is?" The captain
assured him that he really did not know, but
would give him the information as soon as he
found out. Just after dark, active firing ceased.
The battery continued to march and went into
camp the next morning near Centerville at three
in the morning, having journeyed twenty-five
miles. During the 15th camp was moved within the
line of works at Centerville. We went into camp
and replenished our ammunition chests in order
to be ready for action when called upon. On
the 1 6th the camp was moved one mile south of
Centerville. On the 17th twenty infantrymen
were assigned to the battery for temporary duty,
as we were short of men to properly work the
battery. On October 19th, at seven in the morn
ing, camp was broken, and after a journey of
eight miles, was formed at Manassas Junction.
The next day, October 20th, we left camp at six
in the morning and having journeyed nineteen
miles, camped at seven in the evening near
Auburn. October 23d camp was broken at seven
a. m. and reformed near Turkey Run at eleven
a. m., the journey having been five miles.
Up to November 7th the camp was moved
several times. We finally left camp near War
renton, Virginia, and marched to Kelly's Ford

92 History of Battery G.
on the Rappahannock River, where we crossed.
We then marched to Berry Hill, about three
miles from Brandy Station, where camp was
formed. Here we remained in camp until the
army started on the Mine Run campaign.
On November 26th, 1863, we marched with
the army across the Rapidan River on pontoon
bridge, passed the Chancellorsville battle field,
continued the march until we arrived at Robert
son's Tavern, which was a short distance from
the enemy's main line of works. There was
some pretty sharp fighting just here as the army
was getting into position. After position was
assumed, a decision was reached, and in the opin
ion of the writer it was a very wise decision, not
to attack the enemy's works in front because of
their strength. Most of the army consequently
was sent to try to turn the enemy's line. Cap
tain Ames was left at Robertson's Tavern in com
mand of his own and three other batteries. After
two days it was decided not to attack the works
of the enemy at all because they were too strong
for assault. While we were in this place the
weather was severely cold, the men suffered
greatly, a few infantrymen actually perished from
the severe weather.
On the ist of December the army fell back,
recrossed the Rapidan River, and our battery
reached the old camp from which we started

History of Battery G. 93
some time before. We remained in this place
until the 10th of December, when the camp was
moved to a place near Stevensberg, where we
went into camp for the winter. This location
was about three miles from Brandy Station. As
soon as the place was decided upon the men went
to work and erected winter headquarters for
themselves; also sheds for the horses.
On Christmas Day, 1863, First Lieut. Albert
N. Ames was assigned to the battery by Order
No. 21, Headquarters First New York Light
Artillery, dated December 9th, 1863. January
6th, 1864, thirteen men from the Sixty-Fourth
New York Volunteer Infantry were transferred to
the battery by Special Order No. 2, Headquarters
of Army of Potomac, and dated January 2d, 1864.
On January 13th Lieutenant Farrell was honor
ably discharged as per Special Order No. 11,
Headquarters Second Army Corps, dated Janu
ary nth, 15564. On January 22d Lieut. F. F.
Goff resigned on Surgeon's certificate of disa
bility as per Special Order No. 20, Headquarters
Second Army Corps, dated January 19th, 1864.
On January 27th First Sergt. Thomas S. Bates
was detailed on recruiting service and sent to
Oswego, New York. On February 25th the
battery received nine recruits.
While we were in this camp through the winter,
seventy-two of the men re-enlisted as veteran

94 History of Battery G.
volunteers. They went home on thirty-five days
furlough. This left the battery for a time with
only men enough ready for duty to take proper
care of the horses and to do such other things
as were absolutely necessary to keep things in
shape. March 25th, 1864, Second Lieut. J. B.
Hazleton was promoted to First Lieutenant and
transferred to another battery. Second Lieut.
T. E. Searles assigned to Battery G by same
Order No. 8, Headquarters First New York
Light Artillery. On April 14th Sergt. A. N.
Brown was transferred to the navy, as per order
of War Department.
On the 27th of April the camp was moved
about two miles for the purpose of getting all
surplus baggage sorted out and sent to the rear.
Baggage was then reduced to the lowest limit
possible, and everything about the battery was so
arranged that marching could begin at any time.
On May 3d we broke camp at eight p. m.,
marched to Ely's Ford on the Rapidan River,
where we were for a short time, until the en
gineers finished laying a pontoon bridge. As
soon as this work was completed the battery
crossed and continued on its march until it ar-,
rived at Chancellorsville on May 4th, at two p. m.,
where it parked after a journey of twenty-one
miles. There was pretty heavy skirmish firing
just at dark. On May 5th the battery marched

History of Battery G. 95
from Chancellorsville to Wilderness, a journey
of ten miles, where it found the battle in pro
gress. Captain Ames left the battery in park
and rode forward to report to Gen. W. S. Han
cock for orders. The battle was being fought
in dense woods, much of it so thick that one
could scarcely ride a horse through it. It was
therefore impossible to find a space open enough
to locate a battery in position, and after examin
ing the ground as well as possible in the thick
smoke, the captain returned to the battery, with
orders to remain where we were until further
directions were given.
Much of the fighting in the Battle of the
Wilderness was done where the woods were so
thick that a line of battle one hundred feet in
front could not be seen. Though the captain
went several times forward he received the same
order to return and wait as their was no place
for the battery to enter the action. The battery
remained in park during the day and the follow
ing night. The horses were harnessed and
hitched up ready to move. On May 6th we
moved a short distance to the left, but the
results were just the same as the day previous;
the artillery could not be used. Besides the
smoke from the contending armies, there was
also dense smoke due to the fact that the woods
were on fire. It is no exaggeration to say, at

96 History of Battery G.
times the smoke was almost suffocating. We
had the worst of it, as the wind was blowing
from the enemy toward our lines. Many of
those who were wounded in this battle, perished
in the flames as their companions could not
move them from where they fell. It was one
of the most fearful sights to witness of all the
horrors of the war, to see the comrades who had
marched and worked by one's side, fall and per
ish in that fire at a time when a helping hand
could not be given. This is one of the penalties
of war. Poets may write of the glory of the
battlefield, but the writer of this narative believes
that war is nothing less than the furies of hell
turned loose.
May 7th there was little heavy fighting. Each
side was fencing for a weak spot in the other's
line without discovering what it wanted. In the
evening of this day orders came, "Be ready to
move upon a moment's notice." The great ques
tion that entered the minds of the men was
whether the move was to be forward or whether
we were to fall back, only to fight over the same
ground again as we had done so many times
before. There was no answer to be given to
this question. It was settled, however, to the
satisfaction of every one soon after dark. The
Fifth Army Corps came marching along in the
rear of the line of the Second Corps, heading

History of Battery G. gf
south, then everyone knew that we were to go
forward. This meant that we would soon be
out of the woods and would be in the open
country. The discovery of this fact led the men
of the Second Corps to set up a loud cheering.
This caused the enemy to open a heavy fire for
a short time, but it soon quieted down. This
movement south was as good to the spirits of
our army as a re-enforcement of twenty thousand
men; it was an assurance that no more backward
steps were to be taken. The march forward
meant high elation.
During the night of the 7th of May, the battery
marched to Todd's Tavern, five miles away, where
it went into park on the morning of the 8th, then
we marched about four miles further and took
position, to have a rather sharp tussle with a
rebel battery which was driven from the field. It
was with a sense of gratitude that we realized
that we were out of the thick woods and were
now in a kind of country where artillery could
be used. To stand idly by and see others con
tribute to a victory caused some discontent.
Up to the night of the 1 ith of May the battery
had occupied several positions, but was not at
anytime actively engaged. On the 12th of May
we marched at two in the morning and covered
about five miles to the left. We took part in
the assault and capture of the enemy's works.

98 History of Battery G.
About twenty pieces of artillery and several
thousand prisoners fell into our hands. This
occurred at what has since been termed the
"Bloody Angle at Spottsylvania Court House."
When we received an order to march on the
night of the nth, Captain Ames was instructed
to bring up the rear of the column of batteries
of the corps. The march was through a dense
forest of pine woods; the night was dark and
rainy; the roads (if they may be called such) had
to be pointed out to each battery commander;
also the place where the assault was to be made.
Battery G was in park at four a. m. of May 12th,
at the point designated. After marching about
three miles we came to a fork of the roads. In
the darkness, dense and desolate, one could not
see a man three paces in front. The question
now arose as to which road should be taken.
From the feeble light of a dark lantern it was
discovered that troops had marched on both
roads, but after examining both of the roads for
some distance, Captain Ames decided in favor
of the one to the right. His judgment proved
to be correct. Just before the break of day,
while he was riding at the head of the column,
we ran into the infantry which was massed into
a hollow at the side of the road. Upon asking
them to what command they belonged, they re
plied, "the Second Corps." The brigade com-

History of Battery G. 99
mander informed Captain Ames where the corps
headquarters were; the battery was placed in
park. The captain rode forward a short distance
and reported to General Hancock, who was sit
ting on his horse on a rise of ground near a
house and log barn. The commanding general
asked where the battery was located and was
told that it was parked in the hollow just in the
rear. He also asked about the other batteries
and where they were. The captain told him he
did not know, as he had left the column at the
forks of the road in the thick pine woods. Sev
eral officers were immediately sent to find the
other batteries and to bring them to the front
at once. The infantry advanced to the assault
just as Captain Ames reported to General Han
cock, and Battery G was ordered forward im
mediately to take position on a slight rise of
ground just in the rear of the angle of the enemy's
works, which our troops had charged and cap
tured. We moved forward as rapidly as the
nature of the ground would permit. It was
muddy and soft, but we were soon in position
and opened fire with solid shot. A fear of in
juring our own men prevented the use of shell
at this time. The weather was foggy and misty;
rain was constantly falling; The smoke settled
to the ground and so it was difficult to distin
guish just where to aim our guns. A few mo-

too History of Battery G.
ments after we had assumed position and had
opened fire, a staff officer came to Captain Ames
and asked him if he could spare any of his men
to work some of the guns that had been cap
tured from the enemy. The officer was assured
that men could be spared if others from the in
fantry were sent to take their places. The occa
sion for this was that the other batteries had not
arrived upon the field. The staff officer reported
to the general, who readily gave all the infantry
men that were needed. Captain Ames detailed
three men from each piece, making eighteen
men, also Sergeant Barse, to take charge of
these men, and call on the infantry for any as
sistance that might be needed for handling the
guns. The great difficulty just at this moment
was that all the men of the battery wanted to go.
The sergeant advanced with the men, who hauled
some of the captured rebel guns over the works
to the side where our troops were engaged.
Ammunition was brought from the enemy's
chests over the works and these guns opened a
heavy fire on the enemy at close canister range.
These guns were fought as long as the ammuni
tion lasted and then hauled by hand to the rear
by the men who had manned them.
After Sergeant Barse had started with his con
tingent, First Lieut. A. N. Ames advanced with
a few cannoneers to the left of where Barse and

History of Battery G. 101
his men were engaged, and hauled more of the
enemy's guns over the works and turned them
upon the enemy's line. The ammunition, that
had belonged to the enemy was used as long as
it lasted, when these guns were also hauled to
the rear by hand.
While the above extra activities were taking
place the battery had kept up a steady fire. With
only a small number of artillerymen left to work
the guns, it became necessary for the gallant
sergeants of the battery to take the place of the
gunners. As we did not move our position, any
one could take the place of the drivers and hold
the horses! When the ammunition of the enemy
that was used in the enemy's guns was exhausted,
and after the men who were serving at the works
had returned to the battery, Captain Ames asked
permission from General Hancock to be allowed
to advance the battery to the extreme front, as
it was feared some of our own men might be in
jured in action. It was well nigh impossible, be
cause of the fog and smoke, to see just where
to direct our fire. The general readily gave
consent and the battery was advanced to the ex
treme front, at what was known as the "Bloody
Angle." When we arrived there things were
put in shape so that we could fire over the works.
The guns were placed in position and firing was
begun on the enemy, who were not fifty yards

102 History of Battery G.
away. The fighting at this point was fearful.
Time and again the enemy attempted to charge
and regain their works, but each time they were
forced back with dreadful loss. It seemed as
though the enemy had purposed either to re
capture those works or die in the attempt. Our
men surely had determined to hold what had
been captured or to die in defending them. Hour
after hour the battle raged at this point. We
could not advance and we would not retreat.
Just at this point of our line there stood a
white oak tree eighteen inches in diameter. It
was located between us and the enemy, but it
was cut off by musket balls and canister, and as
it fell it killed a rebel sharpshooter. A section
of a regular battery tried to take position just to
our right, but had several horses killed before
they could unlimber. Several of their men also
were killed. The guns of this battery were
hauled to the rear by hand, as it was impossible
for them to fire a shot. About two o'clock in
the afternoon our battery moved to the left and
rear and took position on a slight rise of ground
near the house where the corps headquarters
were. In a very brief time after taking position
here, sharpshooters from the enemy crawled up
through the thick woods, and taking possession
of a low breastworks, were picking off our officers
and men rapidly. They were so close that every

History of Battery G.

103

A TRYING SITUATION

104 History of Battery G.
shot was almost certain death to the man at
whom it was aimed. Captain Ames was ordered
to get a section into position, if it were possible,
and drive them away. Advancing into the thick
pine woods to left and front, he found that a
position could be assumed nearly on their flank
if a few small pines were cut down. When he
returned to the battery he ordered Lieutenant
McClellan to take the right section and advance
to a position which the captain would indicate.
They moved together down a hollow until in the
rear of the proper place. The cannoneers cleared
the wood from the pines to the brow of the hill.
Then the guns were moved forward with horses
as far as possible and unlimbered, then moved
forward up into the desired position by hand.
They were loaded with solid shot, were carefully
turned upon the enemy's works not over one
hundred yards away. Upon signal both guns
were fired at once, from the result of which men
and logs and all sorts of things were hurled into
the air in every conceivable shape. The enemy
scattered in every direction. It was like running
a stick into a swarm of bees. Such execution
had been utterly unexpected, as the enemy were
not aware of the location of the guns until they
opened fire. A perfect storm of musket balls
were poured into the pines where the guns had
been placed, but such a return compliment had

History of Battery G. 105
been anticipated and the captain had ordered the
men to lie down as soon as the guns had been
fired. After this volley from the enemy had
passed the men were instructed to load the guns,
run them forward by hand to the position they
had recoiled from, and fire again. In this man
ner this section fought until all their ammunition
had been exhausted. Fearful execution was
done, quite justifying the hazardous experiment
that had been undertaken. Then the section
was withdrawn and rejoined the rest of the bat
tery. After the ammunition chests had been refilled
from the train, which had been brought up as
close to the rear as was possible and safe, the
battery took position on a slight rise of ground
near a house and barn, where it remained dur
ing the night of the 12th. In this house and
barn, corps headquarters had been established.
While the battery was in position near corps
headquarters, Private Gibbons came to Captain
Ames and asked permission to be absent from
the battery for a short time. The captain was
curious to know the cause of the request and
Gibbons stated that his brother had just been
killed by a sharpshooter and he wanted to take
the body to the rear and bury it. By so doing
he could find the remains, if he should live to see
the end of the war. Permission was readily

106 History of Battery G.
granted and he was told to take two or three
men for assistance. They carried the body about
a half mile to the rear, buried it in a marked
spot, returned and reported to the battery for
duty. The terrible fighting that was done on the
field at Spottsylvania from four in the morning
of the 1 2th to three in the morning of the 13th,
surpasses every attempt at description. At the
time just indicated, on the 13th of May, the
enemy fell back to a new line of works that had
been thrown up in their rear.- The dead lay in
¦ piles in the rear of some parts of their deserted
works. They lay in an order as regular as if a
whole line of battle had been stricken down by
one volley. A large proportion of those who
had been killed near the earthworks were shot
in the head. It was evident that, as their heads
had protruded above the works, they had been
struck by flying bullets and so had fallen. The
underbrush in all this section was cut off as level
by musket balls and canister as though it had
been done by the hand of the reaper.
The battery brought nine of the captured guns
from the field after all their ammunition had been
exhausted. in firing on the enemy; also brought
away one caisson and one limber. The battery
had fired six hundred and seventy-seven rounds
of ammunition, which does not include the rounds

History of Battery G. 107
that had been taken from the chests of the
enemy's guns. The loss sustained by Battery
G was two killed, seven seriously wounded and
others slightly wounded; sixteen horses were
wounded or killed.
On the 13th of May the battery remained in
the same position; our army was occupied bury
ing the dead and caring for the wounded. Dur
ing this day we fired some shots, but were not
seriously engaged. On May 14th, we were in
the same position and fired one hundred and
nineteen rounds of ammunition at the enemy.
Our men brought two captured caissons and one*
limber from the field. The record of May 15th
is light. We marched to the left about two
miles and went into camp. May 17th, moved
camp about two miles. May 18th, at one in the
morning, left camp and marched about four miles,
to the field of battle where we had been engaged
on the 1 2th. The roads were very bad. At
daylight we advanced with the infantry as they
assaulted the works which the enemy had fallen
back to on the 12th. Our troops were repulsed
and were obliged to fall back to where they had
started from. This day the battery fired four
hundred and ninety rounds of ammunition, turned
in two guns to the ordnance officer, as an order
had been issued reducing the number of guns in
all batteries of the army. May 19th, we returned

108 History of Battery G.
to the camp which had been occupied on the
17th, having journeyed four miles. On the 20th
of May, at midnight, we moved out of the camp,
marched to the left through Bowling Green and
Milford Station, went into battery in a good po
sition in a clover field, threw up works, after
a journey of twenty-one miles, all of which would
indicate the willingness of the men, who were
well nigh tired out.
May 2 ist, First Sergt. T. S. Bates was pro
moted to second lieutenant and assigned to
Battery H, First New York Light Artillery. On
"this day Private Hugh Duffy was also promoted,
to be first lieutenant of the One Hundred and
Fifty-Fifth New York Infantry, Sergt. Isaac G.
Winnie was promoted to be first sergeant and
Corp. William Corrigan was promoted to be
sergeant and assigned to the fifth piece, of
which he had been gunner for over a year.
On May 2 2d, the battery marched to where
the railroad crossed the North Anna River,
a journey of ten miles. On May 24th, we
were in position on the bank of the North Anna
River, where our troops crossed. For the pur
pose of covering their crossing we fired four
hundred and thirty-two rounds of ammunition.
As we had assumed a good position and were
well protected by a heavy earthwork, from which
the enemy had previously been driven, no loss

History of Battery G. 109
to our troops had been sustained. While we
were in this position covering the crossing of
troops, a rebel sharpshooter shot a bullet through
a tin cup that was filled with coffee, just as Cap
tain Ames was placing the cup to his mouth.
The captain's only remark was, "That chap is
getting mighty careless," and kept on eating
hardtack. The enemy's sharpshooters were in
the timber -on the opposite side of the river, but
did not render very efficient service.
On May 25th, while in the same position, the
battery fired a few rounds. May 26th, one
hundred and twenty-four rounds of ammunition
were fired from the same position while we
covered the infantry as they recrossed the river.
On May 27th, starting at twelve noon, we
marched to the left and parked at the roadside
for a little while, then continued the march after
dark, and crossing the Pamunkey River, parked
for the night after journeying ten miles from our
former location. On May 29th, we marched
about six miles, to a place not far from Dr. Shel-
ton's homestead, and went into camp.
On the 30th of May, at about eleven o'clock
in the morning, Captain Ames was ordered by
General Hancock to take his cannoneers and one
hundred pioneers and advance out into an open
corn field and throw up a line of works for the
guns as well as for the infantry. The men were

i io History of Battery G.
to be deployed in skirmishing order. Each
man advanced with his shovel and such rails as
he could carry. As soon as they got within
range of the enemy's sharpshooters, who were
lying in the woods just beyond a small stream,
some of them were picked off one by one, but
the line moved forward steadily, keeping dressed
on the center until the desired position was
reached and assumed; then each man laid his
rails in front of him and begun throwing dirt for
all he was worth. In an inconsiderably short
time, dirt had been thrown before each man so
that he could lie down and rest for a short
period, then resumed work with increased en
ergy. No one who has not seen men shovel dirt
under fire, can imagine the quantity of that soil
can be heaved in a short time. When a man
knows that his life is in danger and that rest
succeeds a certain quantity as well as quality of
activity, he gets over ground pretty fast.
While Captain Ames was walking along the
line directing the work, a sharpshooter wounded
him in the arm. If it had not been for a heavy
plate on his sword belt, the wound would have
been of a serious, perhaps of a vital, character.
The ball struck the plate on the sword belt, then
glanced off, striking the arm. After the works
were finished, the battery advanced and took po
sition at about four in the afternoon. We had a

History of Battery G. in
sharp brush with the enemy just about dark.
Two hundred and fifty-eight rounds of ammunition
were fired. Just as the battery was about to
open fire, Captain Ames noticed that three ladies
were sitting upon the porch of Dr. Shelton's
house, just in the rear of the battery. He rode
up to the porch and informed them he was about
to open fire, advising them at the same time to
retire to the cellar or to the rear and thus be out of
harm's way. One of the women arose, and with
eyes flashing fire, said, "I wish to inform you,
sir, that my father commands those troops that
you yanks are firing on, and if he sees fit to kill
us it is no business of yours." As the captain
raised his hat to the ladies and turned the head
of his horse, he remarked what seemed to be the
most appropriate thing, ' Well, he has my per
mission. " The order was then given to com
mence firing. The house behind the battery was
riddled with shot and shell. A limber of a bat
tery just on our right near the house was blown
up by a shell from the enemy's guns. Just after
the firing ceased we noticed a gentleman coming
from Dr. Shelton's house, who was dressed in
the very height of fashion, white trousers, spot
less coat and vest of white linen, and carrying a
cane. He advanced toward the battery as if to
pay his respects to some one, but before he had
proceeded far, the provost guard had halted him

1 1 2 History of Battery G.
and marched him off to corps headquarters. If
anyone wished after that to get up a laugh in the
battery, the question that always brought it was
to ask Taffe how his white pants fit him. I
think the joke never worked after the first time,
though he would not tell what punishment he had
received. During this month of May the battery had
fired eighteen hundred and eighty-nine rounds
of ammunition and had marched one hundred and
four miles. On the ist of June we withdrew
from the works that had been thrown up just be
fore. We began to move shortly after dark and
marched toward the left. The night was very
dark, and as the dust rose in the midst of the
pine woods, through which we went, the condi
tions were almost suffocating. The infantry
were in advance of us and we consequently were
delayed a good deal and made slow progress.
On the 2d day of June we arrived at Cold Har
bor at eleven in the morning and went into park
until just after evening fell. Then afterwards
the battery was advanced and took position with
the First Division of the Second Corps, close up
to the enemy's works and behind a line of works
which our men had thrown up. We were so
close, in fact, to the enemy that we could hear
the commands of the officers on the other side
of the enemy's works. While we were here we

History of Battery G. 113
were engaged in slight intercourse with the
enemy, but there was nothing serious done. The
battery remained here until the night of June 4th,
when, after marching about a mile, we went into
park in a hollow spot. In this place we remained
until the 6th of June, at which time orders were
received to relieve a Rhode Island battery at
night, whose time of three years' service was to
expire the next day. That battery was in posi
tion on what was called the "Pine Tree Works,"
so called because a very large pine tree stood a
few feet from the right section. Captain Ames
examined the position as well as the road through
the woods that Battery G would be compelled to
take in order to get to the place chosen. Upon
examination, the position was found to be a very
bad one to hold, as the lines were so close that
it would be sure death if a man exposed himself
in the least. Arrangements were made with the
commanding officer of the other battery as to the
time of relief, etc. About nine p. m., Battery G
moved out of park, marched through the thick
pine woods until we came to the rear of the
other battery's position, then moved forward to
the rear of that battery with as little noise as
possible, as the slightest noise made would have
drawn the enemy's fire. When we were within
a very short distance of the right position, our
battery needed to cross a small log bridge. The

1 1 4 History of Battery G.
enemy heard the racket we were making and
opened fire with every gun that they could bring
to bear on that point. The air was thick with
shot and bursting shells. Just as soon as the
first bullet was heard, Captain Ames ordered
Battery G forward as rapidly as possible in the
darkness. The battery was massed in the rear
of a small hill. The drivers were ordered to dis
mount and by this order many of their lives were
undoubtedly saved; the enemy's shots would
strike the top of the hill and rebound, many of
them just clearing the horses' heads. The call
was so close that it was with great difficulty that
the drivers could manage the horses. To make
matters worse and complicate the difficulty, the
battery which we were ordered to relieve opened
fire in return. As we were directly in their rear
we were just in range to get the effect of the
fire of the enemy that was intended for them.
Captain Ames ordered the men to lie down. He
then dismounted and went forward through that
storm of shot and shell to notify the commander
of the other battery that we were parked just in
the rear ready to relieve him and ask him to
cease firing. The suggestion was also made
that if he stopped firing the enemy probably
would within a short time. This proved to be
the actual order of events. Two of our horses
were killed and several wounded. The fact that

History of Battery G. 115
the men had thrown themselves to the ground
was the only thing that saved them. As soon
as the firing ceased, we moved our guns forward
and took the position vacated by the other bat
tery, which moved to our rear. We dismounted
our ammunition chests, placed them in pits which
were made in the hill, sent the limber and cais
son body to the rear, together with the horses.
Camp was established about half a mile to the
rear in the pine woods.
The next morning as soon as it was dawn, the
enemy discerned a new .battery in position, and
hoping to drive us out of the position which we
had assumed, opened a heavy fire upon us, to
which we promptly responded. For a short time
there was a brisk artillery fight. The rebels soon
discovered that they had stirred up the wrong
hornet's nest, as we were having much the better
of the duel. It seemed as if nearly every one
of our shots entered their embrasures. We made
it so hot for them in a brief interval that they
began to fire wildly, many of their shots going
high. It was actually the fact that those who
might be a mile to the rear of us were in more
danger from some of these shots than we were
on the front line. As soon as the enemy ceased
firing we ceased, also. Through the rest of the
day there was little activity, except upon the
part of the sharpshooters, who kept at it con-

116 History of Battery G.
stantly, and did considerable execution. A de
tachment of Berdan's sharpshooters, under the
command of a sergeant, was sent to our battery,
and they remained with us as long as we re
mained in this position. One of them was shot
through the head and killed.
At the time that the battery started from camp
to take this position in place of the Rhode Island
Battery, the surgeon attached to Battery G asked
where the camp would be established and was told
that it would be in the rear in the pine woods.
He announced his decision to go along with the
battery if there was not to be any fighting. As
he was assured that he would be a welcome com
panion and as it was suggested that there would
probably be no engagement until morning, he
was riding at the head of the battery when fight
ing began, and his only choice seemed to be to
remain until it ceased. When the drivers were
ordered to dismount and lie down, he did so, too.
During the next two or three days it was with
difficulty that anyone could be persuaded to ap
proach him until his clothing had been com
pletely cleaned and disinfected; in trying to lie
down he had stumbled into a sink hole, which
he did not see on account of the darkness. We
used to ask him afterwards, when we were about
to change a position, if he would not go with us.
His answer invariably was, "No, thank you, I

History of Battery G. 117
tried it once, that will do for me; I am quite well
satisfied." Milton Crocker, one of the men of the battery,
fell behind as we were marching through the
timber. As he was creeping along he spied a
mule tied to a small tree. The mule was sad
dled and bridled and had a large roll of blankets
on his back. In less than a jiffy that mule was
untied, Crocker mounted it and was urging it
forward in order that he might overtake the bat
tery. Just then the firing began. A shot from
one of the rebel guns struck the mule just back
of the saddle and mortally wounded it. As it
fell it caught Crocker's leg under its body in such
a way that he could not disengage himself. Be
tween the wounded mule and the active enemy
he was in a rather tight place. Nearby where
he was in trouble there were some infantrymen,
who heard his shouting and went to his rescue.
They lifted the mule from him so that he, with
difficulty, stood up. With the saddle and the
blankets on his shoulders he started to reach the
battery, which he reached just as we had gotten
fairly into position. He was covered with blood.
The captain noticed him as he came towards the
battery and remarked, "Where in h — have you
been; you are always behind when you are
needed." His reply to this salutation was, "Well,
if anyone has had a harder time of it than I have

1 1 8 History of Battery G.
had, I'd like to know who he is." The battery
did not learn of Crocker's experience with the
mule until the next day.
During the night we worked hard to strengthen
our works. The next morning we discovered
that the enemy had placed a thirty-two pounder
in position during the interval of darkness. As
soon as the next day broke they opened fire upon
us and every shot from the new gun struck our
works and came almost through. Upon this
thirty-two pounder were turned all our guns and
we opened fire with solid shot as soon as we had
the range. In a short time it was disabled com
pletely. After this the rebels decided to let us
alone as long as we remained in this position,
which we left on the night of June 12th.
During the engagement of the first day, a
shell from the enemy's guns struck our works
and came rolling down the hill and into the pit
where Corporal Bunnworth was preparing
ammunition, with the chest open. The fuse of
the shell was burning and things looked precar
ious for a moment, but Bunnworth caught the
shell in his hands and threw it out of the pit,
remarking with frigid coldness, "I have no use
for you here." It rolled to the foot of the hill
but fortunately did not explode.
On the 1 2th of June we quietly withdrew just
after dark and marched to the left with the Sec-

History of Battery G. 119
ond Army Corps. We crossed the Chickahom
iny River on a pontoon bridge at a place called
Jones Bridge. The march was continued all
night. In the morning we halted long enough
to feed the horses and allow the men to get a cup
of coffee. The march was then continued until
we arrived at Wilson's Wharf on the James
River just at dark of the next day, the whole
journey being twenty-five miles long. Men and
horses stood this long and trying march well.
June 15th, we crossed the James River on pon
toon bridge to Windmill Point, where, after a
journey of three miles, we went into camp.
June 1 6th, we remained in camp until about nine
in the morning. Rather impatient waiting it
was because we were expecting the arrival of
rations. As none came at the hour named, we
marched for Petersburg. The weather was hot
and trying; the roads were nothing but a cloud
of choking dust; water was precious and scarce.
The strain upon both men and horses was severe
beyond description, but we hastened forward as
rapidly as possible because we could hear firing
in the direction we were taking. We arrived in
front of Petersburg just at dusk of that day, hav
ing journeyed twenty miles, and immediately
moved to the* extreme front and took position. We
were engaged with the enemy until eleven p. m.
and fired four hundred and forty-eight rounds of

120 History of Battery G.
ammunition. Then we withdrew from the ad
vanced position that had been assumed and
went into park near a small stream of water,
which, by the way, all were glad to see as it was
the first water we were able to get since morn
ing. During the night of the 18th, the battery ad
vanced and took position very close up to the
enemy's lines and behind very heavy earthworks.
All the horses were sent to the rear as the rebel
sharpshooters would kill them faster than we
could bring them forward. The ammunition
chests were dismounted and placed in pits close
up to the works. It was death certain and swift
to any man who exposed himself in the least.
Here the battery remained until the night of the
20th. There was slight firing but without much
achievement as nothing could be gained by
engaging the enemy from this position. The
battery was then withdrawn.
On the 2 ist, we marched to the left with the
rest of the troops of the Second Corps and after
a journey of about eight miles, went into camp,
where we stayed for a few days of rest which the
battery badly needed, as it had marched and
fought nights as well as days for almost two
months. In this camp we remained until June
27th, when we moved camp about six miles.
For the next few days the battery was kept on

WILLIAM E. BROWNELL
Cannoneer Fifth Piece
Participated in every battle in which the Battery was engaged

ALBERT D. GREEN
Cannoneer Fifth Piece
Participated in every battle in which the Battery was engaged

History of Battery G. 121
the move, first on one part of the line, then on
another, just where we were threatened by the
enemy. During the month of June the battery
marched seventy-eight miles and fired six hund
red and forty-three rounds of ammunition. We
were in position on the line of battle at different
points until July 26th, when a night march was
made and we reached the James River at James
Landing at six o'clock in the morning of June
27th. We crossed to the north side on pontoon
bridge, after a journey of thirty miles. While
we were here we were occasionally engaged with
the enemy, but not heavily until the night of the
29th. At this time a movement was made to
draw the enemy away from Petersburg. At
dark on the 29th we quietly removed from posi
tion and recrossed the river, made a forced march
back towards the front of Petersburg.
It was Burnside's intention to explode his cel
ebrated mine on the morning of the 30th, and
we arrived in front of Petersburg in time for any
service that might be required of us. We were
in park ready for orders before the mine was ex
ploded. There was some delay in accomplish
ing Burnside's great purpose, but at last the ex
plosion occurred, and it was a sight never to be
forgotten. Men, horses and cannon were hurled
hundreds of feet in the air, but the whole thing
proved to be a* failure and cost the Union Army

122 History of Battery G.
several thousand men killed, wounded and pris
oners. Very evidently some one had blundered
again,: but it is not the function of this writer to
say who the some one was.
Sergt. George H. Barse was mustered out by
Special Order No. 177, Headquarters Second
Army Corps, dated July 7th, 1864. He had
been promoted to second lieutenant and assigned
to Battery E, First New York Light Artillery.
The battery was in position on the line of bat
tle up to the 1 2th of August, when we marched
to Bermuda Hundreds, a journey of fourteen
miles. On the morning of the 13th, we
journeyed about five miles to Deep Bottom, on the
James River, where we crossed to the north side
and went into park about a mile from the river
bank. Here we remained during the night. For
the two days following we were kept on the
move from one part of the line to another. The
infanty was feeling through the thick pine woods
for a weak spot in the enemy's line. Because of
the nature of the ground we were not actually
engaged until the 16th, when we advanced and
took position within close range of the enemy's
works and opened fire. One hundred and twenty
rounds of ammunition were discharged while we
were in this place, but the battery was well pro
tected by the formation of the ground. This
fact, and the prudent manner in' which the bat-

History of Battery G. 123
tery was handled, caused us to sustain no serious
loss. Two men were overcome with the heat,
the weather being fierce. We withdrew from
this position at dark and went into park about
two miles toward the rear, where we remained
until the 20th; then the battery returned to the
camp which we had started from before Peters
burg. On the 24th, position was taken within the
walls of Fort Morton; ninety -eight rounds of
ammunition were fired. Only the guns, ammu
nition chests and the necessary men to work the
guns were taken into the fort, the balance of the
battery remaining in camp at the rear. During
the night of September 10th, our battery was re
lieved by another and we withdrew towards the
rear about two miles, where we went into camp.
On the 19th, we marched to Prince George's
Court House six miles away, where we en
camped. Here we remained until the 24th,
when we were marched to the front of Peters
burg and moved into Fort Morton, where we
were engaged nearly every day.
While at Prince George's Court House, Pri
vate Frank B. Gregory was promoted to corporal
and was assigned as gunner to the fifth piece.
It is worthy of note that this piece had been
fi-red by this one man every time it had been in
action all during the war.

124 History of Battery G.
While the battery was before Petersburg,
Captain Ames was tried by General Court Mar
tial. [See General Order No. 41, Headquarters
Second Army Corps, before Petersburg, Novem
ber 1 6th, 1864.] I copy from the original papers:
Before a General Court Martial, of which Major S.
W. Curtis, Seventy-First Michigan Volunteers, is pres
ident, at Headquarters Second Division, Second Army
Corps, by virtue of Special Order No. 238, Headquarters
Second Army Corps, on September 17th, 1864, arrested
and tried Captain Nelson Ames, Battery G, First New
York Light Artillery. Charge: Permitting men under
his command to do violence to an officer. Finding of
the court: Of the specification, "not guilty;" of the
charge, "not guilty," and the court does therefore acquit
Captain Nelson Ames, First New York Light Artillery."
When the proceedings of the General Court
Martial in the preceding case were submitted
to the major general commanding, the following
order was issued:
The proceedings and findings in the case of Captain
Nelson Ames, Battery G, First New York Light Artil
lery, are approved. This officer will accordingly be re
leased from arrest and return to duty.
By order Maj.-Gen. Hancock.
Septimus Corncross,
Major and Assistant Adjutant General.
As the above would not give the reader a clear
understanding of the proceedings or reason why

History of Battery G. 125
Captain Ames was tried by court martial, the
writer wishes to state that it was because he had
ordered a guard to tie to the wheel of a gun
carriage, Chaplain Burdick, of the Sixty-First
New York Volunteers, who came into the battery
under the influence of liquor and tried to ride
over a guard, when ordered out of the gun park
by the guard. The reverend gentleman was on
horseback but did not have as much sense as the
beast he rode. He indulged in a kind of lan
guage not commonly used in good society and
which did not have recognized scripture equiva
lents. Such language to a guard on duty was en
tirely improper and uncalled for. These things
were all clearly brought out at the trial.
While we were in the fort only the guns and
ammunition chests were kept on the front line.
The chests were dismounted and placed in bomb-
proofs, as the enemy's fire was very severe. All
the men in the works had to live in bombproofs.
The horses and the camp of the battery was es
tablished about one mile to the rear of the fort.
Only the number of officers and men required to
work the guns were kept in the works, the others
remaining in camp at the rear. Just before sun
down on September 20th, First Lieut. Albert N.
Ames and Private John McCann were killed by
a rebel sharpshooter. In the death of Lieutenant
Ames, the battery lost one of its best and bravest

126 History of Battery G.
officers, a true soldier and a pure christian. He
was always willing to stand in the front of dan
ger, and by example, rather than word, encour
aged others to be brave and dutiful. The loss
of such an officer was severely felt in the battery.
He had served three years and a few days and
was waiting for his discharge. He was mustered
out of service by a rebel bullet. McCann was
also a brave and gallant soldier. He had re-en
listed as a veteran volunteer. This sharpshooter
either killed or wounded from two to six men
every day; He would fire only as night settled
down upon the field, when the sun was at his
back and in our face. He had a place fixed in
a large pine tree and would aim from a crotch.
As he was behind the tree we could not see him;
the only thing we discerned was the smoke of
his gun among the leaves. A thing which made
it decidedly inconvenient for the battery was
that we were not permitted to fire at a sharp
shooter. It will be seen that during the months of July,
August and September, the battery was in so
many positions and at so many places on the line
of battle, that an attempt has been made to
take only a few of them in this regard. To give
a detailed account of service from day to day
would necessitate severe labor for the narrator

History of Battery G. 127
and severe labor for whoever might be interested
in the account.
During the month of September a good many
of the old men were discharged, as their three
years' term of service had expired. It was with
great regret that we saw many of them leave
for home. Their places were taken by recruits
and substitutes. Captain Ames was mustered
out on October 15th. His three years' term of
service had expired in September, but he re
mained until all the men who were entitled to
their discharge could get it. Then he took his.
Capt. S..A. McClellan assumed command of
the battery on the 26th of October. The horses,
caissons, limbers and baggage were sent within
the entrenched line at City Point, the guns being
in position at the works before Petersburg. On
the 29th the horses, caissons, limbers and bag
gage removed from City Point to the camp be
fore Petersburg and the army moved to the left.
On the 31st of October Lieut. T. E. Searles had
his leg crushed by the capsizing of a heavy gun,
the moving of which he was superintending. It
was being taken out of Fort Sedgwick. He died
on November 3d.
On November 13th, Lieut. William E. Stringer
was assigned to the battery by Special Order
No. 39, Headquarters First New York Light
Artillery. On the 24th of October, two light

128 History of Battery G.
twelve-pound guns, with horses and equipment,
were furnished to the battery, which made it a
full six-gun battery. During the month of No
vember the battery was in position most of the
time in the works and was variously engaged.
The men lived in bombproofs; the fire from the
enemy's mortars was at times very heavy. The
camp was established to the rear, far enough to
be out of reach of the enemy's artillery fire.
Whenever the men heard one of the enemy's
mortor shells as it came shrieking through the
air, word would be shouted to look out. The
men would be told to get into their holes, and
unless they were engaged in returning fire they
would seek the shelter of their bombproofs im
mediately. It was a rather unpleasant condition
of affairs for those who needed all their strength,
energy and presence of mind. It was, however,
one of the incidents of war. It is the opinion of
the writer that if some of the leading politicians
of the country at that time, could have been
placed on the front line at Petersburg for a few
weeks, they might all have found some easy solu
tion to conclude the war. It was probably a bet
ter thing for the country, however, that such men
were not expected to do the fighting — only the
discussing and advising.
On December 4th, Lieut. John W. Marcellus
was assigned to the battery by Special Order

History of Battery G. 129
No. 50, Headquarters First New York Light
Artillery, dated November 30th, 1864. During
the months of January, February and March,
1865, a part of the battery, which in this in
stance means nearly the whole of it, was in posi
tion in the works and at various times engaged
with the enemy.
On March 26th, the enemy advanced under
cover of darkness, and assisted by a heavy fog,
at break of day, captured Fort Stedman and all
the troops that were there in garrison. One
section of the battery was in camp, the other two
were on the front line. The section in camp at
once advanced and opened fire on the enemy;
the enemy was soon driven back and the works
recaptured. In this engagement two hundred
and eighty-eight rounds of ammunition were fired
by the battery.
On the 1 2th of March, Lieut. August Millot
was assigned to the battery by Special Order
No. 10, Headquarters of the First Regiment
New York Light Artillery, dated March 7, 1865.
On the 3d of April, the battery engaged the
enemy, fired four hundred and ten rounds of am
munition, advanced and took part in the capture
of the enemy's works at Petersburg. Petersburg
and Richmond were two of the most important
points in the settlement of the great issue of war,
and it was glorious news that was flashed to the

130 History of Battery G.
people of the north, when, after the armies had
been engaged in battle for one continuous day
and a night, victory perched upon our banners.
From the day when Butler's troops landed at
City Point and Grant crossed the Rapidan, that
is, from May 4th, 1864, to the 3d of April, 1865,
it had been hard and persistent fighting in order
to achieve a distinctive and effective victory.
This was done when Petersburg surrendered.
The loss on both sides had been fearful; for over
sixty miles from right to left there had been one
continuous battlefield. The army had been
thrown first on one flank and then on another,
until the whole country thereabouts was one con
tinuous graveyard, but because of the urgency
of the brave men who were fighting under the
northern standard, and because, as we believed,
a kind providence assisted them in their efforts,
the great stronghold of the rebels had at last
fallen. On April 5th, the battery marched to a place
near City Point and went into camp about one
mile outside of the infantry lines. On the 6th,
we turned over to the ordnance, officer one sec
tion of the battery. On the 9th, Lee surrendered
to Grant. When the news came that Lee and
his army had surrendered, a stranger look
ing at the army and noting the action of
{he officers and men, might have thought

History of Battery G. 131
that all the lunatic asylums of the world had
been instantly turned loose in that place. The
battery remained in camp near City Point until
May 4th, at which time the camp was broken,
and we marched to Cane's farm, eight miles
from Richmond. On the 5th of May, we marched
through Richmond and went into camp at Me
chanicsville, after a journey of fifteen miles. On
the 6th, we traversed another fifteen miles, and
reaching Hanover Court House, camped near
there. On the 7th, we crossed the Pamunkey
River, and after marching about two miles be
yond the river, went into camp. On the 8th,
we marched first to Bowling Green, then crossed
Mattapony River and went into camp after we
had finished a journey of twenty-three miles.
On the 9th, another twenty-three miles were
traversed, when we reached Fredericksburg.
There was a noticeable contrast as the battery
marched over this ground in returning from
Richmond, for this same soil had been fought
over as the army had advanced in the spring of
1864. At that time it was strewn with dead and
wounded men; not so now on the homeward
journey. On the 10th, we crossed the Rappa
hannock River and marched to Aquia Creek, a
distance of eighteen miles. On the nth, after
twelve miles of hard tramping, we reached
Wakeville. On the 12th, after twenty miles of

132 History of Battery G.
journeying, we came to Annandale. On the 13th,
after marching seven miles, we reached a place
near Washington, where we remained in camp
until the grand review. After the review, the
guns, caissons, horses and quartermaster's prop
erty was turned over to the proper officers, and
on June 6th we took the cars for Elmira, New
York, where we arrived the next day. We re
mained in Elmira while the muster-rolls were be
ing made out. Battery G was mustered out of
the service of the United States at six p. m.,
June 19, 1865, after having served with unstinted
devotion for three years and nine months.
It was with a feeling of profound gratification
that we returned to the high dignities and privi:
leges of citizenship under the stars and stripes.
It is seriously doubted whether there ever was a
happier lot of men than those of Battery G, when
the mustering officer mentioned the words that
made them private citizens once more. After
they had received discharge papers and the pay
that was properly due them, each man felt free
to do as he chose, and the thing that nearly every
man chose to do was to take the shortest road
and the quickest conveyance to his own home.
There were some, however, who were moved by
deep compassion to assist a wounded or weak
ened comrade before he gave consideration to
himself.

History of Battery G. 133
During its term of service, Battery G had been
engaged with the enemy sixty-two times. While
we are willing to have it understood that some
of those times involved the firing of only a few
rounds of ammunition, yet we want it also re
membered that there were other times when the
number of rounds would run up into the hun
dreds, but the thing that gives a feeling of pride
and joy is that Battery G was never driven by
the enemy's fire, from a position that it was or
dered to hold. It never fell back when it ought
to have gone forward, and when it did fall back
it was in obedience to some order from a higher
source. More than this, it had never lost a gun
or a carriage of any sort during its entire term
of activity. This is the record that stirs the
feelings of every man who served in Battery G,
as he thinks of those days and months and years
of fearful endeavor in the greatest war that was
ever waged.
The writer of this brief notice is well aware
that some of his comrades may have observed
things from a point of view different than his,
and it is altogether likely that some who may
peruse these words may draw different conclu
sions from the prosaic narrative here presented,
but when it is remembered that this great strife,
now so far in the hazy land of recollection, was
the greatest struggle ever waged, it will surely

134 History of Battery G.
be agreed that too much emphasis cannot be
placed to the credit of those who fought, and
who fought to win. In giving the loss of the
battery, the writer has copied from the original
rolls.

FINAL MUSTER

Capt. J. D. Frank, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, April 4th, 1863.
First Lieut. Wm. O'Donohue, discharged by Special
Order No. 267, Headquarters Army of Potomac, dated
September 30th, 1862; afterwards killed at Chancellors
ville, while in command of Battery G, Fourth United
States Artillery.-
Second Lieut. Geo. F. McKnight, discharged by
Special Order No. 101, War Department, to receive
promotion. First Sergt. Thos. S. Bates, discharged by Special
Order No. 141, Headquarters Army of Potomac, dated
May 19th, 1864, to receive promotion, was dangerously
wounded a few days after leaving the battery.
F. F. Goff, quartermaster sergeant, discharged by
Special Order No. 95, Headquarters Second Army
Corps, dated March 3d, 1863. Prisoner in Richmond,
Virginia, from June 27th to August 8th, 1862.
Henry G. Backus, private, discharged June 22d,
1864, by Special Order No. 179, Second Army Corps.
Sergt. Geo. H. Barse, discharged June 22d, 1864, by
Special Order No. 179, Second Army Corps, to receive
promotion. Corp. H. G. Whitney, discharged on surgeon's cer
tificate of disability, March 5th, 1862.

136 History of Battery G.
Corp. B. A. Everts, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability, June 26th, 1862.
Corp. D. E. Webb, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability, December 23d, 1863.
Corp. M. T. Parsons, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability, February 5th, 1862.
Corp. E. J. Brooks, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability; no official notice received.
Corp. M. C. Steel, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, June 23d, 1862.
Private H. H. Austin, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability, October 25th, 1862.
C. L. Budraugh, transferred to cavalry, October 25th,
1862. J. L. Burk, discharged on surgeon's certificate of dis
ability; no official notice received.
C. W. Bennett, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, September 7th, 1862.
James Cavanaugh, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability; no official notice received.
Geo. W. Dawley, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability; no official notice received.
Albert K. Dean, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability; no official notice received.
Hugh Duffy, discharged by Special Order No. 171,
Second Corps, dated May 23d, 1864, to receive promo
tion. Lost an arm a few days after leaving the battery.
Jasper W. Emblem, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability, February 20th, 1862, at Elmira, New
York. Thomas Farrell, discharged by Special Order No.
206, Second Army Corps, to receive promotion.
Abraham Fry, discharged on surgeon's certificate of

History of Battery G. 137
disability, June 18th, 1863, at camp near Grave Church,
Virginia. Wesley Gale, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, March 24th, 1862, from effects of wounds
received at Antietam.
Louis Gillon, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, July 16th, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Albert A. Haskins, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, January 20th, 1862, at Camp California.
Isaac Johnson, discharged February 12th, 1863, at
Falmouth, Virginia.
Daniel Kelley, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, March 11th, 1863. .
Patrick Caton, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, January 28th, 1864.
Horace Larkin, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, September 5th, 1863.
Henry V. Latham, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, October 1st, 1862.
Josiah F. May, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability; no official notice received.
James W. Nutting, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability from effects of wound received at Antietam,
September 19th, 1862.
James G. Osborn, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, March 8th, 1862.
James A. Parkhurst, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability; no official notice received.
Chancy J. Poor, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, January 26th, 1863.
William H. Simons, discharged from effects of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13th,
1863.

138 History of Battery G.
Franklin A. Tubbs, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, December 1st, 1862.
Bolivar Upson, discharged on surgeon's certificate of
disability, January 25th, 1862.
Thomas Watson, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, September 4th, 1862; wounded at Malvern
Hill, Virginia, July 1st, 1862.
Geo. C. Woodmansee, discharged on surgeon's cer
tificate of disability, December 19th, 1862.
Bertrand Webb, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, September 2d, 1862.
TRANSFERRED
Lieut. James B. Hazleton, to Battery E, First New
York Light Artillery, by Special Order No. 8, Head
quarters First New York Light Artillery, dated March
18th, 1864.
Sergt. Alfred N. Brown, to Navy, by Special Order
No. 98, Headquarters Army of Potomac, dated April
12th, 1864.
Corp. Nelson R. Alfred, to Invalids' Corps.
Geo. Baxter, to Invalids' Corps; wounded at Gettys
burg. James Cullen, to Invalids' Corps.
Adam Dennis, to Invalids' Corps.
Jerome Loucks, to Invalids' Corps; wounded at Fred
ericksburg. John Newberg, to Invalids' Corps; wounded at Gettys
burg. John Mormon, to Invalids' Corps; by Special Order
No. 109, Headquarters Second Army Corps, April 16th,
1864. Lorenzo M. O'Connors, to Invalids' Corps; by Orders
from War Department, September 12th, 1863.

History of Battery G. 139
Hector J. Robertson, to Invalids' Corps; by Orders
from War Department, March 15th, 1864.
DIED
First Lieut. Marshall H. Rundell, at General Hospi
tal, Brooklyn, New York, July 21st, 1862.
Corp. William E. Sykes, at Washington, D. C. ; from
wounds received at Spottsylvania Court House, May
12th, 1864.
Chauncy Barnes, at Union Mills, Virginia, March
17th, 1862.
Barnard Ball, on the march from Harrison Landing,
August 16th, 1862.
John Coughlin, at Washington, D. C, May 2d, 1864.
Richard M. Everts, at Union Mills, Virginia, March
5th, 1862.
George Garrison, at Harrison's Landing, Virginia,
August 1st, 1862.
Albert Huntly, at Alexandria, Virginia; no official
notice received.
William J. Halsey, at Washington, D. C, May 13th,
1862. William J. Lewis, at Alexandria, Virginia, January
14th, 1862.
Elmer E. Mosher, at Fortress Monroe, September 1st,
1862. Delos M. Palmer, at Washington, D. C, November
19th, 1861.
Jefferson Paine, at Falmouth, Virginia, December
19th, 1862; from wounds received in action at Fredericks
burg, December 13th, 1862.
Elisha Smith, at Philadelphia, August 13th, 1862.
George Thompkins, at Gettysburg, July 24th, 1863;
from wounds received in action July 2d, 1863.

140 History of Battery G.
Benjamin N. Whipple, at Harrison's Landing, Vir
ginia, July 15th, 1862.
Corp. Ruben E. Salisbury, killed at Antietum, Septem
ber 17th, 1862.
Michael Gibbons, killed in action at Spottsylvania
Court House, Virginia, May 12th, 1864.
Andrew J. McKillip, killed in action at Fredericks
burg, Virginia, December 13th, 1862.
John H. Wiltse, killed in action at Spottsylvania
Court House, May 12th, 1864.
DROPPED  KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED  NO OFFI
CIAL NOTICE RECEIVED.
First Lieut. William A. Ham, promoted to captain in
United States Artillery.
Charles J. Brennan, first sergeant of Hogan's Bat
tery. James Fennesy.
Samuel B. Allen.
Griffen P. Bush.
John B. Bennett, transferred to Invalids' Corps.
John Crouse, lost a leg at Gettysburg, July 2d, 1865.
Matthew Callahan.
Dennis Cully.
Francis Devlin.
Charles Grimes.
Xavier Hinderlet, from United States Insane Asylum,
. made insane at the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia,
by a shell.
John Hays.
William Hogan.
Thomas McGurie, died from wounds received at Mal
vern Hill.
Horace S. Smith, discharged at Warrenton, Virginia.

History of Battery G. 141
Daniel W. Smith, discharged; no official notice re
ceived. RESIGNED
First Lieut. Thomas Farrel, January 11th, 1864, at
Stevensburg, Virginia.
Second Lieut. Frederick F. Goff, January 19th, 1864;
on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Gothier, wounded at Spottsylvania Court House,
•May 12th, 1864.
William B. Whitney, wounded at Fredericksburg,
Virginia, December 13th, 1862.
Capt. Nelson Ames, wounded at Malvern Hill, Vir
ginia, July 1st, 1862; also at Totopotomy Creek, Vir
ginia, May 30th, 1864.
First Lieut. Samuel A. McClellan, wounded at Mal
vern Hill.
Second Lieut. Tyler E. Searle, mortally wounded
October 31st; died November 3d, 1864.
Corp. Nelson W. Marsh, wounded at Malvern Hill.
Cephus H. Tracy, wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 12th, 1864.
Patrick Carbay, wounded at Gettysburg, July 2d, 1864.
John L. Nicholas, wounded at Antietum, September
17th, 1862.
George Taffe, wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, June
16th, 1864.
William H. Wilkes, wounded at Antietum, September
17th, 1862.
Ashley T. Vaughan, wounded at Chancellorsville,
Virginia. First Lieut. Albert N. Ames, killed in Fort Morton,
before Petersburg, Virginia, September 26th, 1864.
Albert Marshee, wounded October 1st, 1864.

142 History of Battery G.
Private John McCann, killed in Fort Morton, before
Petersburg, Virginia, September 26th, 1864.
Alonzo Smith, wounded November 2d, 1864.
William M. Ringer, died en route to" hospital, October
29th, 1864.
Francis Hazel, died suddenly in Fort Morton, De
cember 28th, 1864.
Daniel Tamber, died at Artillery Brigade Hospital,
Second Corps, January 14th, 1865.
Emmett D. Erskine, died at Mount Pleasant Hos
pital, Washington, D. C., December 11th, 1864.
Ellery E. Gillett, discharged on surgeon's certificate
of disability, February 6th, 1865; wounded at Sheldon's
Plantation, Virginia, May 30th, 1864.
Bugler Cephus H. Friary, discharged on surgeon's
certificate of disability, February 23th, 1865; wounded
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 12th, 1864.
Charles A. Lee, discharged at United States General
Hospital, Detroit, May 24th, 1865.

HONORABLE MENTION

In closing this brief sketch of the battery, the
writer takes the liberty of mentioning a few of
the men, not that they were better than the
others, but holding the positions that they did,
necessarily brought them more prominently to
the front.
No better or truer men ever faced the enemy
on the battlefield than those who served in Bat
tery G. The writer would be pleased to men
tion each one individually, but where he has
mentioned one he wishes the men to bear in
mind that he means them all, as all should and
would be mentioned individually if space per
mitted. Sergt. Jesse J. Burdick had command of No. i
gun until his discharge in September, 1864, by
reason of expiration of his term of service, three
years. No better or truer soldier ever served in
any command. He could always be relied on,
in the camp, on the march, or on the battlefield.
He was offered promotion several times, but his

144 History of Battery G.
answer always was, ' T had rather be a sergeant
in Battery G than a lieutenant in any battery in
the army. No, thank you, I began my soldier
ing in this company, and I shall finish it with
old G Company."
Sergt. J. Hutchinson was a good soldier; he
had command of No. 2 gun and always handled
his gun well. He was a member of Busteed's
Battery and was transferred when the battery
was broken up.
Sergt. James Hennesy was transferred from
Hogan's Battery; was a faithful and true soldier
at Gettysburg, was in command of No. 3 gun,
and no one could have done any better than he
did. Sergt. A. N. Brown joined the battery in
Washington, D. C. At the time the battery
received the men of Busteed's Battery, he was a
sailor and frequently tried to inject a few sailor
words into his command, but was a splendid
soldier, and was transferred to the navy by order
of war department.
Sergt. Isaac G. Winnie joined the battery in
Washington, D. C., with the men of Busteed's
Battery; was promoted to first sergeant when
Sergeant Bates was promoted to lieutenant. He
was a splendid soldier, always ready to do his
duty. There was no one in the battery more

History of Battery G. 145
ready, and he expected and received fidelity from
those under him.
Sergt. George H. Barse commanded No. 6
gun until he was promoted to lieutenant in the
Sixty-Fourth, and was always at his post of duty.
With Barse on one flank of the battery and
Burdick on the other, all knew and felt that
should the enemy try to turn the flank there
would be some pretty hot wOrk before they suc
ceeded. Sergt. Harrison L. Lane succeeded Sergeant
Goff as quartermaster sergeant, and was the
right man for the place. The men knew that
their rations would be ready on time if it lay in
the power of mortal man to get them, so long as
Sergeant Lane was on duty. Sergeant Lane
joined the battery at the time the men of Bus
teed's Battery was transferred, in the fall of 1861.
Sergt. Patrick Smith was transferred to the
battery May 26th, 1862; was a fine soldier, ready
at all times to do his duty, and do it well. Re-
enlisted as a veteran.
Sergt. William Corrigan enlisted October, 1 86 1 ;
transferred from Fourteenth Independent Bat
tery, New York Light Artillery, to Company C,
Fourth United States Light Artillery, May, 1862;
after which time he was transferred to Battery
G. He was always ready to do his duty, always
cool and collected on the march, in camp and on

146 History of Battery G.
the battlefield. With such non-commissioned
officers there was no such word as fail. It took
time to learn the sterling worth of such men.
H. M. Morgan was company clerk, and I
utter no flattery when I say there was no better
in the army. At the battle of Bristow Station
the ground was such that the caissons had to be
placed quite a distance to the rear in order to
cover the men and horses from the enemy's fire,
and he carried ammunition to the guns, on horse
back, during the entire action. The writer has
often thought the war would not have been
closed as soon as it was if it had not been for
"Piney." In addition to the men of Busteed's and Ho
gan's batteries the rolls show there were trans
ferred to Battery G, some one hundred and
sixty others. Some were temporarily attached
from infantry regiments as the battery required
men. Others were recruits, substitutes and
drafted men. Many of the attached men and
recruits were good men after they had been
properly drilled and instructed. But the sub
stitutes were not worth ten cents a hundred to
the government. They did not enter the service
with the intention of doing any fighting, but sim
ply to get the large bounty, and shirk every duty
possible, and could be trusted only as long as
you had them in reach of a good navy revolver,

History of Battery G. 147
which made it hard for the officers and good men
of the battery. The last few months of the war,
when going into action, many times an old regi
ment would be deployed as skirmishers in rear
to drive that class of deadbeats forward, as they
would try to get to the rear. Many a man is
drawing a pension today from the goverment for
wounds they received from the guards while be
ing driven to the front.
While the battery was in winter quarters at
Brandy Station, Virginia, in the winter of 1863
and 1864, Sergt. George H. Barse went home
on a veteran furlough of thirty-five days, and
when he returned to the battery he brought
back with him a beautiful silk flag, which was
presented to the battery by the ladies of Mexico,
Oswego County, New York, with the battles in
scribed on it with gilt letters, and to say that
the men were proud of their flag would be putting
it very mildly.
In the spring of 1864, before the army started
on the Wilderness campaign, the army was re
viewed by Generals Grant and Mead, each corps
separately. The second corps had some 32,000
men, and Battery G was given the post of honor,
and given the right of the line and the first to
pass in review before Grant, Mead, Hancock
and a number of other general officers. Captain
Ames was acting major and had command of

148 History of Battery G.
four light twelve-pound batteries on the right
of line.
A short time before the battle of Reams Sta
tion, on the Weldon Railroad, while the army
was before Petersburg, Virginia, Private Patrick
Ginley had been detailed as orderly at Head
quarters Artillery Brigade Second Army Corps,
and was present with the corps at that
hard fought battle. A part of our line of
battle having been driven back from the
slight works of logs and brush they had partly
thrown up in the thick woods, it was very
important that the line be retaken or our men
would be driven from the field and the battle
lost. Ginley dashed up on his horse to the color-
bearer of one of the regiments, who evidently
mistook him in the smoke of battle for a staff.
officer, and said to him, "Give me those colors."
The colorbearer handed him the colors, when
Ginley, waving it over his head, shouted, "Fol
low me and retake those works." The color-
bearer called to him to give him back his colors.
He was then a few paces in front of the line.
He called to the men that if they wanted their
colors again they must follow him and retake
those works, as he was going over the works
with those colors, and started forward. With
a cheer that made the woods ring, the whole
line with one accord sprang forward and charged

History of Battery G. 149
the enemy with bayonets, and, after a desperate
struggle, drove the enemy from the works, when
he handed back their colors. For this gallant
act, congress voted him a medal of honor, which
he proudly wears on his breast, and will as long
as he lives.
At the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, on
May 1 2th, 1864, when First Lieut. A. N. Ames
and Sergt. G. H. Barse advanced with the can
noneers to work the guns captured from the
enemy, at what was afterwards called the Bloody
Angle, Corp. J. C. Bunworth went with them
and helped to work the captured guns, until the
ammunition was exhausted, and the guns hauled
to the rear. When he passed along the works
to the left and saw a twelve-pound gun
standing between the lines of fire, he ad
vanced over the works, under a heavy fire,
and fastened a rope to the trail of the gun, and,
with the assistance of the infantry, drew the gun
over the works; also brought ammunition from
the chests over the works, and used every round
on the enemy, most of the time at close canister
range, doing fearful execution on the enemy's
line. Afterwards, when this ammunition was
all expended, he reported to the battery, and
Captain Ames sent a detail of men and horses to
haul the gun to the rear. The army furnished no
better or braver soldier than Corporal Bunworth.

150 History of Battery G.
The writer has tried to state briefly and plainly
the operations of the battery from the time it
was mustered in until it was mustered out of the
United States service. If mistakes have been
made they are unintentional, and the reader will
have noticed, while reading this, that Battery G,
First New York Light Artillery, was made up
as follows: First, the original battery from
Mexico, Oswego County, New York. Second,
the men of Busteed's Chicago Battery, who were
transferred, in Washington, D. C. , in the fall of
1 86 1. Third, the men of Hogan's New York
Battery, who were transferred in May, 1862,
This composition made it a difficult command to
satisfy, but the writer tried to do his duty at all
times, so that none might suspect favoritism,
and he is pleased to say that none was ever dis
covered. Some of the men may have thought
their captain too strict, but he has the satisfac
tion of knowing all were treated alike. His
motto always was, "Come," boys, not "Go."
His aim was the accomplishment of what the
battery was ordered to do, with the least loss of
life possible, and he thinks the records will show
a measure of success.
Few batteries of artillery saw such hard fight
ing during the war as Battery G, First New York
Light Artillery, and after examining many rec
ords of brave companies it becomes a clear con-

History of Battery G.

151

viction that the record of the brave men who
made up the battery will compare advantageously
with the records of any who served in the great
est war of history.