4th Wisconsin
Light Artillery Battery Regiment


Roster

Battles involving 4th Light Artillery Battery
Assignments for 4th Light Artillery Battery
 



- Organized on Oct 1 1861 at Camp Utley, Racine, WI
- Enlistment term: 3 years
- Mustered out on Jul 3 1865 at Richmond, VA

Available statistics for total numbers of men listed as:
- Enlisted or commissioned: 291
- Killed or died of wounds (Enlisted men): 3
- Died of disease (Enlisted men): 22
- Prisoner of war: 1
- Disabled: 19
- Missing: 1
- Deserted: 11
- Discharged: 9
- Mustered out: 222
- Transferred out: 1


Historical notes and Reports:

Fourth Light Battery
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)

Fourth Light Battery. -- Capts., John F. Vallee, George B. Easterly, Dorman L. Noggle; First Lieuts., John F. Valee, George B. Easterly Martin H. McDevitt, William P. Powers, Burr Maxwell, Spencer S. Hillier, Dorman L. Noggle, Robert Campbell; Second Lieuts., Andrew H. Hunt, Charles A. Rathbun, George R. Wright, Dorman L. Noggle, Burr Maxwell, Delos H. Cady, Martin H. McDevitt, Alexander See, George R. Wright, Dorman L. Noggle, Levi Westinghouse, Robert Campbell, Benjamin Brown.

This battery was organized at Beloit, Sept. 14, 1861, and was sent to Camp Utley, Racine, Sept. 19. It was; mustered in Oct. 1 and left the state Jan. 21, 1862, for Washington, but was sent at once to Fortress Monroe, where it was put in charge of the barbette guns and spent the summer.

It had the honor of firing the gun ''Union'' during the engagement between the Monitor and Merrimac. When fully equipped it was sent to Camp Hamilton near Hampton, Va., and was engaged there in garrison duty until Jan. 11, 1863. It was then ordered to Suffolk and assisted in the defense against Longstreet during April.

It was at West Point during May, constructing fortifications, and joined Keyes' expedition toward Richmond in June, a junction with Dix's forces being effected on the 29th. The battery went into camp at Yorktown July 10, was ordered to Gloucester Point Aug. 25, and remained there until Oct. 11, when it was attached to Getty's command at Portsmouth for permanent duty.

It engaged in small expeditions and reconnaissances until April 23, 1864, when it was assigned to the artillery brigade, 1st division, 18th army corps which moved up the James River and took part in the two days engagements about Fort Clinton on the Appomattox. It was under fire at Proctor's Creek, near Drewry's Bluff and covered the army's rear as it retired.

It took position in the intrenchments on Bermuda Hundred where it remained until June 4, when it was attached to Kautz's cavalry division, with which it participated in the early assaults on Petersburg, at one time being exposed for 2 hours to a concentrated fire of 14 guns.

On July 8 the entire battery was converted into horse artillery and on the 27th the left section moved with the cavalry and participated in the battle of Malvern hill. The right section made a short expedition at the same time to Lighthouse Point on the James and on Aug. 4 went to Prince George Court House. The battery returned to Petersburg and was in numerous engagements with the Army of the Potomac in and about Richmond.

It was mustered out July 3, 1865. Its original strength was 151, Gain by recruits, 62; substitutes, 38; reenlistments, 43; total, 294. Loss by death, 24; missing, 1; desertion, 15, transfer, 1 discharge, 82; mustered out, 171.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 79


Report of Capt. George B. Easterly, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations May 7-21.

CAMP FOURTH WISCONSIN LIGHT BATTERY, Near Petersburg, May 21, 1864.

MAJ.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Fourth Wisconsin Light Battery from its arrival at Bermuda Hundred to the present date:

The battery disembarked at Bermuda Hundred on the 7th instant, with the exception of 53 horses, on board of a schooner, which, on account of getting aground in the James River, did not arrive until the forenoon of the 8th instant. On the evening of the same day the battery reported for duty at the headquarters of the First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps. At daylight on the morning of the 9th instant the battery marched with one day's rations, under command of Brig.-Gen. Martindale, in the direction of Petersburg, on right bank of the River Appomattox. At 11 a. m. position was taken near the river on a small bluff to the left of Forth Clifton, a rebel work on the junction of Swift Creek and the Appomattox, at a distance of 2,350 yards. The enemy immediately opened fire, throwing 32-pound shrapnel. The fire from the battery soon silenced them. The only casualty occurring was the loss of my private horse, a shrapnel shell passing through him. In about an hour I retired from this position, leaving one section with directions to keep up a fire at intervals. I moved forward with four guns, with the Third Brigade, First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, and camped with it until next morning near Swift Creek. On the morning of the 10th instant I was ordered to report to return to camp occupied the 8th instant, the section posted by itself to return as the infantry in its front retired by it. Friday, the 13th instant, at 1 p. m., I received orders to move with my battery to the front on the turnpike road. I reached there and remained over night on the road. I reached there and remained over night on the road 2,000 yards in rear of the Half-Way House.

At 8 a. m. the 14th instant I was ordered into position close to the first line of works abandoned by the enemy, in a field to the left of the Friend brick house, and opened fire on a redoubt of the enemy's second line, 1,00 yards distant. No reply was elicited. While in this position I was subjected to an oblique fire from the enemy's guns concealed from view by a strip of woods. On cannoneer was wounded by the explosion of a case-shell. I expended during the day 232 rounds of ammunition. At night I camped on the extreme right of the open ground in front of the Half-Way House, with battery in position. At daylight the 15th instant I returned with battery and occupied the same position as the previous day, and was shortly ordered to a position about 700 yards to the rear, still commanding the enemy's redoubt. I did not open fire during the day, and at night I retired and camped as the night before. At daylight of the 16th instant I occupied the position held the 15th. The dense fog prevented me from opening fire. I remained here until ordered to gain the turnpike. While leaving my position I received a few shots from the artillery of the enemy. I was again posted on a hill to the left of the turnpike and 1,500 yards in rear of the Half-Way House and remained there until late in the afternoon, when I was ordered to return to camp now occupied, which I reached at 5 p. m. While returning one section of my battery was detached and ordered to report to Maj.-Gen. Gillmore, who immediately, on its reporting to him, ordered its return.

I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. B. EASTERLY,
Capt., &c.

Maj. THEODORE H. SCHENCK,
Cmdg. Arty. Brig., First Div., Eighteenth Army Corps.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 147-68 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 36. Part II, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 68.]


Report of Capt. George B. Easterly, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations June 15-17.

JUNE 17, 1864.

Report of movements of the right section of the Fourth Wisconsin Light Battery from the night of June 15 to the morning of June 17, 1864:

June 15, 1 a.m. crossed the Appomattox in rear of the Eleventh Regt. Pennsylvania Cavalry and marched in direction of Petersburg; halted shortly after daybreak. Resumed march, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry in advance. About one mile and a half from the crossing of the City Point and Petersburg Railroad the enemy opened fire on the column from artillery. The section was ordered to the front and placed in position by Maj. T. H. Schenck, Third New York Artillery, chief of artillery, near the ravine occupied by our advance and close to the fire of the enemy's artillery. Directions were given to fire through the woods, calculating the position of the enemy's guns, which were concealed from view, at 1,800 yards. After firing fourteen rounds, ceased firing and moved to the rear out of range, one cannoneer slightly wounded by piece of shell. Resumed march with column, Third New York Cavalry in advance. About 12 m. placed one gun in position on a road commanded by and under fire of the enemy's artillery from a line of breast-works about 1,600 yards to the front. The enemy's position could not be seen from this gun, and a short fire only was kept up by it. The remaining up was placed in position about 200 yards farther to the front, and immediately at the edge of the woods facing and commanded by the works of the enemy. A slow firing was kept up by this piece with an accurate range of the enemy's position. Both guns were soon placed in position on the edge of the woods, under a hot fire from the enemy, with directions to attract his attention from the advance of our line of skirmishers. A steady fire was kept up and nearly every projectile was seen to strike in the enemy's works. One gun became disabled by a shell lodging in the bore, and was sent to the rear, but shortly returned in a serviceable condition and was placed in position until the return of the line of skirmishers. Ammunition on hand at this time, fifty rounds shell and twenty rounds of canister; whole amount expended during the day, 130 rounds. The march was resumed in lead of the rear regiment, First New York Mounted Rifles, and bivouac was made with the column.

June 16, resumed march and continued in rear of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. Replenished my limbers soon after halting, about 10 a.m. 10.30, marched and continued in rear of the Eleventh Pennsylvania during the day and until arrival in the camp now occupied on the morning of the 17th instant.

Very respectfully,

G. B. EASTERLY,
Capt., Cmdg. Fourth Wisconsin Battery.

Capt. M. J. ASCH.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.


Report of Lieut. William P. Powers, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations July 27-30.

CAMP FOURTH WISCONSIN LIGHT BATTERY. Near Jones' Landing, Va., August 3, 1864.

CAPT.: I have the honor to report the following record of the operations of one section of the Fourth Wisconsin Battery, equipped as horse artillery, under my command in the late movement at Deep Bottom:

We left camp, with the Cavalry Division under Gen. Kautz, at daylight on Wednesday morning, the 27th of July. Crossed the James River at Deep Bottom at 10 a.m., and camped about a mile from the river until the following morning at 10, when the division moved toward Malvern Hill, at the foot of which we met the enemy in some force. A sharp skirmish ensued, during which, though under fire, we were not engaged. The enemy was repulsed. In my section 1 man and 2 horses were wounded. A line of battle was formed on Malvern Hill, front which we marched at about 1 o'clock on Friday morning to the ground occupied by us on the first night, where we remained until daylight. Here one horse, with saddle, bridle, and blanket, escaped from the section and was lost-probably picked up by the cavalry.

At noon of Friday, the 29th, we were formed in line of battle, with Sheridan's cavalry near to and with both flanks resting on the river, where we remained until the following morning at daybreak, when the division returned to camp.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. POWERS,
First Lieut., Fourth Wisconsin Battery .

Capt. GEORGE B. EASTERLY.
Cmdg. Fourth Wisconsin Battery.



Report of Lieut. Dorman L. Noggle, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations July 30-August 1.


CAMP DETACHMENT FOURTH WISCONSIN BATTERY, Near Light-House Point, August 9, 1864.

CAPT.: I have the honor to report that on the evening of July 30, 1864, I left camp near Jones' Landing with one section of the battery, accompanying the cavalry expedition under Gen. Kautz. We marched all night, arriving at the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad about 4 a.m. July 31. Remained there two hours, then crossed the railroad and proceeded to Lee's Mill, where I placed my two guns in position, but did not fire any. On the morning of August 1 received orders to move with the cavalry which returned to near Light-House Point, where we went into camp and remained until joined by the center section under your command.

Respectfully, yours

D. L. NOGGLE,
Second Lieut. Cmdg. Detachment Fourth Wisconsin Battery.

Capt. GEORGE B. EASTERLY.
Cmdg. Fourth Wisconsin Battery.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. LII.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 743-80
[Series I. Vol. 40. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 80.]



Report of Capt. George B. Easterly, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations August 1-September 30.


CAMP OF FOURTH WISCONSIN BATTERY HORSE ARTY., Near Jones' Landing, Va., October 20, 1864.

GEN.: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the Fourth Wisconsin Battery from August 1, 1864, to September 30, 1864:

August 1, the right section and Second Lieut. D. L. Noggle was with the Cavalry Division on an expedition near the Weldon railroad; the two remaining sections were in camp at Jones' Landing, and on the 11th of August joined the right section near Light-House Point, on the James River. August 13, the battery marched to Prince George Court-House. August 26, moved camp near Petersburg, in rear of Ninth Corps.

September 16, the battery marched with Cavalry Division in pursuit of the enemy's cavalry that had captured a large cattle herd. September 17, returned to camp. September 27, broke camp and moved to Jones' Landing. September 28, marched at daylight to the suburbs of Richmond and in full view of the city. Were under a constant fire from the enemy's inner line of defenses, First Lieut. M. McDevitt in command. Camped for the night 1,000 yards from the rebel works. September 29, the battery moved with the cavalry around Richmond in full view of the city and under the uninterrupted fire of the enemy. The right section (Lieut. D. L. Noggle), detached with the Second Cavalry Brigade (Col. S. P. Spear), moved on the Charles City road; engaged a small force of the enemy and drove them into the city; they approached within 800 yards of the main line of defenses and engaged them. During this fire Lieut. Noggle elevated his guns and fired about 140 shell into the streets of Richmond, which were in plain view, it being the first and only time during the war that artillery has approached so near and fired into the rebel capital. September 30, the battery repulsed a cavalry charge of the enemy and at night moved to a position in the rear and distant four miles from Richmond.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. EASTERLY,
Capt., Cmdg. Fourth Wisconsin Battery Horse Artillery.

Gen. August GAYLORD,
Adjutant-Gen., Madison, Wis.


Report of Lieut. Dorman L. Noggle, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations October 7.

HDQRS. FOURTH WISCONSIN HORSE BATTERY, Near Jones' Landing, Va., October 9, 1864.

MAJ.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations by the Fourth Wisconsin Horse Battery in the engagement on the Darbytown road, October 7, 1864:

The battery was posted on the left of the Darbytown road, near the old breast-works, one section about twenty rods in rear and on the right of the road. As the attack was made on both flanks at the same time, my left section engaged the enemy on the left and in front, and the right section on the right and in front. After firing several rounds, the enemy continually advancing, I was compelled to retire with both sections. A again formed in battery about ten rods in rear of the position first taken by the right section, both sections united. We were again compelled to retire, as the enemy were on our right flank. Again we took position about fifteen rods in rear of the second position taken. Before taking our last position two of my pieces became temporarily unserviceable. I sent them to the rear. As the enemy were steadily advancing we were compelled to retire. Before leaving the field 4 of my men and several horses were wounded, 1 man mortally. After retiring a few rods the leading piece of the battery, which preceded me, became mired, delaying the column and giving the enemy time to come up with his main force. The enemy appearing on our left flank, I was ordered to abandon my pieces. I succeeded in getting some of my horses away, but lost most of my harness.

I sustained the following casualties: Lost 4 pieces and caisson, 45 horses, 24 sets of harness, 4 men wounded (1 mortally), and 1 missing.

The men all behaved well; I could not ask for better soldiers. Where all stood so well at their posts I do not desire to speak of individual cases.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. NOGGLE,
Second Lieut., Cmdg. Fourth Wisconsin Horse Battery.

Maj. THEODORE H. SCHENCK.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 847-87 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV.
[Series I. Vol. 42. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 87.]


Battles (where losses incurred) involving 1st Light Artillery Battery Regiment

Location Date Killed Wounded POW Missing Losses
Darbytown Road, VA Oct 7 1864 1 0 0 1 2


Brigade, Division, Corps, and Army assignments for 1st Light Artillery Battery Regiment

From

To

Brigade

Division

Corps

Army/Department

Comments

01/01/62

07/31/62

Artillery

Fortress Monroe


Department of Virginia


07/01/62

09/30/62


Fortress Monroe

7

Department of Virginia


09/01/62

01/31/63


Camp Hamilton

7

Department of Virginia


04/01/63

05/31/63

Unatt Arty


7

Department of Virginia


05/01/63

06/30/63

Artillery

1

7

Department of Virginia


05/04/63

07/15/63

2

2

4

Department of Virginia


08/01/63

12/31/64

Artillery

US Forces, Yorktown

18

Department of Virginia & North Carolina


12/01/63

04/30/64

Artillery

US Forces, Portsmouth, VA

18

Department of Virginia & North Carolina


04/01/64

06/30/64

Artillery

1

18

Army of the James


06/01/64

06/30/64

Artillery


18

Army of the James


06/01/64

05/31/65

Artillery

Cavalry

18

Army of the James





Roster for
4th Light Artillery Battery Regiment - 290 men

Source: Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers; War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865; Volumes I and II; compiled by Authority of the Legislature, under the direction of Jeremiah M. Rusk, Governor & Chandler P. Chapman, Adjutant General; Democrat Printing Company, State Printers; Madison, Wisconsin; 1886

Abbott - Young




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