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2nd New York Heavy Artillery

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this regiment’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Note: The 2nd New York Heavy Artillery served as an infantry unit throughout the Siege of Petersburg.

Muster In:

  • C, D: September 18, 1861
  • B: August 23, 1861
  • A,E: October 2, 1861
  • F,G,H: October 15, 1861
  • L: November 18, 1861
  • I,K: December 11, 1861
  • M: December 12, 18611

Muster Out: September 29, 18652

Commander(s):
Colonel Joseph N. G. Whistler
JosephNGWhistler2ndNYHAv112p57823

Lieutenant Colonel William Wilson
Commander Image

Lieutenant Colonel George Hogg
Commander Image

Major William A. McKay
Commander Image

Captain Oscar F. Hulser
Commander Image

Commander 5
Commander Image

First Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army4

Second Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army7,8

Third Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army11,12

  • Commander:
    • Lieutenant Colonel William Wilson (at least July 26-31, 1864)13
    • Major William A. McKay (July 31, 1864)(incorrect)14,15
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army16,17

  • Commander:
    • Major George Hogg (at least August 21-23 and 31, 1864)18,19,20
    • Lieutenant Colonel William Wilson (?)21
  • Unit Strength:
    • 320 officers and men taken into action (August 14, 1864)22
    • 226 officers and men PFD (August 23, 1864)23
  • Weapons:

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army24

  • Commander: Captain Oscar F. Hulser (at least September 28, 1864)25
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army26

  • Commander: Major George Hogg (at least October 21 & 31, 1864)27,28
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army29

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel George Hogg (December 31, 1864)30,31
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army32,33

  • Commander:
    • Major Oscar F. Hulser (January 31, 1865)34
    • Lieutenant Colonel George Hogg (February 28, 1865)35
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | II Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army36,37

  • Commander: Major Oscar F. Hulser (March 31, 1865)38
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Dyer’s/Sifakis’ Compendium Info:
Siege of Petersburg Battles39:

  • Before Petersburg June 16-18.
  • Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865.
  • Jerusalem Plank Road June 22-23, 1864.
  • Deep Bottom July 27-28.
  • Mine Explosion, Petersburg, July 30 (Reserve).
  • Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, August 14-18.
  • Ream’s Station August 25.
  • Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, October 27-28.
  • Reconnaissance to Hatcher’s Run December 9-10.
  • Hatcher’s Run December 9.
  • Dabney’s Mills, Hatcher’s Run, February 5-7, 1865.
  • Watkins’ House March 25.
  • Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9.
  • On line of Hatcher’s and Gravelly Runs March 29-30.
  • Hatcher’s Run or Boydton Road March 31.
  • White Oak Road March 31.
  • Sutherland Station and fall of Petersburg April 2.
  • Amelia Springs April 5.
  • Sailor’s Creek April 6.
  • High Bridge and Farmville April 7.
  • Appomattox Court House April 9.
  • Surrender of Lee and his army.

Bibliography:

    Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

    Sources:

    1. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
    2. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
    3. Joseph N. G. Whistler image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 112, Page 5782.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    4. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 219
    5. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 340: ” On the 18th made and advance, in which Colonel Whistler was slightly wounded. Lieutenant -Colonel Palmer severely wounded, and Captain Berry killed.”
    6. Volume 14 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 2nd New York Heavy Artillery Entry, Page 10; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
    7. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), pages 219-220
    8. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 543
    9. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), page 543
    10. Volume 14 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 2nd New York Heavy Artillery Entry, Page 10; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
    11. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 251
    12. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 729
    13. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 341“Report of the Second New York Artillery in the operations on the north side of the James River, from July 26 to July 31, 1864, the regiment being commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson.”
    14. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 729: The Official Records appear to be incorrect in listing McKay as leading the regiment on July 31, 1864.  He had been dishonorably dismissed on July 25, 1864!  See the note from the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center near this one.
    15. New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, Roster of the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery, William A. McKay entry: “…dishonorably dismissed, July 25, 1864…”  There appears to be a story here, or the ORs just made a rare mistake.  More research is needed to learn about the circumstances surrounding McKay’s dismissal.
    16. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 612: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864”
    17. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), pages 116, 129: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces (August 1864)”
    18. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 267: Hogg’s report places him obviously in command of the regiment during the Second Deep Bottom operations, but Captain Oscar Hulder’s report claims Lt. Colonel William Wilson was in command.  Hogg was definitely in command for part or all of the fighting, and Lt. Colonel William Wilson may have been. More research is needed.
    19. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 612: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864”: This source indicates Hogg was in command of the regiment on August 31, 1864.
    20. Hogg, George. Letter to Sarah Hogg. 23 August 1864. Mike Czaikowski Collection: “Sunday (August 21, 1864) was the anniversary of my birthday….I marched only 95 men, in fact I have only 226 men for duty now, out of 1,785 that left Alexandria in May last.”  These lines imply Hogg was in command during this time period.
    21. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 266: According to Captain Oscar Hulser’s report, the Lt. Colonel was in command during the Second Deep Bottom expedition.  However, Major George Hogg’s later report makes it quite clear he was in command of the 2nd NY HA throughout most if not all of the Second Deep Bottom fighting.  More research is needed.
    22. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 267: “On the morning of Sunday, August 13 (14) instant, I was ordered by General Miles to advance my regiment of nine companies, numbering in all 320 officers and men, across the New Market road through a wood to the edge of a corn-field.”
    23. Hogg, George. Letter to Sarah Hogg. 23 August 1864. Mike Czaikowski Collection: “Sunday (August 21, 1864) was the anniversary of my birthday. I dined sitting on the ground, on hard bread and water, in the momentary expectation of an attack from the enemy, the day passed however and the sun went without any battle. And on that night at 8 o’clock we left Deep Bottom and crossed the James river and marched to our old camp, a distance of 18 miles; and thoroughly tired out we were when we got there; I marched only 95 men, in fact I have only 226 men for duty now, out of 1,785 that left Alexandria in May last.”
    24. Sommers, Richard J. “Grant’s Fifth Offensive at Petersburg: A Study in Strategy, Tactics, and Generalship.  The Battle of Poplar Spring Church, the First Battle of the Darbytown Road, the Second Battle of the Squirrel Level Road, the Second Battle of the Darbytown Road (Ulysses S. Grant, Virginia).” Doctoral Thesis. Rice University, 1970. Print. p. 1298.
    25. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 341: Hulser was the Captain in command of the 2nd NY HA when he wrote this report on September 28, 1864.
    26. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 458: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)”
    27. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 340: Hogg signs this report on October 21, 1864 as the Major commanding the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery.
    28. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 458: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)”
    29. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1115: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864)
    30. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1115: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864)
    31. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 268
    32. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 325: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865)
    33. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 739: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865)
    34. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 325: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865)
    35. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 739: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865)
    36. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 566: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865)
    37. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 582: “Return of casualties in the Union Forces commanded by Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, March 29-April 9, 1865”
    38. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 566: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865)
    39. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
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