NEW HAMPSHIRE FIRST REGIMENT VOLUNTEER HEAVY ARTILLERY. (ONE AND THREE YEARS.)

By CHARLES H. LONG, late Colonel First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Artillery. ON August 19, 1864, the Governor of New Hampshire was authorized by the War Department to raise a battalion of at least four companies of heavy artillery, and on September 20 to raise a full regiment of twelve companies, which was done by adding to it the First New Hampshire Volunteer Light Battery, which became Company M, but which was detached and continued to serve as a light battery. Charles H. Long, of Claremont, was commissioned colonel of this regiment, on September 29, 1864. In the regimental organization the First and Second Companies New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Artillery were designated as Companies A and B respectively. The companies, as fast as organized, were ordered to Washington and assigned to duty under the direction of Major-General Auger. During the winter of 1864-'65 and until the muster out of the regiment, it garrisoned a line of works in the defenses of Washington, ten miles in extent. About fifty men were detailed each day for picket duty in front of the line of fortifications. The duty of the regiment was important to the safety of the capital of the nation and oftentimes arduous. On the 21st of November, 1864, Colonel Long was assigned to the command of the First Brigade, Hardin's Division, Twenty-second Army Corps. On the 27th of that month Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, in command of the regiment, was ordered to report to Colonel Long, with seven companies, and was assigned to duty in his brigade. The regiment, except Companies A, B, and M, was mustered out of the service on the 15th of June, 1865. The First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Artillery was attached to First Brigade, Hardin's Division, Department of Washington, Twenty-second Army Corps, October 21, 1864, to date of muster out. Prior to organization of the regiment the companies, excepting Company M, which was on duty with the Second Army Corps as First New Hampshire Light Battery, were at different posts in the Department of Washington, mostly in De Russey's Division.

Source: New Hampshire Soldiers & Sailors War of the Rebellion, Ayling

New Hampshire 1st Heavy Volunteer Artillery (Union)

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