Purcell's VA Light Artillery

[IslayMalt]

Does anyone know where I can find a roster for this unit? I've been searching and so far no luck. I really don't want to purchase the regimental history just to find a name.
The reason that I'm asking is all I've been able to find about the Dixie Artillery is that is was disbanded, and 'some' were transferred? enlisted into? Purcell's unit.

 

[Legion Para]

The following book will be of some help. It is part of the Virginia Regimental Series and each volume contains rosters.

The Purcell, Crenshaw and Letcher Artillery
by Peter S. Carmichael

 

[Legion Para]

Waynesboro is approximately three hours from Richmond. You could search through the archives yourself or pay a researcher to do it for you.

Keep in mind very little has been published on individual Artillery batteries. Some were disbanded and or combined with other units, and this makes them more difficult to research.

 

[Legion Para]

http://moconfederacy.pastperfectonline.com/archive/92746747-E784-40D9-B73B-426680753294

Portrait: Charcoal drawing with frame of William Edward Partington of Purcell Battery. Bust-style pose with subject looking straight at the viewer. Subject is wearing a jacket with a straight collar and shoulder bar epaullets, and a kepi. Written in charcoal beneath image is: "William Edward Partington. Enlisted in Purcell Battery., Richmond Virginia. July 18, 1861. Reinlisted to 1865. Corporal to 1st Gun was in 18 battles wounded June 26, 1862 meshanicville, and Dec, 13, 1862. Fredericksburg Captain R. Luursey Walker first Captain Willie Johnson Pegram Second." Image is drawn on brown paper in charcoal with red outlines and white highlights. Double matted; previously framed with glass window (removed from frame, but adhered to matting, so matting retained.)

 

[Legion Para]

http://moconfederacy.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/4A06A4CF-4BF2-46F4-B85A-295953311318

Flag of the "Purcell Artillery" (Capt. George M. Cayce) Virginia Light Artillery (tentative). Captured at the battle of Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, 1865 by Pvt. Isaac James, 110th Ohio Infantry. Identification based on modern research.

"This flag was captured by Private Isaac James, Co. H, 110th Ohio Volunteers, at the battle of Petersburg, VA, April 2, 1865." (original capture note)

"Flag, captured at the Battle of Petersburg VA. April 2nd 1865 by Pribate Isaac James Co. A. 110th Ohio Vols." (from "Record of Rebel Flags Captured by Union Troops After April 19, 1861", National Archives, RG 94).

Pattern: Army of Northern Virginia battle flag; wool, cotton.
Stars: 6 remaining (of original 13); white cotton, 5-pointed.
Border: 2 inches white wool originally on 3 sides, 2 inches white canvas on hoist edge.
Attachment: Eyelets.
Unit Designation: None.
Battle Honors: In black paint, sans serif letters, faded. "ACQUIA CREEK", "MANASSAS 21ST JULY", "EVANS PORT", "FREESTONE POINT" in upper quadrant. "MECHANICSVILLE", "GAINES MILL", and "MALVERN HILL" in left quadrant. "HARPER'S FERRY", "SHARPSBURG", and 'FREDERICKSBURG" in lower quadrant.
Stitching: Hand-stitched.

 

[IslayMalt]

Thank you

 

[Tom Elmore]

When the Dixie Light Artillery was disbanded on October 4, 1862, 32 of its members were reportedly transferred to the Purcell Light Artillery. Peter S. Carmichael's book in the Virginia Regimental Histories Series is indeed an excellent source on the battery's personnel.

The battery brought four Napoleons and an estimated 89 personnel to Gettysburg, including the following identified individuals (the source is Carmichael's book unless otherwise noted):

Bradford, Henry C., captured in Pennsylvania and held prisoner until March 1865.
Brown, Valentine, Jr., wounded in the head and shoulder.
Broy, William P., present, buried John A. Weaver on the battlefield.
Callaghan, John T., Private, present (Confederate Military History, Extended Addition, vol. 4 (Virginia), p. 785).
Carter, Charles, wounded in the thigh.
Drewry, Albert Sidney, present, promoted to quartermaster sergeant on June 12, 1863 (Confederate Military History, Extended Addition, vol. 15 (Texas), p. 378).
Farrar, James William D., deserted in Pennsylvania and captured.
Gay, Decatur W., wounded.
Gutridge, Henry, probably present, "present on every roll including final muster."
Hackman, Benjamin F., captured July 7 at Williamsport, MD.
Hammond, Mabery, gunshot wound left arm, captured in hospital near Gettysburg, exchanged September 1863; surgeon William A. Greene of the Sumter Artillery operated on Hammond on July 3 (The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, part II, vol. II, Surgical History, 1877, p. 557).
Holland, A. G., present (Confederate Military History, Extended Addition, vol. 4 (Virginia), pp 935-936).
Jackson, John W., deserted in Pennsylvania and captured July 28 by 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Mahoney, James, shell broke his left ankle.
McGraw, Joseph, Captain, commanding officer, lived in Sharpsburg, MD before the war and was a teamster. He commanded an artillery battalion at Appomattox. Moved to Brooklyn, NY after the war and disappeared after trauma over the death of his son.
Price, William Andrew, wounded.
Sindlinger, John Henry, deserted, captured July 14 at Falling Waters, MD.
Weaver, John A., killed July 3, buried on battlefield by William P. Broy (Weaver had served with the Dixie Light Artillery).

On the first day (July 1) at Gettysburg, the battery was positioned on Herr's ridge near the Chambersburg Pike, firing upon the Federal First Corps. On July 2, it was posted on Seminary Ridge but not heavily engaged, only occasionally dropping a shell among Federal skirmishers. It took an active part in the grand cannonade on the afternoon of July 3.