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11th Wisconsin Light Battery
in the American Civil War

Regimental History

Eleventh Wisconsin Light Battery. — Capt., John Rourke; First Lieuts., John McAfee, Carles Bagley; Second Lieuts., William L. McKenzie, Michael Lantry, Michael Cuningham. This battery was known as the "Oconto Irish Guards," and was organized for the 17th regiment at Oconto early in 1862. It was transferred to Col. Milligan's "Irish Brigade," at Camp Douglas, Chicago, and left there on June 14, 1862. On the 23d it crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry and went into camp at New creek, W. Va. On Oct. 28 a section accompanied a cavalry force to intercept the enemy under Imboden at Greenland gap. Near Petersburg they overtook and skirmished with him. In November a large force with two sections of the battery engaged in a fight with the same enemy 18 miles beyond Moorefield. In April, 1863, they again encountered and drove Imboden, near Philippi. In the same month one section held Rowlesburg and one Fairmount, but the whole battery was soon forced to retire to New creek. In July it changed its position to Hedgeville, and thence to Petersburg and Moorefield, where in September one section repulsed two assaults of the enemy. In November the battery became associated with Gen. Averell's command and assisted in destroying the Virginia and Tennessee railroad. On Nov. 26, Lieut. McAfee and a detachment of 18 men participated in a march towards Moorefield, but encountered a superior force of the enemy and was forced to retreat. On Jan. 22, 1865, the battery reported at Harper's Ferry, where it remained till mustered out. Its original strength was 87. Gain by recruits, 8; reenlistments, 39; total, 134. Loss by death, 3; desertion, 20; transfer, 2; discharge, 17; mustered out, 92.

Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 4

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