Rufus D. Pettit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rufus D Pettit
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Captain Rufus D Pettit
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| Born | July 4, 1825 Bridgewater, New York |
| Died | August 24, 1891 (aged 66) Baldwinsville, New York |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846-1847, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Artillery Captain |
| Commands held | Battery B, 1st New York Light Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Mexican American War |
Rufus D Pettit (born July 4, 1825 – died October 24, 1891) was a brave officer who fought in the American Civil War. He is best known for leading a group of soldiers called the 1st New York Artillery, Battery B during the first two years of the war.
Contents
Early Life of Rufus Pettit
Rufus D Pettit was born on July 4, 1825. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was only three years old. He then went to live with his aunt and uncle in Baldwinsville, New York. There, he grew up and later became an apprentice to an architect.
Military Service and Battles
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. Pettit joined the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry, Company A. He served throughout the entire war and eventually became a Sergeant. He fought in more than five battles.
Pettit was known for his excellent shooting skills. During the Battle for Mexico City, it was said that he shot a Mexican flag right off its pole.
Serving in the American Civil War
On August 31, 1861, Rufus D Pettit formed a group called the Cold Spring Rifles. This group soon became known as the Battery B, 1st New York Light Artillery. The Battery was given powerful 10-pounder Parrott Rifles. After a lot of training in New York, the group was assigned to a special artillery unit.
Pettit's Battery first saw action during the Siege of Yorktown. They later fought in all the battles of the Seven Days. They were heavily involved in the II Corp's strong defense at the Battle of Seven Pines. The Battery also faced tough fighting during a huge artillery battle at the Battle of White Oak Swamp. They also helped push back Confederate forces at the Battle of Malvern Hill.
At the end of these battles, Rufus D Pettit became sick. He had been dealing with health issues for most of his life. These problems would later cause him to leave the army for medical reasons.
Major Battles and Final Service
Rufus Pettit and the 1st NY Battery B then moved north. They fought during the Battle of Antietam. Here, they were not heavily involved in the main fighting. The Battery then went on to fight at the Battle of Fredericksburg. They watched as their fellow soldiers, the Irish Brigade, bravely charged Marye's Heights.
Pettit's last battle was at Battle of Chancellorsville. During this battle, another officer, Col. Edward E. Cross, praised the Battery's efforts. He noted how they bravely held their ground. Pettit later wrote about civilians shooting at Union soldiers and women and children throwing rocks at them.
After the Battle of Chancellorsville, Pettit resigned from the army due to his ongoing health problems. He stayed home for a year. Then, he joined the Veteran Reserve Corps. On July 20, 1864, he became the Superintendent of Union Prisons in Alexandria, Virginia.
Later Life and Death
Rufus D Pettit passed away on August 24, 1891. He was 66 years old.
See also
- Battery B, 1st New York Light Artillery
- II Corps (Union Army)
