Captain Nelson Ames 1st New York Light Artillery / Sold
Period copyshot 1/6th plate tintype of the commander of the battery. The battery which saw considerable action during the war, including Gettysburg. Nelson Ames enlisted on October 1, 1861 at Elmira, New York as a 1st Lieutenant. He mustered into Battery G of the New York 1st Light Artillery. He was promoted to Captain on April 5, 1863 and mustered out on October 15, 1864. He wrote the battery's history after the war: History of Battery G, First Regiment, New York Light Artillery.
The following is an extract of his account of the Battery's action at Gettysburg: "July 1st, we camped near Harney. July 2d, we marched to a point near Gettysburg where we parked for a short time. The battery was soon ordered to report to Major General Sickles, who commanded the Third Army Corps, and as the enemy under General Longstreet advanced to the attack, we were ordered by General Sickles to advance and take position on the angle of our line in the Peach Orchard and hold the position at all hazard, as that was the key to that portion of the line of battle. We were engaged in this position from 4 to 7 p. m., and were supported by General Graham's troops of the Third Corps. Our lines having been broken both on our right and left, and being short of ammunition, it was doubtful if we could save our guns, but after desperate fighting we were able to save them, and also brought off our wounded with us. During the night of the 2d we refilled our ammunition chests and refitted the battery ready for action. July 3d we were in position with the Second Corps on the front line of battle, and took part in the terrible artillery duel, also in repelling Pickett's charge, and thus ending one of the most fearful battles of the war."
Nelson Ames:
Residence was not listed; 24 years old.
Enlisted on 10/1/1861 at Elmira, NY as a 1st Lieutenant.
On 10/7/1861 he was commissioned into "Batty G" Co. NY 1st Light Artillery
He was Mustered Out on 10/15/1864
Promotions:
* Capt 4/5/1863
Federal Pension Information:
He applied for a pension on 6/3/1868
application # 133,707
His Widow (Julia A Ames) applied for a pension on 3/15/1907 from the state of IA
application # 865,257
Inventory Number: HAR 141 / Sold