[2] During its term, the unit suffered from a large number of desertions and gained an unfortunate reputation despite the service of its many loyal members.

Before being issued guns, they made a brief expedition on foot to Brashear City, Louisiana but soon returned to New Orleans.

They were assigned to garrison two small forts just outside New Orleans, each armed with four 32-pounder guns mounted in barbettes.

[4] In February 1864, the 15th Massachusetts Battery took part in an uneventful expedition to Madisonville, Louisiana, returning to New Orleans at the end of that month.

[5] At the end of February 1865, the battery was transferred to the Second Division of the XIII Corps and embarked for Pensacola, Florida.