It was one of the Massachusetts regiments organized in response to President Abraham Lincoln's call on May 2, 1861 for volunteer troops to serve a term of three-years.

In particular, it was very heavily engaged during the Battle of Gaines's Mill, losing 4 men killed in action, 22 horses and four out of six guns.

It rejoined the Army of the Potomac in time to participate in the Union advance into Northern Virginia in November and the Battle of Fredericksburg.

A total of 39 of the original members did reenlist for a second term of three years so that, with the addition of some new recruits, the battery continued to serve.

On that day the unit began its return to Massachusetts, marching to Washington to turn in their guns and equipment.