Pettit was then sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cold Springs area of Baldwinsville, New York.

[3] On August 31, 1861, Rufus D Pettit organized the Cold Spring Rifles, which was soon redesignated the Battery B, 1st New York Light Artillery.

After extensive training in New York, the regiment was assigned to the Artillery Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps.

At the end of the Peninsula Campaign, Rufus D Pettit reported sick with "fatigue, exposure, and chronic diarrhea.

The Battery then went on to fight at the Battle of Fredericksburg, where they watched as their fellow division members, the Irish Brigade, hopelessly charged Marye's Heights.

So heavy was the fire that Captain Petit was compelled for the first time during the war to limber up and leave–but was instantly ordered back.

Pettit was eventually tried and convicted of mistreating prisoners at a court martial and dismissed from the service.