JAMES, JOHN, MICHAEL and WILLIAM SHEEHY15th INDEPENDENT ARTILLERY BATTERY and32nd INDEPENDENT ARTILLERY BATTERYFOUR BROTHERS IN SAME REGIMENT - John Sheehy enlisted in Champlain inAugust 1862, joining his three brothers, James, Michael and William, whohad enlisted in the 15th Independent Battery on November 5, 1861. Allthe brothers did well in the service and rose in the ranks within a fewmonths after enlistment. John was quickly promoted to corporal. When hewas transferred to the 32nd Independent Battery Light Artillery onFebruary 4, 1865, he was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant.John fought in their worst engagement at Gettysburg. On the second dayat 4:30 pm, they were called from reserve to the Peach Orchard for twohours. With their four guns pointed south, they repulsed the enemy withsolid shot and shell which caused the opposing batteries to withdraw.The enemy soon brought up fresh batteries, some of which, having acrossfire, proved destructive to the men and horses.They were then ordered to use shrapnel, which was soon changed tocanister as the Confederate infantry came within close range. Thisattack was repulsed by the battery as was a second charge. When theirstock of canister was depleted, they withdrew and regrouped and madeready for action.On third day, the 15th was in the grand cannonade. They were posted at apoint in the line about half way between Cemetery Hill and Little RoundTop. When the enemy advanced, the battery assisted in their repulse byusing double charges of canister. During the retreat, the 15th explodedtwo of caissons and dismounted two guns.The 15th went on to fight in other battles, Petersburg for one, butnever again saw such tremendous action.
