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Battery G of the Fourth U.S. Artillery was organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was ordered to join General George B. McClellan in western Virginia in July 1861.  During the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), this light artillery battery was attached to the Eleventh Corps of the Army of the Potomac and was commanded by Lt. Bayard Wilkenson.

 

The battery arrived at Gettysburg about 11 a.m. on July 1 and advanced and two sections took position on what is now known as Barlow’s Knoll, and a detached section took position near the Adams County Almshouse.  They engaged Confederate Infantry and artillery on their right and left.  Lt. Lieut. Wilkeson fell early, mortally wounded, and the command devolved on Lt. Eugene A. Bancroft.  The sections were compelled to change positions several times.  The battery retired about 4 p.m.--one section relieving a section of Battery I, 1st Ohio on Baltimore Street in covering the retreat.   About 5 p.m. the battery took up position on Cemetery Hill.

 

On July 2, the battery moved to the rear of the Cemetery facing Baltimore Pike.  They were in action at the Cemetery from 4.30 p.m. until 7 p.m.  On July 3, at about 2 p.m. two sections were engaged in the Cemetery until the repulse of the Confederates.  During the battle, the battery’s casualties were 1 officer and 1 man killed, 11 men wounded, and 4 men missing.  1400 rounds of ammunition expended, and 31 horses killed.