History of the 69th Regiment, New York “Fighting 69th”
Background
For over 100 years, the U.S. Army designated the founding date of the 69th Regiment of New
York (The Fighting Sixty-ninth) as 1851. Historians writing about the first 10 years of the
Regiment only discussed the Second Irish Regiment and its ties to the New York Irish
community. However, late in the 20th century, the Army Center of Military History changed the
lineage of some of the New York regiments giving the 69th an earlier organization date. This
change in lineage provided the Regiment with a more colorful early history linking it much more
closely to the Irish revolutionary movement in New York City. This was a significant change
which immediately rendered all existing histories of the 69th Regiment incomplete. Furthermore,
the change linked the 69th even more closely with attempts to form an “Irish Brigade within the
New York militia system.
Michael Doheny a leader of the failed Rebellion of 1848 along
with other Republican leaders created three regiments in
Manhattan: the 1st Irish Regiment, brought into the State
Militia as the “Irish” 9th Regiment; the 2nd Irish Regiment,
brought into the State Militia as the 69th Regiment; and the 4th
Irish Regiment, brought into the State Militia as the 75th
Regiment. These three regiments are all in the lineage of the
69th Regiment of today. The three regiments co-existed until
they were consolidated in 1858 as the 69th Regiment. Note
there was another Irish Regiment, the 3rd Irish Regiment (72nd
Regiment NYSM) established on Long Island is not in the
69th’s lineage. These regiments rounded out the Irish Brigade
of New York, replete with infantry, artillery, dragoons,
pikemen, and engineers.1
Most American still considered England a potential enemy at this time. Only five years earlier
slogans in the United States were "All Oregon or None" and “Fifty-four Forty or Fight”. In 1848
England invaded Nicaragua and ceased San Juan. Fortunately war was avoided by the ClaytonBulwer Treaty. Although Washington was concerned about Briton, it was also concerned about
the Irish who lived in the U.S. The loyalty of the Irish to Ireland however did not mean they were
not loyal to the United States. The Irish Revolutionaries of 1798 and 1848 looked to the United
States for their ideals rather than to the more radical and anti-religious revolutionists found in
Europe.2
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Over a year after the 1st Irish Regiment was formed, the Second Regiment of the proposed Irish
Brigade was organized. The 2nd Irish Regiment was formed on October 12, 1851. The Second
Irish Regiment was mustered into the New York State Militia on November 1, 1851 as the 69th
Regiment. Michael Doheny left the 9th Regiment and was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the
69th.
In 1852, Thomas Francis Meagher, another leader of the
failed Rebellion of 1848, escaped to New York and took
an active role in the Irish Republican movement there.
Later that year, Michael Doheny began to organize
another Irish Regiment with Thomas Francis Meagher as
the Commander. Michael Doheny left the 69th to become
the Lieutenant Colonel of this new (Fourth) Irish
Regiment designated the 75th Regiment (organized
September-December 1852 at New York from new and
existing companies of volunteers as the Republican Rifles
(4th Irish Regiment). Since Thomas Francis Meagher was
rarely in New York, Michael Doheny was the actual
Commander. The organization of the Irish Brigade of
New York was substantially in place by the summer of
1853.
Leaders from the three Irish regiments in New York City (Manhattan) moved back and forth
within the three regiments throughout the 1850s. Captain James Huston left the 9th to join the
69th as did Michael Doheny. Thomas Francis Meagher was elected Lieutenant Colonel by the
69th in 1855 but he turned the position down since he was not a citizen. The three Irish regiments
in New York City co-existed until late 1858 when all three were consolidated into the
69thRegiment.
Thus the New York Irish Brigade which was first in
the New York State Militia went out of existence not
to be resurrected until Thomas Francis Meagher
formed his Irish Brigade during the Civil War. The 9th
Regiment ceased to exist until later the next year
(1859) when it was once again organized.
It is not uncommon for a regiment to trace through
multiple units. In fact during the Civil War three “69th
Regiments” co-existed and those three regiments (69th
New York State Militia (NYSM) or New York
National Guard (NYNG); 69th Infantry Regiment,
New York State Volunteers (NYSV) and the 69th
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Artillery Regiment (Serving as Infantry) New York State Volunteers (NYSV) - later called the
182d Infantry Regiment NYSV) are all part of the today’s 69th Infantry Regiment’s proud
lineage and history. When the 9th Regiment was consolidated with the 75th in 1858 and then with
the 69th, the 69th gained the history and lineage of the all three Manhattan Irish Regiments.
As discussed throughout the 1850s, leaders of the Irish regiments in New York City moved back
and forth within the Irish Regiments. A “Committee of Irish Regiments” was formed to establish
standards for raising and maintaining Irish regiments.3
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1848
The year 1848 witnessed rebellions all over Europe. 1848 can be called the “Spring of Nations”4.
There were revolutions in France, the German States, Kingdom of Denmark, Poland, Hungary,
Switzerland, Romania, Brazil, Austrian Empire, and Ireland.
An “Irish Brigade of Young Ireland” was proposed in Dublin by
William Smith O’Brien who, on 23 March 1848, made public his
concept of an Irish Brigade to be raised in America comprised of
Irish immigrants.
Three weeks later, this plan was brought to life in New York City
at the Shakespeare Hotel by Irish Republican factions known as
the Irish Republican Union, Repeal Association, and Friends of
Young Ireland. Irishmen who made their mark on the rolls of the
Brigade were encouraged to “Go out and get yourself one of
Colt's revolvers”5. By May 1848, two of four companies were
drilling. Company I was commanded by Cpt. Michael T.
O'Connor with a Lt. James Bergen.6
After the failed “Young Ireland” revolt in Ireland in 1848, the remnants of Irish revolutionary
(republican) leaders left Ireland and consolidated with Irish-American revolutionaries still active
in New York. The central doctrine of these Irish republican leaders was that the freedom of
Ireland could he won only by the force of arms. This position resonated with the Irish population
of New York City. Irishmen, fresh from the horrors of the great famine and with great animosity
toward the English, were ready to answer a call to arms.7
In Dublin, on 4th April, 1848, the return of a Deputation from
France was celebrated by a banquet attended by two thousand Irish
Nationalists. Several members of the '82 Club were present in their
uniform.8 The ’82 Club was a Republican organization named for
Grattan’s Parliament of 1782 which secured legislative
independence for Ireland when the threat of armed force by the
“Irish Volunteers” set a precedent to achieve reform in Ireland. The
Uniform of the '82 Club included a green frock coat. A similar
green frock coat would be later adopted by the Irish Regiments in
New York.
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At the meeting one of the regimental colors of the old
Dublin (Irish) Volunteers was presented to Mr. Smith
O'Brien and Thomas Francis Meagher presented a
Tricolor, through the President of the banquet, to the
citizens of Dublin. This flag was to later be modified
and adopted by the Irish Nation as its National Color.
When Thomas Francis Meagher presented the
Tricolor he said: “From Paris, the city of the tricolor
and the barricade, this flag has been proudly borne. I present it to my native land, and I trust that
the old country will not refuse this symbol of a new life from one of her youngest children. I
need not explain its meaning. The quick and passionate intellect of the generation now springing
into arms will catch it at a glance. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the
"orange" and the "green" and I trust that beneath its folds, the hands of the Irish Protestant and
the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood. Should this flag be
destined to fan the flames of war, let England behold once more, upon that white centre, the Red
Hand that struck her down from the hills of Ulster and I pray that Heaven may bless the
vengeance it is sure to kindle.”9
Michael Phalen, an Irishman raised in America, a
well known billiard expert and the inventor of an
improved billiard table, was the leader of the Irish
republican movement in America. Michael Phalen
believed that an uprising in Ireland could not
succeed without the cooperation of a body of
trained soldiers10. He described the first step in the
formation of Irish regiments in New York at a
meeting in the Shakespeare Hotel in the spring of
1848. Shortly after the meeting an organization
called the Irish Republican Union was formed. The
Irish Republican Union was controlled by a secret
directorate. Its members included: Michael Phalen,
James F. Markey, John G. Fay and James Huston.
The Union welcomed the escaped Irish leaders of
the
abortive revolt of 1848, but in a short time strife
broke out between the Union and the Irish Alliance headed by Thomas D'Arcy McGee, John
Boyle and Thomas M. Halpin.
“Many eloquent spirit-stirring speeches were made at the meeting at the Shakespeare Hotel. One
by Michael T. O'Connor, overflowing as it did from exorium to peroration with thoughts which
breathe and words that burn, being particularly effective. When O'Connor had concluded, a
young man present arose and abruptly put the question to him, whether he could fight as well as
he had spoken. Upon his answering that he did not understand the question, I (for it was myself
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who had thus proposed to substitute action for discourse) told him that if he meant what he had
just been saying he would have an opportunity to prove it, as it was my desire that then and there
a regiment, if not a brigade, should he raised for the purpose of going to Ireland in furtherance of
the good cause. He approved of the suggestion, and having put it before the meeting, headed the
roll with his own name - mine being second, accompanied by a sum of money that in those days,
when fortune was less kind than in after years, I could ill afford to give. Additional names
followed, and the nucleus of a brigade was formed. In a short time the organization was
perfected; recruits flocked to the standard; and regular drills were held.”11
In New York the Irish Republican leaders began to organize independent military companies in
the city. In June and July 1848 there were a number of “monster meetings” where the “Irish
Brigade” marched with an Irish tri-color (designed by Thomas Francis Meagher, who was a
exiled leader of the Rebellion of 1848 and a member of both the 75th and 69th Regiments)
streaming from a pike. On 4 July 1848, an Irish Declaration of Independence was read by the
“light of the silvery moon” in Williamsburg, New York. 12
The Irish Brigade of Young Ireland consisted of the following companies:
Company 1, Captain M.T. O’Conner and Lt. James Bergen
Company 2, Captain Dwyer
Irish Fusileers / Irish Patriot Fusileers, Captain Maurice Walsh
John Mitchel Guard, Captain James Markey
Guyon Cadets, Captain Michael Phalen
They were armed with pikes, muskets, bayonets and fusils. The brigade expressed an interest in
rapid fire fusils, colt revolvers, and light artillery. They also may have had a troop of lancers.13
James Markey raised the first company among workmen and dealers in the Washington Market
at Fulton Street and the Hudson River. Most of its members were active in the John Mitchell
Club, a Republican club founded in 1848. Michael Phalen was presented with a sword at the
Michael Phalen Billiard Hall on Barclay Street. Drills were conducted at Center Market.14
Michael Phalen raised the Guyon Cadets sometime in late 1848 or early 1849. The Guyon Cadets
were named after General Guyon, Gwyn or Quinn, the only General officer in the army of the
Sultan who was not a Moslem. The son of a Post Captain in the English Navy, he had joined the
British legion in Portugal during the Peninsular War at the age of sixteen. After the defeat of
Napoleon he served many years in the Hungarian Hussars Regiment, and fought against the
Austrians in 1848. He fled to Turkey rather than surrender and entered the Turkish service,
where he rose to the rank of lieutenant General. He died in the fall of 1856.15
By July 1848, members of the Irish Brigade of Young Ireland infiltrated Ireland to serve as
“force multipliers” where a cadre of Irish Brigade leaders would train individuals recruited in
Ireland among the club system which existed. A number of these groups were rounded up by
authorities in Ireland. 16
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The Young Ireland Rebellion failed in August 1848 and 500 Pounds was offered for the capture
of William Smith Obrien and 300 Pounds for Thomas Francis Meagher, John B. Dillon, and
Michael Doheny.17 In November the members of the Irish Brigade of Young Ireland returned to
NYC.18 August 1849 marked the last known public display of the Irish Brigade of Young
Ireland. An armed 16 man uniformed detachment, the Irish Patriot Fusiliers under the command
of Captain Maurice Walsh, paraded in New York City in solidarity with Hungarian nationalists.
These Irish Brigade of Young Ireland soldiers wore a green uniform with white facings and a
chapeau with the letters “I.P.F”. They marched behind a “tri-colour” mounted on a pike. Michael
Doheny spoke at the gathering.19
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1849
Michael Doheny, a refugee from the failed 1848 Uprising, arrived in New York City in February
1849 with a price on his head. It is believed Michael Doheny involved himself with the Irish
Brigade of Young Ireland and that he played a leading role in reorganizing the Brigade into the
9th Regiment. Michael Doheny was one of the Company Commanders of the nascent 1st Irish
Regiment. He was instrumental in the founding of all of the Irish Regiments and a driving force
behind the Irish Brigade of New York. In March 1849 Michael Doheny was received in the New
York State Assembly by the Governor and other State Officers, as well as Senators and Members
of Assembly.20
In the summer of 1849 and continuing until the fall, Irish leaders in New York City began
negotiations with the State to form an Irish regiment with the existing and future independent
Irish companies. By October 1849, the Irish Brigade of Young Ireland reorganized with other
independent militia companies into the “1st Irish Regiment” in New York City. The 1st Irish
Regiment is the earliest Regiment in the 69th’s lineage. The 1st Irish Regiment was formed on 21
December 1849 and mustered into the New York State Militia on 29 May 1850 as the 9th
Regiment.
In the summer of 1849 and continuing until the fall, Irish leaders in New York City began
negotiations with the State to form an Irish regiment with the existing and future independent
Irish companies. On December 21, 1849 the 1st Irish Regiment was adopted by the State. (This
date is the officially recognized date of organization for the 69th Regiment.)21
Many of the Irish revolutionary leaders, including Michael Phalen, Michael Doheny, Richard
O’Gorman, and James Huston, participated in the meetings. Michael Doheny, O’Gorman, and
James Huston had participated in the failed Irish Revolt of 1848. Michael Phalen was not in
Ireland in 1848 but he also believed the Irish must train soldiers within the New York State
Militia system to free Ireland. What is known about the meetings is that the “original 9th
Regiment” which had been formed in 1799, was disbanded on May 27, 1850 with its companies
transferred to the Eight Regiment. Two days later, on May 29th 1850 the 1st Irish Regiment was
mustered into the New York State Militia as the 9th Regiment with Colonel Benjamin Clinton
Ferris, Commander.
There is almost a complete lack of information concerning these negotiations, which seem to
have been of a complex nature, involving Colonel Ebenezar Jesup, Lt. Col. Benjamin Clinton
Ferris, Adjutant Charles Sweeny and Paymaster Charles E. Shea of the 9th Regiment, and James
Huston, Michael Phalen, Michael Doheny, and Richard O'Gorman. All were lawyers, except
Michael Phalen and James Huston. Michael Doheny, James Huston and O'Gorman had been
leaders of the Young Ireland Party in Ireland in 1848. Major General Charles W. Sandford,
commanding the First Division, was also a lawyer.22
Within the 9th Regiment, Captain James Houston commanded a secret organization known as
the “SF”, which was comprised of Irish revolutionaries. The “SF” (referred to as “Silent Friends”
by Patrick D. O’Flaherty in “The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia
1851 to 1861”) was called the “Sinn Fein” by J.C.P. Stokes the Historian of the 9th Regiment in
his November 4, 1953 letter to BG Keys concerning the history of the Irish 9th.23
It can be said the Irish Brigade of Young Ireland was reorganized into the 9th Regiment who in
December 1849 adopted the name "Irish Volunteers" which later in 1851 would be adopted by
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the 2d Irish Regiment the 69th.24
The letter states: “Captain Hussey shows, on his pages 3 and 5, that various of his more notable
facts respecting the lire organization (as he calls it) of the 9th Regiment in 1850, were “culled"
from a sketch of the life of Captain Michael Phalen, whom he shows to have been one of the
most active promoters of the plan or the “expatriated Irishmen” of 1848-9 to have their Irish
Republican Union incorporated as a part of the New York State Militia and who to that end
formed it, towards the close of 1849 into some sort of a "brigade” divided into companies and
officered in accordance with the militia laws" then existing; the said sketch being as written by a
Mr. Michael Cavanagh and as published in the Celtic Magazine in June, 1882; and culled also
from a letter addressed to the Irish People by el-Captain Michael Phalen himself, on a far earlier
date, viz .. on May 18, 1866, relative to the activities within the new regiment of those certain
Irish revolutionists then in New York, whom Captain Michael Phalen called “the S. F’s but
whom Captain Hussey, in the interview I was privileged to have with him in my office at our
Regiment’s Armory in January 1925 (as proposed by him in his letter to me of December 18,
1924, which lies before me declared to me. With such great emphasis and as of his own
knowledge, to have been in truth the same previously wholly secret group of Irish revolutionists
who, at the time of the then regiment’s disbandment, in May 1858 had, become known as "the
Sein Feins (Sinn Fein) concerning Which matter you will find more in the sequel, (Spell the
name "Sinn Fein” if you prefer. – the spelling is in either case but a phonetic English rendering
of' corresponding Gaelic words.)”25
The Silent Friends were directed by an invisible Council of five members, supposedly known
only to Captain Michael Phalen, who held the position of Communicating Officer as well as the
Commander of Company "D".26 James Huston was President of the Silent Friends, and Maurice
Walsh was treasurer. The other three are not known. Michael Doheny was not a member of the
Silent Friends but was active in the regiment. The leaders of the Silent Friends, even before the
first volunteers had been accepted by the State, had begun to recruit a second regiment. 27
In the fall of 1849 Michael Corcoran left Ireland and came to New York. He had been a Revenue
Officer in Ireland but was a member of a rural guerilla group known as the “Ribbonmen”.
Corcoran enforced tax laws during the day but at night he harassed landlords by killing their
livestock and burning barns. Corcoran was 6 foot two and this made him easily recognizable and
when he came under suspicion for seditious activity he decided to leave Ireland28. Corcoran got a
job at the Hibernian House, a tavern at 42 Prince Street in New York City. The tavern was
frequented by many Tammany Hall leaders and he soon after he was appointed to a well-paying
patronage position in the post office. He joined the First Irish Regiment and later transferred to
the Second Irish Regiment.
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1850
In January 1850 Michael Doheny of “Irish Volunteers” attended the ball of Carroll Light Guard
and addressed the soldiers wearing the Uniform of the ’82 Club.29. The“'82 Club” jacket was
worn by several Republican leaders during the Rebellion of 1848. The ’82 Club was formed in
1844 to promote and encourage Irish art, culture, and feelings. It was named after the great
events of 1782. Members of the Club wore green jackets with gold facings.30
The uniform of the 9th Regiment included a green frock
coat, blue pants, black patent leather cross belts. The
adoption of the green frock coat by the Irish Regiments
which resembled the uniform of the ’82 Club was a source
of strife for the next eight years. The Ninth from its very
beginning, even before it was accepted by the State as a
militia regiment, had worn a green frock coat. The green
frock coat meant much to the exiled Irish. It was the
symbol of freedom and the right to bear arms but the hatred
of the green coat expressed by the Native American Party,
shortly after it had been approved by Governor Fish in
1849 made the Irish determined to keep it at all costs.
Criticism of the green coat worn by the 9th Regiment at a
parade for President Fillmore in 1851 was typical of the
sentiments expressed by the press at that time. “Your
splendid uniform will justly subject you to sarcasm if you
are not respectable in your military intelligence. (Drill, etc.)
There was a strong party in the regiment for the blue coat,
and it is most to be regretted that the green was the
choice.”31
Even out of state newspapers disapproved of the green uniform and idea of having an all-Irish
regiment. The Providence Journal expressed alarm at the formation of the exclusively Irish
Regiment, claiming it welcomed foreigners, but deplored the formation of foreign regiments in
foreign dress.32
The Ninth Regiment adopted the name “National Cadets” which was to be later adopted by the
69th Regiment after the two regiments were consolidated in 1858. Seven companies of the Ninth
were ready by January, 1850, and on January 4, about three hundred men turned out for the first
parade of the regiment at Center Market. Five companies were present: The Irish Fusileers lead
by Captain Walsh; The Desmond Fusileers lead by Captain Dowling; The Jackson Rangers or
Company C “Irish Pike Fusileers” lead by Captain Michael Doheny; The Carroll Guard lead by
Captain Kavanagh; The Guyon Cadets lead by Captain Michael Phalen. The dates of events and
the names of companies and officers during the next few months are obscure.
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In May Colonel Ferris directed Captain Kavanagh to “call at the Adjutant General's office to pick
up the commission of the officers “Call at the Adjutant General's office for the commissions of
Captains Myles, O'Callaghan, Michael Phalen, John Kavanagh, Michael Doran, the return for
which has been made by General Hall. Request the Adjutant General to issue commissions on
the return of General Hall for Captains Walsh, Michael Doheny, Murray and Morrison. If the
Governor is not in Albany please request the Adjutant General to permit you to wait on the
Governor and obtain his signature”. 33
The Guyon Cadets held its first annual ball in January, 1850. Captain Michael Phalen was
presented with a sword, with the wish that he would be as eminent in the practice of warfare as
he was in his profession, whether in defense of his adopted land or in gaining the freedom of his
native land. The presentation was made by a group of gentlemen who frequented Michael
Phalen's Billiard Hall on Barclay Street. 34
The 9th Regiment held its first parade as a
unit of the New York State Militia on
June 11, 1850. “Last Tuesday afternoon
Colonel Ferris assembled his new
material (in undress) in Broom Street, put
them in regimental line, marched to
Tompkins Square, and executed some
very simple manoeuvers; after which, the
young corps was reviewed by Brig. Gen.
Hall, in citizen's dress, who expressed his
high satisfaction at the very favorable and
neat appearance of the officers and entire
rank and file; not for discipline, for that is
yet to be accomplished. The General had good reason for such expression, for certainly, as a
body, we have rarely seen a set of men of superior figures or better conformation.” 35
The 9th Regiment paraded on the 4th of July. The United Service Journal of July 8th commented
on the appearance of the 9th Regiment: “Here comes Ferris with the new 9th; companies in
undress, all equalized; it looks like a tangible, handy command, but we now observe many of
them have not got the step; they are a little clumsy, but they are green yet . . . . The column
however, looks exceedingly well and is so considering the time and opportunity yet afforded for
instruction.”36
As noted previously there were disputes between the Irish leadership in New York. In the spring
of 1850, Houston who was a member of the Irish Republican Union and the SFs attempted to
break up a meeting of the Irish Alliance at which McGee was attempting to hold in the absence
of Michael Doheny, Devin Reilly, and Joseph Brennan. The military men opposed the Alliance
because they considered it corrupt, here and in Ireland. Its members planned to accept positions
in the English Government and favored a system of political education and action opposed to the
military policy of the Union. The Alliance men replied that Michael Doheny and his friends had
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hampered the work of Daniel O'Connell and had mismanaged the rising of 1848. They
condemned all plans to raise an army in the United States as impractical and visionary.
The Irish Alliance advocated the formation of mutual instruction clubs of six, twelve, twenty or
any convenient number of persons, each to subscribe a small sum weekly for the purchase of
books, magazines and news· papers. In Ireland the educational program was to include political
training and the circulation of tracts on republican principles. The military men had no patience
with this plan. They felt that the charges of ignorance against the Irish in America were
exaggerated and that the English Government and the landlords in Ireland would tolerate no
peaceful progress towards freedom37
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1851
The 9th and 69th Regiments considered themselves the “Sons of the Irish Volunteers”, a
reference to the “Irish Volunteers” who forced the 1783 establishment of an Irish Parliament on
College Green in Dublin, “Grattan's Parliament.” These “Irish Volunteers” established the
precedence that political reform could be obtained in Ireland through the threat of physical force.
1851 marked the first year an Irish regiment marched in the St Patrick’s Day Parade with the
Irish Volunteers of the 9th Regiment marching in their green jackets. As the local papers would
say, throughout the 1850s, the annual tramping of Irish “foot sodgers” in their jackets green and
the clopping of mounted dragoons in honor of Ireland’s Saint provided an ideal “recruitin’
serjeant” for the raising of additional regiments for New York’s nascent Irish Brigade.38
The arrival in New York City of exiled Irish revolutionaries
Francis Thomas Francis Meagher, John Mitchel and William
Smith O’Brien provided additional recruiting venues. John
Mitchel would serve as the Brigade’s emissary to the
Russian consulate when soliciting logistical assistance for an
invasion of Ireland.
As noted previously the leaders of the SFs, had been
accepted by the State, had begun to recruit a second regiment
before May 29, 1850. The first report of this outfit appeared
in the press in January 1851.Judge McGrath, Captain of the
Emmet Guard, an Irish company formed some four years
before, was appointed Colonel. That this well known citizen
was a front for the Silent Friends is evident from the
appointment of John G. Fay, an associate of Michael Phalen,
in the formation of the Ninth, as Major, and by the
appearance of James Huston, President of the Silent Friends,
a short time later as the commander of a company. Five companies were started within the next
few months to consist of new men not connected with any other regiment.
Early in February the board of officers met at Colonel McGrath's home and reported that a
mounted troop of forty men had been formed. The Shield's Guard, Co. "F", reported an increase,
and Captain William Green informed the meeting that his company was almost filled up. Captain
Dowling's Company "A" secured approval for the adoption of the name Cass Fusileers. These
reports show that the regiment had not existed at least in the essentials of its organization before
January, 1851, when its formation was announced.39
On St. Patrick’s night at a dinner of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick originally composed of
wealthy residents of New York the gathering toasted the health of the British Queen. Captain
Michael Phalen, on and about a dozen other officers of the 9th Regiment turned their glasses over
while Captain Brougham made a strong protest.40
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Even at this early date the Irish Republican leaders were in conflict, a problem which plagued the
early regiments throughout their existence. A New York State law passed April 16, 1851,
allowed a section of flying artillery to be attached to each regiment. The State would issue
howitzers and caissons to regiments which met certain standards and were willing to provide
horses. Compensation was to be allowed to all who provided horses at parade.41
Captain John Fay Commander of Company "B" believed artillery training would be more useful
to the liberation of Ireland. Captain Fay sent a petition to the Commander-in-Chief on January
14, 1852, asking that his company he organized as light artillery and attached to the 69th
Regiment.42 Colonel Charles S. Roe the Commander of the 69th Regiment did not agree and a
dispute ensued win which Charles S. Roe eventually called for Captain Fay’ Company B to be
disbanded.43
The 69th Regiment held its first outing, with arms on Staten Island. Tickets were sold and the
funds were used for the benefit of the troops. The steamboat "Catiline" took them to Biddle's
Grove, Staten Island, for a day of ceremonies, games and a dinner. The ceremonies consisted of a
parade, during which Mrs. Michael Doheny, the wife of Captain Michael Doheny, presented a
flag to the regiment. She referred with pride to the fact that her husband and sons carried the
arms of freemen and hoped that they may one day somewhere have a chance of hearing
England's rotten flag to earth and giving light and liberty to those she has betrayed, belied and
desolated. Among the three thousand persons present were representatives of the 9th Regiment
and the other Irish military companies. Colonel McGrath presided in a green jacket with blue
trousers. Later this costume was adopted as the dress uniform of the regiment.
During the summer and early fall there seemed to be
some doubt about the number which would be given
to the Second Irish Regiment. The papers referred to
the regiment as the Seventy-eighth. The Thomas
Francis Meagher Cadets who were recruiting during
this period continued to refer to their Company as
Company "K", 78th Volunteers, until December,
1851. 44
On September 9, 1851 at Center Market the 69th
Regiment held a parade to secure approval for the
charter of the regiment and the commissions of the
officers. There appears to have been a belief the Irish
were “padding the rolls” of the 69th Regiment with
members from other regiments in order to secure
quick approval for incorporation into the State
Militia. Colonel Benjamin Clinton Ferris Commander
of the 9th Regiment believed many of his men were
on the rolls of the 69th. He secured from General
Hall, Third Brigade Commander to the roll of the
69th.45
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General Ewen answered: “Your favor of the 30th inst. received, I saw Col. Ferris this morning,
who told me that he found so few persons in the new organization belonging to his regiment, that
he did not intend to trouble himself further, or make any application to the organization or even
claim any of the men, and he desired me to communicate to you these facts, as he does not intend
to address you on the subject. I told him however that I should request you to insert in your order
that if any of the persons enrolled should belong to other regiments that the officers should strike
them from the rolls, and that I should not give out the commissions for officers without first
ascertaining whether any of them belonged to his regiment, and if I so find obtaining their
resignation”.46
The dispute concerning members of the 9th and 69th was settled and on November 1, 1851,
Adjutant General L. Ward Smith, published General Orders No. 489 accepting the 69th Regiment
into the service of the State of New York, and a Brigade Order by General Ewen dated
November 3, accepted it into the Fourth Brigade of the First Division.47
General John Ewen ordered that an election of regimental officers be held on November 28, to
fill the posts of Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel and Major. Major Charles S. Roe, formerly of the
Washington Grays was elected Colonel. Captain Michael Doheny of Company "E" secured the
post of Lieutenant-Colonel; and Lieutenant Birney became Major48.
The 69th Regiment was involved in a controversy over the reception for Louis Kossuth a famous
Hungarian freedom fighter. He had made anti-Catholic remarks in England. Archbishop Hughes
of New York called Kossuth a "humbug"49. The 69th Regiment disagreed with the Archbishop
and the reception for the Hungarian leader went off without a hitch. Kossuth seemed impressed
by the fine appearance of the 69th and inquired which country they represented. General
Sandford replied they were the Irish regiment recently organized and that their marching was
fine considering the short time since they were organized. General Kossuth agreed and said they
were one of the finest bodies of men he had ever seen. 50 Rumors spread throughout New York
that the Irish military companies refused to parade in Kossuth honor because of the disapproval
of the Archbishop Hughes.51.
James Ragget Ryan joined the 9th Regiment when the 69th was being formed. He joined the 69th
while it was still in the process of organization and became Lieutenant of Co. "E", “The Fag an
Bealacs” or Faugh A Ballah translated “Clear the Way” would later be motto of the 69th
Regiment. The motto Faugh A Ballah appeared on a plaque along with pictures of soldiers killed
in action in the foyer of the 69th Regiment’s headquarters in Iraq in 2004. Ryan would go on to
command the 69th Regiment succeeding Colonel Charles S. Roe.
Page 15 of 96
Page 16 of 96
1852
The formation of the Irish Regiments caused uneasiness among American “Nativists”. The
Know Nothing Party was rising in power. In 1852, the Nativists were successful in forming a
new regiment designated the 71st Regiment, the “American Guard” as a counterbalance to the
69th. It was commanded by Colonel Vosburg until he died in 1861. Although the 69th and the 71st
represented opposite poles of political and religious thinking and had no contact during the
1850’s, they became extremely close in 1861 when both were stationed in Washington prior to
the Battle of Bull Run.
On March 17th, 1852, St. Patrick's Day, six companies paraded through slippery wet streets with
the 9th Regiment and the independent companies represented. There were some who felt a
parade of militia companies in honor of Saint Patrick was not appropriate but many of the Irish
felt that the parade had presented many new features chiefly due to the military companies, and
the celebration was the best possible recruiting device for the proposed newly formed Irish
Brigade of New York.52 As mentioned previously, the officers of the 9th Regiment protested the
toasting of the Queen of England during the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner of the Friendly Sons of St.
Patrick. The Queen was not toasted in 1852. The dinner was attended by officers of the two Irish
regiments, since a pledge had been given by the committee that no offensive toasts would be
proposed. The health of the Irish exiles and other patriotic toasts were proposed and drunk with
good cheer by all the guests. 53
In May 1852 the 69th Regiment paraded for the first time but their uniform was regulation and
without the green coat which was still worn by the 9th Regiment. “The 69th under Colonel
Charles S. Roe made its maiden parade last Tuesday week, not with much numerical .strength, as
we learned, for we did not see it. The uniform will give it a favorable standing among our corps,
as it is the first in this city to appear in the regulation dress, complete”.54
On July 2, the 69th Regiment marched in a Memorial Parade for Henry Clay with the regiment
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Doheny.
When the 69th marched in the Fourth of July Parade they also received favorable comments
about their regulation uniform from the press. “The 69th will be out in small numbers, looking
neat in the new dress. Prosperity attend them, for they honor their name and birthplace by their
strict compliance to orders.”55 At the July 4th Parade the 69th also received attention because
Thomas Francis Meagher along with then Mayor Kirkland reviewed the marchers from a
window of the City Hall.
In 1852, Thomas Francis Meagher, another leader of the failed Rebellion of 1848, escaped to
New York and took an active role in the Irish Republican movement in New York. On May 27,
1852, a man walked into the law office of Dillon and O'Gorman (Richard O’Gorman) on
William Street and announced he was Thomas Francis Meagher lately escaped from Australia.
Thomas Francis Meagher had been sentenced to death for his part in the Revolution of 1848 but
was pardoned by Queen Victoria in 1849 and exiled for life to Australia. He escaped by
withdrawing his parole and sailing away in a ship whose captain had been paid with money from
the United States. For the next two years Thomas Francis Meagher traveled about the United
Page 17 of 96
States lecturing and being received by public officials.56
On July 28th they marched in a special review in honor of Thomas Francis Meagher held at the
Battery by all the Irish regiments and military companies. Michael Doheny read an address to
Thomas Francis Meagher in which both loyalty to the United States and hope of freedom for
Ireland was expressed. The United Service Journal did not approve. It ran an article stating: “The
Ninth and 69th regiments were ordered out in full uniform for the purpose of honoring Mr.
Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irish patriot, who recently made his escape from the holts and hars
of England. They appeared in full, and it appears that these commands were joined at Castle
Garden by nearly all, if not quite all, of the companies of other regiments composed of citizens
of Irish birth. We do not pretend to understand but the propriety of it is doubted. Parades should
he called only by Generals of Brigades or Divisions. Separate national companies having their
own parades creates had feeling in the militia. Suppose that England demand Mr. Thomas
Francis Meagher, and the authorities are about to hand him over. The Irish militia companies
might form a mob to rescue him and we would have a situation like we had in the Kaine case”.57
Even the Irish Press was critical of the Irish Regiments but for other reasons. “I have often been
pained at witnessing the attempts of some of our officers to execute maneuvers of which they
hardly have a single correct idea. It is unfortunately too true that the greater part of the officers
now in commission in our Irish companies are totally incompetent to perform the duties they
have assumed.”58
During the fall of 1852 69th Regiment attempted to get permission to adopt the green coat, and
about the time of their first anniversary they received approval. “Inclosed is an application from
the officers of the 69th Regt. to the Commander-in-Chief to sanction their bill of dress. It has the
approval of the Major General and myself. The uniform proposed, I am informed, only varies
from that referred to in General Orders, in the color of the coat which it is desired may be dark
green instead of blue, and in the substitution of a feather for the pompom. If this wish should not
be granted it would be no consequence. But the members of the regiment being Irish they regard
it as very essential that the color of the coat should be green. While it is very desirable and
necessary that there should be a uniform for each regimen4 it does not seem very important that
the regiments should all be uniformed alike, and believing that the bill of dress asked by the
Regt. will contribute to its advancement, I have with the Major Gen. given it my approval and
hope it may be sanctioned by the Commander-in-Chief.”59 The reply the 69th received stated;”I
received a communication from you about a fortnight since, stating that his excellency the
commander in chief had consented to the application of the officers of the 69th Regt. for an
alteration in the bill of dress and that you would send me the necessary orders.”
Later that year, Michael Doheny began to organize another Irish Regiment with Thomas Francis
Meagher as the Commander. Michael Doheny left the 69th to become the Lieutenant Colonel of
this new Irish Regiment designated the 75th Regiment (organized September-December 1852 at
New York from new and existing companies of volunteers as the Republican Rifles (4th Irish
Regiment)). Since Thomas Francis Meagher was rarely in New York, Michael Doheny was the
actual Commander. The organization of the Irish Brigade was substantially in place by the
summer of 1853.
Page 18 of 96
September, 1852 saw the launching of another new regiment. The first company styled the Irish
Rifles had been founded by Captain Edward Butler and P. G. Coughlin, two of the minor figures
in the revolution of 1848. The new regiment, also called the Irish Rifles, held their first meeting
early in November. Their advertisement III the Irish American invited the officers of such
military companies not already enrolled to attend. The organization went on through the fall, and
every week an advertisement for a new company appeared in the papers. The first advertisement
of the Barry Guard stated on November 13, 1852, that an illustrious patriot exile would inspect
the company on Friday, November 17, at 7 P.M. This is the first open statement that Thomas
Francis Meagher had lent his name to the founding of the Rifles. The regiment of six companies
was completed by the end of the year and, on December 17, the officers met at Military Hall on
the Bowery to assign positions to the companies.
On October 22, 1852 the New York Times had an article concerning Parade and Review of the
First Division New York State Militia: “The whole of this Division, under command of
Major·Genera1 Sandford paraded for review yesterday afternoon. The line was formed at 2
o'clock, PM., on the Second Avenue, the right resting on Houston Street, and when formed in
close order reached nearly to Fifthteenth·street”. The article listed the regiments as:
9th Regiment - Colonel Ferris –Co. D,. Guyon Cadets; Capt Michael Phalen, Co. A, Patriot
Guards, Capt. Coffe; Co. C, John Mitchel Guards, Capt. Markey; Co. E, Carroll Guards, Capt
Kavanaugh; Co. I, Jackson Guards, Capt Kelly; Co. G, Wolfe Tone Guards, Capt. McDonnough;
Co. F, Sarsfield Guards, Capt. Dailey; Co. R, Erina Guards. Capt. Murray.
69th Regiment-Col. CHARLES S. ROE-Company A, Capt. Leonard; Company B, Capt.
Newman; Company C, Capt. McCourt; Company D, Capt. Tobin; Company E, Capt. Ryan;
Company F, Lieut. O'Gorman; Company G. Capt. Green; Company H, Capt. Coakley; Company
I, Capt. Judge; Company K, Capt. Hinchman.60
Page 19 of 96
1853
Thomas Francis Meagher met the officers of the new Irish Regiment (75th Regiment) at the
Mercer House on January 29, 1853 He presided over the meeting which decided that the uniform
would be dark rifle green, a frock coat with· black facings, and dark buttons, with a regulation
hat with green .pompon. The Regiment would be called the Republican Rifles. However since
Thomas Francis Meagher spent most of his time that year traveling Lieutenant Colonel Michael
Doheny who transferred from the 69th Regiment to the Republican Rifles was in reality
commanding the 75t.
On February 25, 1853, at the Eagle Drill Rooms, the 69th Regiment appeared for the first time in
their new green uniforms. The public however did not see the new uniform until Thomas Francis
Meagher presented a lecture for the benefit of the disabled veterans of the New York Volunteers
(War with Mexico) on May 21, 1853.61
St. Patrick's Day Parade of 1853 was a great success. The weather was fine and all the Irish
regiments and independent companies turned out. They mustered five regiments, three of the
State militia, the Ninth, the Sixty-ninth and the Seventy-second (NOTE: should be seventy-fifth),
Thomas Francis Meagher's Republican Rifles, not yet part of the militia, and a regiment
including the Montgomery Guard. This was the high point of the Irish militia movement. Never
again were they able to muster so large a force. About three thousand armed Irishmen marched
on that day. All the papers spoke well of the parade and it was agreed that although the regiments
were recently formed and were made up of working men who had little time for drill, they
marched in fine style. 62
On July 4th he Irish Regiments marched and received favorable comments in the local papers.
Later in the month, all the militia took part in the opening of the World's Fair at the Crystal
Palace, Forty-second Street and Fifth Avenue. The 69th Regiment wore their new uniforms and
appeared in their green dress uniforms. “The red plume, the regulation cap, the white pants and
the dark green coat, with crimson facings, rendered the uniform very attractive.” White pants
were the ordinary summer wear of almost all the militia regiments in the city. The winter
uniform of the 69th featured blue pants with a yellow stripe. The Irish regiments wore dress
uniforms with a green coat; the prescribed blue coat was used by them as a fatigue uniform. Prior
to this time the style of uniform was considered the business of the company. Each company had
its own uniform and for many years only the Seventh Regiment had a regimental uniform. At
this time the stress was being put on the adoption of a regimental uniform, and some attempt was
being made to induce all regiments to adopt the uniform of the United States Army. The United
States Uniform became mandatory in 185 but even after that date exceptions were allowed.63
The organization of the Irish Brigade was substantially complete by the summer of 1853. The
number of men involved is uncertain, but it probably amounted to no more than twelve hundred.
119
The Republican Rifles were not accepted by the State until January, 1855. They were not
overly anxious to join the militia during this time, wishing to be completely free to go to Ireland
if the chance was offered.64
Page 20 of 96
In the fall of 1853 John Mitchel escaped from exile in Australia His arrival in New York created
great excitement among the New York. John Mitchel, was second only to Smith O'Brien as one
of the of the leaders of the Young Ireland Rebellion of 1848. On Saturday November 27, 1853,
excitement reached its height when rumor spread rapidly among the Irish that an attack of an
unspecified nature was planned on John Mitchel as he was going to disembark in New York
City.. A huge crowd collected in City Hall Park and many members of the 69th Regiment and
other Irish military organizations were there in uniform and carrying arms.
The Irish leaders during the rest of 1853 pushed the formation of military companies outside
New York with considerable success. In Boston and Worcester, in Hartford and New Haven, in
Jersey City and Paterson, in Washington and Charleston, in Cincinnati and Chicago, and even in
small towns like Haverstraw and Scaghiticoke, New York, Irish military companies sprang up.65
John Mitchel lost no time in joining his fellow exiles in their plan to develop the Irish militia.
Within three weeks after landing, he issued the prospectus for a paper devoted to the cause of
Irish revolution. The first issue appeared early in January, 1854, and sold fifty thousand copies.
John Mitchel enjoyed great popularity among all classes of people, and the Irish, seeing the
approach of the Crimean War, prepared to rally all their forces round him for a hlow at England
while her army was pinned down in southern Russia. Several issues plagued the Irish militia
regiments during their early years. The first to arise was the relationship of the Irish militia and
their revolutionary ideas to their American neighbors Another major issue was the attitude of the
Roman Catholic Church towards Irish republicanism. The basic philosophy of the Republican
leaders was the freedom of Ireland could he won only by military action with the aid of soldiers
trained in the United States. Perhaps the most divisive issue was who would lead in the proposed
revolt· against England and who would direct the activities of the Irish regiments.66
Michael Phalen who was the power behind the 9th Regiment and a link to the Silent Friends
found his position and influence diminishing. He held a commission in the 9th Regiment until
the fall of 1853, when Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Sweeney charged preferred charges against
him and he was court-martialed for disobeying orders.
Michael Phalen decided to move to California. Michael Phalen's company, the Guyon Cadets,
gave him a farewell dinner at Military Hall, on November 17, 1853 which was well attended by
Irish Revolutionary leaders including Thomas F. Thomas Francis Meagher and James Huston,
Captain of the “Thomas Francis Meagher Cadets” of the 69th Regiment. Michael Doheny and his
supporters however did not attend.
The arrival of John Mitchel, in the fall of 1853, and the approach of war between England and
Russia sparked the New York Irish into renewed activity. John Mitchel, because of his
imprisonment and his writings, enjoyed the greatest possible popularity and esteem and, since he
had taken no part in former disputes, served as a rallying point for the divided Irish.67
Page 21 of 96
1854
Disputes between Irish leaders continued during the early 1850s. James Huston, President of the
Irish Republican Union, and a faction led by Michael Doheny. Michael Doheny and his friend,
Maurice Walsh, charged that the James Huston Party which controlled the Silent Friends, as the
Union had become known, was weak and corrupt. The James Huston directory fell as a result of
these charges, blaming their fall on Michael Doheny. Walsh, who was treasurer of the
organization, was accused of being a cat's paw for Captain Michael Doheny, who held no office
and seldom attended meetings. Michael Doheny defended himself against these charges of
sabotage, so successfully, that the James Huston group was unable to resume power? Seeing the
society broken and deserted by the split, Michael Doheny called a meeting, hoping to revive it.
Putting aside his own hurts and feelings, he begged Captain James Huston, almost on bended
knee, to stand by the society and not permit it to be ruined by internal troubles. James Huston
refused his request and demanded an accounting of the funds from Maurice Walsh. The
membership, bewildered by the dispute among the leaders, fell away.
Captain James Huston's version differs only in viewpoint and details. James Huston, as
president, brought charges against Michael Doheny for his disruptive actions, and then resigned.
Michael Doheny defended himself at great length, and at the end of his speech James Huston
refused to resume control unless there was an accounting by the Treasurer, Walsh. When no
accounting was made, the directory refused to resume control and advised the membership not to
contribute until the affairs of the Silent Friends were in order. The result was that contributions
fell off and the organization died of financial malnutrition.
John Mitchel who was the publisher of The Citizen took a prominent place in the revolutionary
movement, and under the spell of his popularity the somewhat disillusioned Irish of America
rallied to form a new revolutionary society. The first meeting was held at Kerrigan's
Headquarters, 22 White Street, on April 13, 1854.CaptainP. J. Coghlan acted as chairman of the
proposed "Irishmen's Civil and Military Republican Union". The Chairman Captain Coghlan
stated that he believed it would be vain to attempt to benefit Ireland except by purely military
organization. Molloy agreed with the chairman but pointed out that a military organization could
not exist without funds. The moment had come, he continued, for every Irishman to aid the cause
and the civil organization would give them this opportunity. Shortly after this Captain Coghlan
proposed the arming of the Irish civil societies as a supplement to the military organization.68
In 1854 the Crimean War between England and Russia presented an opportunity for Irish
Revolutionaries in New York but disputes between James Huston (leader of the SFs) and
Michael Doheny resulted in crippling the movement. James Huston eventually left the 69th but
the conflicts between the Irish Revolutionary leaders continued. Although radical Irish societies
were formed, all attempts to strike a blow for Ireland during the Crimean War failed. Recruiting
for the Irish Brigade was stimulated by the hope that the Crimean War might be “England’s
difficulty” which could become “Ireland’s opportunity.” The end of the Crimean War,
consequently, resulted in a diminishing of recruiting for these Irish regiments. Conflicts between
Archbishop Hughes and the Irish Revolutionary leaders further exacerbated the situation.
Page 22 of 96
John Mitchel was criticized for his pro-slavery stance but perhaps his worst mistake was his
disputes with Archbishop Hughes. He accused the Archbishop as being an enemy of Irishmen
and also accused the Catholic Church in Ireland of having betrayed the revolutions of '98 and
'48.69
Archbishop Hughes writing under a pen name and John Mitchel had an ongoing battle in the
press. Hughes writing about Thomas Francis Meagher said:“I shall not repeat the name of the
individual; he is already but too well known as the representative of an Irish tribe whose hearts
have apostatized from the honored creed of their country, but whose lips have not mustered the
bad courage to disavow the faith of their forefathers. The specimens quoted by you is but the
type of a class who contributed largely to gather the faggots and fire the pile of their country's
expiration. But instead of seizing a torch from the conflagration which might "Light them
through dignity's way," some of them were satisfied with impressing felons tracks on Irish soil,
and others with grasping a dead burnt stick which is no torch at all”70
John Mitchel quickly accused the Archbishop uttered different sentiments under different names,
and charged that the Catholic press, by upholding tyranny in Europe, including the tyranny of the
Pope disgusted and alarmed Americans.71 The battle in the press between the Archbishop and
John Mitchel continued.
John Mitchel’s comments about the Church and his stance on slavery angered many Irish in
New York but he was praised in the Southern press and eventually moved to the South.
In December 1854 the 75th Regiment was accepted into the New York State Militia.”75th
Regiment (organized September-December 1852 at New York from new and existing companies
of volunteers as the Republican Rifles [4th Irish Regiment] and mustered into the New York State
Militia 19 December 1854 as the 75th Regiment)72
Michael Corcoran had enlisted in Company I of the 69th Regiment when the company was under
command of Captain John Judge. Company I, the company was called the” Irish Rifles”.
Company I became Company A and was called the “Irish Fusiliers”. Corcoran held a position as
a Private, Orderly Sergeant and then Lieutenant. In 1854 he was elected Captain. The shoulder
epaulettes which Corcoran wore as a captain while commanding Company A are on display in
the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City.
Page 23 of 96
1855
1855 was a turbulent year in New York City and racial, religious, and political fever reached the
highest pitch in the history of the City. In January 1855 Bill Poole, Bill the Butcher, a member
of the Bowery Boys gang and champion of the native American faction, was shot in a bar-room
brawl at Stanwix Hall by an Irishman Louis Baker. The Know Nothings attempted to make
political capital out of the shooting since two of the men arrested for the shooting had Irish
names, Turner and McLoughlin. The Know Nothings in New York City tried to stir up antiCatholic sentiments. There were several riots in the City and both the 69th and the 9th were called
out to restore order.
In 1855, Irish military units in several states came under pressure. In Cincinnati, when it was
believed the native American faction would not let foreign militia companies take part in the July
4th Parade, the Irish and German units decided to hold their own celebration. On hearing this,
General Sargent, a “Know Nothing” politician ordered them to parade, The commander of the
Sarsfield Light Artillery, Captain Dowd, refused to march claiming Sargent had no authority to
order them out. The armory was broken open by the Sheriff and the arms of the Sarsfield Guard
were seized.
In 1854 some of the Irish leaders in New York and Irish Press suggested not holding a St.
Patrick’s Day Parade but rather holding a celebration indoors and without alcohol. In 1855
however anti-Irish, anti-catholic feelings were even higher in New York City. Irish leaders again
suggested cancelling the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. An article The Irish American stated: “Last
year we proposed an indoor celebration to avoid a clash with the Native-Americans. This year
we propose an indoor celebration to aid the many Irish suffering from want due to
unemployment. We propose a lecture on republicanism in the afternoon, and a hall at night to be
held in Castle Garden or the Metropolitan Hotel. Therefore, we suggest auxiliary to the relief of
suffering and distress that the monies paid by the societies to hands -cash expended in the
purchase of banners and flags -and the large amount set aside for scarfs and regalias -might he
made to contribute to the relief of such painful misery.73
When it was finally decided to allow the parade, The Irish American warned: “We recommend
that during the marching no ardent liquors be used. By temperance, calmness, a conciliatory
spirit, and a determination to win respect from the right thinking and honorable of every shade of
American life. Every Irishman who turns out should remember that he is bound to act the part of
a good citizen and to avoid violation of the peace.”74
Although the 1855 St. Patrick’s Day Parade was allowed to be held, the military was not allowed
to participate. The Ninth, Sixty-ninth, Seventh and Twelfth Regiments were held at the
regimental parade ground from twelve noon to await orders. The weather was poor and hail
began to fall as soon as the marchers formed. As the parade moved downtown, group after group
dropped out leaving only the longshoremen to finish at City Hall. The only spectators were the
police and even they sought shelter..75
Page 24 of 96
When the regiments were dismissed the Sixty-ninth marched with fixed bayonets down
Broadway, through the Park and several of the principal streets. The other regiments did not
attempt to march.76
After John Mitchel's departure a meeting was called, in March, 1855 to set up a plan for
systematic and organized action and to hold together the Republican movement that his
imprudence had endangered. The meeting was attended by delegates from various parts of the
United States. A plan was adopted, partly military, partly civil, and a directory was appointed.
This group became known as the Emmet Monument Association.
At the first meeting of the Emmet Monument Association
Captain James Huston opposed Colonel Michael Doheny and
brought up the subject of the unaccounted for funds of the
Silent Friends. Michael Doheny proposed that Colonel James
Ragget Ryan of the 69th be appointed to the Directory. As
stated previously Ryan had been the Commander of Co. "E",
“The Fag an Bealacs”.or “Faugh A Ballah” translated “Clear
the Way” of the 69th Regiment when he was a Lieutenant. He
was a friend of James Huston but he and Colonel Michael
Doheny were not friendly so Michael Doheny in the interests
of unity offered to withdraw. Colonel Ryan however refused
the post and it was offered to James Huston who also refused
it. The reason for his refusal is not stated, but it was doubtless
the question of the unaudited accounts. James Huston,
McClenahan, Capt. Lyons and Colonel Ryan attempted to set
up a counter movement. This attempt was carried on in small
meetings in which uncommitted men and even members of
the Emmet Monument Association were urged to join the Group. Through all this kept his
membership in the Association.
An article in the New York Times reported “The Irish though defeated in 1848 were not
disheartened. Clubs were formed in 1849 to aid Ireland, and were active in every American city.
These were never abandoned but were quiet until the Russian War broke out. Now under the
slogan, "England's Difficulty Is Ireland's Opportunity," they are very active. Two years ago the
Irishmen's Civil and Military Union was formed. Married and older men make up the civil
branch contributing in various ways by civil action and by money. The young men are organized
to fight in Ireland. The military part of the Union is now known as the Emmet Monument
Association. About a year ago the Irish Emigrant Aid Society was founded in Boston. It has
spread through all the country and is distinct from the Emmet Monument Association. It says it
plans to act only within the laws of the United States, and that no oath is required to join. The
Emmet Monument Association on the other hand, is a secret oath bound association.”77. Conflict
between the Emmet Monument Association and the Irish Emigrant Aid Society was fierce in
1855.
Page 25 of 96
1856
In 1856 Governor Minor of Connecticut dissolved the Irish companies in the state leaving the
German companies intact. Irish militia companies in Massachusetts and Ohio were disbanded.
Although there was no direct action taken against the Irish Regiments in New York, within three
years the only Irish Regiment remaining would be the 69th and within five years the Commander
of the 69th, Colonel Corcoran would be on trial by Courts Martial with the Nativists calling for
the disbanding of the Regiment.
Conflicts between the Irish societies and Irish Republican leaders continued with charges and
counter charges being made between Houston and Michael Doheny. The conflict between the
societies and leaders would surely spill over into the Irish Regiments. Captain James Huston,
who had angered the Michael Doheny faction of the Emmet Monument Association thought he
was secure in his position as Commander of Company K·of the 69th Regiment. His long time
friend Colonel Ryan was the commander of the Regiment. But on February 2, 1856 Colonel
Michael Doheny accused Colonel Ryan of passing on the story of his being assaulted by a Mr.
O'Connor in the office of the Courier and Enquirer, some years before, and of his desperate
attempts to arrange a duel with O'Connor to satisfy his honor.78
On May 24, 1856 Colonel Ryan presided at a meeting held at the Eagle Drill Rooms where the
members of Company "K" presented a sword to Captain James Huston as a testimonial of their
faith and support but James Huston’s situation changed dramatically on June 4, when the 69th
Regiment turned out for parade at Washington Square. James Huston explains:”Enter the Sixtyninth, at one wing, under the command of its Sergeant, whilst Captain James Huston and his
Lieutenant Ward, enter at another. There should have been a flourish of trumpets, but the
trumpets being under the command of a menial of one of the plotters, and having pledged
himself to aid in putting me out of my position, was in defiance of Brigade and Regimental
orders taking his time to show himself off in Broadway. Nor am I to be blamed for want of
banners or color. The same menial was guarding them through Broadway. I was told I could not
have my position: I protested, I would have no other and asked why? I was told because the
regiment was formed. There being as yet no regiment to form. But in the persuasive language of
the Colonel I was told however I must submit. Well, after telling them they were "filial relatives
of a femine quadruped of the canine species", I did submit and for the first time in my life I was
to march after an off-cast official of the British Government. But I was soon relieved from this
very unpleasant position, not indeed by any order of the Brigadier or Colonel, but by an order
from a non-com. Company K got the order, "about face", and without one man hesitating made
its exit out of the Square and out of the Sixty-ninth.79
An investigation resulted in the court-martial of Captain James Huston for being late at parade
and for conduct unbecoming an officer. The trial was held in October, Colonel Ryan acting as
prosecutor. The members of the court were Colonel Julius B. Stearns of the Twelfth Regiment
and Captains Jacob F. French and John Kennedy. Although counsel was not generally permitted
at military trials, John O'Rourke was permitted to represent Captain James Huston.80 The court
found Captain James Huston not guilty. General Ewen on reviewing the finding dissented and
Captain James Huston was rearrested. In obedience to the orders of General Ewen's Special
Page 26 of 96
Brigade Order a Military Board, consisting of Colonel French, Twelfth Regiment, Captain Ryner
of the Tenth and Captain Lebau of the Eleventh met on Monday, December 8, 1856 at 4 P.M., to
try Captain James Huston on charge and specification, prepared this time by Captain Corcoran,
of conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. Colonel French refused to allow O'Rourke to
represent James Huston, on the grounds that it was contrary to military law, but after some
discussion it was allowed because O'Rourke had military rank. Counsel pleaded a defect in the
specifications, and the court, considering the objection well taken, adjourned sme die. A Brigade
Order of December 9, dissolved the court, and Special Order 33 of the 69th Regiment, dated
December 9, 1856, restored Captain Huston to duty. This did not end the affair. In a short time
Captain Huston was re-arrested and a third trial was ordered. The third trial resulted in Huston’s
conviction.
James Huston believed his troubles were because of Colonel
Ryan and his "clique of ex-peelers", a reference to Captain
Michael Corcoran, who had formerly been an official in the
Irish police. Had James Huston been a supporter of the
Doheny/Corcoran faction, the charges would never have been
brought. James Huston's Company "K" supported him and
dropped out of the Sixty-ninth, forming an independent
company which was originally called the "Irish National
Grenadiers". 81 Corcoran would go on to Command the 69th
Regiment at the first major engagement of the Civil War, the
Battle of Bull Run or First Manassas. There was no great
difference in the ideas of the Irish leaders. All desired the
freedom of Ireland; all believed there was need for military aid
from the Irish in America; all believed in the use of the militia
to train the Irish forces; but unfortunately the disagreed in
methods to be used. The chief difficulty actually arose from a
clash of personalities and the desire to exercise control and
power in Irish revolutionary affairs.82
During the summer of 1856 the ten companies of infantry were changed and a rifle company, a
corps of engineers, and a troop of cavalry were incorporated into the 69th Regiment. Adding a
cavalry troop to an infantry regiment was not that unusual and at that time it was allowed by law.
Kerrigan’s cavalry troop, the “Irish Dragoons” had been part of the 9th Regiment as late as
March 1854. 83
The engineers in the 69th wore the green jackets which was a source of irritation to many New
Yorkers. In a newspaper article concerning a parade on June 4th at Washington Square in which
the engineers from the 69th participated the author states about their appearance: “A green coatee
with crimson facings and shoulder knots, buff knee britches and long hoots reaching to the knee,
ornamented with a tassel in front, regulation hat with crimson and green pompon. The arms are a
musketoon and a sword:”84
Page 27 of 96
There were disputes between the Emmet Monument Association and the Irish Emigrant Aid
Society which helped brought their secret activities and plans to light in the press. The Emmet
Monument Association had openly admitted it was planning a military expedition in Ireland.
This increased the hostility of the American public against the Irish societies.85
In February 1956 the Crimean War between England and Russia ended and hopes to take
advantage of “England’s difficulties” were dashed. Interest in the Irish Regiments waned as the
Irish became more disillusioned due to the failure to take decisive action during the Crimean
War and the conflicts between the Republican leadership.
Page 28 of 96
1857
The divisions of the Irish leadership and the depression of 1857 demoralized the New York Irish
even further. The Lineage and Honors Certificate of the 69th Regiment states “Consolidated 14
March 1858 with the 75th Regiment (organized September-December 1852 at New York from
new and existing companies of volunteers as the Republican Rifles [4th Irish Regiment] and
mustered into the New York State Militia 19 December 1854 as the 75th Regiment) and
consolidated unit designated as the 9th Regiment.”86
In June 1957, General Order 19 Adjutant General's office put an end to the 75th Regiment , the
4th Irish Regiment, Republican Rifles. Four companies of the Seventy-fifth were transferred to
the Ninth with the provision that if any of them numbered less than the required number, thirtytwo, they were to be disbanded. Under-strength companies of the Ninth were also to be
disbanded, and the members of those suppressed from both regiments were to be distributed
among the other companies of the 9th Regiment.
However the 1857 Annual Report of the Adjutant General of State of New York (AG Report)
dated February 2 1858 states: “During the past year the following regiments have been
disbanded, namely, the 75th regiment, by consolidation with the 9th, the 47th with the 48th, the
63d with the 64th, and the 28th with the 20th.”87 The 75th Regiment is not mentioned in the 1857
AG Report. The 1857 Adjutant General Report contains information about only the Ninth and
69th Regiments.
The First Division was commanded by General Charles W. Sandford. It consisted of 1st, 2d, 3d
1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, Brigades. Its territory included the County of New-York, and the County of
Richmond. The First Division had the following Regiments assigned: 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th,
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 55th, 69th, 71st and 73d.
In 1857 the 9th Regiment is within the Third Brigade, 1st Division and is commanded by
Colonel. Lucius Pitkin. The 9th also lists 2 Field Officers, 5 Staff of the Regiment, 19 Company
Officers, 1 Leader of the Band, 15 Musicians 185 NCOs and Privates 227 aggregate. The Third
Brigade consists of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 55th regiments and the Brigade Commander is William
Hall. The 9th regimental district consists of the 17th ward of the City of New York.
The AG Report contains the following information on the 9th Regiment:
Adjutants. Lieutenants. Davis De Courcy, Date of Commission: 16th March, 1857, Date of
Rank: 1st June, 1856, Residence: NYC
Regimental Engineers. Captains: Vacant (No Return)
Regimental Surgeons. Rank of Captain: William O'Donnell,, Date of Commission: 23d June,
1852, Date of Rank: 9 Jan 1852, Residence: NYC
Surgeon's Mates. Rank of Lieutenants Vacant (No Return)
Regimental Quarter Masters. Lieutenants. Hugh Keane,, Date of Commission: 2d Oct., 1855,
Date of Rank: 8th Aug., 1855, Residence: NYC
Regimental Pay-Masters. Lieutenants Edward Brenan, Date of Commission 2d Oct., 1855, Date
of Rank: 8th Aug., 1855,Residence: NYC
Page 29 of 96
Chaplains -Christian W. Schaeffer, Date of Commission 2d Oct., 1855, Date of Rank: 8th Aug.,
1855, Residence: NY
The unit has 338 Percussion Muskets and bayonets, 16 Percussion Pistol, 53 Calvary Sabers, 87
Bayonet Scabbards Belts and Plates, 50 Waist Belts and Plates, and 60 Pistol Holsters.
During the year $511.03 was paid for music and $114.50 for printing.
Lucius Pitkin, Colonel, and Date of Commission: July 21, 1855, Date of Rank: June 29, 1855,
Residence: New-York city.
P. Daniel Kelly, Lt. Colonel, Date of Commission: October 26, 1854, Date of Rank: Aug 29,
1854, New York City.
Richard Barry, Major, Date of Commission: October 26, 1854, Date of Rank: Aug 29, 1854,
Residence: New York City.
Total on Staff: 14
A Company
Vacant
B Company
Charles McGuire, Captain, Dec 29, 1854, Oct 25, 1854
Patrick Holden, 1st Lieutenant, Dec 29, 1854, Oct 25, 1854
Bernard Fox,, 2d Lieutenant, May 23, 1856, June 9, 1856
39 Privates 42 Total
C Company
Edward Kernes, Captain, October 5, 1855, June 21, 1855,
James Cassidy, 1st Lieutenant, May 23, 1856, Nov 7, 1855
Cornelius Doras, 2d Lieutenant, May 23, 1856, Nov 7, 1855
36 Privates 39 Total
D Company
Thomas Murphy, Captain, Not noted
Lawrence Glynne, 1st Lieutenant, August 15,1857, April 8th, 1857,
2d Lieutenant, Vacant
38 Privates 41 Total
E Company
James Galligher, Captain, August 15,1857, April 8, 1857
Samuel Frazer, 1st Lieutenant May 23, 1856, Nov 15, 1855
Peter Flynne, 2d Lieutenant May 23, 1856, Nov 15, 1855
38 Privates 41
F Company
William O. Murphy, Captain Vacant
Page 30 of 96
Vacant, lst Lieut.
Anthony T. Vaughn, 2d Lieut. Not noted
30 Privates 31 Total
G Company
Vacant, Captain
James Conroy, 1st Lieut. May 23d, 1856, June 21st, 1855
Vacant 2d Lieut.
37 Privates 38 Total
H Company
Robert Coddington Captain March 17, 1854, Feb 22, 1854
Vacant, lst Lieut.
Vacant, 2nd Lieut.
37 Privates 38 Total
R Company Cavalry
James Murphy, Captain, Oct 10,1856, Oct 10,1856
Augustus P. Greene, lst Lieut. Oct 10, 1856, Oct 10, 1856
Cornelius Horrigan, 2nd Lieut. Oct 10, 1856, Oct 10, 1856
Vacant, 2nd Lieut.
35 Privates 38 Total
L Company Artillery
Felix Duffy, Captain, Oct 17, 1855, Oct 17, 1855
Terrence Duffy,
1st Lieut., Oct 17, 1855, Oct 17, 1855
(Vacant,) 2d Lieut.
(Vacant,) 2d Lieut.
35 Privates 37 Total
Total 333 364
The Fourth Brigade of the First Division consisted of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 69th Regiments. The
4th Brigade was commanded by Brigadier General. John Ewen. The Fourth Brigade was located
in the 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 20th and 22nd Wards of the City of New-York. The 69th Regimental
District consisted of the 20th Ward of the City of New-York.
69th Regiment was commanded by Colonel J. R. Ryan. It has 3 Field Officers, 8 Staff of the
Regiment, 12 Company Officers assigned. It also has 1 Leader of the Band, 17 Musicians, 3
Snare Drummers, 165 NCOs and Privates, with an aggregate of 209 individuals assigned. During
the year, $357. 00 was paid for music for the Regimental band. The AG Report lists the
following information on the 69th Regiment:
Adjutants. Lieutenants. John McCasten, Date of Commission: 24th June, 1854, Date of Rank:
16th June, 1852, Residence: NYC
Page 31 of 96
Regimental Engineers. Captains: James B. Kirker, Date of Commission: 16th March, 1857, Date
of Rank: 12th Jan., 1857, Residence: NYC
Regimental Surgeons. Rank of Captain: William M. Giles, Date of Commission: 18th April,
1855, Date of Rank: 9th April, 1855, Residence: NYC
Surgeon's Mates. Rank of Lieutenants Matthew Kehoe, Date of Commission: 22d Sept., 1857,
Date of Rank: 20th Aug, 1857, Residence: NYC
Regimental Quarter Masters. Lieutenants. Matthew O'Conner, Date of Commission: 18th April,
1855, Date of Rank: 2d April, 1855, Residence: NYC
Regimental Pay-Masters. Lieutenants William H. White, Date of Commission 19th Jan., 1854,
Date of Rank: 9th Jan., 1852 Residence: NYC
Chaplains - James Bagley, Date of Commission April 18th, 1855, Date of Rank: April 10, 1855,
Residence: NY
69th, Regiment was equipped with 296 Percussion Muskets and bayonet, 50 Percussion Rifles,
30 Calvary Sabers, and 50 Cartridge Boxes and Plates. 50 Cartridge Boxes and Belts, 50 Bayonet
Scabbards and Plates, 50 Waist Belts and Plates88
It had 3 Field Officers, 8 Staff of the Regiment, 12 Company Officers assigned and one Leader
of the Band, 17 Musicians 3 Snare Drummers, 165 NCOs and Privates for an aggregate of 209
individuals
James Ragget Ryan, Colonel, and Date of Commission: April 18, 1855, Date of Rank: March
23, 1855, Residence: New-York city.
Edward Butler
Lt. Colonel, Date of Commission: May 14, 1856, Date of Rank: March 3,
1856, New York City.
Robert Nugent
Major, Date of Commission: June 6, 1854, Date of Rank: May 23, 1852,
Residence: New York City.
Total on Staff: 14
A Company
Michael Corcoran, Captain, Date of Commission: June 24, 1854, Date of Rank: May 29, 1852,
Hugh C. Flood 1st Lieutenant Date of Commission: Nov. 14, 1855, Date of Rank: Oct. 8, 1855,
John McKeon, 2d Lieut., Date of Commission: June 20, 1853, Date of Rank: June 6, 1853
72 Privates 73 Total
B Company
Thomas Lynch, Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 12, 1857
Vacant, 1st and 2d Lieutenant
37 Privates 38 Total
C Company
John Burke, Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 26, 1857
James Cavanagh, 1st Lieutenant, June 8, 1857, March 9, 1857,
John Rowen, 2d Lieutenant, June 8, 1857, March 9, 1857
24 Privates, 27 Total
Page 32 of 96
D Company
George Tobin Captain, Oct. 14, 1952, Sept. 21, 1852
Vacant, 1st and 2d Lieutenant
28 Privates 29 Total
E Company
Maurice Keating
Captain, July 25, 1856, July 2, 1856,
Patrick Kelly,
1st Lieutenant March 9, 1857, Jan. 16, 1857
Richard P. King,
2d Lieutenant June 24, 1851, June 14, 1852
42 Privates 45 Total
F Company
Captain Vacant
John T. Scullen,
George Collins,
21 Privates 23 Total
lst Lieut. April 3, 1855, March 21, 1855,
2d Lieut. April 3, 1855, March 21, 1855
G Company
William Malone,
Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857,
John Cornan,
1st Lieut. March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857,
John Julien
2d Lieut. March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857
32 Privates 35 Total
H Company
Completely vacant
R Company Cavalry
Officers Vacant
25 Privates 25 Total
L Company Rifles
Henry H. Condon,
Captain, March 9, 1857, Feb. 10, 1857,
William Butler,
1st Lieut., May 14, 1856, March 11, 1856,
(Vacant,) 2d Lieut.
39 Privates 41 Total
During the year the 9th Regiment had problems keeping up its strength. “Lieutenant Colonel
Kelly deserves credit for keeping the Ninth together, despite the resignations and a sluggish
disregard for drill and. discipline that have since the twenty-first of December, 1849, sapped the
very existence of the Ninth. It is a wonder that it has not been frittered away to a skeleton.”89
The Ninth was tasked to guard the Arsenal during the Police Riots in June but were criticized as
"green-coated rabble" by the press for continuing to wear the green jackets during a fall parade.90
The uniforms of the Ninth were old·and worn after eight years of service in all weather.
Page 33 of 96
1858
Consolidation of the Three Irish Regiments
The uniforms of the Ninth were old and worn after eight years of service. The men who had been
transferred from the Seventy-fifth did not have the green coat since they were not allowed to
adopt it in 1854. A new set of uniforms for the Ninth was clearly required. The Board of Officers
of the Ninth voted a Bill of Dress conforming to the uniform of the Military Forces of the State
which was prescribed by General Order, dated September 6, 185l. Publication of this decision to
adopt the blue coat in Brigade Order No.2, on March 13, 1858, brought the matter to a head. The
men protested by refusing to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the first time since the
regiment had been organized91
The State Military Gazette responded: “STAND FIRM -It is said that this company and that
Regiment will do thus and so, rather than obey the late order of organization. Oh, well! Let them
disband; it will be a purification of the troops. Have we had in service so long so many
companies, and a 9th Regiment, who have held themselves above the laws and the authority of
the Commander-in-Chief? Who have uniformed and equipped in their native foreign costume,
and resignedly enjoyed privileges, merely to tickle their own foreign vanity? If so, let them be
abrogated at once. Stand firm, Adjutant General, and let them disgrace themselves by their
mutinous conduct, if they will do so. Do right though the heavens fall. Above all, accede no
more to the adopted than you would to the native. We are all and must be one family of brothers
after naturalization; all all Americans; all in one, E Pluribus Unum in military as well as
government. If the adopted cannot meet the native born on these principles, the sooner he takes
his leave the better.”92
Although the members of 69th Regiment wore a blue uniform jacket when they were accepted
into the State Militia in 1951, they received permission to wear a green jacket in 1853. Their blue
jackets were worn as a fatigue uniform. Like the Ninth, the 69th Regiment did not want to give
up its green coats but the Sixty-ninth adopted the blue coat without protest and in December,
1858.
Disputes between the Irish leaders continued. On February 23, 1858 James Huston was elected
Captain of Company "I" 9th Regiment. Colonel Ryan of the Sixty-ninth, protested to Colonel
Lucius Pitkin, of the Ninth, and to the Adjutant General. The matter was concluded when the
regiments were consolidated. Although the interest in joining the Irish Regiments had waned, the
left the Irish Militia was actually stronger than ever, since the consolidation eliminated the
rivalry between the three regiments.
On March 17th James Stephens, another of the Young Ireland leaders of 1848, founded the Irish
Republican Brotherhood. Stephens came to New York in the fall of 1858 to try to stir up some
enthusiasm and to obtain money to keep things going in Ireland. He appointed John O’Mahony
head of the movement in America and appealed to John Mitchel to lend his name to the raising
of funds. John Mitchel, however, declined to make any appeal to his countrymen for
contributions.93
Page 34 of 96
The three Irish Regiments had a difficult time maintaining strength. Quarrels between Irish
leaders coupled with the lack of action against England during the Crimean War caused the
strengths of all the Irish Regiments to fall. On 14 March 1858 the 9th Regiment was consolidated
with the 75th Regiment and the consolidated unit designated as the 9th Regiment. On 3 May
1858 the 9th Regiment was consolidated with the 69th Regiment and the consolidated regiment
was designated as the 69th Regiment. There was now only one Irish Regiment in New York
City, the 69th Regiment but the concept of raising an Irish Brigade had not waned.
As stated previously the current Lineage and Honors Certificate of the 69th Regiment states
“Consolidated 14 March 1858 with the 75th Regiment (organized September-December 1852 at
New York from new and existing companies of volunteers as the Republican Rifles [4th Irish
Regiment] and mustered into the New York State Militia 19 December 1854 as the 75th
Regiment) and consolidated unit designated as the 9th Regiment.”94
The AG Report for 1858 has no mention of the 9th Regiment. The only surviving Irish Regiment,
the 69th Infantry Regiment has the following information in the 1858 AG Report:
One of the companies marching with the Sixty-ninth on St. Patrick's Day, 1858, was the Guyon
Cadets, one of the original 9th Regiment Companies of 1850, organized by Captain Michael
Phalen. Captain Halpin who commanded the company had been the commander in October,
1857, when the Guyons were Company H of the 9th Regiment. We also find as commander of
Company B, Robert Coddington, who in July, 1857, is listed as commander of the Erina Guard,
9th Regiment. The Fitzgerald Guard, which in the Spring of 1858 had been Company B of the
Ninth now marched as Company D of the Sixty-ninth under the leadership of the same Captain
Thomas Maguire who had commanded it when it had been part of the Ninth. Captain James
Kelly, who commanded Company H in the Sixty-ninth, named the “Irish Rifles”, is no doubt the
same James Kelly who had come over from the Ninth and who had been a company commander
in the Seventy-fifth.95 In the Spring of 1858, the 69th Regiment adopted the name National
Cadets which was formerly the name used by the 9th Regiment.
The AG Report states the 69th Regiment was equipped with 200 Percussion Muskets and
Bayonets. Furthermore, $8 was paid to J. White, Marshal, for attendance 69th regiment court and
$49.00 in cash was received from Colonel Ryan for regimental fines.
On the 7th day of September last, the Commander-in-Chief, Governor John A. King, pursuant to
a proclamation issued by him, called into service 250 officers and men of this division, and
directed them to proceed to the Quarantine station, Staten Island, and there to defend the
property of the State against the further incendiary attempts of a lawless mob.
The 71st Regiment under Colonel Abram S. Vosburgh served on Staten Island for thirteen days
and was relieved on the 18th of October by a detachment from the 69th, Colonel James Ragget
Ryan commanding. The 69th remained on Staten Island for fifteen days until they were relieved
on November 1st, by a detachment of 125 officers and men of the 55th, under Co1. Eugene
LeGal,
Page 35 of 96
When the 9th Regiment was consolidated with the 69th, many of the re-numbered companies of
the Ninth were transferred to the 69th. Co. A Capt. James Kelly, Co. B Capt. Thomas McGuire,
Company. C Lieut. James Duncan Co. D Capt. Peter Halpin, Company. E Capt. James
Gallagher, and Co. G Capt. Michael Do were transferred to the Sixty-ninth. Co. F Capt. John
Begg was transferred to the 11th Regt and Co. H Lieut.. Anthony L. Vaughn was transferred to
the 2nd Regiment.
In 1858 the 4th brigade, consisted of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 69th regiments. The AG Report
states on November 1, the 11th Regiment conducted a regimental parade to receive 69th
Regiment
Robert Taylor, Major and Inspector, of the 4th Brigade N.Y.S.M. inspected the 69th Regiment at
Camp Washington. He was very complimentary of Michael Corcoran in his after action report in
which he states:
“I inspected the 69th regiment on the 20th of October at Camp Washington, where it was doing a
tour of duty for the protection of the State property at Quarantine. This regiment consists of six
infantry, one rifle, and one company of the poorest looking cavalry I ever saw, since detached.
This is truly a serviceable regiment, and under command of its present colonel (Ryan) would be
found reliable on any occasion. The total strength inspected was 275; the absentees numbered
136, making an aggregate of 411. The evolutions of this regiment, performed on this occasion,
were in the highest degree creditable, and I cannot report an exception to this remark.
What I might say of Captain Corcoran, commanding
company A, concerning his military knowledge, and the
marked ability with which he handled his company on
this occasion, would not add to his already well known
reputation as the best, if not the very best, infantry officer
in the 4th brigade, therefore I shall only say he did his
duty well, and so did the other officers of this regiment.
The staff are efficient in their several stations, and are
now well organized.
The duty this regiment has performed during the past year
is great: five battalion drills at the armory; January 15 and
26, February 22,March 17, April 27, May 19, June 16,
September 30, and October 20 were regimental parades;
June 1 and November 9, brigade parades for evolutions of
the line; July 5 and September 1, division parades. The
arms that are ordinarily used by the 69th regiment are worthless, and I solicit for it an immediate
supply of the most approved musket.”
Adjutants Lieutenants
John McKeon Aug.20, 1858Apr. 22, 1858, New York
Regimental Surgeons. Captains.
Page 36 of 96
Robert Johnson,
October 25, 1859, October 8, 1858
Surgeon's Mates. Rank of Lieutenants
John Fergusson
Oct. 25, 1858, Oct. 11, 1858
Regimental Engineers. Captains:
James B. Kirker, Date of Commission: 16th March, 1857, Date of Rank: 12th Jan., 1857,
Residence: NYC
Regimental Quarter Masters. Lieutenants.
Matthew O'Connor IApr.18, 18551April 2, 1855, Residence: NYC
Regimental Pay-Masters. Lieutenants
Matthew Kehoe Oct. 25, 185810ct. 11, 1858, Date of Rank: 9th Jan., 1852 Residence: NYC
Chaplains
James Bagley, Date of Commission April 18th, 1855, Date of Rank: April 10, 1855, Residence:
NY
James Ragget Ryan, Colonel, and Date of Commission: April 18, 1855, Date of Rank: March
23, 1855, Residence: New-York city.
Edward Butler
Lt. Colonel, Date of Commission: May 14, 1856, Date of Rank: March 3,
1856, New York City.
Robert Nugent
Major, Date of Commission: June 6, 1854, Date of Rank: May 23, 1852,
Residence: New York City.
Total on Staff: 14
A Company
Michael Corcoran, Captain, Date of Commission: June 24, 1854, Date of Rank: May 29, 1852,
Hugh C. Flood 1st Lieutenant Date of Commission: Nov. 14, 1855, Date of Rank: Oct. 8, 1855,
Theodore Kelly
2d Lieutenant, October 25, 1858, October 6, 1858
79 82
B Company
Thomas Lynch,
Robert W. Brown
Dennis Brown
46 49
Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 12, 1857
1st Lieutenant June 26, 1858 May 24, 1858 .
2d Lieutenant, August 20, 1858, July 26, 1858
C Company
John Burke, Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 26, 1857
James Cavanagh, 1st Lieutenant, June 8, 1857, March 9, 1857,
John Rowen, 2d Lieutenant, June 8, 1857, March 9, 1857
27, 30
D Company
George Tobin Captain, Oct. 14, 1952, Sept. 21, 1852
Vacant, 1st and 2d Lieutenant
46 47
Page 37 of 96
E Company
Maurice Keating
Patrick Kelly,
Richard P. King,
49 52
Captain, July 25, 1856, July 2, 1856,
1st Lieutenant March 9, 1857, Jan. 16, 1857
2d Lieutenant June 24, 1851, June 14, 1852
F Company
John Breslin
John T. Scullen,
George Collins,
35 38
Captain, March 30, 1858, March 9, 1858
lst Lieut. April 3, 1855, March 21, 1855,
2d Lieut. April 3, 1855, March 21, 1855
G Company
William Malone,
John Cornan,
John Julien
24 27
Captain, March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857,
1st Lieut. March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857,
2d Lieut. March 9, 1857, Jan. 28, 1857
H Company
James Kelly
William Butler
James Lyons
46 49
Captain, May 11, 1856, May 7, 1856
1st Lieutenant May 14, 1856, March 11 1856
2d Lieutenant, December 22, 1856, November 6, 1856
I Company
Vacant
K Company
Vacant
Staff
Non commissioned Staff
Band
Total NCOs and Privates
Total Regiment
7
5
16
352
405
96
Page 38 of 96
1859
The consolidated regiment, the 69th Regiment did not lose its Irish Republican orientation. When
the Irish leader of the revolt of 1848, William Smith O'Brien, visited New York in February
1859 his reception in New York was lackluster. It seems the New York Irish were growing tired
of the leaders of the Young Ireland revolt.97 His tour continued until the summer when a farewell
reception for Smith O'Brien was held in New York. The Sixty-ninth took no part in the reception
but at his departure Colonel Ryan read an address and the regiment marched as part of the escort
from Union Square to the Battery, where Smith-O'Brien hoarded a ship to Ireland.98
When Daniel O'Sullivan a member of the Phoenix Society, visited New York in April 1859, the
69th Regiment paraded to the St. Nicholas Hotel on the evening of April 29, 1859, and in the
presence of a large crowd, stood at attention while the regimental band serenaded the new hero.
The officers of the regiment appeared on the balcony with the "Phoenix", while John O'Mahony,
President of the Fenian Brotherhood in America, made the welcome speech. Michael Doheny
who was no longer associated with the regiment also made some remarks. During the speeches
the 69th Regiment stood in the street below with rifles and fixed bayonets.99
Colonel James Ragget Ryan's submitted his resignation from the 69th Regiment on July 24, 1859.
It was accepted by General Ewen, Commander of the Fourth Brigade, First Division, on August
19, 1859.100
Early in the year Michael Doheny, O'Mahony, and Corcoran founded the Irish Patriotic Defense
Fund which was supposed to raise money for prisoners in Ireland but was really to raise funds
for Republican activities. Contributions ceased when this was uncovered and the New York Irish
were upset feeling duped again.101
Colonel Ryan retired from the regiment on July 29, 1859, to be replaced by Michael Corcoran,
second in command in the Fenian Brotherhood. His date of rank to Colonel is listed in as August
26, 1859. He and all the officers in the regiment are listed as artillery officers doing duty as
infantry.
The officers and soldiers paraded in the evening of August 7, 1859,
in an attempt to induce Colonel Ryan to reconsider his resignation,
but he was determined to retire. An election was held at the Division
Armory, White and Elm Streets, on August 26th, with Brigadier
General Ewen presiding. The choice of the officers was Michael
Corcoran, Captain of Co. "A", Irish Fusileers, as Colonel, Robert
Nugent, Regimental Major, as Lieutenant Colonel, and James
Bagley, Chaplain, as Major. Michael Corcoran, at the time of his
election, was one of the directory of the Fenian Brotherhood and was
actively engaged in the collection of funds to finance the
organization in Ireland. Corcoran was horn in County Sligo, Ireland,
on September 21, 1827. His father was a retired army officer who
had served in the West Indies, and his mother claimed descent from
Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan" the most famous Irish soldier of his
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day,58 He joined the Royal Irish Constabulary at the age of nineteen after he had finished his
education in England. He resigned his position in August, 1849, after three years' service at
Creeslough, County. Donegal, and emigrated to America. He entered the employ of John Heeney
of the Hibernian Hall, and on Heeney's retirement succeeded him as the owner. He also held a
position in the Custom Service which was no doubt a political sinecure. He joined the company
formed by Captain John Judge, which in the early days of the regiment was known as the Irish
Rifles Company I.102
The consolidation of the regiments is reflected in the 69th strength. The AG Report for 1859 lists
446 members increased by over ten percent from the previous year. The following is a list
officers assigned: to the 69th Regiment. Colonel and Commander was Michael Corcoran. Robert
Nugent replaced Butler as Lieutenant Colonel. Robert Nugent’s previous position as Major went
to James Bagley
In A Company, Michael Corcoran’s position of Captain went to Hugh C. Flood who had served
the previous year as 1st Lieutenant in the company. Theodore Kelly moved into Flood” previous
position and Daniel Strain and Patrick K. Masterson served in Alpha Company as Second
Lieutenants. There were 83 individuals assigned to Company A.
There were no officers assigned to Company B. but there were 14 individuals assigned to the
company. Captain Thomas Lynch who served as the commander in 1858, 1st Lieutenant Robert
W. Brown, and 2d Lieutenant Dennis Brown who were assigned to B Company in 1858 are not
on the rolls of the regiment in 1859.
In C Company James Cavanagh who served as 1st Lieutenant in 1858 took over position as
Captain, John Rowen (spelled Rowen in the 1858 and 1860 AG Reports but Bowen in 1859)
moved from 2d Lieutenant in the company to1st Lieutenant and John H. Ryan and Daniel
O'Connell were assigned as 2d Lieutenants. John Burke who served as Captain the previous year
is no longer on the rolls. There were 43 individuals assigned to Company C.
The command of D Company went from George Tobin to Thomas McGuire. Thomas Fay, was
assigned as 1st Lieutenant and James Dungan and Michael 0' Boyle were assigned to the
company as 2d Lieutenants. There were 44 individuals assigned to D Company.
In E Company Maurice Keating, Captain was replaced by Patrick Kelly, who served the previous
year as 1st Lieutenant. Patrick Kelly, was replaced by John Bagley in the 1st Lieutenant position
Hugh J. Campbell and John Drake assigned as 2d Lieutenant. The company had 54 individuals
assigned
F Company had Captain John Breslin still in command with Patrick Duffy serving as 1st
Lieutenant and Michael Breslin and John Duffy serving as 2d Lieutenants. There were 45
individuals assigned to F Company.
Captain Felix Duffy commanded G Company with Terrence Duffy serving as 1st Lieutenant and
36 individuals assigned.
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In H Company James Kelly was still Captain with William Butler still 1st Lieutenant James
Lyons was still a 2d Lieutenant in the company but the company had added another 2d
Lieutenant to the rolls. 2d Lieutenant James Gannon was assigned along with 72 individuals
assigned.
I Company which was Vacant in 1858 had John H. Robert Nugent in Command as Captain with
a vacant 1st Lieutenant position and 2nd Lieutenants Thomas M. Canton and Dennis Brown and
41 individuals assigned. The Abstract E of the AG Report lists Company I as being one of the
artillery companies organized during 1859. It indicated the company was organized on
September 17 with Robert Coddington as Commandant. K Company was still Vacant. There
were seven staff and four noncommissioned staff assigned to the regiment. The regiment was
equipped with 318 percussion muskets and bayonets.
Major Robert Taylor Inspector of the Fourth Brigade reported to the Adjutant General “Sir-The
inspection of the several regiments' comprising this Brigade-for the present year, commenced
with the 69th regiment, at Hamilton Square, on the 5th 'instant, -for the present year, the front of
which, when formed, exhibited about eighty files.. 'The formation was quite well made, and the
regalement was delivered to the 'Command of the Colonel by the Adjutant very soon I felt some
apprehension as to the ability of the recently elected colonel to go through with the movements,
he having drilled his regiment but once, and then in the evening, since his election. All doubts
were soon removed for Col. Corcoran went through with the programme of movements, or
nearly so, with all the familiarity experience only gives.
The Colonel was ably assisted by Lieut. Col. Robert Nugent, late the Major of the regiment. In
execution of the movements a number of the line officers gave evidence of inexperience, indeed,
were sadly deficient in knowledge even minor matters pertaining to the positions they were
elected to fill.
There were exceptions however. Capt's Flood, Company "A” and Capt. McGuire Company “D”,
appeared to comprehend and act as if they understood the mechanism of the movements. All the
officers and men, as well, exhibited a willingness to be instructed, and really did all they could to
relieve the Colonel of his arduous task, who, by his promptness and ubiquitous presence, enables
me to report that the movements were quite well performed. It is the Colonel's intention .to be
thorough in his evening drills hoping by the spring to remedy the deficiencies that manifested
themselves at inspection. The arms and accoutrements of the 69th were in fair condition
particularly those of Company “A". There is not, however, that attention paid to brightness or
cleanliness, that arms furnished by the State, are entitled to.
The uniform of this regiment is all new, and according to the regulations :as adopted. The change
in the uniform of the regiment is highly creditable to them, :as the one they have discarded was
good, and they could have retained it, but, desirous of conforming to the "regulation" color, they
sacrificed their prejudice for a color that was cherished by them, and adopted blue. I respectfully
suggest that several of the companies of the 69th be consolidated and the most efficient officers
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placed in command, regardless of rank.103 According to this report, the 69th had fully adopted
and accepted their regulation blue uniform by 1859.
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1860
The regiment paraded on Washington's Birthday, St. Patrick's Day and in August as part of a
First Division paraded for representatives of Japanese Government. Colonel Ryan died August 7,
1860 which indicates his resignation from the 69th may have been due to health rather than the
stated reason of having to take care of business.
During the summer Queen Victoria had sent the young Prince of
Wales on a state tour of Canada. He was invited to visit New
York and the First Division decided to parade in his honor on
October 11th. Colonel Corcoran sent Major General Sandford
through Brigadier General Ewen a request to be excused from
parading on this occasion, on the grounds that the purpose of the
parade was objectionable to himself and his command, and that
although he believed the parade to be illegal, yet he was
desirous not to hold himself or his command apart from any
public demonstration in which the Division participated. Major
General Sandford at first expressed his willingness to excuse
Colonel Corcoran, but on September 30, 1860, he sent word to
the Colonel through Brigadier General Ewen that he would have
to reconsider the matter because other corps had asked to be
excused. Colonel Corcoran was informed on October 6, 1860,
through General Ewen that his request had been refused.
Corcoran at this time was the second in command of the Fenian
Brotherhood but when John O'Mahony went to Ireland, in the
winter of 1860, Corcoran took his place as chief officer of that organization.
Corcoran did not march with the 69th Regiment and on November 20, 1860 charges were brought
against Corcoran by Major George W. Morrell, Division Engineer and Acting Division
Inspector. Brigadier General Spicer, of the First Brigade was appointed President of the Court.
Colonel S. Brooke Postley of the Third Regiment and Colonel Thomas W. McLevy of the
Seventy-9th Regiment were appointed members of the Court. The trial opened at the Division
Armory on the corner of Elm and White Streets on December 20, 1860 with Colonel Joseph C.
Pickney .Commander of the Sixth Regiment, replacing Colonel McLevy.
The Division Judge Advocate, Colonel Charles D. Mead was the Judge Advocate and Richard
O'Gorman who participated in the negotiation with the State in 1849 to create the 9th Regiment
and who served as a pall bearer at the funeral of John O’Mahony represented Colonel Corcoran.
Judge Advocate Mead proceeded to read the charges and the specifications against Colonel
Corcoran preferred by George W. Morrell, Division Engineer. They alleged the express orders of
General Sandford, commanding a division parade for the reception of the Prince of W ales,
issued on or about the 4th of October, 1860, were willfully disobeyed by Colonel Corcoran.
Colonel Corcoran objected to the charges and specifications as defective in form and asked they
be dismissed by the Court. The room was cleared and after fifteen minutes of deliberation the
Court overruled the objection.
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Colonel Corcoran entered a plea alleging the orders of both Major-General Sandford and
Brigadier General Ewen were illegal because the Sixty-ninth had made all the parades required
by law for the year 1860 and because there was no authority in the law empowering the General
to order parades for any purpose other than exercise or instruction. Corcoran further pointed out
since the person designated as the Prince of Wales was traveling as the Baron Renfrew, the
Prince had disclaimed all his titles and honors.
Corcoran made other motions and the rest of the first session of the court was devoted to proving
that the Sixty-ninth had made the required number of parades in 1860. The court was adjourned.
The AG Report for 1860 lists 445 members which is a decrease of one person from the previous
year. Michael Corcoran. Robert Nugent and James Bagley were unchanged in their respective
positions as Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major.
In A Company, Hugh C. Flood was replaced by Captain James Hagerty. Theodore Kelly, Daniel
Strain and Patrick K. Masterson remained unchanged. There were 79 individuals assigned to
Company A down from 83 the previous year.
There were no officers assigned to Company B in 1859 but in 1860 .Thomas Lynch served as
Captain and William M. Giles and Thomas Leddy served as 2d Lieutenants. There was only 14
individuals assigned to the company in 1869 but now 30 individuals were assigned. Captain
Thomas Lynch served as the commander in 1858 but was not on the rolls of the Regiment in
1859..
In C Company still had Captain James Cavanagh, 1st Lieutenant John Rowen t and 2d
Lieutenants. John H. Ryan and Daniel O'Connell assigned There were still only43 individuals
assigned to Company C.
The command of D Company went from Thomas McGuire to Thomas Clark. Thomas Fay, was
still assigned as 1st Lieutenant and James Dungan and Michael 0' Boyle were still assigned to the
company as 2d Lieutenants. There were 48 individuals assigned to D Company.
In E Company Maurice Keating, Captain was replaced by Patrick Kelly, who served the previous
year as 1st Lieutenant. Patrick Kelly, was replaced by John Bagley in the 1st Lieutenant position
Hugh J. Campbell and John Drake assigned as 2d Lieutenant. The company had 54 individuals
assigned
All the officers remained in F Company, Captain John Breslin still in command with Patrick
Duffy serving as 1st Lieutenant and Michael Breslin and John Duffy serving as 2d Lieutenants.
There were 48 individuals assigned to F Company.
Captain Felix Duffy still commanded G Company with Terrence Duffy still serving as 1st
Lieutenant. The 2d Lieutenant positions remained vacant and 38 individuals assigned.
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All officers in H Company remained the same. James Kelly was still Captain with William
Butler still 1st Lieutenant James Lyons and James Gannon were still a 2d Lieutenants in the
company along with 70 individuals assigned.
I Company still had John H. Nugent in Command as Captain with John Coonan 1st Lieutenant
position and 2nd Lieutenants Thomas M. Canton. 2nd Lieutenant Dennis Brown had left the
company and his position was vacant. The company did not have the number of individuals
assigned listed.
Bernard Reilly was the Captain of Company K with Edmund Connolly and Edward Hare
assigned as 2d Lieutenants. The company did not have the number of individuals assigned listed.
The were 6 individuals on the staff, 5 non commissioned staff officers, 10 sappers and miners
and38 listed as members of the band.
The regiment was still equipped with 318 percussion muskets and bayonets and 19 percussion
pistols. The musket fired a round ball averaging 18 to a pound and two large buck shots. It
differed little from the musket used in the War of 1812, except that the flint lock had been
replaced by a percussion lock. The Regiment would carry these muskets to the Battle of Bull
Run.
Major Taylor inspected the Regiment of October 10th. In his report written October 24th 1860 he
stated: “The 69th regiment passed a satisfactory inspection on the 10th instant. It has steadily
increased under its present able commandant and will become a strong regiment. The returns
exhibit an increase of about 100 since the previous inspection. All the movements were well
executed, except that of passing obstacle in front of three right companies; which, on repetition
and being comprehended by the captains of those companies, was well performed.” A day later
on October 11th Corcoran refused to march the Regiment for the Prince of Wales.
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1861
Colonel Corcoran’s court marshal reassembled on January 3, 1861. Judge Advocate Mead read a
long answer to Colonel Corcoran's claim that the militia could be paraded only for training
saying that the law left a discretionary power with the General of Division to call more than the
number of parades set forth in the regulations. The custom of ordering out the militia to honor
distinguished persons was of long standing and justified the calling of the First Division to honor
the Prince of Wales. Colonel Corcoran at the conclusion of the prosecution's arguments asked for
time to prepare an answer, and the Court adjourned to January 8, 1861
On January 8th when the court met Corcoran was arraigned on the first specification and the
original charge of disobedience of orders. Colonel Corcoran pleaded not guilty. Colonel Van
Buren, Aid.de-Camp to General Ewen, testified concerning his service of orders and after
objections by Corcoran and some legal maneuvering the Court was adjourned until the 10th.
On the 10th O’Gorman was recognized by the Court as Corcoran’s Counsel. Captain O'Reilly and
Adjutant McKeon testified about the service of orders and the procedures followed in the
regiment concerning the keeping of records. The Adjutant General requested the regimental book
and since it was not then in the possession of Adjutant McKeon the court was adjourned until
January 18, 1861.
On January 15th a ball was held in protest to the trial of Colonel Corcoran. The affair was held in
the Academy of Music on Fourteenth Street where a ball was held for the Prince of Wales on
October 11, 1860.104
In the next few sessions of Corcoran’s court marshal the Judge Advocate attempted to show
Division Parades had been ordered for distinguished persons. In reply O’Gorman tried to show
these parades were inappropriate and sometimes even questioned by the Division Board.
Furthermore he tried to show the testimony of the officers called by the Judge Advocate
concerning Division Parades was vague. The Defense challenged the service of General Ewen's
order. O’Gorman claimed the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a doubt that the order had
been properly served on Colonel Corcoran. After stating this O'Gorman, claimed certain
provisions of New York military law were more suitable to the regulations of the mercenaries of
the despots of Europe. These regulations were not suitable for a government of free citizens
serving the state as volunteers without pay. O’Gorman concluded his defense. The case was then
adjourned to April 22, 1861, at 4 P.M, never to be reconvened.
In John O'Mahony’s absence Corcoran was the head of the Fenian Brotherhood. On April 21,
1861 Corcoran made a statement in which he urged all Fenians who were not members of the
state militia to stay out of the army but if they must join they should join an Irish regiment.
On April 19, 1861 at the City Armory Colonel Corcoran read a letter to the officers of the 69th
Regiment..
“To the Officers of the Sixty-9th Regiment,
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Understanding that a meeting will be held this evening for the purpose of taking into
consideration the most important matter that you have ever had to determine upon, I take the
liberty of addressing you briefly in relation to the matter of stating what my views are in
relation thereto:
I had hoped that the subject would be held in abeyance for a few days longer, but now that the
matter had been pressed upon your consideration for final action, I earnestly entreat my very
warm friends, who have been in favor of deferring action until after the decision of the Court
Martial in my case, to drop such an idea under the present circumstances, and if they will permit
me, I request them to enter into the spirit of the meeting with energy and decision, obliterating all
other considerations but duty and patriotism, and I trust you will arrive at such a conclusion as
will be creditable to you, alike as soldiers and Irish adopted citizens. Indeed it is quite
unnecessary to remind you that a great responsibility rests in your hands, where I know it will be
carefully and honorably guarded and sustained, as it ever has been.
For my own part, many of you know my sentiments. I stand ready to throw myself into the
ranks for the maintenance, support, and protection of the Stars and Stripes, as soon as the
decision in my case may be announced, no matter what that may result in. The tyrannous
conduct of a state officer shall never prevent me from discharging my high obligations of duty
to the United States.
Your attached and devoted friend,
Michael Corcoran. New York City, April 19, 1861.”
After Colonel Corcoran read the letter the officers unanimously voted to tender the services of
the Regiment to the Governor through Major General Sandford for the maintenance of the
Union, the Constitution and the Laws.105
Shortly after Colonel Corcoran was released from arrest and restored to command of the
Regiment. The 69th began recruiting to bring the Regiment up to strength. Recruiting offices
were set up by the companies and the Irish in New York flocked to join the Regiment. The
recruiting offices were overwhelmed. The authorized strength of the Regiment was one
thousand men and they needed over 500 soldiers but over 5,000 applied.106
So many Irish tried to enlist that a second Irish Regiment had to be formed by Judge John
McCunn, who had been Colonel of the 75th Regiment (one of the 69th Regiments lineage units,
originally commanded by Thomas Francis Meagher and one of the regiments in the Irish Brigade
of New York) at the time of its consolidation with the Ninth (another 69th Regiment’s lineage
units) 1858..This new Irish Regiment was originally called the 75th Regiment but was mustered
into Federal service as the 37th New York Volunteers. Although Colonel McCunn is one of the
Colonels of the 69th Regiment since he commanded one of the Regiment’s lineage units, the 37th
Regiment NYSV is not in the lineage of the 69th Regiment.
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Links to Irish Republicanism
As discussed earlier the S.F.s (Silent Friends or Sinn Fein) was organized within the 9th
Regiment. A new Irish secret society was formed in 1858 and came to be called the Fenian
Brotherhood (aka Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood or
IRB)(probably evolving from the S.F. of the 9th Regiment). Although not powerful within the 9th
they were extremely so within the 69th. After the consolidation with the 9th in 1858, the 69th
adopted the name “National Cadets” which was formerly used by the 9th.
The Fenians, as they were called, were founded in Dublin, at the request of Irish revolutionary
exiles of the Emmet Monument Association, under the chairmanship of Michael Doheny in New
York, as the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood on Saint Patrick’s Day, 1858 by one of the leaders
of the 1848 Revolt, James Stephens. John O’Mahony was the leader in North America; Michael
Corcoran was the second in command. At the outbreak of the Civil War Corcoran commanded
the 69th Regiment and was also the senior military officer of the Fenians. At the outbreak of the
American Civil War, Corcoran advised the Fenian membership not to join the militia. Many Irish
nationalist symbols, such as the Fenian sunburst, the round tower, the harp and the “Irish-wolf
dog” (hound) are found in the regimental crest of the 69th Regiment.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Irish Republican leaders who were instrumental in
the forming the Irish Brigade of the 1850’s were still active with Irish militia (even if they were
not members). Michael Phalen (leader of the “SF” group within the 9th) and Richard O’Gorman,
both of whom participated in the negotiation with the State in 1849, were raising funds for 69th
family members wounded at Bull Run in 1861. Michael Phalen had moved to California in 1852
and resigned his commission in 1854. James Huston was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg in
1863.
Thomas Francis Meagher, who was a Captain and “K” Company Commander in the 69th at the
outbreak of the Civil War, returned from Bull Run to form the Irish Brigade. Colonel Michael
Corcoran, who was captured at the Battle of Bull Run, returned to New York upon release from
Confederate prison and formed another Irish Brigade which was called Corcoran’s Irish Legion
(aka “The Corcoran Legion”). Corcoran wanted to form an Irish Division but his goal was never
attained.
Captain Felix Duffy, who first made his mark on the rolls of the Irish Brigade in 1848, is also on
the rolls of Soldiers who departed with the 69th for the seat of war in 1861. 1SG Weply of the
69th concurrently commanded a company in the Phoenix Brigade and served at Bull Run.
Colonel Thomas J. Kelly, IRA, Chief Organizer of the Irish Republic (i.e., he succeeded James
Stephens as political leader) who led the Fenian rising of '67 was a Soldier of the 4th Irish
Regiment, 75th Regiment NYSM, Republican Rifles one of the 69th’s lineage regiments. One of
the original Fenians, during the American Civil War he served in combat with the 10th Ohio
Infantry (an Irish regiment) and on the staff of the XIV Corps of the Union Army of the
Cumberland.
Colonel Michael Corcoran commanded the 69th NYSM concurrently while serving as Brigadier
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General of the Fenian Brotherhood's Phoenix Brigade.
During the St. Patrick’s Day parade in March 1860, Colonel Corcoran commanded both the 69th
NYSM and the Phoenix Brigade as “Colonel - Brigadier Corcoran”. Colonel Corcoran’s had a
dual role as Commander of the Fenian Brotherhood’s Phoenix Brigade and Commander of the
69th Regiment. Corcoran was court martialed in 1860 for refusing to parade the 69th Regiment in
honor of the visit of the Prince of Wales.
According to published sources, John O'Mahony, who referred
to the 69th Regiment as “The Irish Military School”, enlisted as
a private in the 69th NYSM at the opening of the war.
William Smith O'Brien who called for the establishment of the
Irish Brigade of Young Ireland was the leader of the Young
Ireland rebels, many of whom would join the 69th Regiment.
The links between the Republican Movement and the 69th
actually trace back to the formation of the Regiment in 1849.
John O'Mahony, the “Head Center” of the Fenian Brotherhood
who joined the Sixty-ninth Regiment as a private to learn
soldiering from the bottom up and also set an example for his
followers was in Ireland when the war broke out. He
immediately traveled to New York and wrote to Colonel
Corcoran saying he wanted to report for duty with the
Regiment. Corcoran replied on National Cadet Headquarters
stationary on May 29, 1861, assuring O'Mahony he was glad to
hear of his return and inviting him to visit the camp. However with regard to joining the regiment
Corcoran wrote: “As to your joining us, as you propose, that I must tell you frankly, I cannot
listen to you for a moment. Irrespective of any other consideration, our Irish cause and
organization in America would grievously, if not fatally suffer by the withdrawal of your
immediate services and supervision. It is absolutely necessary that you should remain at your
own prescribed post all the more necessary that others are compelled to be away for a time. That
our organization will derive considerable impetus and strength from the military enthusiasm
prevailing here at present amongst our race and may, indeed, have favorable opportunities
opened to it by the events that are transpiring, I am strongly impressed, if not positively
convinced. It is, therefore, most essential that a man like you should remain to enlarge and
perfect it.”
John O’Mahony was one of the most important Irish rebels died in 1877. He was the founder and
“Head Centre” of the Fenian Brotherhood. When he died in 1877 his body lay in state at the 69th
Regiment Armory in prior to being transported back to Ireland. Members of the then active
regiment and various veteran corps of the regiment participated in his funeral and procession.
O’Mahony left the 69th Regiment and eventually became Colonel of the 99th Regiment.
An article in the Irish American on February 24th, 1877 describes the funeral. “The body of
Colonel O’Mahony lay in state at the armory of the 69th Regiment until the morning of the 13th
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inst., and was viewed there by thousands of our citizens, the throng at times being so great as to
entirely block up all the approaches to the building. A guard composed of a full Company of the
69th and detachments from the “Irish Legion” and the “Irish Brigade” and other national military
organizations, was constantly on duty while the body lay at the armory; and from the number of
floral decorations that were from time to time sent in by sympathizing admirers of the deceased,
the room in which the body was placed might have been taken for some fragrant parterre, if the
character of the emblems were not suggestive of the somber presence of death. There were floral
harps, with broken strings; shattered columns, and memorial crosses; as well as other designs of
a more figurative nature and endless variety. The coffin was draped with the handsome Irish flag
sent to the 69th Regiment by the people of Tipperary, until the morning of the funeral, when the
regimental flag of the 99th Regiment, NYSM, was substituted for it, and remained on the coffin
to the end of the ceremonies.
At an early hour on Tuesday morning, the remains were taken from the officers’ room in the
armory, and placed in a handsome plate glass hearse, through the transparent panels of which the
casket was plainly visible, covered by the regimental flags, and with the military cap, sword and
belt of the deceased resting on the lid. Escorted by the guard of honor, the body was conveyed to
the church of St. Francis Xavier, West Sixteenth Street, where preparations for the celebration of
the last solemn offices of religion had been made by the Jesuit Fathers. The coffin was placed on
a black draped catafalque in front of the high altar, which, as well as the body of the church, was
dressed in mourning.
Through some miscalculation [at the time] when the religious services were to be concluded, the
69th Regiment and the various bodies which were expected to form part of the procession were
not on the appointed ground when the remains were brought out of the church; and, as a
consequence, the hearse, with its escort and the carriages containing the chief mourners were
kept waiting for over an hour., in the freezing wind, at the junction of Fifth Avenue and 16th
street.
The First Regiment, “Irish Brigade,” under Colonel Michael Phalen, was the first of the military
bodies to assume its place in line; the veterans of the 69th and 99th Regiments, and the various
clubs of the Fenian Brotherhood and the Clan-na-Gael then fell in; and, about half-past eleven
o’clock, the procession commenced to move up Fifth Avenue turning into Broadway and Great
Jones street, where the 69th Regiment had been halted. On the appearance of the funeral, the
Regiment immediately broke into column (right in front) and took the head of the procession.
From this point the completed procession moved in the following order: – Platoon of Police
under Captain Garland, Colonel James Cavanagh and staff.
Band of the 69th Regiment with muffled drums. Lieutenant-Colonel Dempsey, Commanding,
69th Regiment NGSNY
The Regiment in column by company as follows:
Company A, Lieutenant Brennan, Commanding
Company B, Captain James Plunkett Commanding
Company C, Captain Michael Maguire Commanding
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Company F, Captain Wm. Cushing Commanding
Company E, Lieutenant Stephen Mullins Commanding
Company G, Lieutenant Stephen P Ryan Commanding
Company J, Captain Nicholas Duffy Commanding
Company H, Captain Martin McDonald Commanding
Company K, Capt. John Kerr Commanding
Veteran Corps of the 69th Regiment, Capt. John McDonough, Commanding
Company C, Alliance Guard, Brooklyn, Capt. Denis Brown.
Company D, Alliance Guard, Capt. James Ryan.
Emmet Zouaves of Jersey City, Capt. Jeremiah McNulty
Col. J. Michael Phalen Commanding First Regiment Irish Brigade.
The Regiment in Column by Company
Holy Innocent Rifle Corps, Capt. Thomas Maguire
Sheares Rifles of Philadelphia, Capt. James E McDermott
Company A, Irish Volunteers, Capt. T M Costello
Company E, “Irish Volunteers,” Brooklyn, Captain John H Fay
Company C, “Irish Volunteers,” Bergen Point, NJ, Lieut. Richard Walsh
Irish Legion (Two Companies under Lieutenant P J Howe, and Lieutenants Burns, Conner and
Norton) acting as Escort of Honor.
The Hearse, containing the coffin drawn by four coal-black horses with sable trappings and
surrounded by the Pall-bearers including Richard O’Gorman and Captain James John Mitchel.
Carriages containing the relatives of the deceased.
Veterans of the 99th Regiment NYSM, under Adjutant Richard Norris
Fenian Brotherhood.
Joseph Fogarty, Timothy McAuliffe, J. Collins[12], William Kunnane, [Procession] Marshals.
Clan-na-Gael Association
Charles Spillane, Edward Whelan, Marshals.
The Emerald Club
The Hamilton Rowan Club
Napper Tandy Club
Davis Club
Corcoran Club”107
The 69th continued its republican activities in the 1870s. According to a period newspaper, fifty
members of the “Old Sixty- Ninth” and a captain were on a train heading north to do there their
part in the 1870 Fenian invasion of Canada. Captain Oliver Byrne of the 2nd Irish Regiment, a
nephew of a prominent United Irishmen, authored a book on guerrilla warfare, “Freedom to
Ireland” which provides valuable clues as to how the 69th Regiment and the Irish Brigade of
New York were to take to the field in Ireland. Byrne, a prolific writer on the art and science of
war, is credited with doing more for the Irish-American militiaman than any other soldier. Like
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Corcoran, Byrne was a key player in the Emmet Monument Association and, later, the Fenian
Brotherhood. In New York, Byrne raised and trained two independent Irish Republican
Regiments; “The National Greens” and the 2nd Pike Regiment of the Phoenix Brigade.
Michael Doheny, Captain Oliver Byrne, Colonel Michael Corcoran, Private John O’Mahony and
Colonel Thomas J. Kelly are all associated with the Emmet Monument Association, the Fenian
Brotherhood(also known as the Irish Republican Brotherhood), and the 69th Regiment NYSM.
During the Civil War, Irish Republican leaders who were instrumental in the forming the Irish
Brigade of the 1850’s were still active with Irish militia (even if they were not members).
Michael Phalen (leader of the SF group within the 9th) and Richard O’Gorman, both of whom
participated in the negotiation with the State in 1849, were raising funds for 69th family members
wounded at Bull Run in 1861. James Huston was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
Thomas Francis Meagher returned from Bull Run to form the Irish Brigade. Michael Corcoran,
who was captured at the Battle of Bull Run, returned to New York and formed another Irish
Brigade which was called Corcoran’s Legion. Michael Doheny, who was the most tenacious of
the Irish rebels, died in 1862. In the early 1850’s, he had stopped believing that Irish units should
be organized within the militia system since it created a conflict of allegiances.
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New York to Bull Run
Orders were issued on April 20, 1861 detaching the Sixty-ninth for immediate service in
National Capitol region108. It was decided to leave the troop of cavalry in New York, due to the
difficulty of securing ships to move the horses. Major Bagley and Captain James Kirker were
directed to remain in New York to forward supplies which could not be ready before the
Regiment sailed or procured in Washington109. Thomas Francis Meagher ·announced that he
·would recruit a company of Zouaves to replace the troop. Enlistment was begun at once but it
was some weeks before the Irish Zouaves were ready to join their comrades in Virginia110.
On April 20 Colonel Corcoran 1861, issued
General Order Number 1 directing the Regiment to
assemble on Tuesday, April 23 at 7AM, ready to
move. The men assembled at 7 o’clock but arms
and blankets did not arrive until 9 AM. It was
nearly noon before the arms and blankets were
issued. The Regiment’s line was formed in Great
Jones Street. There was a large crowd assembled
to see the Regiment off. A silk National Color
which was made by Mrs. Charles P. Daly was
presented to the unit. Colonel Corcoran assured
Judge Daly that: "The flag would suffer no
dishonor as long as there was a man of the Sixtyninth alive to defend it”. Archbishop Hughes has recently appointed Father Thomas Mooney,
Pastor of St. Brigid's Parish, Chaplain of the Regiment. Father Mooney joined the regiment about
3 P.M. and the march was begun.
“At the head of the procession was a decorated wagon, drawn by four horses, and bearing the
inscription, " Sixty-ninth, remember Fontenoy," and " No North, no South, no East, no West, but
the whole Union." The officers of the regiment were as follows:
Colonel, Michael Corcoran.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert Nugent.
Major, James Bagley; Adjutant, John McKeon.
Volunteer Aids, C. G. Halpine, John Savage.
Chaplain, Rev. Thomas J. Mooney; succeeded by Rev. B. O'Reilly, S. J.
Engineers, James B. Kirker, John H. McCunn, L. D'Homergne.
Surgeon, Robert Johnson; Assistants, Drs. James L. Kiernan, J. Pascal Smith, P. Nolan.
Quartermaster, Joseph B. Tully.
Paymaster, Matthew Kehoe.
Sergeant-Major, Arthur Tracy
Color-Sergeant,-Murphy.
Company A, Captain James Haggerty First First-Lientenant, Theodore Kelly; SecondLieutenants, Daniel Strayne, Daniel F. Sullivan; Orderly Sergeant-Bermingham and one hundred
and twenty men.
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Company B, Captain Thomas Lynch; First-Lieutenant, Thomas Leddy; Second-Lieutenant, W.
H. Giles; Orderly Sergeant, Cahill and one hundred and fourteen men.
Company C, Captain James Cavanagh; First Lieutenant, John H. Ryan; SecondLieutenant, J. Rowan and eighty-six men.
Company D, Captain Thomas Clarke; First-Lieutenant, Thomas Fay; Second-Lieutenants, James
L. Dungan, Michael O'Boyle; Orderly Sergeant, M. Maguire and one hundred and twenty men.
Company E, Captain P. Kelly; First-Lieutenant, John Bagley; Orderly Sergeant, Andrew Reed
and one hundred men.
Company F, Captain John Breslin; First-Lieutenant, P. Duffy; Second-Lieutenant, M. P. Breslin;
D'Alton and one hundred men.
Company G, Captain Felix Duffy; First-Lieutenant, Henry J. McMahon; Orderly Sergeant,
Thomas Phibbs and one hundred and twenty men.
Company H, Captain James Kelly; First-lieutenant, W. Butler; Second-Lieutenants, James
Lyons, James Gannon; Orderly Sergeant, F. Welpley and one hundred and twenty-six men.
Company J, Lieutenant John Coonan, commanding; Second-Lieutenant, Thomas Canton and one
hundred and two men. 111
Archbishop Hughes, sitting in the office of the Metropolitan Recordt over Dunigan's Book Store
near Houston Street blessed the troops as they filed past below.112 It was six o'clock before the
last of the relatives who have come to see their loved ones off had left the dock and the last
soldier was aboard the Harriet Lane113 and James Adger, the ships which would take them to
war. 114
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The ships sailed during the night, with the rest of
the fleet. The James Adger was a large paddle
wheel steamer with auxiliary sail. The Harriet
Lane was a copper-plated steamer built by the U.S.
Treasury Department and named after the niece of
then Senator (President James Buchanan. The
ships were only designed to carry about five
hundred passengers but they were loaded with
eleven hundred soldiers and a vast amount of
military supplies.115 Father Mooney kept the spirits
of the men high. He worked tirelessly to make
them a bit more comfortable, though there was little he could do beyond words of
encouragement. He spent most of the night sitting on deck hearing confessions, and in the
morning he set up an altar between the paddle boxes, and said Mass.116 The ships reached
Annapolis about 8 P.M. on April 25. On April 26th the Sixty-ninth was quartered in one of the
buildings of the Naval Academy.
The following morning Colonel Corcoran was ordered by General Butler to occupy and hold the
railroad between Annapolis and Annapolis Junction. The regiment hiked along the track and set
up in the field near Crownsville. That night just as the sun was setting the sky clouded and it
began to pour. Reveille was at six o'clock. The men were tiered and wet. They ate breakfast and
Father Mooney said Mass. “Next day being Sunday we had Mass read by our Chaplain Rev. T.
F. Mooney. The solemn scene will ever be remembered. There on a rising hillside beside the
road in a tent made of blankets; resting on bayonets was an altar erected, on which the Holy
Sacrifice was offered and around in supplicating attitudes were the kneeling forms of some seven
or eight hundred men who had left their homes and the bosoms of their families to serve their
adopted country even to death.”117
The Sixty-ninth spread out along the rail line leaving pickets at various places. The men
established strong points which were named after the officers and over which flags were raised.
A squad from Co. "G" dug a pit, banked it with earth, and raised the flag giving three cheers for
the Union. Above this little earthen works which they named Fort Duffy, after their Captain
Felix Duffy they placed a board with the following inscription: “The Union Forever -Fort Duffy
-Erected May, 1861, by the advance patrol of the 69th Regiment, Irish Grenadiers, numbering 16
men. Threats having been uttered within a short distance of our post of driving us from our post,
we hereby most cordially invite said threateners to try it.”118
Corcoran wanted to establish good relations with the people who lived close to the rail line but
there were many Southern sympathizers in Maryland. One Sunday evening a sentry shot a man
attempting to remove spikes from the railroad ties. Another rebel infiltrated the Regiment’s camp
and stole a pistol. He was captured and after questioning sent to General Butler. The Sixty-ninth
made such a favorable impression on the people of the neighborhood, that they petitioned
General Butler requesting that the regiment might be left to garrison the railroad.119
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The Sixty-ninth was relieved on May 2. Half of the regiment marched to Washington that night.
The other half reached the city the following day.120
On arrival in Washington Regiment received an extraordinary reception. The details of
Corcoran's trial which were well known in the Capital, The Irish revolutionary nature of the
Regiment and the good impression made during the week of service along the railroad made
every one anxious to see them. The streets were lined with cheering people and green £lags.121
The Regiment was assigned quarters in two buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue but they were
quickly to be moved to Georgetown College when the Fire Zouaves were assigned to the
buildings. Lieutenant General Scott sent ten of the forty-three West Point Cadets who were in
Washington DC at the time to act as drill masters for the Regiment. On May 7, 1861, President
Lincoln and members of his inspected the Sixty-ninth. The President thanked them for coming so
promptly to the aid of the Government.
Unfortunately the school term had not
ended when the Regiment arrived at
Georgetown but the students and faculty
were turned out without ceremony when
the army units moved in.122 The Catholic
Press was not supportive of the Army’s
position that it needed the space to
quarter troops. They thought it was more
appropriate for the Regiment to be
quartered in tents. “The Sixty-ninth
Regiment received orders to turn all they
required of it into quarters for
themselves; and the orders were obeyed. The faculty of the College was not consulted in the
matter; and the report that it was freely surrendered, according to a contract made with the
government is a base lie, circulated by the friends of the Administration. The College was not
taken by force, if any positive refusal to give it up had been given, a thousand soldiers were on
the spot with written authority in their hands to seize it for a barrack. We should like to know by
what right the military authorities at Washington have done this insolent act of despotism. Upon
what grounds did a thousand soldiers get orders to take from students their class rooms, their
dormitory, their refectory, and their chapel? Could not the soldiers have been sent to pitch their
tents in the fields?”123
As soon as their equipment was in shape the Regiment set up camp in the fields. As soon as the
quarters were cleaned the students moved back in. The government gave assurance that the
College would not be used again for quartering troops.124
On May 9, 1861 the Regiment was mustered into Federal service. The regiment was formed in
line and the oath read and explained to the men. The soldiers were told that if they did not wish
to take the oath to step out of the ranks. Sixteen stepped forward and were taken to the guard
house. Later they were stripped of all insignia and drummed out of camp. Robertson's Band,
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which had accompanied the regiment from New York, refused to take the oath and returned to
New York the same day.125
Back in New York the soldiers’ families were facing financial difficulties. Most of the soldiers
were labors or mechanics and their families suffered due to the unsettled conditions during the
early part of 1861. The Corporation of New York and of Brooklyn made contributions to aid the
families of the soldiers. Many employers continued to pay employees who served in the Army
but still there were cases of hardship. Captain Michael Phelan, who had been prominent in the
early days of the Ninth Regiment, told the following story: “One of the brave fellows called on
the writer of this the day before their departure and said "Captain, I'm going away tomorrow with
the 69th, and there is seven of our old company, the Guyons, going in the same company”.”
Well, God speed to the boys," said I; "And I am sure you will give a good account of
yourselves." "Yes, Captain, you may be sure we will do our duty." After a pause he added,
"Captain, my poor old mother is dependent on me; she is old and helpless; but then duty" and
here the poor fellow stopped and choking with emotion, rushed out to join his regiment. His
name is John Broderick, formerly Orderly Sergeant of Co. "D" Guyon Cadets, Ninth Regiment,
Irish Volunteers, the best shot in the company.126
Michael Phalen, Richard O'Gorman, Captain Kirker, Major Bagley organized a fund for the
families of the Sixty-ninth and many prominent citizens contributed. Charles P. Daly was
Chairman, Richard O'Gorman was Treasurer, and William Kane was Secretary. By May 13,
1861, the fund had collected, over $1500.00.
On May 8thThomas F. Meagher, who had been recruiting his company of Zouaves went to
Washington to talk to Colonel Corcoran about joining the Regiment. It was decided that not only
should the Zouaves he incorporated into the Regiment but Major Bagley should he authorized to
enlist three hundred men for the other companies to give former members of the Regiment a
chance to join.127
Meagher’s orders were delayed due to a dispute between the State and Federal governments with
regard to who should fund the cost of transportation. Meagher raised the money to transport his
company and 200 additional recruits. On May 22, they marched down Broadway to Courtland
Street where they boarded a ferry to Jersey and then a train to Washington.
The 69th established a friendly relationship with
one of its major rivals, the 71st Infantry Regiment
NYSM. The 71st Regiment, the “American
Guard” had been organized in 1852 as a
counterbalance to the Irish regiments. There
hadn’t been contact between the two Regiments
but in Washington, Colonel Vosburgh of the
Seventy-first visited Colonel Corcoran. The Sixtyninth was formed on parade and at the end of the
inspection Colonel Vosburgh said to Corcoran, "
Colonel Vosburgh marched down the ranks of the
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Regiment arm-in-arm with Father Mooney.128 The following Saturday, Colonel Vosburgh
reported to sick call and he died the next Monday morning at 8:30. The Sixty-ninth Regiment
marched in the funeral procession in Washington and accompanied the remains to the train.
The Pilot reported “The Seventy-first Regiment, "American Guard", were composed of KnowNothings, and before the war entertained bitter feelings against the Irish 69th, but now they have
no warmer friends. While in Washington, when members of the two regiments were off duty,
they would be found together, and no one dare say aught against the 69th in the presence of one
with 71 on his cap, and vice versa. When a member of the regiment appears in the street with the
now talismanic number, 69, on his cap, he is stopped by persons, strangers to him, who wish to
show their appreciation of the brave exploits of the regiment. The brave men say that these
disinterested acts of kindness fully repay them for the hardships which they have undergone.”129
At 3 AM on the morning of May 23, the Sixtyninth left Georgetown College and marched
across the long bridge to occupy Arlington
Heights on the Virginia side of the Potomac.
The Mayor of Georgetown, Henry Addison,
took the opportunity to compliment the
regiment on its good conduct during the stay in
his town. “It is however but a sheer act of
justice to your distinguished regiment to say,
as I do now, with a great deal of pleasure, that
since its very welcome arrival, its members
have conducted themselves with a propriety of
conduct that has attracted the admiration and
respect of this community. Indeed so quiet and unobtrusive have been your soldiers, that, but for
their imposing march into our town some weeks since, we should hardly have been aware of
their presence.”130
The good conduct of the Regiment can be attributed to not only the strict discipline maintained
by Colonel Corcoran but also to Father Mooney. The New York Times described Father Mooney
“As an admirable specimen of the true Irish priest, who if he were not the chaplain would
certainly be a candidate for the Colonel -fate and a sanguine temper gaining him equal adaptation
to the sword of the spirit and the regulation sword -a veritable son of the church militant.”131
A number of men who had not been practicing their religion for years returned to the Sacraments
because of Father Mooney. He celebrated Mass every morning. Almost all those not on duty
would attend. One of the most impressive ceremonies was held on Sunday; June 1, at Fort
Corcoran. The altar consisted of a rude table, placed on a slightly elevated platform and situated
in a tent. The altar was decorated with flowers picked on the grounds near Colonel Hunter's
house. The band of the Seventy-ninth Regiment provided the music and the soldiers made up the
choir. After the Mass when the sermon was finished “Before the reverend prelate unrobed, his
portrait was taken by an employee of Mathew Brady, the New York photographer”132. It is the
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first picture ever taken of an Army Chaplain. A
copy of the picture autographed by Bishop
Fulton J. Sheen hangs in the Commander’s
office in the Armory.
Archbishop Hughes had clashed with the
Republican leadership earlier. Almost everyone
in the 69th Regiment was a member of the
Fenian Brotherhood. Colonel Corcoran was one
of the most active Fenians. Fenian Brotherhood
members took an oath to fight for the freedom of
Ireland. Archbishop Hughes believed the
Fenians were tainted with the “red
republicanism” of the European secret societies. Archbishop Hughes advised Father Mooney
how to proceed with the Fenians.
“They are incompetent to, be admitted to the Sacraments of the Church during 1ife and of
Christian burial after death, unless they shall in the meantime renounce such obligations as have
been just referred to. In regard to the whole subject, you will please to exercise all the discretion
and all the charity that religion affords: but speak to the men and tell each one (not all at one
time) that he is jeopardizing his soul if he perseveres in this uncatholic species of
combination.”133
Under the direction of Captain Woodbury, Corps of Engineers, the Sixty-ninth was tasked to
build a fort on a hill near the Aqueduct Bridge commanding the road leading to Fairfax Court
House. The fort measured six hundred and fifty feet by four hundred and fifty feet with walls
fourteen feet high. It was estimated it would take three thousand men three weeks to build. The
ground was cleared. The hill leveled and the fort constructed by only twelve hundred Irishmen in
one week.
Colonel David Hunter, the newly appointed Brigade Commander
named the works Fort Corcoran in tribute to the great work of the
Sixty-ninth in building it in so short a time. Colonel Hunter further
endeared himself to the Sixty-ninth by wishing every success to
generous and valorous Ireland.134 The fort had been finished so
quickly that the guns had not arrived. A large Confederate force
was believed to be in the vicinity, and every sound during the
night was interpreted as a rebel attack on the unarmed fort. There
was an alarm on Monday night, June 3rd, which brought the
regiment to the walls in three minutes. Some of the recruits who
did not have muskets shouldered shovels. No attack was made, but
scarcely had the regiment returned to quarters when there was
another alarm and the whole business was repeated.135
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The first of the heavy guns was
placed in position on June 13th.
It was a sixty-four pound
Columhiad and was named the
"Hunter Gun", after Colonel
Hunter, the Brigade
Commander. Colonel Corcoran
asked Father Mooney to bless
the gun but Father Mooney
decided to “baptize” the gun
saying:
“Gentlemen It is with more than ordinary pleasure that I come forward to perform a ceremony
which is not only pleasing to us all, but highly honorable I may say, a welcome prerogative to me
on this auspicious occasion and that is, the christening of the noble gun on Fort Corcoran. In the
kind providence of God it had been for me, as a priest during the last nine years, to baptize many
a fine blue-eyed babe; but never had I brought before me such a quiet, healthy, and promising
fellow as the one now before me.
Indeed I may remark, it has often occurred, when pouring the baptismal water on the child's
head, he opened his little eyes; and got a little more of the baptismal water than he wished; but
on this occasion, this noble son of a great father had his mouth open, evidently indicating that he
is anxious to speak, which I have no doubt he soon will, in a· thundering voice, to the joy of his
friends and the terror of his enemies. I need not tell you that a most appropriate name has been
selected by our esteemed Colonel, therefore, the great gun shall hereafter answer to its name
"The Hunter Gun".
Now parents anxiously listen to the first lispings of the infant's lips, and the mother's heart swells
with joy when she catches the first utterances of her cherished babe in the words "Mama,
Mama", but here I shall guarantee to you that this promising boy will speak for the first time, in
loud, clear, accents, these endearing words, "Papa, Papa! -Patria mia, Patria mia r and in name,
as in effort, he will hunt traitors from this fort, while the echo of his voice will be as sweet
music, inviting the children of Columbia to share the comforts of his father's home; and thus may
he soon speak, the glory of the Stars and Stripes, honor to the name he bears and lasting credit to
the Sixty-ninth, New York.”
Archbishop Hughes was infuriated. On July 3, 1861, The Archbishop wrote Father. Mooney a
letter stating:
“Reverend Dear Sir:
I received yours of the 25th ultimo I am glad to hear that everything is going well with the 69th
Regiment. At the same time I cannot forget that you have disappointed me in regard to the
advice, which I gave you in Mullay's office, when you were about to start with the 69th. Your
inauguration of a ceremony unknown to the Church, viz., the blessing of a cannon was
sufficiently bad, but your remarks on that occasion are infinitely worse. Under the circumstances,
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and for other reasons, I wish you to return, within three days from the receipt of this letter, to
your pastoral duties at St. Brigid's.”
Father Mooney returned to New York. The priest's return to New York was a triumph. Hundreds
of his parishioners met him at the railway station in Jersey City and escorted him home.136
On July 12th Archbishop Hughes visited the Sixty-ninth and
promised Colonel Corcoran that he would send the Regiment a
priest who Unlike Father Mooney did not have to take care of a
parish. Father Bernard O'Reilly, S.J. replaced Father Mooney as
Chaplain of the 69th..
The guns carried by the Sixty-ninth during the Bull Run
Campaign were still the old smooth bore buck and ball musket.
By July things started to deteriorate. Some soldiers felt the
government had been remiss in not furnishing them with proper
uniforms and shoes. The food situation which had been so good at
the beginning of their term of service had rapidly worsened as the
regimental funds ran out and soldiers had to depend on the rations
issued by the government.137
Colonel Hunter who was well liked and very popular with the
Regiment was replaced by Colonel William T. Sherman as the
brigade commander. Felix Duffy, Company "G", and Thomas Lynch, Company "B", resigned.
Many of the men felt they were treated unfairly with regard to their term of service. Most felt
that they should he released on July 22, three months from the time they left New York. The
Government held they could not be released until August 9th, three months from the date they
entered Federal service at Georgetown.
Colonel Corcoran took prompt action to end the trouble. He paraded the regiment on July 5, and
clearly explained his position and their obligation. Colonel Corcoran said he believed reports
were circulated to mislead the regiment and discredit him. As long as he had been with the 69th
and serving in almost every grade of it from· private to Colonel, he defied any man to point to
one improper act on his record. He did not come here to court political favor or suffrage of any
person, but in fulfillment of what he considered his bounden duty. It had been said, remarked the
Colonel; that Company "F" and the Engineer Corps would lay down their arms on the twentieth
of July; but he believed there were enough good men in those corps to shoot down the
perpetrators of so base an act138
The determination of the Sixty-ninth to follow the lead of their Colonel was strengthened by a
message from General Scott. Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton, Secretary to the Commander-inChief, tells the story as follows: “The time of the Sixty-ninth New York, Colonel Corcoran's.
regiment, had actually expired or was on the point of expiring, before the battle of Bull Run was
fought, and it was so uncertain that they would move forward, that General Scott sent me to that
regiment with the message that if the Sixty-ninth refused to move forward, it was the first time in
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history that Irishmen had ever been known to turn their backs on friend or foe. This determined
the regiment to go forward.139
The regiment was ordered to be prepared for a rapid march on
July 12, Each man was to take sixty rounds of buck and ball
cartridge, and three days rations.140 Hundreds went to
confession before the regiment began its march at noon on
July 16, 1861..141
Captain Haggerty of Co. "A" acted as Lieutenant Colonel and
Captain Meagher of Co. "K" was performing the duties of
Major. A detachment was left at Fort Corcoran under the
command of Acting Major McKeon. Lieutenant Colonel
Nugent, who had been injured some time before when his
horse fell during a race with Paymaster Keough also remained
at the fort.142
The Sixty-ninth reached Fairfax Court House about 10 o'clock on the morning of the 17th of
July. The men suffered a great deal from thirst because the Confederates had filled in most of the
wells or at least had cut the ropes making it impossible to raise water143.
The Regiment caught sight of about 1,500 of the enemy drawn up outside the village directly
across the line of march. Joining with the Second New York and supported by a battery of the
Eighth New York and Ayer's battery, the two regiments advanced. The Confederates under fire
from the artillery retreated through the village, and fell back to Centerville. During one of the
halts on the march, Captain Breslin was wounded in the shoulder when a stack of muskets were
accidentally knocked down. At first it was thought the wound was fatal but the surgeons were
able to stop the bleeding in time.144
The Regiment headed to Germantown.
“Men drank freely of brooks and streams
where dozens were washing their bodies
and clothes; the mud was thick as in your
roads after a rain, yet all drank as though
it were milk or good soup. I trust I shall
never again see men so eager for drink,
even officers and educated men were as
greedy for it as others.”145 The news that
the enemy had abandoned Germantown
revived the men and they hastened
forward and planted both their Green
Flag and American Flag on the deserted
Confederate fortifications. The regiment marched quickly through the village.
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The Confederates had deserted Centerville and the Regiment pitched camp on a hill overlooking
the village. Soldiers rested until mid-afternoon. About three thirty the Regiment was ordered to
join the reconnaissance force of General Tyler which was under fire near Bull Run.
After an hour's run the Regiment reached the scene of action. There was a good deal of
confusion. Soldiers took off their coats and knapsacks, fixed bayonets and assembled in line of
battle, the regiment moved forward under artillery fire. Reaching Sherman's battery, they were
ordered to lie on the ground in battle order. Here the Regiment suffered their first loss. One of
the men was struck in the head had his ear cut off. General McDowell finally ordered the troops
back to Centerville. This small affair at Blackburn’s Ford had a depressing effect on the whole
Union Army. 146
During the next two days General McDowell rested his troops and planned to maneuver the
rebels out of their position behind Bull Run.147
General McDowell's plan was simple. General Tyler's First Division was to move at 2:30 AM,
make a demonstration at the Stone Bridge to divert attention from the movement by Hunter's
Second Division, and Heintzelman's Third Division, which were to turn the Confederates left. 148
The Sixty-ninth was part of the Third Brigade commanded by Colonel William T. Sherman of
Tyler's First Division. Tyler's start was late and his advance so slow that three hours were spent
covering the two miles between camp and the point where they were to leave the Warrington
Turnpike to begin the flanking movement.149 While the Sixty-ninth and the rest of Tyler's
Division remained idle at the Stone Bridge, Hunter's Division was marching north to Cross the
Run at Sudley Springs. Seeing the First Division was not moving and noticing observing dust
clouds to the left of the Warrington Turnpike, the Confederate Commander concluded that the
Federals main attack would come on his flank from the direction of Sudley Springs. He moved
the majority of his forces to meet the threat.
Colonel Burnside's men came under the fire of these Confederate troops posted near the Sudley
Spring's road about 10 AM and was held up for over an hour until reinforcements and the
blasting of Griffin's battery drove the Confederates. Confederate General Bee arrived with four
regiments and prolonged the fight for another half an hour.
The Confederate line began to wavier and
finally began to fall back. Sherman's
Brigade, including the Sixty-ninth crossed
Bull Run as the Confederates were
attempting to keep their lines intact.
Sherman noted: “Early in the day, when
reconnoitering the ground, I had seen a
horseman descend from a bluff to a point,
cross the stream, and show himself in the
open field. And inferring we should cross
over at the same point, I sent forward a
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company as skirmishers, and followed with the whole brigade, the New York Sixty-ninth,
leading. We found no difficulty in crossing over, and met with no opposition in ascending the
steep bluff opposite with our infantry, but it was impassable to the artillery; and I sent word back
to Captain Ayers to follow if possible, otherwise to use his discretion. Advancing slowly and
continuously with the head of the column, to give time for the regiments in succession to close
up their ranks, we first encountered a party of the enemy retreating along a cluster of pines.
Lieut. Col. Haggerty of the Sixty-ninth regiment, without orders, rode over and endeavored to
intercept their retreat. One of the enemy in full view and short range, shot Haggerty, and he fell
dead from his horse. The Sixty-ninth opened fire on the party, which was returned; but,
determined to effect our junction with Hunter's Division, I ordered this fire to cease, and we
proceeded with caution towards the field, when we then plainly saw our forces engaged.150
Sherman's Brigade with the Sixty-ninth in advance arrived on the field about twelve thirty and by
a most deadly fire assisted in breaking the enemy's lines. 151 During the next forty-five minutes
the Irish helped· Burnside's tired men clear the enemy out of the woods at the foot of the Henry
House plateau. 152 The first phase of the battle ended here. McDowell had a success, but at a
considerable cost. His advance had been delayed for three hours by a small force of the enemy,
and Burnside's brigade had been demoralized and was, for the most part, out of action. Sherman
halted his brigade while he sought out General McDowell, to receive orders, Colonel Hunter, the
Division commander had been severely wounded. Sherman was ordered to join in the pursuit of
the Confederates whom McDowell believed to be still in retreat.153
After crossing Bull Run, the 69th came under fire of the “Louisiana Tigers”. During the battle,
James Haggerty, who was the acting lieutenant colonel was shot and died. His men took savage
revenge on the rebel who had killed him. Recruitment efforts in New York later that month
featured a flyer urging the city’s Irishmen to enlist in order to avenge Haggerty whose throat, the
circular erroneously claimed had been cut "from ear to ear" by a cowardly rebel.154 Haggerty is
buried along with many of the Regiment’s soldiers in Calvary Cemetery in Queens New York.
His grave site is in Section 1W, Avenue A, Grave 4/11. The 69th would serve with the
“Louisiana Tigers” in Iraq in 2004.
Later General Meagher has paid the following handsome compliment to the memory of Colonel
Haggerty:
"On the silent fields which these noble mountains overlook and these deep graves shadow, I
see many a strong and gallant soldier of the Sixty-ninth whom I knew and loved; and they lie
there in the rich Sunshine, discolored and cold in death. All of them were from Ireland, and as
the tide of life rushed out, the last thought that left their hearts was for the-liberty of Ireland.
Prominent among them, strikingly noticeable by reason of his large iron frame and the boldly
chiseled features, on which the impress of great strength of will and intellect was softened by a
constant play of humor and the goodness and grand simplicity of his heart-wrapped in his rough
old overcoat, with his sword crossed upon his breast, his brow boldly uplifted as though he were
still in command, and the consciousness of having done his duty sternly to the last animating the
Roman face-there lies James Haggerty-a braver soldier than whom the land of Sarsfield and
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Shields has not produced, and whose name, worked in gold, upon the colors of the Sixty-ninth,
should be henceforth guarded with all the jealousy and pride which inspires a regiment whenever
its honor is at stake and its standards are in peril"155.
Thomas J. Jackson's Brigade was forming on
the heights behind the Robinson and Henry
houses, and the troops of Evans, Barstow and
Bee were reforming behind Jackson. Generals
Beauregard and Johnson had arrived on the field
and were reorganizing the scattered troops of
the South and bringing up fresh regiments. The
Federal Troops paused their advance.
There were standard colors of the uniforms of
opposing armies. Federal Batteries who thought
they were receiving reinforcement from blue
coated soldiers found themselves under fire from Virginia regiments.
The Sixty-ninth from their position on the Sudley Road could not see what had happened on the
Henry Plateau. A depression which protected them from the direct fire of the enemy prevented
them from witnessing the fight for the batteries and the flight of their supporting regiments.
Colonel Sherman acting on the orders of General McDowell to join in the pursuit of the
Confederates now brought his brigade into action, not against an army in retreat but against a
strongly entrenched and reinforced enemy well served by artillery, while his brigade, due to the
loss of Griffith's and Ricket's batteries and the failure of Ayer's battery to cross Bull Run, went
into action virtually without close artillery support.156
Colonel Sherman reported: “This regiment (Second
Wisconsin) ascended to the brow of the hill steadily,
received the severe fire of the enemy, returned it with
spirit, and advancing delivered its fire. This regiment is
uniformed in gray cloth, almost identical with that of the
great bulk of the secession army, and when the regiment
fled in confusion and retreated towards the road there
was a universal cry that they were being fired on by our
own men. The regiment rallied again, passed the brow of
the hill a second time, and was again repulsed in
disorder. By this time the New York Seventy-ninth had
closed up, and in like manner it was ordered to cross the
brow of the hill and drive the enemy from cover. In it
there was one battery of artillery, which poured an
incessant fire upon our advancing column. The fire of
rifles and musketry was very severe. The Seventy-ninth
headed by its Colonel (Cameron) charged across the hill,
and for a short time the contest was severe. They rallied
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several times under fire, but finally broke and gained the cover of the hill. This left the field open
to the New York Sixty-ninth, Col. Corcoran, who in his turn, led his regiment over the crest and
had in full open view the ground so severely contested. The firing was very severe and the roar
of cannon, musketry, and rifles, incessant. It was manifest the enemy was here in great force, far
superior to us at that point. The Sixty-ninth held the ground for some time, but finally fell back in
disorder.”157
Sherman's Brigade which had sought shelter along the Sudley Road did not attack as a unit. The
regiments were sent into action one by one. Sherman, for some unexplained reason, waited until
one regiment had fallen back before another advanced.158
The Sixty-ninth while the Highlanders were engaged threw away their coats and knapsacks and
formed in line of battle. They advanced slowly as the Scots wavered and as the field cleared they
moved at a quick step, then at a double quick and finally at a run.159
Unfortunately the charge became entangled with a detachment of Union Cavalry so that their
ranks were partly disordered and the full effect of the rush was nullified. The right wing of the
regiment was hampered by a body of Confederate horsemen which, while keeping their distance
picked off a number of the Irish.160
The Sixty-ninth in this charge fought the
enemy hand to hand. There are stories of the
green flag hearer being taken by the enemy,
shooting his captors, with a concealed
revolver and recapturing the flag.161 The
story suggests that when the regiment's
Prince of Wales Flag began to attract heavy
fire Corcoran ordered it lowered. “I’ll never
lower it” protested the color-bearer, just
before a bullet pierced his heart. When
another man took up the flag, he too was
killed. The flag fell into Confederate hands.
John Keefe, one of Meagher’s Zouaves who
dashed into the fray with the banner the flag
was grabbed by a Confederate. Keefe shot
the man and recaptured the colors. Although
Keefe again lost the banner again when he was overpowered and taken prisoner, he regained the
flag after shooting his two captors with a revolver which he pulled from his shirt.162163
The Regiment’s National Color was taken by the Confederates but was retaken by Captain
Wildey of the Fire Zouaves. He killed the two southerners who had seized it and returned it to
the regiment. 164 The stories about losing and regaining Regimental Colors cannot be verified but
appear in several books written about the Regiment while others insist the 69th never lost a Color.
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Sherman no knowing what was happening on the right flank was attempting to reform his
regiments for a new attack on the hill. He was able to form the line in proper order when
suddenly he discovered the only other troops on the field were Sykes regulars who had fallen
back and were forming square against the enemy cavalry. Sherman promptly ordered Colonel
Corcoran to do the same. A rough square was being formed as the Confederate squadrons came
over the crest of the hill and charged. Sherman, mounted in the center of the formation, gave the
order to fire and a well directed volley scattered the attackers.165
Sherman's Brigade and the regulars made a steady retreat across Bull Run and enabled the bulk
of the routed force to escape over the Stone Bridge.166
The Sixty-ninth came off the field in good order and halted on the Centerville Road to rest and
await orders. It would seem that the square formation had been abandoned and the regiment was
strung out along the road trying to keep together amid the confusion of routed regiments, panic
stricken civilians and fleeing teamsters. 167
Seeing the enemy cavalry again advancing again two regiments on the flank on the Sixty-ninth,
broke through the Irish lines and threw the Regiment into complete confusion causing a general
flight168.
Colonel Corcoran crossed the rail fence over which his men had fled and halting the color hearer
called on the men to rally round the flag. His voice was drowned by the fire of the cavalry and a
blast from a Union battery, and only a few men halted. The Colonel and his party took refuge in
a nearby house but before he could prepare a defense he was surrounded and forced to surrender.
The Confederates delighted with the capture of such a well known officer and the flag of the
regiment made no effort to follow up the fleeing soldiers.169 A Southern officer said that, amid
the few which held ground, Corcoran's Irish regiment stood "like a rock in the whirlpool rushing
past them ... The Irish fought like heroes," and at the end "did slowly retire."170
Even the Southern press praised the 69th Regiment. "No Southerner but feels that the Sixty-ninth
maintained the old reputation of Irish valor-on the wrong side. All honor to the Sixty-ninth, even
in its errors."171
Acting Major Thomas Francis Meagher who led the last charge had
been knocked senseless. He was lifted from under the fire of the
Confederate guns by a young U.S. Cavalryman who threw him across
his saddle and carried him to safety. Meagher joined some members
of the 8th and 7lst Regiments who were quietly retreating and walked
with them for about a mile. His injuries and weakness induced a
driver of an artillery wagon to give him a ride. The wagon was over
turned when one of the horses was shot. The sleeping Meagher was
pitched into a stream. The Acting Major struggled through the water
and finally joined some Fire Zouaves and some of the Sixty-ninth and
made his way back to the field where the regiment had camped the
night before.172
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Dr. Smith, the regimental surgeon, lent Meagher a horse, and he was able to catch up with a part
of the regiment. Meagher took command of the party and led it back to Fort Corcoran where it
arrived a little after three in the morning having completed a march of thirty miles. Sherman
arrived at Ft. Corcoran and started to prepare the fort for battle.
Alfred Ely a Member of Congress was also taken prisoner in the general Union rout after Bull
Run. Ely kept a detailed journal of his imprisonment. He wrote of Corcoran “1n personal
appearance, Colonel Corcoran is tall and slender, has a remarkably fine complexion; and though
apparently of a delicate constitution, he is susceptible of enduring great fatigue. In his
deportment, he is silent without being indifferent; reserved, but hospitable; earnest, firm,
laborious, and always animated by a feeling of the loftiest integrity."173
Sherman still had some difficulties with the 69th Regiment. One morning he found him. One day
upon seeing Sherman one of the officers from the officer of the Sixty-ninth called out: “Colonel,
I am going to New York today. What can I do for you?" I answered, "'How can you go to New
York? I do not remember to have signed a leave for you." He said, "No, he did not want a leave.
He had engaged to serve three months, and had already served more than that time. If the
government did not intend to pay him, he could not afford to lose the money; that he was a
lawyer, and had neglected his business long enough, and was going home." .... So I turned on
him sharp, and said "If you attempt to leave without orders, it will be mutiny, and I will shoot
you like a dog. Go back into the fort now, instantly, and don't dare to leave without my
permission."
Later in the day President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward visited Camp Corcoran. The
troops received the President great enthusiasm. On hearing the cheers the President said: "Don't
cheer, boys, I confess I rather like it myself, but Colonel Sherman here says it's not military and I
guess we had better defer to his opinion.". The officer who had told Sherman he was going home
called out to the President: "I have a cause of grievance. This morning 1 went to speak to
Colonel Sherman, and he threatened to shoot me."
President Lincoln replied: "Threatened to shoot you?" "Yes Sir, he threatened to shoot me." Mr.
Lincoln looked at him, and then at me, (Sherman) and stooping his tall spare form towards the
officer, said to him in a loud stage whisper, easily heard for some yards around: '''Well, if 1 were
you, and he threatened to shoot, I would not trust him, for 1 believe he would do it."174
The 69th Regiment NYSM left Washington on July 25th. They had camped the night before on
the White House grounds. They received warm receptions in Baltimore and Philadelphia. They
were scheduled to arrive in New York on July 26th but the Regiment did not arrive until the next
day. They were met by the Seventh Regiment and the Phoenix Brigade which led parade. The
Sixty-ninth led by the senior line officer Captain James Kelly followed. Lieutenant Colonel
Nugent, who had returned to the city a few days before marched behind the other officers with
the Chaplains Fr. Mooney and Fr. O'Reilly, Major Bagley was next in line followed by fire
companies and Irish civic societies. The parade marched up Broadway to Union Square and then
down Fourth Avenue to Grand Street, where they deposited their arms at the Essex Market
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Armory . Unfortunately rather than cleaning and storing their rifles, they threw them into a heap.
The Regiment was mustered out of Federal service 3 August 1861 at New York.175
The casualties of the Sixty-ninth at Bull Run were, officers one killed; three wounded, five
prisoners. Non-commissioned officers and privates, forty killed, eighty-five wounded and sixty
prisoners. There is some doubt as to the exact number of men lost by the regiment at Bull Run.
The Irish American complained that Acting Adjutant John M. Nugent had turned the only list of
casualties over to Colonel Sherman, who with the marked discourtesy which characterized all his
dealings with the press curtly refused to give any information, declaring that he would give
nothing to a New York paper. O.R., Series I, II, 351, gives the figures: officers killed 1, wounded
1, missing 3; enlisted men killed 37, wounded 58, missing 92. The New York Daily Tribune,
Aug. 16, 1861 gives the number of wounded in Richmond Hospitals as 45.176
On the return of the 69th Regiment New York State Militia from 1st Bull Run, many veterans of
the original militia regiment decided to form a new volunteer regiment for active service in the
war. This regiment was one of those raised by Thomas Francis Meagher in November 1861 and
it was designated as the 69th New York Volunteer Infantry but was also known as the “1st
Regiment, the Irish Brigade”. It mustered into Federal service on 18 November 1861 and was
brigaded with the 88th and 63rd New York Volunteer Infantry regiments and this brigade was
later joined by the 28th Massachusetts and 116th Pennsylvania regiments (see entries for those
regiments). This formation was referred to as the “Irish brigade”. In 1862, the brigade was
assigned to the 1st Division of the 2nd Corps, of the Army of the Potomac and in this formation
the 69th New York Volunteer Infantry went on to serve in every major campaign in the east up
to the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. It was General Robert E. Lee who
referred to the regiment as “that Fighting Sixty-Ninth” and this apt sobriquet has been associated
with the 69th Regiment ever since.
By the end of August there was a rumor claiming Corcoran had been transferred to Fort Sumter
in Charleston, South Carolina. Lieutenant John Mitchel Jr., a Confederate officer and son John
Mitchel of the Young Ireland Revolt reported from his post at Fort Sumter that Corcoran was
still in Richmond. Apparently reacting to reports that Corcoran was being treated cruelly,
Mitchel claimed that the Irish prisoner "is treated only to cocktails, mint juleps and other like
beverages, such as only Richmond can produce to perfection, and he will be returned to you
doubtless soon, in health and spirits, except in so far as said cocktails, etc., may have proved too
much for him. In fact, he is treated like an honorable gentleman, taken prisoner while fighting on
the side he conscientiously believed to be right. If he should be sent to our post, I shall be very
happy to see him, and as Adjutant of the post, I will have our band play *'Patrick's Day' and
*'Garry Owen' on his especial behoof.”177
In September Corcoran and the other Union prisoners were transferred by train to Castle
Pinckney, in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. As the train approached Gaston, North
Carolina, an axle on the car in which the prisoners were held broke. While the prisoners were
assembled along the tracks, they were verbally abused by a local confederate. As a crowd looked
on and cheered, the instigator hurled a toward the Northern prisoners -"blinded fools of the
Lincoln tyranny," "gallow-birds," and "Yankee scum of the earth." Suddenly the man turned his
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ire on Corcoran. The man singled out Corcoran as one of the first to volunteer with his "hireling
soldiers" to invade the South and asking, “Where is your boasted Sixty Ninth now?" Corcoran
replied “You'll see the Sixty Ninth very likely before long with standards waving victoriously in
this very place." Just then a "murderous-looking ruffian," finger a knife in his belt, confronted
Corcoran. Corcoran was saved when a "beautiful young lady" rushed forward and placed herself
between Corcoran and his would-be assailant. "Will you dare shed the blood of a helpless,
unarmed prisoner?" the female rescuer asked Corcoran's challenger.178
In the middle of November the prisoners were moved to Charleston's city jail. Corcoran
explained to a Confederate visitor why he had not requested or accepted parole: "I believe that
honor and patriotism alike forbid my doing so." The colonel went on in more detail: "When I
started from New York for the seat of war I did so with the intention of doing your bad cause all
the harm I could; and nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to have planted the
Stars and Stripes over this very castle. As fortune had it, however, after doing a little, I fell into
your hands. Then I was called upon to suffer for my cause. Previously I had been called upon to
act, to fight. And, if it would be honorable for me to escape the suffering by any means, I am
sure it would be equally so for me to have avoided the fighting. Besides, here I have an
opportunity of doing at least a little good to those about me, whom the fortunes of war have
placed in a worse predicament than myself.179
Soon after Corcoran became the center of a diplomatic crisis. A Southerner by the name of Smith
was captured on a Confederate Privateer, Savannah. He was tried in the North and sentenced to
death by a court in Philadelphia. In response, the Confederate government ordered lots be drawn
from among the names of the Union prisoners in the Charleston jail to see who would be
executed in retaliation for Smith’s execution. Corcoran name was selected. Thirteen other
prisoners were selected to serve as hostages if President Lincoln's government hanged the
thirteen other privateers in its possession. Now under virtual threat of death, Corcoran feared that
he would have "to suffer the ignominious doom of a convicted felon upon the scaffold." In a
letter he consoled himself with the thought that "there could be no possible other cause for which
I could be more content to freely offer up my life than in the endeavor to maintain the Glorious
Flag which has afforded a home and protection to me and my oppressed countrymen”180.
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Adjutant General’s Report 1861
On the 20th of April, General Charles Sanford, Commander of the First Division issued orders
for the 8th and 69th Regiments to embark for Annapolis by the authority of the Commander-inChief under requisitions from the President of the United States. The 69th Regiment NYSM was
mustered into the service of the United States for three months.
The First Division furnished ten full regiments for the service of the United States, six of which
were embarked within three days after the receipt of the requisition from Washington. On the
21st of May, General Sanford reported with his staff, to President Lincoln and Lt. General Scott
at Washington and was by General Orders of the 22d of May, placed in command of the militia
and volunteer regiments from the State of New York.
On the 24th of May, under orders of Lieut. Gen. Scott, he took command of a detachment which
crossed the Potomac, and took possession of Arlington Heights, Alexandria, and the adjacent
country. This detachment consisted of the 5th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 25th, 28th and 69th N. Y. S. M., the
11th New York Volunteers, the
1st Michigan and three New Jersey regiments, three companies of cavalry, one battery of light
artillery, and one company of sappers and miners; and the movement was eminently successful..
The whole force was immediately engaged in throwing up entrenchments on the Virginia side of
the Potomac. On the 25th, of May General Sanford issued a proclamation to the people of
Virginia which was first submitted to and approved by the President and his Cabinet. On the 28th
of May, General McDowell having been appointed by the War Department to the command of
the Department of Virginia, General Sanford was relieved and returned to Washington.
The 69th regiment was inspected on the 18th
of October at their drill room in Essex
market. It is composed of 1 cavalry and 9
infantry companies, and had 1 field, 3 staff, 3
non-commissioned staff officers, a
detachment of 8 sappers and miners, 4
captains, 16 lieutenants, 52 sergeants and
corporals, 2 drummers and 180 privates
present, making a total of 296 present. The
absentees were 1 Colonel, (Corcoran,) 2
captains, 6 lieutenants, 23 sergeants and
corporals, and 220 privates; total absent, 252;
aggregate, 521. Bull Run and the newly
organizing volunteer 69th accounted for the
absentees.
The arms of this regiment consist of 800 muskets and 35 sabers, all belonging to the State. The
sabers and about 300 muskets were in good condition. The 300 muskets had been taken from the
pile or heap where they had been thrown on the return of the regiment in July. Those remaining
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in the pile were in such rusted and rusting condition that when they are cleaned and the rust
removed the bore will be 2-100 of an inch larger than originally made. The 69th has established a
great reputation for courage on the field of battle, and justly so; also for devotion to the cause of
human liberty, having made heroic sacrifices in behalf of that principle; it is with regret,
however, that I am obliged to confess that the arms with which they fought so valiantly were left
in the most neglected condition for three months.
The AG Report for 1861 lists: field, staff, non-com. staff 7; captains 4, lieutenants 16; sergeants
33, corporals 19, drummers 2; privates 180-total 261.
Michael Corcoran. Is still listed as the Colonel although he was in a Confederate Prison. Robert
Nugent’s position of Lieutenant Colonel was vacant since he joined the new 69th Regiment NYS.
James Bagley was still the Major.
In A Company, Hugh C. Flood was replaced by Captain James Hagerty. Theodore Kelly, Daniel
Strain remained unchanged. Patrick K. Masterson was replaced by Dennis S. Sullivan.
Thomas Lynch still served as Captain of Company B and William M. Giles and Thomas Leddy
were still assigned to the company as 2d Lieutenants.
There were no changes in officers in C Company. Captain James Cavanagh, 1st Lieutenant John
Rowen t and 2d Lieutenants. John H. Ryan and Daniel O'Connell remained assigned
The command of D Company was still Captain Thomas Clark. Thomas Fay was still assigned as
1st Lieutenant and Michael O'Boyle was still assigned to the company as 2d Lieutenant. Michael
Maguire who was commissioned in November 1861 was a newly assigned 2d Lieutenant.
In E Company Captain Patrick Kelly was still in command. 1st Lieutenant. Patrick Kelly, was
John Bagley was still in the 1st Lieutenant position 2d Lieutenants Hugh J. Campbell and John
Drake were no longer assigned. They were replaced by 2d Lieutenants William J. McManus and
William G. Hart.
All the officers remained in F Company, Captain John Breslin still in command with Patrick
Duffy serving as 1st Lieutenant and Michael Breslin and John Duffy serving as 2d Lieutenants..
Captain Felix Duffy still commanded G Company with Terrence Duffy no longer served as 1st
Lieutenant. The position was now vacant and 2d Lieutenant Patrick J. Buckley was assigned to
the company.
Captain William Butler, who served as 1st Lieutenant the previous year replaced James Kelly as
Commander of H Company. His previous position was vacant but James Lyons and James
Gannon were still a 2d Lieutenants in the company.
Captain John H. Nugent was no longer in command of I Company. He was replaced by Captain
James P. McIvor. John Coonan was still in the 1st Lieutenant position and 2nd Lieutenant
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Thomas M. Canton was still assigned. 2nd Lieutenant William Fogerty had joined the company.
He was commissioned in April 1861.
Captain Bernard Reilly was still the Commander of Company K with Edmund Connolly and
Edward Hare assigned as 2d Lieutenants. The company is listed as a Cavalry Company with
Richard Dalton assigned as 1st Lieutenant.
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1862
Michael Doheny, who was the most tenacious of the Irish rebels, died in 1862, as a member of
“The Tammany Regiment”. By the mid-1850s he had stopped believing that Irish units should be
organized within the militia system since it created a conflict of allegiances.
By the beginning of 1862, Corcoran was suffering from typhoid fever. He was transferred with
the other hostages to a jail in Columbia, South Carolina. Shortly after they were transferred
again, first to Salisbury, North Carolina and then back to Richmond. In May when Union forces
approached the Confederated capital, the hostages were again to North Carolina. By the May a
prisoner exchange had been arranged, and the Confederate officer for whom Corcoran was to be
exchanged was brought from Fortress Monroe in Virginia. The Confederate government refused
to release Corcoran until mid-August, when he and the other hostages were returned to
Richmond for the last time.
After his long-awaited exchange, Corcoran recorded his feelings at seeing the American flag for
the first time in more than a year: "as my eyes fell upon its bright stars and stripes, my soul
thrilled to its centre, and my Irish heart welled up with emotion such as it had never experienced
before. And in the wild shout of delight that went up from the prisoners, I joined to the full
extent of my voice."181
Upon his release, Corcoran was welcomed and celebrated as a hero in Washington, Baltimore,
Philadelphia, Newark New Jersey, and finally New York City. In Washington he dined with
President Lincoln who made him a Brigadier General.
The lineage and honors of the 69th Regiment during the Civil War also traces through more than
one regiment. On return from their three month’s service after the Battle of Bull Run, the 69th
Regiment NYSM while remaining in state service the 69th Regiment formed the nucleus of the
69th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment (69th Regiment NYSV) which was mustered into
Federal service between 7 September and 17 November 1861 at New York. This regiment
remained on Federal service until it was mustered out 30 June 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia. It
was the 1st Regiment of the Irish Brigade.182
On 23 April 1862 the 69thRegiment New York State Militia was re-designated as the 69th
Regiment New York National Guard. This regiment was again mustered into Federal service on
26 May 1862 at New York. It was mustered out of Federal service on3 September 1862 at New
York. Again while remaining in state service the 69th Regiment New York National Guard
formed the nucleus of another regiment, the 69th New York National Guard Artillery Regiment
which would become known as the 182d New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This third
regiment was mustered into Federal service on 17 September 1862 at Newport News, Virginia,
and mustered out of Federal service on 15 July 1865 at Washington, D.C. The National Guard
Regiment would be mustered into Federal Service again in 1863 and 1864.
In order to avoid confusion we shall discuss the history of these regiments in the following order:
69th Regiment NYSV (1st Regiment Irish Brigade), 69th Artillery Regiment New York State
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Volunteers (182d Infantry Regiment of Corcoran’s Legion and finally the 69th Regiment New
York State Militia (National Guard).
The Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers (NYSV) of the Irish Brigade, First Division,
Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, was organized in New York City in accordance with orders
from the War Department, August 30, 1861. It was formed by the officers and men of the Sixtyninth Regiment New York State Militia who served with it in the three months' campaign who
desired to serve their country during the war.
The regiment was recruited in a very short time. It was ordered
to Fort Schuyler in New York and remained there until
November 18, 1861, when it left for Washington, D. C. The
Regiment passed through New York City, where it was
presented with a stand of colors. The colors were of the finest
silk, one the National American Flag, and the another a green
flag (First Irish Colors) with Irish emblems. The original field
officers of the Regiment were. Colonel Robert Nugent,
Lieutenant Colonel James Kelly, and Major James Cavanagh.
The officers of the regiment were so successful in the
organization of the Sixty-ninth that they determined to form a
brigade. The brigade was commanded by Col. Robert Nugent,
of the Sixty-ninth, up to March, 1862, when Gen. Thomas
Francis Meagher was assigned to its command.
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The Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers (NYSV)
Captain David Power Conyngham was the historian of the Irish Brigade during the Civil War.
His book Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns is a major reference source for the history of the
Sixty-ninth Regiment NYSV. Conyngham was a member of the Young Ireland Movement. He
participated in the failed rebellion in 1848 but although he was indicted he was never arraigned
or tried.183 The Irish Brigade’s most famous commander Thomas Francis Meagher had
commander one of the 69th Regiment’s original lineage units (75th Regiment New York State
Militia) and he served as Captain of Company K, a Zouave company in the 69th New York State
Militia during the Battle of Bull Run. Possibly for this reason and also because the 69th Regiment
was the most famous regiment in the Irish Brigade many individuals confuse the history of the
Irish Brigade with the history of the 69th Regiment. The lineage of the 69th Regiment does not
include the other units in the Irish Brigade. Furthermore, two additional 69th Regiments which
are in the lineage of the 69th Regiment co-existed with the 69th Regiment NYSV. The 69th
Regiment NYSV is the most famous of the lineage units which existed during the Civil War.
Although Doheny was dead, Corcoran was in a Southern jail, and John Mitchell had moved to
the South, many of the Irish Republican leaders who were instrumental in forming the Irish
Brigade of the New York State Militia still believed in the necessity of forming an Irish Brigade.
Among them was Thomas Francis Meagher. After the Battle of Bull Run Meagher worked to
recruit an Irish Brigade which would serve in the federal army fighting to preserve the Union.
Soon after the return of the regiment a grand and enthusiastic festival was held at Jones's Wood,
under the auspices of the convention of Irish societies, in behalf of the widows and orphans of
the members of the regiment slain at Bun Run. It was computed that there were over twenty
thousand present on the occasion, which, considering that an entrance fee was charged, was one.
of the grandest demonstrations which took place in support of the war.
Captain Meagher, who was the orator of the occasion, was introduced in a few appropriate
remarks by Judge Connolly, chairman of the committee of arrangements, and a zealous worker in
support of the Irish soldier and the wants of their families.
Captain Meagher stepped forward, and was received with a burst of applause. He was fresh from
the battle-field, where he had honorably baptized his maiden sword, and his reception was a fit
appreciation of his bravery and talent.
His speech on the occasion was truly grand and sublime-a noble tribute to brother-soldiers in
battle, a high eulogium on the greatness and justness of the American Constitution, and a
powerful appeal to his countrymen to rise in defense of the flag which waved its protecting folds
over them, when fleeing from the upas poison of England's supremacy.
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He gave a vivid account of the operations of the regiment during its service, and of its noble
behavior in the battle. This able speech had a powerful influence in firing up the spirits of the
people and, inducing them to join the army.184
Many members but not all of the 69th Regiment NYSM decided to volunteer for service in a new
federal regiment, the 69th Infantry Regiment New York State Volunteers. Meagher was offered
the command of this regiment. He received a message from General Fremont offering promotion
to Colonel.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARMENT OF THE WEST, ST. LOUIS MO
August 1, 1861.
Captain Thomas Francis Meagher:
Will you accept the position of aide-de-camp on my staff; with the rank of colonel? 1f so, report
to me.
JOHN C. FREMONT, Major-General, Commanding.
Meagher replied to Fremont that the 69th Regiment wanted to muster into Federal service and
that he had been offered the colonel’s position. Soon after Meagher wrote the War Department
offering the services of the 69th Regiment.
He received the following reply from Thomas Scott, Assistant Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, DC
August 30, 1861.
Colonel Thomas Francis Meagher, New York:
SIR - The regiment of infantry known as the Sixty-ninth Infantry, which you offer, is accepted
for three years, or during the war, provided you have it ready for marching orders in thirty days.
This acceptance is with the distinct understanding that this department will revoke the
commissions of all officers who may be found incompetent for the proper discharge of their
duties.
Your men will be mustered into the United States service in accordance with General Orders
Nos. 58 and 61.
You are further authorized to arrange with the colonels commanding of four other regiments to
be raised to form a brigade, the brigadier general of which will be designated hereafter by the
proper authority of Government.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
Page 77 of 96
Although Conyngham states that upon receipt of this correspondence, Meagher began to raise an
Irish Brigade and offer command to General Shields, the wording of the correspondence implies
Meagher had already begun to recruit soldiers for an Irish Brigade consisting of at least four
other regiments in addition to the 69th Regiment.
Meagher was assisted in raising the new Irish Brigade by prominent citizens including
Archbishop Hughes, Judge Daly, Richard O'Gorman, and others. In Boston B. S. Treanor, Esq.
began raising an Irish Regiment for this new brigade. Committees were formed to raise funds,
recruit, and equip the new brigade. A committee of women in New York began to raise funds for
an embroidered stand of colors for each of the regiments of the Irish Brigade.
Volunteers came from all areas of the city but also included individuals from Albany, Utica,
Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. As a company was formed it was sent to Fort Schuyler under the
command of Colonel Robert Nugent. The new 63rd Regiment offered command to Felix E.
'O'Rourke. In Boston the new regiment was to be commanded by Colonel Matthew Murphy.
Another regiment was to be raised in Philadelphia commanded by Captain Robert Emmet
Patterson. This regiment was to have a squadron of cavalry.
The ranks of the 69th Regiment filled and the regiment was ordered to Washington while the
other units of the brigade remained at Fort Schuyler training for war. The 69th Regiment was
commanded by Colonel Nugent. Prior to its departure the regiment was to be presented its flags
by the ladies of New York. The silk flags and guidons were embroidered by Tiffany’s New
York.
According to Conyngham, the regimental flags were deep green, with gold fringe. In the center
was embroidered an Irish harp with a sunburst above it and a wreath of shamrocks beneath.
Underneath on a crimson scroll, in Irish was the brigade’s motto, "They shall never retreat from
the clash of spears". Each flag bore the numerical designation of its respective regiment; namely,
Sixty-ninth Regiment New York State Volunteers, First Regiment Irish Brigade, Eighty-eighth
and Sixty-third the same, but designated according to their respective numbers. The staff
mountings were silver-plated; the top being a pike-head, under which was knotted a long
bannerol of saffron-colored silk, fringed with bullion, and marked with the number of the
regiment. Historians and writers since have used this description of the flags but unfortunately it
is incorrect.
During a restoration project in 1989, the Commander of the Veteran Corps, 69th Regiment who
was also at that time the Regimental Historian unrolled the Green Flag (called the First Irish
Colors) described by Conyngham. He photographed and measured the flag. The flag was in
terrible condition. According to the accounts of some of the members of the Veteran Corps who
Page 78 of 96
were present, the flag disintegrated after being unrolled and photographed. The Regimental
Historian wrote an article shortly after describing the First Irish Colors. In the article he discusses
the fact that the flag did not have the numerical designation of the Regiment (69th Regiment) but
rather the designation on the flag was the “1st REGT IRISH BRIGADE”. The Veteran Corps
made a replica of the flag.185
The First Irish Colors bore an embroidered gold harp surmounted by a sunburst. Above the
sunburst was a wreath of shamrocks over this was a scroll with the 1st REGT IRISH BRIGADE.
Beneath the harp was a second scroll was written "RIAM NAR DRUID O SBAIRN LANN".
This translates in English to “Who Never Retreated Clash of Spears”. The scrolls were pinkish
crimson shaded with a darker crimson and inscribed and narrowly edged in gold. The cloud in
the sunburst was beige shaded in light brown and the sunburst was yellow shaded in light brown.
The harp was golden yellow shaded in light and
dark brown and the shamrocks were green with
dark shading. The flag was fringed with saffron
yellow silk and the pike was tipped with a silver
pike head. Two saffron yellow streamers hung
from the flag below the pike head. The
regimental designation 69th REGT, N.Y.S.V. and
a string of 19 shamrocks all in tones of green
with dark shading were on the streamers. The
pike head and streamers survived and are in the
Regimental archives. The ole and pike head
measured 9 feet 10 inches. The streamers were
12 feet. The flag measured six foot six inches long by six foot wide. The Historian brought the
pictures taken of the First Irish Colors along with the pike head and streamers to Mort Kunstler’s
home when he was commissioned by the graduating 1991 class of the Army War College to
paint the portrait “Raise the Colors and Follow Me” showing Meagher on horseback, the First
Irish Colors depicted correctly and soldiers of the 69th Regiment attacking at Antietam.
The First Irish Colors like the Prince of Whales flag was full of Fenian symbolism. “Who Never
Retreated Clash of Spears” is taken from an ancient tale about Ossain, the son of Fionn Mac
Cumhail (anglicised to Finn McCool). (Fenians took their name from Finn and his followers
Fianna). In the “Fenian Cycle”, a body of prose and verse centering on the exploits of the
mythical hero Fionn Mac Cumhail, his son Ossain, as a blind old man meets St. Patrick. The
saint tries to convert Ossain but he was not interested. Ossain was said to have regaled the saint
with tales of the Fianna. Saint Patrick was to have said that was good but since Fionn and the
Fianna had worshipped the old false gods and true God, they would all be condemned to hell.
Ossain was said to have replied:
“Were Fionn and Hac an Loin (Finn’s sword) with me
Two who never retreated from the clash of spears
Despite the clerics, bells, and thee,
We'd hold where Satan domineers.”
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The sunburst is a Fenian symbol and is found mostly in America. Let the sunburst be unfurled
was the cry at Fenian meetings. The sunburst is also found on the Prince of Whales Flag. The
harp is a traditional symbol of Ireland.
On November 18th, the steamer Atlas brought the
entire Sixty-ninth and officers of the other
regiments in the Brigade from Fort Schuyler to
the East 34th Street pier so that the new colors
could be presented. The troops landed about
eleven o'clock and formed into column. They
were escorted by the First Cavalry and flanked
by the batteries of Captains Hogan and
McMahon. On arriving at Madison Avenue the
column was halted and faced to the front. The
presentation of the colors took place at the
residence of Archbishop Hughes on Madison
Avenue.. Unfortunately Archbishop Hughes was
in Europe so the ceremony was performed by
Reverend William Starrs, Vicar-General.
Dr Starrs addressed the assembled troops:
"Soldiers of the Irish Brigade, officers and men, the Most Reverend Archbishop of New York,
previous to his departure for Europe, requested me to attend on this occasion, as his
representative, and to open the proceedings by addressing to you a few words. I take great
pleasure in complying with his request. I regret that he is not present, because I know that you
would be better pleased to see him and hear his voice. However, I know his sentiments in your
regard; I know his good wishes are with you; I know he has confidence in your patriotism and
your loyalty to the Union and Constitution. I know that he has confidence in the fidelity of the
Irish soldiers, for history has told us that the Irish soldier has always done his duty at home and
abroad. Wherever his services have been employed he has never been found wanting. He has
always been faithful to the trusts con1l.ded to him. I regret very much the disturbed state of our
country,-to see this great republic, the wonder of the world for many years, so distracted by civil
war. I trust, ere long, that the cry of war, which has taken possession of every part of this great
nation, will pass away, and that peace will be restored on an honorable and just basis, and all
become again united and happy. I will not detain you longer, as colors are to -be presented to the
Colonel of the regiment by kind and patriotic ladies, and addresses are to be delivered on their
behalf by distinguished gentlemen present will conclude by exhorting you to be faithful soldiers,
faithful in the discharge of all your duties. In the time of trial forget not your God-be Christian
soldiers. And may He who holds in his hands the issues of life and death, and the destinies of
nations, he with you and direct you in all your actions."
Colonel Nugent stepped forward to receive the colors from Mrs. Chalfin. Judge Daly lead Mrs.
Chalfin forward with the colors which were carried by an orderly. Judge Daly then said:
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"Colonel Nugent, I am requested by this lady beside me Mrs.
Chalfin, the daughter of' an Irishman and the wife of an officer
in the regular army of the United States, and by the ladies
associated with her, to offer to your regiment the
accompanying stand of colors.
In committing to your charge these two flags, I need scarcely
remind you that the history of' the one is pregnant with a
meaning in the light which it sheds upon the history of the
other. This green flag, with its ancient harp, its burst of
sunlight, and its motto from Ossian, in the old Irish tongue,
recalls through the long lapse of many centuries the period
when Ireland was a nation, and conveys more eloquently than
by words how that nationality was lost through the practical
working of that doctrine of secession for which the rebellious
States of' the South have taken up arms.
The period of Ireland's greatness was attained when the petty
princes who ruled separate parts of the country, and kept it in unceasing turmoil, were finally
subdued, and the spectacle of a united people under one government was presented in the wise
and beneficent administration of that truly great monarch, Brian Borhoime. It is that happy
period in Ireland's history upon which her bards love to dwell, her historians to dilate, and
around which cluster the proudest of her historical recollections.
By what means was that nationality extinguished, and when did Ireland's miseries begin? When
her ambitions leaders, the Jefferson Davises of that period, overthrew\v the fabric of the national
government, and instituted in its stead distinct and separate sovereignties, through whose internal
weakness and clashing interests Ireland was finally brought under the power of that stalwart
English monarchy which has since held her in its iron grasp.
Does an Irishman therefore ask what his duty is in this contest? Let him learn it in the history of
his own country, in the story of that green flag. Let him, contemplating the sorrows of his mother
Erin; remember the day of old, ere her faithless sons betrayed her.
What is asked of an Irishman in this crisis? He is asked to preserve that government which
Montgomery died to create and which those Irishmen, who signed the Declaration of
Independence, George Taylor, James Smith, and Matthew Thornton, meant to transmit, with its
manifold blessings, to every Irishman who should make this country the land of his adoption. To
the Irish race it has been in every sense a country. A country where their native energy and
stimulated industry have met with appropriate rewards and where they have enjoyed an amount
of political consequence and exercised a degree of political influence not found in the land of
their nativity
Whatever may be the result of our experiment of self-government, the Irish race in America is as
responsible for the result as any other. That it has its defects none of us are vain enough to deny;
but if, in view of what it has accomplished, any Irish adopted citizen is willing to give it up, let
him go and live under the monarchy of Great Britain; but if he still has faith in the teachings of
Tone and the example of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, let him stand by that form of government here
which they sacrificed their lives to obtain for Irishmen. To preserve that form of government
here, it must be sustained as it has hitherto been, in the grandeur, integrity, and power of a
nation, and not by a Mexican division into weak and rickety republics.
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To secure that great end, you are now in arms, and as a part of the military force that has come to
the rescue of the Republic, you and the organization of which you form a part, have a weighty
and ennobling responsibility.
"You have chosen to be known by the number of a regiment already distinguished in the
beginning of this contest, the reputation of which you have assumed to maintain; but more than
this, you and the organization to which you belong have designated yourselves by the proudest
name in Irish military annals-that of the Irish Brigade. That celebrated corps achieved its
historical renown not through the admitted bravery of its members merely, but chiefly by the
perfection of its discipline; and it will be precisely in the proportion that you imitate it in this
respect, that you will or will not be known hereafter. The selection of such a name only renders
the contrast more glaring in the event of inefficiency and incompetency; and it were well,
therefore, that the officers and men of the new organization should remember that if any part of
the glory which the Irish Brigade achieved upon the plains of Ramilies, the heights of Fontenoy,
and at the gate of Cremoua, is to descend upon them, it will not be by adopting its name, but by
proving hereafter, by their discipline and by their deeds, that they are worthy to bear it.
You too, Colonel Nugent, have your own responsibility. You bear the name of' that gallant
Colonel Nugent who, at the head of the Irish horse, at the battle of Spires, broke the compact
infantry of the Prince of Hesse, and decided the fortune of the day.
The Irish soldier has been distinguished by military critics for his recognition of the necessity of
implicit military obedience, for the cheerfiilnes8 with which he endures the privations and
hardships incident to a military life, and for his daring impetuosity in battle. Look to it, that you
maintain that character.
Sir Charles Napier has borne the highest compliment to the merits of a disciplined Irish regiment
in the account which he gives of the one led by him at the battle of Meeanee, in the war of
Scinde, and which he calls 'magnificent Tipperary!' With this single corps of but four hundred
men and two thousand native troops he encountered and defeated twenty-eight thousand of the
warlike Bc100ches. Of the decisive charge with the bayonet he glowingly tells us how this
thoroughly disciplined Irish regiment moved, as on a review, across a plain swept by the fire' of'
the enemy, the men keeping touch and step, and looking steadfastly in the face of their foe.
These are examples of Irish valor when regulated by discipline, which, if you may not rival, you
can at least try to imitate.
Again, I commit these colors to your charge and in view of the obligation imposed upon every
officer and soldier by their acceptance, it may not be out of place to mention in that connection,
that at the commencement of this war, I had occasion to offer, as the gift of a woman, I think the
first flag presented to a regiment departing from this city for the defense of the National Capital.
Of that regiment, the old Sixty-ninth, you, sir were the second in command; and at the head of it
was the noble-minded, high-spirited, and gallant officer to whom so much of its after character
was due.
A descendant by the female line of that illustrious Irish soldier, Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan,
whose name is identified with the siege of Limerick and who fell fighting at the head of his
brigade upon the bloody field of Landen, Colonel Corcoran, in the spirit of his noble ancestor,
received that flag with a soldier's promise and kept that promise with a soldier's faith. It was not
brought back from the field of Manassas on that day of disastrous rout and panic, but he at least
and the little hand who stood around him in its defense went with it into captivity. I need s::,y no
more, when presenting this splendid gift with which these ladies have honored your regiment,
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than to point to this Irish example of the faith and fidelity that is due by a soldier to his flag.
Colonel Corcoran is now within the walls of a rebel prison, one of the selected victims for
revengeful Southern retaliation; but he has the satisfaction of feeling that he owes his sad, though
proud pre-eminence to having acted as became a descendent of Sarsfield.
Of this beautiful American standard illustrative alike of the munificence of its donors and of the
skill of the hands that wrought it, I would say to you, as a parting injunction, in the language of
John Savage's song of the Sixty-ninth:
Plant that flag
On fort and crag
With the people's voice of thunder.”186
The other regiments of the Irish Brigade, the 88th Regiment, and 63d Regiment were presented
their flags by other dignitaries and speeches were made after the presentations. At the conclusion
of the ceremony three cheers were given for the for donors and the column was reformed, and
proceeded back to the 34th Street pier and on board the Atlas for the return trip to Fort Schuyler..
It was expected that General Shields would take command of the Irish Brigade However Shields
held the rank of major-general in the Mexican Campaign and it would difficult for him to take a
brigadier general post reporting to newly appointed civilian major-generals. In his reply
declining the offer he stated the command of the Irish Brigade should go to Colonel Meagher
who had raised the brigade and shared the honors and perils of the first battle of the war with the
Sixty-ninth. There was strong opposition to Meagher commanding the Brigade and many wanted
an American to command the brigade. The officers of the brigade convened a meeting and
resolutions were unanimously adopted in favor of Colonel
Meagher's appointment to command. A delegation consisting of
Majors Quinlan and O'Neil, Dr. Reynolds, Captains Maxwell
O'Sullivan, Butler, Galway, McMahon (Sixty-ninth), Hogan,
O'Donaghue, McMahon, Lynch (Sixty-third), and
Quartermaster O'Hanlon was formed to discuss the
recommendation of Meagher as commander with President
Lincoln.
The delegation was accompanied by Colonel Forney and
introduced by the Honorable Preston King of New York. The
recommendation of the delegation were seconded by King and
Forney and Colonel Frank P. Blair, of Missouri. The President
complimented Colonel Meagher for his patriotism, devotion,
gallant services at Bull Run, and for his services in enrolling
such a :fine body of men as the Irish Brigade. The President
promised to give the subject his earnest consideration. The next
day the name of Acting Brigadier-General Thomas F. Meagher was sent to the Senate by the
President for confirmation as brigadier general.
The 69th Regiment and the other regiments of the Irish Brigade established headquarters at Camp
California. It was situated on two hills overlooking the road from Alexandria to Fairfax about
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two and a half miles from Alexandria, Virginia. The 69th’s tents were located on the right of the
road. The men were kept busy during the day with drill and the duties of camp-life. The regiment
spent their first Christmas at Camp California listening to music, dancing, laughing, and telling
stories.
Fathers Willett and celebrated the midnight Mass. The chapel tents were as well decorated as
circumstances would allow. In front of the open chapel tent were rude benches of hewn logs. The
chapel was situated on a hill under tall cedar and pine trees. Father Dillon also celebrated Mass
with Quartermaster Haverty and Captain O'Sullivan serving as altar boys. After mass the troops
retired to their tents.
On the 27th of December the Sixty-third, Sixty-ninth, and Eightyeighth were ordered out for brigade drill by Colonel Nugent. The
Sixty-ninth was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James Kelly,
the Sixty-third by Colonel Enright, and the Eighty-eighth by
Colonel Baker. The drill took place about two miles from Camp
California under shelter of the guns of Fort Ward, one of the
innumerable fortifications that command the approaches to
Washington. New Year's Day in camp passed like Christmas Day
with singing, music, stories and Mass.
On February 3rd the Senate confirmed the President's
appointment of Thomas F. Meagher as brigadier-general in
command of the Irish Brigade. On the 5th of February Meagher
officially took command of the brigade.
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Peninsula Campaign
President Lincoln had replaced General McDowell with General McClellan as commander of the
Army. McClellan spent several months in1861 and early 1862 training the army for combat. In
the spring of 1862 his plan was to sail the army to Fortress Monroe on the Peninsula between the
York and James rivers, move up the Peninsula and seize Richmond. His hope was the enemy
would abandon its entrenched position around Manassas and Centreville in order to protect
Richmond and Norfolk which it did. On March 9th he ordered the army to occupy the abandoned
positions in Manassas and Centerville.
The 69th moved from Camp California and headed toward Manassas. The Southerners had
burned everything they abandoned including the hospital and railroad junction. They even left
unburied dead. General French had the bodies buried. The 69th was ordered to move from Union
Mills to Manassas and then to Fairfax and then Warrenton Junction. On March 16th they found
themselves at Fairfax Courthouse after marching over ten miles through snow. They settled in
that evening and prepared to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately their plans were
interrupted when they were ordered to return to Centreville during the night of the 16th to support
General French.
The army was now divided into regular corps with Corps
insignia assigned each Corps. Major General Sumner
commanded the Second Corps. The insignia of Second Corps
was a Trefoil. The First Division of the Second Corp was
commanded by Major-General Dick Richardson. The Trefoil
worn by members of Richardson’s Division was Red.
The next march for the 69th was to Warrenton Junction. Since
the rebels had destroyed all the bridges, the troops had to wade
through freezing water often up to their hips. After reaching
Warrenton the regiment set up camp but unfortunately they did
not have tents and were required to sleep in mud with little
shelter.
While bivouacking at Warrenton, the Sixty-ninth was ordered
towards the Rappahannock on a reconnaissance expedition.
Colonel Nugent, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly, and Major
Cavanagh accompanied the regiment. When they reached the
Rappahannock they found that the enemy had crossed leaving some scouts and pickets. General
Johnston, the Confederate commander fired his artillery from the south bank of the river and
shelled the regiment. After the reconnaissance expedition the regiment returned for a final time
to Camp California. Early the next morning the regiment marched to Alexandria and embarked
on board the Columbia and Ocean Queen for its trip to Fortress Monroe.
The transports were required to lay off Fortress Monroe for four or five days due to inclement
weather. Drizzling rain and sleet swept across the bay drenching the soldiers on board. The
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rocking and tossing of the transport ships caused many of the soldiers to be nauseous. The
weather cleared after a few days and the transports steamed up to Ship Point and dropped anchor.
The men had to disembark as best they could. Some got into the small boats while others had to
jump into the water and wading to shore. Since not provisions for the Irish Brigade were made
prior to arrival the first night was spent in log huts left by the Confederates with General
Howard’s Brigade. General Howard had generously ordered his command to share their huts,
fires, and rations with the units of the Irish Brigade.
Richmond is situated at the head of the Virginia Peninsula
formed by the James River on the south and the York River
on the north. Newport News and Hampton Roads are at the
foot of the Peninsula, where the James River flows into the
Chesapeake Bay. Across the Peninsula the Chickahominy
River flows in a diagonal line from the northwest easterly.
The Chickahominy was crossed by five roads leading from
Richmond. The rains had caused the Chickahominy to
overflow its banks and the low lands and swamps were
flooded which made travel difficult.
The Army of the Potomac had approximately 50,000 men at Fort Monroe when McClellan
arrived, but this number grew to 121,500 before hostilities began. The Union fleet sailed up the
James River towards Richmond but was repelled. As the Union Army moved up the peninsula to
Richmond the 69th and the other units of the Irish Brigade were held in reserve at Camp Winfield
Scott. Each man was issued half of a shelter tent which would be buttoned to another shelter half
to form a two-man tent. The first casualty for the 69th was Patrick Casey, Co. B. He died when a
tree fell on him. In his pocket was a note which read “My name is Patrick Casey, Co. B, Sixtyninth Regiment N. Y. S. V. Anyone finding this note on my person when killed will please write
a note to my wife, and direct it as follows: Mrs. Mary Casey, No. 188 Rivington Street, New
York.187
On May 4th McClellan was threatening the Williamsburg Road which forced the enemy to
evacuate Yorktown and retreat to their entrenched works at Williamsburg. As rain fell the 69th
began to put up their tents but were interrupted when they were ordered to join the battle in front
of Williamsburg. The wet muddy conditions made travel difficult and artillery pieces often got
stuck in the mud blocking roads. At two o’clock in the morning the regiment was halted. News
came that Williamsburg had fallen to Union soldiers. Men slept in their wet clothes in the mud.
The next morning after the rain stopped the regiment continued its movement towards
Williamsburg but was subsequently ordered to return to Yorktown.
On Sunday, the 11th of May the regiment reached Yorktown and was embarked on large
transports with other units of the division. They proceeded up the York River to the White House
and disembarked at Cumberland Landing. The White House was the home of the Custis family.
Before marrying George Washington, his wife Martha was married to Daniel Custis. They had
two children who were adopted by the President. George Washington Parke Custis was the great
grandson of George Washington and his daughter Mary married Robert E. Lee future
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Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Robert E. Lee lived in the Custis home built by
George Washington Parke Custis in Arlington
Virginia until the State seceded from the Union.
Early in the war Mrs. Mary Lee and her
daughters left the Arlington House which was
later taken over by the Union Army and made a
military cemetery, Arlington Cemetery, and she
stayed with her son Rooney at his plantation in
New Kent County at White House. McClellan
placed a guard on the house, and ordered it to be
protected. The Richmond and York Railroad
crosses the Pamunkey River at the White House.
On the 19th they reached St. Peter's Church and encamped on an elevated ground near Tyler's
farm.
While McClellan was preparing for the advance to Richmond, the enemy was concentrating near
the Chickahominy River. While McClellan was preparing roads and bridges to cross the
Chickahominy swamp, McDowell was operating along the lines of the Rappahannock; Jackson
fell back towards Richmond from Fredericksburg. The Confederates were massing around
Richmond in order to strike McClellan’s Army and drive them back down the peninsula.
While the 69th was encamped on Tyler's
farm the officers of the Regiment and
other officers of the Irish Brigade
officers decided to plan the
“Chickahominy Steeple Chase”. This
planning took place as a battle raged in
front of Fair Oaks. The race was held
while soldiers played football. Colonel
Nugent's horse "Mourne Boy" was
ridden by Captain Jack Gosson who
wore a scarlet jacket and scarlet cap.
Lieutenant Colonel Kelly's horse
"Honest John" was ridden by Captain Saunders wearing a blue jacket, red sleeves, and red cap.
Lieutenant Colonel Kelly's other horse was ridden by Kelly wearing a yellow jacket, red cap.
Other officers of the Irish Brigade participated in the horse race wearing colorful costumes. Two
horse races were to be followed by a mule race in which the animals were to be ridden by
drummer boys. The Chickahominy Steeple Chase was interrupted by a call to arms.
Cannon fire could be head in the distance and the 69th was ordered to cross the Chickahominy at
Grapevine Bridge. The regiment traveled through the swamp and hurried toward the previous
day’s battlefield near Fair Oaks (or Battle of Seven Pines). That night the regiment ordered to the
front. At five o’clock in the morning the Confederates attacked. The 69th Regiment fixed
bayonets and prepared to engage the enemy. The Confederate forces attacked all across the
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Union lines but were unsuccessful. After several attempts to break the line the Confederate left
the field in disorder. Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston was seriously wounded during the
action and was replaced by Robert E. Lee who became the overall commander of Southern
forces in Virginia.
By the end of May, the McClellan’s Army had built bridges across the Chickahominy and was
facing Richmond straddling the river with one third of the Army south of the river, two thirds
north. While McClellan’s army was encamped outside Richmond, Confederate General Thomas
J. Jackson (Stonewall) was keeping General Banks and General McDowell's troops from
reinforcing McClellan. Jackson conducted a classic military campaign of surprise and maneuver.
He pressed his army to travel 646 miles in 48 days and won five significant victories with a force
of about 17,000 against a combined force of 60,000. Now he began moving his army south to
join Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. At the same time Confederate General James Ewell
Brown (JEB) Stuart made rather a raid around the Union Army. He had with him under his
command Colonel Fitzhugh Lee, son of General Robert E. Lee and Fitzhugh Lee General Lee’s
nephew. Stuart was pursued by Union cavalry commanded by his father-in-law, General Philip
St. George Cooke who remained loyal to the Union.
After the Battle of Fair Oaks, Dr. Smith established a field hospital for the Regiment in a
farmhouse and Father Ouellet and the doctor tended to the wounded and dying from both sides.
Instead of pressing the offensive McClellan ordered his army to hold their positions and dig in.
Richmond was only a few miles away and could be seen from the tops of the tall pine-trees in the
area. The Union forces were confident Richmond would fall in a few weeks. Although the Battle
of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines was tactically inconclusive it was the largest battle in the east up to
that time. It marked the end of the Union offensive, leading to the Seven Days Battles and Union
retreat in late June
The 69th Regiment and rest of the Irish Brigade was on the front line of the division and soldiers
was kept very busy either building fortifications or on picket duty. Enemy lines were not far
away and there was continual skirmishing and artillery fire. The lines were so close that soldier
on both sides would occasionally exchange newspapers, tobacco, and coffee.
The Battle of Gaines' Mill
Lee's intention was to attack McClellan's right wing and cut off his line of retreat across the
Chickahominy. On Friday morning June 26, 1862, the Confederates attacked the Union lines.
Union lines faltered and then collapsed. McClellan ordered the 69th and the Irish Brigade along
with French’s Brigade forward and they moved at double-quick into battle. The Green flag was
unfurled and the 69th attacked repulsing the enemy. McClellan’s army seeing French’s and
Meagher’s Brigades successful rallied behind these fresh troops. McClellan’s troops crossed the
Chickahominy while the 69th and the other regiments of the Irish Brigade held the hills guarding
the passages to the bridges. Towards dawn next morning the 69th received the order to cross the
swollen Chickahominy destroying the bridges after they crossed. The Confederate Forces
camped that evening on the battlefield. The Union army moved back down the Peninsula toward
the James River and the protection of naval gunboats.
Page 88 of 96
General McClellan's moved his headquarters to Savage Station on Saturday night, about seven
miles from the battle field of Gaines' Mill. The Sixty-ninth was assigned picket duty in front of
Sumner's corps and had to occupy its position until all Union forces had retired. Next morning
the Regiment joined the other three regiments of the brigade at Meadow Station which was about
two miles below Savage Station.
Battle of Savage Station
About four in the afternoon on Sunday, June 29, the whole army had passed leaving the 69th
Regiment and the rest of Sumner's 2nd Corps to protect the rear. As 2nd Corps was preparing to
withdraw Confederate artillery opened up on it. The rebels were moving in force along the
Williamsburg Road having hastily repaired one of the bridges across the Chickahominy.
Sumner’s 2nd Corps fell back from Peach Orchard to Savage Station, where it formed into line of
battle. About 5PM the enemy attacked. The 69th counter attacks and for about two hours fierce
fighting at times hand-to-hand ensued. The 69th and 88th Regiments succeeded in charging right
up to the guns of a Virginia battery, two cannon of which they hauled off and destroyed. It was
close to near midnight before the wearied and hungry soldiers were ordered to fall back rapidly
beyond White Oak Swamp. Due to the movement and confusion men went for days without
food. The supplies at Savage Station were burned and the dead and wounded were left behind.
White Oak Swamp
The next morning the 69th took up a position on Nelson's farm. They had spent the entire night
in line of battle because the Confederates were attempting to turn the Union flanks, sweep down
upon supply trains, baggage, and artillery. Lee was pressing the Union forces from the Northwest
and Stonewall Jackson was pressing Richardson’s Division which included the 69th from the
North at White Oak Swamp. Confederate forces were unable to halt the Union retreat down the
Peninsula. Colonel Nugent reported sick so command of the Regiment transferred to Lieutenant
Colonel James Kelly. Captain Whitty and Lieutenant Burns of the Sixty-ninth were badly
wounded. The regiment along with the Irish Brigade held the bridge at White Oak Swamp. The
69th Regiment and the rest of the Irish Brigade were held as the reserve of 2nd Corps which was
the reserve of the Army. The regiment was thrown into battle when things appeared bleakest.
Conyngham notes in his book: “when the Irish Brigade approaches the turning point of the
battles, the hearts of that portion of the army that see them are moved within them, the most
graceful and glad cheers greet us all the way, the wounded take heart, and the beaten and broken,
reassured, join in our sturdy ranks and go along with renewed courage to the battle front.”188 At
one o'clock in the morning, the 69th resumed its position at the rear of the army and headed
toward Malvern Hill which was reached about 5 AM on Tuesday, the 1st of July.
Battle of Malvern Hill
Malvern Hill is an elevated plateau with few trees and traversed by several roads. It was a good
position for defense since several ravines protect the front; the ground is slopes, and presents
ideal conditions for artillery. Another sheltered ravine extends on the northwest to the James
River. The left and center of Union lines rested on Malvern Hill while the right curved back to
Page 89 of 96
the James River. A Union flotilla of gunboats on the James River protected the flanks and
covered the approaches from Richmond. The 69th hoped it could spend the day resting. Although
Confederate forces attacked throughout the day the Regiment was not ordered into battle. The
Regiment charged up the hill followed by the rest of the Irish Brigade. Other regiments cheered
them as they attacked. The Sixty-ninth sent volley after volley into the enemy moving slowly but
steadily as they fired. Their guns became so hot they clogged. The Regiment moved cooly by the
flank and were replaced by the 88th who continued the attack. When the 88th became exhausted,
the 69th dashed forward to relieve them and continue the attack. As enemy fire sweeps the Sixtyninth; they gallantly hold their ground. Confederate forces make a bold attempt to hold the hill,
but it is in vain. They are forced to retire. Darkness prevents Union forces from following them.
After a few hours rest the Regiment had to march tired and in the dead of night back to the James
River, which was reached early on Wednesday. Lieutenant Reynolds was killed, and Captains
Whitty and Leddy wounded. Lieutenants Cahil, Donovan, Oarr, Burns and Maroney were also
wounded. Major Cavanaugh had his horse shot from under him.
Lieutenant John H. Donovan, of Company D, Sixty-ninth Regiment, was shot through the right
eye, the bullet going out through the ear just under the brain, He was left for dead. Next morning
Confederate General A.P. Hill went round to several officers and demanded their side arms and
revolvers. On coming to young Donovan, Hill demanded his. Donovan replied he had sent them
to his regiment by his servant after fa1ling. "I think," said the general, "from the apparent nature
of your wound you won't have much need of them in the future." “I think differently, general,"
replied Donovan indignantly; "I think I have one good eye left yet and will risk that in the cause
of the Union. Should I ever lose that, I'll go it blind!"189 Father Thomas Ouellet chaplain of the
69th remained with the wounded near Savage Station until taken by the rebels. He was later freed
and returned to the Regiment.
Page 90 of 96
Index
’82 Club, 4, 10
Conyngham, 76, 78
182nd Infantry Regiment NYSV, 3
Crimean War, 22, 35
1st Irish Regiment, 1, 2, 8
Eagle Drill Rooms, 20, 26
2nd Irish Regiment, 1, 2, 14, 51
Emmet Monument Association, 25, 26, 28,
48, 52
4th Irish Regiment, 1, 2, 18, 29, 35, 48
Faugh A Ballah, 15, 25
69th New York State Militia, 2
Fenian, 39, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52
69th Regiment Armory, 23, 49
69th Regiment Lineage, 1, 3, 8, 29, 35, 47,
48
Fenian Brotherhood, 39, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50,
51, 52
Fionn Mac Cumhail, 79
69th Regiment NYSM, 52
First Irish Colors, 75, 78, 79
69th Regiment NYSV, 2
75th Regiment, 1, 2, 3, 18, 20, 23, 29, 34, 35,
47, 48
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 13, 17
Guyon Cadets, 6, 10, 11, 19, 21, 57
'82 Club, 4
Irish Alliance, 5, 11, 12
9th Regiment, 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17,
24, 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 48, 87
Irish Brigade, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 17, 35, 47,
48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 75, 78
Archbishop Hughes, 15, 22, 54, 59, 60, 61,
78
Irish Brigade of New York Militia, 1, 2, 8,
17, 18, 20, 22, 51
Battle of Bull Run, 17, 27, 45, 48, 52
Irish Brigade of Young Ireland, 4, 6, 49
Battle of Bull Run., 17
Irish Emigrant Aid Society, 25, 28
Battle of Gettysburg, 48, 52
Irish Legion, 48, 50, 51
Center Market, 6, 10, 14
Irish Republican Brotherhood, 34, 48, 52
Charles S. Roe, 14, 15, 19
Irish Republican Union, 4, 11
Civil War, 2, 48, 52
Irish Volunteers, 4, 8, 10, 13
Clan-na-Gael, 50, 51
James Huston, 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 21, 22, 25, 26,
27, 34, 48, 52
Colonel Benjamin Clinton Ferris, 8, 11, 14,
19
James Ragget Ryan, 15, 25, 26, 31, 32, 34,
35, 37, 39
Page 91 of 96
John Mitchel, 13, 21, 22, 23, 25, 34
Richard O’Gorman, 8, 17, 48, 51, 52
John O’Mahony, 34, 48, 49
Richard O'Gorman, 78
Judge Daly, 80
Robert Nugent, 32, 44, 75, 80
Know Nothing, 24
Silent Friends, 8, 9, 11, 13, 48, 52
Know Nothings, 24, 58
Sinn Fein, 9, 48
Michael Corcoran, 23, 26, 27, 32, 36, 37, 39,
40, 44, 47, 48, 52, 72, 82
St. Patrick's Day Parade, 13, 17, 24, 34
Michael Doheny, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15,
17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 48, 52, 74
Michael Phalen, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 21,
48, 50, 51, 52, 87
National Cadets, 10, 35, 48
Nativists, 17, 26
Phoenix Brigade, 48, 49, 52
Queen Victoria, 17
Staten Island, 14, 35
Thomas Francis Meagher, 2, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 47, 48, 52, 75, 76,
77, 83, 87
Tompkins Square, 11
Tricolor, 5
Who Never Retreated Clash of Spears, 79
William Smith O'Brien, 4, 13, 39, 49
Young Ireland, 4, 6, 7, 8, 21, 34, 49
Rebellion of 1848, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17, 21
Page 92 of 96
Footnotes
1
The Sun; Baltimore, Friday, May 5, 1848
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 4 footnote
3
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
4
Merriman, John, A History of Modern Europe: From the French Revolution to the Present, 1996, p 715
5
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
6
Daily Evening Transcript; 05-24-1848; Volume XIX; Issue 5469; Boston, Massachusetts; New York Journal of Commerce, May 23
77
The Irish News, January 29, 1859. Statement of Lord Palmerston on the Sentiments of the Irish in America, Leonard Patrick O'Connor
Wibberley, The Coming of The Green, Henry Holt & Co., 1958, p. 48.
8
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
9
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
10 Michael Cavanaugh, Celtic Monthly Our Dead Comrades: Captain. Michael Phalen, , June, 1882, p. 477, The Irish People, October 21,
1871.
11
The Irish People, June 2, 1866. George Potter, To the Golden Door (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1960, p. 557.
12
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
13
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
14 O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 2-3.
15
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 3 footnote
16
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
17
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
18
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
19
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
20
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
21
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
22
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 5-6
23
Letter to BG Keys from J.C.P. Stokes the Historian of the 9th Regiment, November 4, 1953, located in 69TH Regiment Historical Archives
24
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
25
Letter to BG Keys from J.C.P. Stokes the Historian of the 9th Regiment, November 4, 1953, located in 69TH Regiment Historical Archives
26
The Irish People, June 2, 1866
27
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 14
28
Lane, "Colonel Corcoran," pgs. 4-15
29
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
30
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
31
The United Service Journal, May 31, 1851, p. 180
3232
The Providence Journal, April 20, 1850
33 Letter from Colonel Benjamin C. Ferris to Captain John Kavanagh, May 15, 1850, Adjutant General's Correspondence File, Box 91.
34
The Irish American, January 28, 1850;
35
The United Service Journal, June 22, 1850, p. 8
36
The United Service Journal, July 6, 1850, p. 23
37
The Irish American, March 31, 1850
38
Copy of period Newspaper article in Regimental archives
39
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 14-15
40
Michael Cavanagh, Memoirs of General Thomas Francis Meagher (Worcester, Mass.: The· Messenger Press, 1892), p. 363
41 The Irish American, August 9, 1851
42
Petition of Captain John Fay to the Commander in Chief, January 14, 1852, Adjutant General's File, Box 101.
43
General Ewen to Adjutant General Smith, Approval of Disbandment of Company B Approved by Major General Charles W. Sandford, June 4,
1852. Adjutant General’s File, Box 99.
44
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 17-21
45
General William Hall to Adjutant General Smith, October 10, 1851, Adjutant General’s File, Box 95.
46
General John Ewen to Adjutant General Smith, October 31, 1851, Adjutant General's File, Box 95.
47
New York Daily Tribune, November 7, 1851
48
General Ewen to Adjutant General Smith, certifying the election of the field officers of the 69th, December 15, 1851, Adjutant General's File.
Box 94
49
John Tabbot Smith, The Catholic Church in New York (New York: Hall and locke Co., 1905), I, 149. The Irish American, April 17, 1853
50
The Irish American, December 6, 1851
51
The Irish American, December 6, 185l
52
The Irish American, Mar. 20, 1852
53
The Irish American, March 27, 1852
54
The United Service Journal, May 24, 1852, p. 158
55
The United Service Journal, June 12, 1852, p. 205
56
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg 29
57
The United Service Journal, July 31, 1852, p. 52
58
The Irish American, May 29, 1852
59
Brig. Gen. Ewen to Adj. Gen. L. Ward Smith, November 20, 1852, Adjutant General's File, Box 102
2
Page 93 of 96
60
New York Times October 22, 1852
The Irish American, June 4, 1853
62
The New York Herald, The Daily Tribune, The Times, March 19, 1853. The Irish American. Mar. 19, 1853
63
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 42
64
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 43
65
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 40
66
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 46
67
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg.54
68
The Citizen, April 1, 1854
69
The Citizen, December 30, 1854
70
Michael Doheny, The Felon's Track (Dublin: M. H. Gill and Son, 1914), p. 8
71
The Citizen, Aug. 26, 1854
72
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
7373
The Irish American, Feb 24, 1855
74
The Irish American, March 17, 1855
75
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs.132-133
76
The New York Times, Mar. 18, 1855
77
The New York Daily Times, December 5, 1855
78
The Irish American, February 23, 1856.
79
The Citizen, June 20, 1856
80
The Citizen, November 8, 1856
81
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg.84
82
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg.87
8383
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 184
84
The Irish American, June 14, 1856
85
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 90
86
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
87
1857 Annual Report Of The Adjutant General of New York State, February 2, 1858, pg 14
88
1857 Annual Report Of The Adjutant General of New York State, February 2, 1858
89
The Citizen, March 28, 1857
90
The Evening Express, October 17, 1857
91
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 153-4
92
The State Military Gazette, May 8, 1858
93
The Boston Pilot, January 27, 1866
94
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
95
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 178-9
96
1858 Annual Report Of The Adjutant General of New York State, April 7, 1859
97
The Irish American, February 26, 1859
98
The Irish American, June 4, 1859
99
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg.197-8
100
The Military Gazette, August 5, 1859.
101
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 95
102
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 200-1
103
Adjutant Generals Report, 1859
104
The New York Daily Tribune, January16, 1861
105
The New York Daily Tribune, April 15, 1861
106
The New York Daily Tribune, April 22 1861
107
Irish American, February 24, 1877, pg 1
108
AG Report 1861
109
The New York Herald, April 23, 1861
110
The New York Daily Tribune, April 23, 1861
111
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pgs 22-3
112
Journal of the American Irish Historical Society, 1910-1911, X, 366
113
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment, Unpublished., Regimental Archives
114
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 23
115
The New York Herald, April 24, 1861
116
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, May 11, 1861
117
The Irish American, May 18, 1861
118
The Irish American, May 18, 1861
119
The Irish American, May 18, 1961
120
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg 240
121
The Irish American, May 18, 1861
122
The Pilot, May 25, 1861
123
The Pilot, July 27, 1861
61
Page 94 of 96
124
The Pilot, July 13, 1861
The New York Daily Tribune, May 15, 1861
126
The Irish American, May 4,1861
127
The New York Daily Tribune, May 13, 1861
128
The Philadelphia Press, May 22, 1861
129
The Pilot, August 17, 1861
130
The Irish American, June 1, 1861
131
The New York Times, May 24, 1861
132
The Irish American, June 22, 1861
133
Letter from Archbishop Hughes to Father Mooney, May 22, 1861. Arch. diocesan Archives, Dunwoodie Seminary, Box A·S
134
The Irish American, June 8, 1861
135
The New York Express, June 5,1861
136
The Metropolitan Record, July 27, 1861
137
The Irish American, July 13, 1861
138
The Irish American, July 13, 186
139
H. Stine, History of the Army of the Potomac (Philadelphia: J. B. Rogers Co., 1892), p. 10
140
The New York Daily Tribune, July 18, 1861
141
Irish American, August 3, 10, 17, 1861
142
Irish American, July 6, 1861
143
The New Your Herald, July 23, 1861
144
The Irish American, August 3, 1861
145
The Irish American, August 3, 1861
146
The Rebellion Record, II, Diary of Events, p. 35.
147
The New York Daily Tribune, July 22, 1861
148
R. M. Johnson, Bull Run, Its Strategy and Tactics (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1913), pp. 91
149
The New York Times, July 23, 1861
150
Report of Colonel William T. Sherman, O.R. Series I, II, 369
151
The Irish American, Aug. 3, 1861.
152
William Todd, The Seventy-ninth Highlanders, New York Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, 1881·1885 (Albany: Brandow, Barton and
Company, 1886), p. 33
153
Sherman's Report, Rebellion Record, Documents, p. 14
154
Coyle, "General Corcoran," p. 112
155
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pgs 46-6
156
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs. 283-4
157
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg. 285
158
William T. Sherman, Memoirs (New York: Appleton and Company, 1889), I, 215
159
The New York World, July 23, 1861
160
The Irish American, Aug. 3, 1861
161
The New York Herald, July 25, 1801
162
Jones, Irish Brigade, pgs 84-86
163
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 40
164
The Irish American, Aug. 3, 1861
165
The Irish American, Aug. 17, 1861
166
Beauregard, Battles and Leaders, I, 215
167
The Irish American, Aug. 17, 1861
168
The Irish American, Aug. 17, 1861
169
The Irish American, Aug. 10, 1861
170
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 41
171
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 43
172
Harold Earl Hammond (ed.), Diary of A Union Lady (New York: Funk and Wagnall Company, 1962), p. 39
173
Ely, Journal, pgs 221-2
174
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pgs 294-6
175
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
176
O’Flaherty, Patrick Daniel, The History of the 69th Regiment of the New York State Militia 1851 to 1861, 1964, pg 366
177
New York Herald, August 28,1861
178
Corcoran, Captivity, pgs 39-43
179
Corcoran, Captivity, p 61
180
Coyle, "General Corcoran," pgs 116-8
181
Corcoran, Captivity, pgs 97-100
182
Lineage and Honors Certificate, 69th Infantry, undated, signed by John W. Mountcastle, Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of
Military History who held that post in the 1990s
183
Kohl, Lawrence Frederick in Introduction to Conyngham’s “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996 pg XIX
184
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pgs 48-9
185
Kelly, Barney,”The Historic Civil War Irish Colors Of The 69th Regiment”, unknown date, 69th Regiment Archives
186
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pgs 59-65
125
Page 95 of 96
187
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 129
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 207
189
Conyngham, DH, “The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns”, Second Edition printed in 1996, pg 220
188
Page 96 of 96