The interior of Fort Sedgwick, one of the principal Union forts at Petersburg (Library of Congress)

This secondary line effectively turned the Union positions into a giant fortified camp, protected by earthworks to both front and rear. The new line ran from a work designated Fort Dushane, just west of the Weldon & Petersburg railroad, eastwards towards the Jerusalem Plank Road. It contained five new enclosed works, and eventually connected to the pre-existing secondary line which had heretofore ended at Fort Prescott. The secondary line in its entirety now contained no fewer than 41 batteries and 20 redoubts- a formidable obstacle for any Confederate flanking force. (2)

With the extension of the secondary line that September,two of the Army of the Potomac’s Corps Commanders, Winfield Scott Hancock and Gouverneur Warren, suggested that each of the enclosed works be named and that a sign bearing the new designation be placed in a prominent position within the forts. The army commander George Gordon Meade agreed, and decided that these names should be selected from amongst the fallen. Meade therefore asked each Corps Commander to put forward the names of officers who had died since the commencement of the 1864 campaign and who were deserving of being honoured in such a fashion. (3)

Sketch showing portions of the Union secondary line at Petersburg, including Fort McMahon and Fort Patrick Kelly (Official Records Atlas)

Winfield Hancock looked back over the 1864 Overland Campaign as he decided on the names to be chosen from the Second Corps. As a result two of the forts on the Union secondary line came to be named for prominent Irish officers- Fort McMahon and Fort Patrick Kelly. Colonel James Power McMahon from Waterford had led the 164th New York Infantry, part of Corcoran’s Irish Legion, during the Overland Campaign. He had succeeded his brother John to command of the regiment when the latter had died in March 1863. When the 164th charged the Rebel positions at Cold Harbor on 3rd June 1864, James fell at the head of his regiment, while in the act of planting the regimental colors on the enemy works. He was in his late twenties at the time of his death. (4)

Colonel Patrick Kelly had been born in c.1822 at Castlehacket, near Tuam in Co. Galway. He had served in the 69th New York State Militia at Bull Run before taking a commission in the 88th New York Infantry, Irish Brigade. He rose to regimental command and led the Irish Brigade into the Wheatfield at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. He was again at the head of the brigade during the assault of Petersburg of 16th June 1864, when he was struck in the head by a bullet and killed. (5)

Fort Patrick Kelly was designed to accommodate eight guns with a garrison of 200 men, while Fort McMahon could hold 12 guns and 150 men. They remained in use from September 1864 until the conclusion of the Petersburg Campaign in April 1865. Although since the war many of the miles of fortifications around Petersburg have disappeared, including Fort McMahon, the remains of Fort Patrick Kelly remain well-preserved, with the raised artillery places in the angles still visible. It is today located near the junction of US 301 and County 629, adjacent to the Belsches House- a long-lived tribute to one of the many Irishmen who fell in the Eastern Theater’s bloody fighting of 1864. (6)

Colonel James P. McMahon (seated, facing camera) plays chess at the headquarters of the 164th New York (Library of Congress)

(1) Hess 2009: 142-145, (2) Ibid: 144-146, (3) Ibid.; (4) Daily National Intelligencer 18th June 1864, Irish-American Weekly 22nd April 1911; (5) Murphy, 1998; (6) Official Records: 956, Hess 2009: 303-304, American Studies University of Virginia Tour 14;

References & Further Reading

Hess, Earl J. 2009. In The Trenches at Petersburg: Field Fortifications & Confederate Defeat

Murphy, T.L. 1998. “Faithful To Us Here…” A Remembrance of Colonel Patrick Kelly of the Irish Brigade

Official Records Series 1, Volume 42, Part 2, Chapter 54. List of Field-Works, Their Armaments and Garrisons

Washington Daily National Intelligencer 18th June 1864. Obituary

New York Irish-American 22nd April 1911. Colonel, 164th Regiment, New York Volunteers (Corcoran’s Irish Legion)

American Studies University of Virginia Tour 14

Civil War Trust Battle of Petersburg Page

Petersburg National Battlefield

Pamplin Historical Park

Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Murphy and Officers of the 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion, 1863 (Library of Congress)

For one of the Legion’s soldiers, making his way back to the brigade in late December from New York, festive cheer seemed a million miles away on his journey to Virginia. The fallout from the great battle at Fredericksburg was everywhere:

While returning to Newport News the sounds of wailing and of grief followed me; in the same car with me, from Jersey City, on the night of December 23d, were several afflicted fathers and brothers sorrowing for their dead and wounded sons and relatives, and hastening to seek them at the scene of  strife or in the great hospitals which now fill the city of Washington. A wife, also, with a baby in her arms, sought her husband. She saw his name in the newspapers, as “seriously wounded;” but despairing sadness had set it’s work on that poor woman’s brow. It was, indeed, to me a melancholy, dismal midnight journey: my thoughts in such companionship were none of the brightest. (2)

‘A’ Company of the 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion, 1863 (Library of Congress)

The contrast of such misery with the Irish Legion’s camp at Newport News could hardly have been starker. The men had gone to extraordinary lengths to make the brigade’s first Christmas away from home a memorable occasion. The white tents of the soldiers had been transformed; trees of differing sizes had been dragged into the camp to create the impression that it had become a forest, while bowers festooned the walkways. Triumphal arches of greenery, some up to thirty feet high, were erected between the tent lines and decorated with giant stars made of holly. The men had dug up different coloured clay to create decorative motifs, some bearing mottos such as ‘Erin-go-Bragh.’ Each Company street had used green and red berries to spell out their designation- Companys A and K of the 69th New York National Guard Artillery had particularly excelled themselves. One eyewitness declared that ‘without any exaggeration I believe such a camp and such a fairylike scene were never seen before and may never be again.’ (3)

The remarkable efforts of the Irishmen drew visitors, such as officers from the gunboats  Ironsides and Galena, who marvelled at the transformation of the camp. As the Christmas spirit took hold, those lucky enough to receive Christmas boxes from home tucked into their gifts with glee. At midnight on Christmas Eve mass was celebrated by Father Dillon at General Corcoran’s headquarters, an event attended by all the officers of the brigade. A choir accompanied the ceremony with Lieutenant Tom Monahan on the violin, with singing from Dr. Dwyer, Lieutenant E.K. Butler and Lieutenant Tom Canton. After the mass Corcoran gave each of those present a glass of Irish whiskey to celebrate the occasion. (4)

Officers of the 164th New York Infantry and 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion, 1863 (Library of Congress)

Christmas Day brought the main celebrations. The 25th December 1862 was surprisingly warm and pleasant in Newport News, making everyone eager for the gala events to come. At ten o’clock in the morning all the regiments of the brigade assembled to hear mass, presided over by Father Gillen of the 170th New York. There followed a programme of sporting events that were fast becoming typical of Irish regiments. The amusements began at 11, and took the following order:

• Horse racing, open to all horses, the winner to receive a silver cup, the second to receive a prize, and also the third; the owner of the last horse in the race to pay a basket of wine.
• Sack racing.
• Catching a shaved pig by the tail.
• Wheelbarrow racing, blindfolded.
• Foot-racing, &c, &c. (5)

The horse race was to take the form of mile heats, and was the best of two out of three. The runners and riders for the horse race were as follows:

• ‘Bull Run’, a dapple grey owned by General Corcoran and ridden by James Davidson. Colours: Brown jacket and black cap.
• ‘George Washington’, a sorrel owned by Lieutenant-Colonel Reid and ridden by Captain Rowley. Colours: Red breeches, striped jacket.
• ‘Brown Tom’, a bay owned by Lieutenant-Colonel Reid and ridden by Lieutenant E.K. Butler. Colours: Green jacket, red cap.
• ‘Blue Bird’, a bay owned by Lieutenant-Colonel J. McMahon and ridden by the owner. Colours: Blue jacket, white cap.
• ‘Charlie’, a bay owned by Lieutenant-Colonel J.C. Burke and ridden by Captain Phelan. Colours: Red jacket, black cap.
• ‘Sweepstakes’, a grey owned by Adjutant R.G. Newall and ridden by the owner. Colours: Striped jacket, grey cap.
• ‘Zipp’, a bay owned by Lieutenant Tracy and ridden by the owner. Colours: Black jacket, white cap.
• ‘Black Thorn’, a black stallion owned by Dr. Regan and ridden by Dr. J.C. Wall. Colours: Black jacket, red cap. (6)

‘Blue Bird’ entered the race as the strong favourite, and virtually everyone placed their money on Lieutenant-Colonel McMahon’s bay as a result. The men of the Legion lined the course as the moment for the off arrived, joined by numerous naval officers and men from Fortress Monroe. Some twenty ladies, visiting the camp, were also in attendance. When the horse set off ‘Blue Bird’ sped into an early lead, much as was expected:

As they neared the breastwork Col. Burke’s ‘Charlie’ was creeping up fast, followed by ‘Zipp’ and ‘Black Thorn,’ the others close at hand on the go and in that position until they strike the heavy ground, when ‘Charlie’ takes the lead, with ‘Zipp’ second, followed closely by ‘Black Thorn,’ and the favorite, the others well up, and in that position they came to the winning post, with ‘George Washington’ and ‘Bull Run’ bringing up the rear. (7)

After a quick sponging off it was time for the second heat- in a reversal of fortune ‘Bull Run’ steamed home in first, ‘Brown Tom’ second and ‘George Washington’ third. This time ‘Sweepstakes’ brought up the rear. ‘Bull Run’ came top of the pile again in the third heat, and as a result won the race. General Corcoran was once again victorious in the next race, a one mile dash in which his bay, ‘Roarer’ (Rider: Captain Doran, Colours: Red jacket and black cap) beat off stiff opposition from Captain McEvily’s bay ‘Pontius Pilate’ (Rider: Captain McEvily, Colours: Black jacket, white cap). (8)

Guard Mount, 164th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion (Library of Congress)

It was now the turn of the enlisted men, who took to the field for the sack race. There were numerous falls and tumbles, before the soldiers of the 155th New York eventually came out victorious. The pig, ‘Mr. Porky’ was the next attraction, with the unfortunate animal being pursued by the entire compliment of the Irish Legion before finally being captured. The sporting festivities ended with the wheelbarrow race, after which everyone returned to their quarters. (9)

That evening one of the social organisations in the brigade, the ‘Monks of the Screw’, organised Christmas dinner for the General and his staff (another of these organisations within the Legion was known as the ‘Rum Racker’s Club’). The function of the ‘Monks of the Screw’ was described as follows:

‘…its object is to promote good fellowship by wit and song. Its weekly meetings are the greatest solace to the members after the tedium of camp life. One rule is that each member promises that he will never drink alone; another, that every member must compose a song and sing it. It is almost as easy to catch Jeff Davis as to get admission to membership.’ (10)

170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion, 1863 (Library of Congress)

At nine o’clock in the evening the meal began, with some eighty officers of the Legion present, along with six officers from the Ironsides and some of the ladies. Lieutenant-Colonel Reid of the ‘Monks’ occupied the chair, with General Corcoran seated to his right and Father Dillon on his left. The menu was impressive:

BILL OF FARE

Oyster Soup

Raw Oysters

Turkey, Chicken, Tongue

Roast Beef

DESSERT

Plumb Pudding

English Cheese

FRUIT

Raisins, Almonds, Apples

LIQUORS

Bourbon, Brandy

WINE

Champagne, Sherry (11)

 After the food the toasts began. The first was to General Corcoran, and the ‘Monks’ accompanied this by singing ‘He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’ The General returned the compliment- more toasts followed, to Father Dillon, Brigade Quartermaster J.B. Kirker, Dr. John Dwyer, Colonel Mathew Murphy, the 69th and the Irish Brigade. Perhaps the most unusual toast was to Jefferson Davis, although this was tongue in cheek, as the salutation was performed with empty glasses and in silence. The party continued until four in the morning, when everyone sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and then made their way back to their quarters. (12)

Men of the 164th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion (Library of Congress)

The Christmas celebrations of Corcoran’s Irish Legion in 1862 must surely rank as some of the most impressive of any unit during the Civil War. Although many of the officers and some of the men of the brigade had seen combat in other units, for the majority of Legion their baptism of fire had still to arrive. The wait would be over within the month, when Corcoran’s men went into their first fight at Deserted House on 30th January 1863. Michael Corcoran had spent his first and last Christmas with his brigade; he would die on 22nd December 1863 following a fall from his horse. Many of his officers and men would follow him before war’s end, particularly following the Legion’s transfer to the Army of the Potomac in 1864, where it sustained horrific losses during the Overland Campaign. These events were still in the future during the joyous celebrations of December 1862. Dr. John Dwyer of the 69th New York National Guard Artillery wrote the following song specifically for the event, in an attempt to capture the spirit of the occasion:

HURRAH FOR THE SIXTY-NINTH, MY BOYS

Air- “The Young May Moon”

Hurrah for the 69th, my boys-

The brave old 69th my boys:

Once more we all meet,

Our old friends to greet

And present our campaign laurels, boys.

We’ve proved our old Celtic blood, my boys,

And fought by field and flood, my boys;

Let no one then dare,

To say that we fear,

‘Tis not in our language at all, my boys.

CHORUS

Hurrah for the flag of green, my boys-

The richest ever was seen, my boys,

Long, long may it wave,

The Union to save,

Entwined with the Stars and Stripes, my boys.

And when we have done with the South, my boys,

With our regiment gallant and stout, my boys,

We’ll be off to the East,

To give England a taste,

Of fighting on our own hook, my boys,

For now that we’ve handled the gun, my boys,

We’ll make the Saxon churls run, my boys;

Then over the sea,

To set Ireland free.

We’ll do it by hook or by crook, my boys.

CHORUS

Hurrah for the flag of green, my boys-

The richest ever was seen, my boys,

Long, long may it wave,

The Union to save,

Entwined with the Stars and Stripes, my boys. 

For our General brave let us shout, my boys,

And now that we have him about, my boys,

To take the command,

We’re all here on hand,

To conquer or die for our country, boys,

And here on this jovial night, my boys,

We’ll drink to that Isle so bright,

Where the shamrock so green,

For ever is seen,

The emblem of Irishmen true, my boys. 

CHORUS

Hurrah for the flag of green, my boys-

The richest ever was seen, my boys,

Long, long may it wave,

The Union to save,

Entwined with the Stars and Stripes, my boys.

Officers of the 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion (Library of Congress)

(1) New York Irish American 17th January 1863; (2) New York Irish American 10th January 1863; (3) New York Irish American 17th January 1863, New York Irish American 10th January 1863; (4) New York Irish American 17th January 1863; (5) Ibid.; (6) Ibid.; (7) Ibid.; (8) Ibid.; (9) Ibid.; (10) New York Irish American 10th January 1863; (11) New York Irish American 17th January 1863; (12) Ibid.;

References

New York Irish American 10th January 1863. The Corcoran Legion.

New York Irish American 17th January 1863. The Corcoran Legion.

As the publication of the Photographic History neared, William W. Silkworth was living in Long Branch, New Jersey. The veteran took an opportunity to view some of the photographs to be reproduced in the books, and was stunned to find one that showed his old unit- Company B of the 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion. Most poignant of all was the relationship he had with one of the men captured by the photographer. Seated in the middle of the composition was his younger brother George, with whom he had enlisted on 23rd August 1862. Not long after the photograph was taken, George became one of thousands of young men to lose his life at Petersburg. William described his realisation as follows:

In looking the pictures over, you cannot appreciate or understand fully my amazement and joy in discovering that one was my old Company B, 170th Regt. N.Y. Vol. Why, I could scarcely believe my own eyes, so wonderful was it, that after forty-seven years, this picture should come to me. But there they were, some of them looking right at me, who had been dead for forty-six years- and there was no getting away from the picture.

Today I am a boy again, living once more with the boys, the old army life. There were about twenty-five of us, school friends, who enlisted together, at Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  

There right in the front of the picture sits my brother playing cards (You will note that he is left-handed. We laid him away in front of Petersburg). With him is John Vandewater, Geo. Thomas and Wash. Keating. There is Charlie Thomas and all the rest as large as life. With the exception of two, I have not seen any of the boys for thirty years.

Some younger eyes then mine, say that they can see a figure in the background with a flag. If so, it must be me for I was Color Sergeant.’(2)

The Photograph of Company B, 170th New York with the card-players in the foreground- George Silkworth, John Vandewater, George Thomas and Wash Keating. Click to enlarge. (Photographic History of the Civil War/National Archives)

For William the photograph was far more than just an image of a few nameless soldiers on picket duty; to him it represented memories of his brother and his friends from what must have seemed a lifetime ago. When he enlisted at Brooklyn in 1862 William had been 19, his younger brother George only 18. George was killed in the attempt to take Petersburg on 16th June, 1864- William was himself severely wounded only six days later, on 22nd June. It took him many months to recover- he was discharged for disability from Mower Hospital in Philadelphia on 8th June, 1865. (3)

What of George’s companions in the photograph? John Vandewater had been 22 when he enlisted in Brooklyn on the 3rd September 1862. John had become a corporal by the time he was killed in action at Hanover Junction, Virginia on 24th May, 1864. George Thomas was only 17 when he signed up on 13th August 1862, also in Brooklyn. He was wounded on the same day that his friend George Silkworth was killed but later returned to his company, eventually mustering out as a First Sergeant. The attack on Petersburg on 16th June was a dark day for the little card-playing party. It’s final member, Wash Keating, was also wounded during that fight. Having enlisted in Brooklyn on 22nd August aged 18, he was discharged on 29th June, 1865. (4)

Apart from the card-players, William Silkworth also mentioned Charlie Thomas, a man he clearly remembered well. Charlie had enlisted aged 18 on 20th August 1862. As with all the others he did so at Brooklyn. Charlie appears to have had a colourful career in the regiment, rising to the rank of corporal before being returned to the ranks, and afterwards gaining promotion to sergeant. He was reported missing in action following the disastrous battle of Ream’s Station on 25th August, 1864. Charlie did not make it through his time as a prisoner of war- he died of intermittent fever on 7th December, 1864, at Salisbury, North Carolina. (5)

As for William, he survived his younger brother by over 60 years, eventually passing away on 24th August, 1928 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Of the two card players who survived the war, George Thomas died on 4th September 1920, still making his home in Brooklyn. Wash Keating passed away in New York on 13th January, 1925. (6)

Those of us who look at the grainy black and white images of the American Civil War today often forget that many held an important place in the hearts of veterans in the years following the conflict. We often fall into the trap of reducing such photographs to the role of visual references, using them solely for purposes such as recreating landscapes or examining uniforms and equipment. By viewing them purely in the context of the period between 1861 and 1865 we fail to recognise their value and relevance to veterans who often lived well into the 20th century. It is hard to imagine the immediacy with which William Silkworth viewed this particular photograph in 1910. He must have struggled to contain his emotions as he looked into the faces of these young men, including his own brother- comrades whose lives had been destroyed by the war. Many thousands of veterans must have had similar poignant experiences as they increasingly encountered such images in print in the decades after 1865. Remembering that the men and women in these photographs remained real for their friends and families so long after the guns fell silent brings with it a new appreciation of the value of American Civil War images.

(1) Miller and Lanier (eds.) 1911: 288-289; (2) Baltimore American; (3) A-G Report 1902; (4) Ibid.; (5) Ibid.; (6) Civil War and Later Veteran Pension Index

References & Further Reading

Baltimore American: 26th April 1911. Finds Brother After 47 Years: New Jersey Businessman Sees Long Lost Photograph Taken During the Civil War

Civil War and Later Veterans Pension Index Cards

New York A.G. 1902. Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York for the Year 1901

Miller, Francis Trevelyan and Lanier, Robert S. (eds.). 1911. The Photographic History of the Civil War: Volume Ten: Armies and Leaders.  288-289

Center for Civil War Photography

The ballad was written in late 1862, before the regiment left their camp in Newport News,Virginia. It provides us with an insight into the mind of soldiers on campaign, and of the type of humour popular amongst them. It is entitled the ‘Rum Racker’s Club’ and was published in the Irish-Americanon 17th January, 1863.

Men of the 164th New York, Corcoran's Irish Legion (Library of Congress)

RUM RACKER’S CLUB

Let the revellers carouse,

In the halls of Bleak House,

As a right jolly, boisterous crew,

While the veteran McQuade,

At his favorite trade,

Is enliv’ning “The Monks of the Screw.”

Here we’re tethered like asses,

Short of whiskey and passes,

From the “field” to the poor “second sub;”

And the rich gormandizers,

On their smuggling advisers,

Have baptized us “The Rum-Rackers’ Club.”

Faith, it’s whispered in camp,

That we’ll soon have to tramp,

Where the epicure died in a week;

Where the white mellow pork,

Makes you squat like a Turk,

And imprints its own blush to your cheek.

Then, it’s “how are you, muc?”

Banaight leath, goose and duck,

How those “Phoenix Boys” thrive on the grub!

The confounded Rum-Rackers,

They can grind navy crackers,

And they’ve whiskey galore in their Club.

They say Casey’s a brick,

But when Murphy was sick

With the fever and jaundice and chills,

The fat sutler but laughed,

When we asked for a draught,

And he gave us old Holloway’s Pills.

The Provost Marshal’s Guard

Are officiously hard,

And suspiciously soft with a few,

For just under the rose,

And the General’s nose,

Sit the privileged “Monks of the Screw.”

But the transports are here,

Off the rickety pier,

Round the gallant old Cumberland’s grave;

And the boys in their pride,

Bless their chieftain and guide,

For they know that he’s skillful and brave.

Let us proudly go forth,

With our backs to the North,

As a chivalrous brotherly band,

And let those who return,

Be the beacons that burn,

On the road to our own “Native Land.”

The final elements of the generally comic ballad have added poignancy, as it gives us a snapshot of the Legion preparing to leave Newport News for Suffolk, where they would shortly afterwards fight in their first engagement, and sustain their first battlefield casualties. The meaning of all the references in the piece are unclear, although it is possible to interpret some of Oulahan’s terms. The ‘veteran McQuade’ is most likely Thomas McQuade, a member of Corcoran’s staff who had lost a leg at Bull Run. The ‘Monks of the Screw’ was the Order of St. Patrick, a political and charitable group who gained their nickname as a result of their drinking activities. ‘Holloway’s Pills’ were a famous patent medicine in the 1860s, which claimed to cure a wide variety of ills. ‘Cumberland’s grave’ refers to the USS Cumberland, which was rammed and sunk by the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia at Newport News on 8th March 1862.

As for the poet himself, Richard Oulahan was born in Co. Dublin and had emigrated to the United States around 1849. He mustered in as a First Lieutenant in the regiment’s Company A at the age of 35 on 19th December, 1862. He was destined not to serve long with the 164th, being wounded at the Battle of Suffolk on 24th April 1863; he was subsequently discharged due to disability on 4th September that year. Oulahan received a brevet-Major rank for his services. He was a committed Fenian both before and after the war, and was later an advocate of Home Rule- he carried out a correspondence with Charles Stewart Parnell on the issue.  His post-war career saw him working the Treasury Department, a position secured for him by noted newspaperman and politician Horace Greeley. Richard Oulahan died in Washington on 12th June, 1895, where his remains were interred in Mount Olivet Cemetery. (2)

(1) New York Irish-American 17th January 1863; (2) Roster of the 164th New York, New York Irish-American 17th June 1985, New York Herald 13th June 1895;

References

New York Irish-American 17th January 1863: Phoenix Regiment

New York Irish-American 17th June 1895: Obituary

New York Herald 13th June 1895: Obituary

New York A.G. 1902. Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York for the Year 1901

Brigadier-General Michael Corcoran (Library of Congress)

Corcoran’s Legion was made up of four New York regiments (five were initially raised, but the 175th New York did not serve with the Brigade). These were the 69th New York National Guard (182nd New York), 155th New York, 164th New York and the 170th New York. Although a number of the Legion’s soldiers had previous combat experience, notably in the 69th New York State Militia at First Bull Run, in early 1863 the majority had yet to ‘see the elephant.’

Michael Corcoran and his men had been sent to southern Virginia and the Union outpost of Suffolk, which guarded the western approaches to the Federal naval yards at Portsmouth and Norfolk. Here they formed part of the VII Corps, consisting of three divisions under the command of Major-General John J. Peck. On their arrival, Brigadier-General Corcoran assumed command of the 1st Division.

The lead-up to the Legion’s first fight began on 25th January. On this date Confederate Brigadier-General Roger Atkinson Pryor began an advance towards Suffolk at the head of some 1,800 troops, hoping to disrupt Union activity in the area. Crossing the Blackwater river, by the 29th he had closed to within ten miles of Suffolk, halting at Kelly’s Store. Peck ordered Corcoran to take a force of 4,800 troops and drive back the Rebels. The Sligo man’s force included a sizeable portion of his Legion- the 69th New York National Guard, the 155th New York and two companies of the 164th New York; the remainder of the 164th New York and the 170th New York did not participate in the expedition. (1)

All was now set for the Irishmen’s baptism of fire. At 1 am on the morning of 30th January Corcoran commenced his march towards the enemy. Many of the men in the Legion could not contain their excitement, trying to burn off their nervous energy by singing as they marched. Orders came down for the 69th and the 155th to keep silent so as not to alert the enemy to their presence. Conditions were harsh on the rain-sodden roads, and during the nine-mile trek a number of the men lost their footwear to the mud and were forced to proceed without them. Corcoran initially brought his command to Nansemond County Poor House, where he halted his men for a ten minute rest; he then advanced on Kelly’s Store and the Rebel positions. (2)

The Confederates had set up a defensive line astride the Suffolk road, a half-mile to the west of Kelly’s Store near the ‘Deserted House’ which would later give the battle its name. Corcoran’s advance guard of cavalry and artillery were the first to run into these positions shortly before 4am, and the fight commenced. The Rebel artillery had ranged the approach road and so were able to maintain a deadly fire on the advancing Federals, who quickly sought to bring their own cannon into the fight. At 5.15am, Corcoran decided to order up his infantry, initially calling up the 167th Pennsylvania Militia. They failed to obey the instruction, forcing the Irish General to ride to their position to investigate the delay. He found that their Colonel had been seriously wounded in the barrage, and the unit was now in a hopeless state of confusion and disarray. He turned next to his own men, the 69th New York National Guard and 155th New York (with the two 164th New York companies attached); the Legion’s first taste of action was at hand. (3)

The Virginia countryside was still shrouded in early morning darkness as the Irishmen advanced, moving along the road which cut through woods on either side. Some tried to remain light-hearted- Private Thomas Burns, a 19-year-old Corkman in the 69th, told his comrades jokes as they pressed forward into the unknown. Moving into a gully near the unfortunate 167th Pennsylvania, the Legion came into range of the Confederate artillery, and were ordered to lie down. Trees and houses were ripped apart during the ferocious barrage that followed. Some of the virtually leaderless Pennsylvanians now attempted to retreat- in the process one individual incurred the wrath of Captain Eugene O’Sullivan of the 164th New York, who he nearly knocked over in his eagerness to escape. Exhibiting that there was often no love lost between the Irish and their fellow immigrants, O’Sullivan roared: ‘You Pennsylvania Dutch son of a gun! If you don’t go back at a double quick, I’ll put this sword to the hilt in you!’, a rebuke which appeared to have the desired effect. (4)

The Battle of Deserted House, Virginia, 1863- click to enlarge (War of the Rebellion Atlas- Baylor University Libraries Digital Collections)

In defence of the Pennsylvanians, the fire under which they had been exposed was extremely heavy, as the Legion were finding out. A piece of spiralling shrapnel struck the canteen of the 69th’s Captain Michael Kelly, carrying away his elbow. 30-year-old Sergeant Thomas Woods took a shell fragment in the stomach, killing him, while 28-year-old Private William Campbell was mortally wounded, struck in the leg and abdomen. Campbell had time to pull out his prayer-book which he gripped in his hand as he died. 44-year-old Private Andrew Grimes of the 164th also took a shell wound, becoming that regiment’s only fatality of the battle. The position was especially exposed for those on horseback, as General Corcoran discovered when a shell carried away the horse of the man beside him. A quick death was not to be the lot for all those struck in the Legion’s ranks. 40-year-old Private Thomas Stone likely knew he was done for when a shell struck him in the intestines and groin- he was administered to by Donegal native Father Paul Gillen, and died some four hours after he was hit. The shell that crushed the pelvis and abdomen of 35-year-old Private Cornelius Coleman caused even more suffering for this Irishman, who spent four days in silent agony before his death four days later. The realities and horrors of war in 1860s America had come home to the men of the Legion. (5)

Just after 6am Corcoran decided to clear the artillery from his front, and ordered a bayonet charge. This was led by the 30th Indiana and 130th New York, while the other regiments of Corcoran’s command, including those of the Legion, advanced behind in successive waves. Some thirty Rebel prisoners were taken by the Federals; the 69th New York’s Postmaster Ferris got involved in a footrace trying to catch one escaping Confederate, but found that he was hampered as a result of having lost his shoes on the march, and so his better-shod quarry escaped. Sergeant Julius Phillips of the 155th New York was more fortunate, capturing three of the enemy, while Private Henry Rice and Corporal Patrick Lenehan of the 69th New York brought in two more. The outnumbered Confederates fell back some two miles, before deciding to make a stand with some artillery and infantry. The 69th were again called to action to support a Federal battery, and successfully contributed to the repulse of a Rebel infantry attack. The pursuit was suspended at this point, and the exhausted men halted for some much-needed breakfast. Although a further advance led to some sharp skirmishing, Corcoran decided to call a halt and return his command to Suffolk. The Legion’s first fight was over. (6)

Prior to their withdrawal, the men of the Legion took the opportunity to explore the mornings battlefield. Privates Terence McMurry, Tom McLoughlin and Pat Ward of the 69th New York were delighted to happen upon an abandoned house with the breakfast table set, and were quick to take full advantage. General Corcoran had a less pleasant experience upon entering the Mulholland House in search of a cup of coffee, discovering floors awash with blood from the Confederate field hospital that had been located there. The Federal surgeons had set up under some trees by the road-side where they had undertaken the unpleasant task of dealing with the wounded. Among those who had limbs left behind on the Battlefield of Deserted House were two members of the 69th; 19-year-old Private Eli Pitts, who had his leg amputated at the thigh, and 35-year-old Private John Kearns, who lost his arm. (7)

The Battle of Deserted House was a sideshow in the American Civil War, but it had a lasting impact on the members of Corcoran’s Irish Legion. The reminiscences of one witness just two weeks after the fight illustrates the profound impact of this first action:

And now that this battle of Deserted House is fought and won, what does it amount to? The Legion has gained honor and glory, but what is honor and glory? I believe, with Falstaff, that ‘honor will not set a broken leg.’ What is to make up for the sufferings of the wounded? What for the distress of the deserted wives and children of the unhappy men who have fallen on both sides? Who will solace them? Who will feed them? Where the romance of a soldier’s life lies, I have yet to find out. Anything but romance may be now seen in the funeral processions through the streets of Suffolk, and in the miseries of the cold, dreary hospitals, where the surgeons have to go through seas of red tape to get the smallest necessary. I know one who is trying in vain, for the past four months, to get a broom for his hospital. Oh, that the movers of this war had themselves to participate in the active duties of warfare, we would then soon have an end of it. (8)

The fighting at Deserted House would be all but forgotten following the devastating losses sustained by the Brigade during the 1864 Campaign, but for the families of the dead, and the injured and maimed, it would be an ever-present for the rest of their lives. The Corcoran Legion losses at the engagement were as follows:

69th New York National Guard Infantry

Company B- Sergeant Thomas Woods (Killed- shell wound to stomach), Private Eli Pitts (Wounded- leg amputated at the thigh, discharged), Private John Kearns (Wounded- arm amputated, discharged)

Company C- Private Thomas Stone (Killed- shell wound to intestines and groin), Private William Campbell (Killed- shell wound to leg and abdomen)

Company D- Private Cornelius Coleman (Killed- shell wound to hip and abdomen), Corporal James Meehan (Wounded- shell wound to arm, discharged), Corporal John D. Cassidy (Wounded- shell wound of hand, also later wounded at North Anna), Private Patrick Ryan (Wounded- bullet wound of thigh, later killed at Boydton Plank Road)

Company E- Private Phillip Griffin (Wounded- slight wound of foot, later wounded at Petersburg)

Company F- Captain Michael Kelly (Wounded- shell wound of right elbow joint, discharged disability 1865)

155th New York Infantry

Company B- Sergeant Patrick Walsh (Wounded- slight wound and contusion of left knee, Veteran Reserve Corps, 1865), Sergeant Richard Wallace (Wounded- slight contusion of both knees)

164th New York Infantry

Company I- Private Andrew Grimes (Killed- shell wound of arm and side)

Company F- Private Daniel Schneider (Wounded- compound fracture of leg) (9)

(1) Official Records: 139-41, (2) Official Records: 136, New York Irish American, Steel 2001: 87-88; (3) Official Records: 136-7, New York Irish American, Steel 2001: 93; (4) New York Irish American, AG Report, Official Records: 137; (5) New York Irish American, Official Records: 167, Steel 2001: 93; (6) New York Irish American, AG Report; (7) New York Irish American, Official Records: 137; (8) New York Irish American; (9) New York Irish American, AG Report;

References

Wills, Brian Steel 2001. The War Hits Home: The Civil War in Southeastern Virginia

New York A.G. 1902. Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York for the Year 1901

New York Irish American 14th February 1863: The Battle at ‘Deserted House’. The ‘Corcoran Legion’ in Their First Fight

Official Records Series 1, Volume 18, Chapter 30. Report of Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran, U.S. Army

Official Records Series 1, Volume 18, Chapter 30. Report of Col. William McEvily, One hundred and fifty-fifth New York Infantry

Soldiers & Chiefs Exhibition, National Museum of Ireland, with display inspired by the Lieutenant McCarthy letter

While working with the National Museum of Ireland I was fortunate to be on hand when letters relating to Lieutenant Sweeney’s death were donated to the institution. Transcribing the letters, it was immediately apparent how poignant they were, as one young man attempted to comfort the father of his friend and comrade, while still struggling to deal with the shock of the loss himself. The National Museum had very little detail regarding either McCarthy or Sweeney, beyond the fact that they served in the 182nd New York (69th New York National Guard) as part of Corcoran’s Irish Legion. The battle in which Daniel lost his life was a major reverse for the Second Corps of the Union Army, which suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Confederates.

The letters provide a harrowing insight into the reality of combat in the American Civil War. One letter describes the failed attempts by Daniel’s comrades to retrieve his sword to send to his family; these efforts failed partly due to the horrific wounds the Irishman had suffered, which obstructed his belt and prevented the men from freeing the weapon before the position was overrun by the advancing Rebel line. In the other letter, Patrick McCarthy described his friend’s death to John Sweeney (most probably Dan’s father):

Camp 69^th Regt. N.Y.N.G.

(New York National Guard)

Before Petersburg, Virginia

Sept 8^th 1864

Friend John Sweeney,

I am in receipt of your letter bearing the date Sept 2nd, and I have haste to comply with your wishes. Poor Dan was killed in action on Thursday August 25th. He was killed nearly outright, he was hit by a cannon shot or a shell unexploded. When poor Dan was killed, our first line of battle gave way and the Rebels were within one hundred yards of us. I was standing by Dan’s side when he got killed. I had my [head] turned looking where a shell exploded amongst our Regiment and when I looked around again I saw Dan and a Captain in our Regiment by the name of Welpley fall. I was thunderstruck by surprise when I saw the two fall. Poor Dan, him and myself were talking not 20 seconds before he was killed. If there was any possibility of bringing Dan’s body off the field, depend on it, I would do it. We had to leave our wounded to a great majority on the field so you can judge how things were. We had only two small Divisions of our Corps engaged; our Division the 2nd and the first Division, and we had opposed to us two entire Corps and two Brigades of Cavalry, and one of their Divisions was larger than our whole force. You might say we fought them 1 to their 8, and we gave them such a bad cutting up that they abandoned their own dead and wounded. I can not say, my Friend Sweeney, who buried Dan’s body, but I know the spot as well as I know where Mulberry Street is, and if there is any possibility of recovering his body it will be attended to. I was speaking to Colonel Murphy, he told me he received a telegram from you and was going to write to you today. We have not much time to ourselves; we do not know if we be in one place 5 minutes we will hear the dreaded order ‘fall in’ given. As a sample, I will give you since this day week we have not had 3 hours sleep on a stretch, but marching and countermarching and building Breastworks. We are in the line awaiting an attack from the enemy. Lee has got reinforced by Early, we are under arms from before break of day awaiting him. By-him Come, he will get a bloody reception, for we are prepared for him.

Dan’s watch was taken off his body, and he gave $50 to the Quartermaster Sergeant for to keep for him, which will be delivered to you as soon as possible. His valise is in Warehouse No. 3 lower New York avenue and 19th Street Washington. Edgar M. Carr(?) is the gentleman in charge of his commission and other valuable articles are in it. Write to me and let me know if I will send them on to you. Give my kindest regards to all your family.  Poor Dan, the only words he said were ‘give my love to my father and mother and tell them I died doing my duty. Brave my God have mercy on my soul’ 3 times. Friend John Sweeney, any thing that layes in my power I will do it for you about Dan’s body. May God have mercy on his soul, I feel like I’m deserted. I can hardly begin to think about my poor lost Companion.  Write to me often. No more at present, but I remain yours in affection.

P. McCarthy

2nd Brig 2nd Div 2nd Corps

Potential 1860 Census entry for Daniel Sweeney and his family (Fold3)

Dan Sweeney had enlisted in the regiment at the age of 23 in September 1862. He initially served as First Sergeant in Company G, before receiving his commission in Company C in July 1863. Patrick McCarthy had joined up at the age of 21 in March 1863. His promotion from Company C’s Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant in late June 1863 was what opened the way for Dan’s elevation to Second Lieutenant. Patrick survived the war and mustered out on 15th July 1865. The man who died with Dan was Captain Francis Welpley, a Co. Cork native and prominent member of the Fenian Brotherhood. (1)

The deaths of Sweeney and Welpley had lasting impacts that were felt by their families for many years after the guns fell silent. Examination of the 1860 census reveals what may be the 20-year-old Daniel Sweeney living in New York’s First Ward with his father John and mother Ellen. The young man’s occupation was recorded as a mason, while his father worked as a labourer. It would appear that within a few years of Daniel’s death his mother was left without significant financial support- it may be that his father died shortly after the war. In 1869 she sought a pension based on her son’s military service, most probably in an attempt to retain some financial security following the loss of male breadwinners in the household.

Pension Index Card recording the application of Dan Sweeney's mother for a pension in 1869 (Fold3)

Unlike Dan, the man who died with him was not a batchelor. In 1857 the then carpenter Francis Welpley had married Ann Donovan. In February 1865 the 28-year-old Ann travelled from her home on 52 Pike Street, New York, to seek a widow’s pension based on her husband’s wartime service. She was accompanied by Julia Donovan and Ellen Farrell, who vouched for her time spent with the Corkman. Her application was successful, and the pension was paid for some 30 years into the 1890s.

Declaration for Widow's Army Pension relating to Ann Welpley from February 1865 (Fold 3)

Such details provide glimpses into the far-reaching consequences that the death of a loved one caused for many families in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The single Confederate shell fired on 25th August 1864 at Ream’s Station not only killed two young men, it also changed the lives of the Sweeney and Welpley families forever. Over 140 years later, the letter written by Patrick McCarthy regarding the incident inspired the creation of a tableau in the National Museum of Ireland’s Soldiers & Chiefs exhibition, where a Federal soldier is shown writing home to his family, in order to highlight the often forgotten connection between events at the front and the future and well-being of those left at home.

(1) Roster 182nd New York Infantry, Kane 2002: 137;

References & Further Reading

Kane, Michael H. 2002. ‘American Soldiers in Ireland, 1865-67′ in The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No. 91, pp. 103-140

New York State Adjutant General’s Office: Roster of the 182nd New York Infantry

Fold3.com

Soldiers and Chiefs Exhibition, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

Civil War Trust Battle of Ream’s Station Page

The National Archives of Ireland also hold a Fenian collection which contains images of prisoners, including some who were American Civil War veterans. However, the New York Public Library has now made a series of these mugshots available online. They were taken in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin in November 1866 and form part of the Thomas A. Larcom collection. At least 30 of the images are of Fenians who were, or claimed to be, American Civil War veterans. Thanks to the pioneering work of Michael H. Kane in his American Soldiers in Ireland, 1865-67, we have access to the histories of some of these individuals. This is what they looked like.

Michael Duffy, Lieutenant, 1st Illinois Light Artillery. Born in Milford, Co. Donegal. Enlisted in Battery L in 1862 (attached to 23rd Illinois). Recruited into the Fenians in the field (Kane 2002:120)

John Whitehead Byron, Major, 88th New York, Irish Brigade. Enlisted in 69th NYNG in 1861, wounded and captured at Ream's Station, Virginia. Prisoner at Libby and Danville (Kane 2002:117)

John Dunn, Regimental Quartermaster, 164th New York, Irish Legion. Enlisted 1862. Shot in right arm and shin, sabre blow to thigh at Cold Harbor. Captured and sent to Libby and later Charleston where he escaped (Kane 2002: 120)

John A. Comerford, Brevet Major, 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry. Born in Kells, Co. Kilkenny and commissioned in 1862 (Kane 2002: 118)

Eneas Doherty, A.D.C. to General Joshua T. Owen. Born Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. Served in 24th Pennsylvania and later 69th Pennsylvania. Mentioned in official report by Owen for carrying messages under fire at Fredericksburg. Honourably discharged December 1862 (Kane 2002:119)

Denis F. Burke, Colonel, 88th New York, Irish Brigade. Born in Limerick. Enlisted in 69th NYNG in 1861 and later in the 88th New York. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Petersburg. Commanded regiment for much of 1863 and 1864 (Kane 2002: 115-6)

Daniel C. Moynihan, Acting Ordnance Officer, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. Born Killarney, Co. Kerry, Enlisted in 164th New York in 1862. Wounded and captured at Cold Harbor. Prisoner at Libby until paroled and promoted to A.O.O. (Kane 2002: 128)

Daniel A. Mykins, Captain, 170th New York, Irish Legion. Born in New York, and wounded in the head during the war. Sworn into the Fenians while in the field by Captain Francis Welpley (Kane 2002: 129)

Andrew J. Byrne, Lieutenant, 65th New York. Born in Dublin, served in U.S. army before the war. Wounded at Malvern Hill and exchanged, wounded again at Cedar Creek. Wrote his memoirs, published in 2008 (reviewed on this site)

William Pope, Private, Confederate Army. Original caption notes his service with the Confederates (unit as yet not established) and states he was formerly a warden in Spike Island Prison, which lies in Cork Harbour

*With thanks to Joseph Maghe for additional information regarding Denis Burke

References

Kane, Michael H. 2002. ‘American Soldiers in Ireland, 1865-67′ in The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No. 91, pp. 103-140

Mountjoy Prison Portaits of Irish Independence: Photograph Albums in Thomas A. Larcom Collection

New York Public Library Digital Gallery

Michael Corcoran was something of a celebrity in 1860s New York. The Co. Sligo native hit the headlines in 1860 when as Colonel of the 69th New York State Militia he refused to parade during the visit of the Prince of Wales. His court-martial had not occurred by the outbreak of the war, and at First Bull Run he was captured while still in command of the 69th. He was not exchanged, instead being held under threat of retaliatory execution until August 1862. He returned to New York to a rapturous reception and reentered the war at the head of the ‘Irish Legion’. He died on 22nd December 1863 when his horse fell on him while riding with Thomas Francis Meagher. The 28th December edition of the New York Times held an account of his funeral, and clearly demonstrates the deep affection in which he was held.

General Michael Corcoran

THE OBSEQUIES OF GEN. MICHAEL CORCORAN; IMPRESSIVE AND SOLEMN FUNERAL SERVICES-THE MILITARY PROCESSION

At 9 o’clock yesterday morning the remains of the late Gen. Corcoran, which had been lying in state for the past two days in the Governor’s room at the City Hall, were conveyed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Mulberry-street; in order for the Solemn High Mass requiem to be said over them. Long before the hour appointed, the Cathedral was crowded to its utmost limits, in consequence of which the doors had to be closed against the constantly increasing throng. On the arrival of the body at the Mott-street entrance of the Cathedral it was at once borne to the centre of the middle aisle, and placed upon a raised dais, with six candles around it. The solemn and impressive ceremonies – made more so by the Cathedral being draped in black – of the High Mass requiem was then performed by Very Rev. William Starrs. V.G., assisted by Deacon Father Eugene McGuire. Sub-Deacon Rev. Dr. McSweeney, Master of the ceremonies, and Rev. Francis McNiernly, Secretary to Archbishop Hughes. At the conclusion of Mass, Rev. Wm. Starrs delivered an oration, of the most feeling and impressive nature, eulogistic of the deceased.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral 1858

The remains were then removed back to the City Hall, and again laid in state in the Governor’s room, where an opportunity was afforded the public to see the remains. The throng until the hour of 1 o’clock was immense, and large numbers were unable to gain admittance.

A few minutes after 1 o’clock the military escort began to file into the Park, shortly afterward followed by several benevolent societies, who were to take part in the procession. Owing to the necessary delay of getting so large an escort into line the cortege did not commence to move till nigh upon 2 o’clock, being nearly an hour after the appointed time, and was in the following order:

The Twenty-second regiment, N.Y.S.N.G., under command of Col. Aspinwall.

The Sixty-ninth regiment, N.Y.S.N.G., under command of Col. Bagley.

The Fourth Artillery, under command of Col. Teller, Cavalry Troop of Sixty-ninth regiment.

Hearse, drawn by eight iron-gray horses, each decorated with funeral trappings.

PALL BEARERS.

Gen. Thos. F. Meagher.

Col. Math. Murphy, Sixty-ninth regiment, N.Y.S.V.

Col. J.R. McIvor, One Hundred and Seventieth regiment, N.Y.S.V.

Ex-Col. W. McCloey, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment, N.Y.S.V.

Gen. Charles C. Dodge.

Col. John O. Mahoney, First regiment, Phoenix Brigade.

Col. Hugh C. Hood, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment N.Y.S.V.

Lieut.-Col. T.M. Reed, Sixty-ninth regiment, N.Y.S.N.G.

Hon. William Walsh, Hon. Joseph Shannon, Hon. Peter Moneghan, Hon. John Healy, Hon. John Kelly, Hon. Elijah F. Purdy, Hon. Morgan Jones, Samuel T. Webster, Esq.

After the hearse and pall-bearers came family and relatives, officers of the Corcoran Legion, officers of the First division, N.Y.S.N.G.

His Honor the Mayor and Common Council, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

First regiment Phoenix brigade, Twenty-sixth regiment N.Y.S.N.G., under command of Col. John O’Mahoney.

Father Matthew U.T.B.A. Society, under command of Edward L. Carey.

Longshoremen’s Benevolent Society.

Father Matthew U.B.T.A.B. Society, of South Brooklyn, No. 1.

The military, under the command of Gen. Ewing, preceded by their bands, marched with arms reversed, and their colors bound with crape. The benevolent societies had also their banners, with the insignia of mourning upon them. The Police arrangements were under charge of Capt. Thorne, of the Twenty-sixth Precinct, and were excellent. About one hundred and fifty men were on duty, comprising detachments from eight Precincts. Capt. Greer, of the Third Precinct, with a force, had charge of Broadway.

Along the route up Broadway to the foot of Tenth-street, E.R., there was one continuous line of people, our Irish citizens predominating. Arriving at the ferry, the military and civic societies filed off, the respective bands struck up enlivening and secular airs, and the hearse, accompanied by the relatives and friends of the deceased, proceeded to Calvary Cemetery where the interment took place. During the day the flags on the various public buildings were kept at halfmast.