Patrick Ginley was ‘proud of being a Connaught man.’ He was born around 1822, and it may be that he is the ‘Patricius Ganly’ recorded as being baptised in Aghanagh, Co. Sligo on 10th October 1823. Patrick did not make his way to the United States until he well into his thirties, but by then he had already made many forays into the world. In 1883, he remembered:

Before I came to this country I saw active service in the Crimean war. Among the engagements I participated in were Balaklava, Inkerman and Sebastapol. At the breaking out of the Indian Mutiny in 1857, I volunteered with the 18th Royal Irish Infantry and served through the insurrection, being at the storming of Lucknow and Delhi. I was discharged at Aldershot in 1858 and in 1859 I came to this country. (2)

After his arrival in the United States Patrick gained employment with Dr. Pierre Van Wyck, with whom he remained until the outbreak of war. With the arrival of the conflict and the need for experienced martial men, Ginley enlisted for three months in Company K of the 69th New York State Militia, fighting at the Battle of Bull Run. He then decided to join the 14th New York Independent Battery, enlisting for a period of three years. It was as an artilleryman that he spent the rest of his war service, fighting in fourty-four engagements involving the Army of the Potomac’s Second Corps. It was on 25th August 1864 that Patrick Ginley performed the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. (3)

The Battle of Ream’s Station was the worst day in what was a long war for the Second Corps. Winfield Hancock’s men had been sent south by Grant from the Petersburg siege lines in order to tear up track along the Weldon railroad. Unwilling to allow the destruction to proceed unopposed, Robert E. Lee ordered a Rebel force under A.P. Hill to take a force and engage the Yankees. With Hill feeling unwell, Major-General Henry Heth led the decisive Confederate charge on 25th August which smashed into Hancock’s ill-prepared position, and sent many of the Second Corps to flight. There was little denying that the Second Corps had not been properly prepared to face the onslaught; although Hancock desperately tried to recover the situation, he was eventually forced to retreat.

By the time of Ream’s Station, Private Patrick Ginley was serving as an orderly with the 1st New York Light Artillery. When the Rebels struck, his Captain ordered him to seek out General Hancock and bear him a message. Mounting up, Ginley rode through the railroad cut and first encountered division commander General Miles, to whom he delivered the message. As Miles reached for the note, he was struck and slightly wounded by a bullet. Ginley remembered: ‘Well. I never saw such a face as he made when he was struck by that bullet.’ Returning to his unit, the Irishman would soon be sent on another errand, but with the Rebels beginning to break through around him, his task would become even more perilous. (4)

This time Ginley was told to accompany a Colonel on a mission to discover the nature of the Confederate dispositions around them. Ginley again found himself heading for the railroad cut, but by this time the Rebels had forced the Federals to retreat from their breastworks, exposing both men to capture. Ginley was riding some yards behind the officer:

‘He had just got into the cut and almost out of sight when I saw his leg lifted over the saddle. I knew that he had been taken prisoner. The confederates had gained the spot. I just wheeled around, but had ridden only a short distance, when my horse was shot from under me. I lay there thinking that my leg was broken. My sabre handle was sticking into my ribs and my revolver was jammed in my back. While I lay there between the two lines I could hear every order given on both sides. Finally I cut the strap and extricated myself, when I discovered I did not have a scratch on me.’ (5)

Patrick Ginley took in his situation. The abandoned breastworks were now swarming with Confederates, with Yankees streaming back across the cut. Crawling along the breastworks he came across another Union solder:

‘I motioned him to follow me. We reached one of our guns, I threw in more than an average charge of canister and told him to put his finger on the vent. I don’t know whether he was shot through the heart, or where. At any rate he fell dead without saying a word. I pulled the lanyard and ran. Why, do you know that that gun recoiled so much that I found it right at my heels while I was running at my best speed, and I could run, too. As I ran I saw the color-bearer of a Massachusetts regiment wave the standard, when the staff was struck and broken off and the man struck down. I picked up the colors, gave them one wave and shouted, ‘Follow me, boys.’ A large number followed and rallied to the attack. ‘ (6)

Private Patrick Ginley fires at advancing Confederates, Battle of Ream’s Station (Story of American Heroism)

The Confederate who had shot Ginley’s makeshift assistant had been close enough to roar ‘Come out of that, you blasted Yankee’ before firing. When Ginley returned fire with the cannon, the effect of The Irishman’s shot was devastating- mowing down a swathe of the enemy along the breastwork. Having run the gauntlet back to his own troops, his subsequent rallying cry and dash towards the enemy with the Massachusetts regiment colors was, according to the New York Herald ‘…the perfect representation of a wild Irishman. He appeared to think that it was himself alone that the enemy was fighting and he conducted himself accordingly.’  (7)

Patrick Ginley’s actions were immediately noted by his superiors. Even Ulysses S. Grant was impressed. Speaking of Ginley, the Lieutenant-General in command of all Union forces had the following to say:

‘Private Ginley, it is not to-day nor to-morrow that you and every man undergoing the hardships of this war will be remembered by the country for his services. But every hero sooner or later receives his just reward. In this day of history making, when the deeds of individual valor are taking their places in the record of the War of Rebellion, when the records are in the hands of those at Washington who helped to make them, each individual act of heroism of which there is a record will be recognized.’ (8)

Captain A. Judson Clark, the commander of the artillery brigade also remembered Ginley in his official report. Writing on 18th October 1864, he remarked that at Ream’s Station ‘individual acts of gallantry were numerous, but when all were brave it were almost an injustice to speak of individual cases. I will only mention one, Private Ginley, G, First New York Artillery, who was acting as mounted orderly on the field. When the line was giving way he drew his saber and riding gallantly among the men succeeded in rallying a large number and taking them back into the fight. (9)

Given the recognition his actions received at the time, it is perhaps unsurprising that Patrick Ginley received the Medal of Honor in 1890. The citation for the award presented to him at the Riccadonna Hotel was as follows:

‘The command having been driven from the works, he, having been left alone between the opposing lines, crept back into the works, put 3 charges of canister in one of the guns, and fired the piece directly into a body of the enemy about to seize the works; he then rejoined his command, took the colors, and ran toward the enemy, followed by the command, which recaptured the works and guns.’ (10)

After the war, Patrick Ginley spent two years as a watchmman at the United States public stores, before taking a job as a keeper in the notorious Sing Sing Prison. He eventually resigned this position to join the New York Police Department in 1869, where he was universally known around the streets of the city by his nickname, ‘Paddy The Horse’. He remained a man of courage, such as when he engaged in a desperate struggle with one Patrick Leary, who was attempting to kill his family at 629 East Ninth Street. Ginley eventually overcame Leary, who was sent to Utica Insane Asylum. Ginley received a gold watch and chain from citizens of the neighbourhood as a token of their appreciation. Perhaps his most famous arrest was a group of thieves who were robbing jewelry stores and gagging the occupants. The story was recounted by the New York Truth:

‘Ginley saw them [the thieves] going into the “Burnt Rag,” at No. 50 Bleecker Street, kept by Bill McGlory. He sent a boy to the 14th Precinct Station for a section of men and went inside. He knew them all and was invited to take something to drink. All were standing in front of the bar. On the next round one of the cranks said: “I am treating; what’ll you have?” At that moment the sergeant, who was at the head of the men, entered the place. “I’ll have you,” said Ginley, “and if you attempt to move I’ll blow your head off.” Everyone in the room was taken in, including McGlory. The cracksmen were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.’ (11)

Paddy was a no-nonsense individual. On 16th June 1875, a young man shouted out as Ginley went by, ‘There goes Paddy The Horse’. He clearly didn’t like the smart bystanders tone, as Paddy grabbed the young man and dragged him into custody, although he was soon released. The man, who turned out to be a lawyer, subsequently complained about the episode. It was his problem with alcohol that eventually led to the end of his police career. In January 1883 Paddy was charged with intoxication by Captain McCullough of the 17th Precinct. Although he fought the decision to remove him from the force, by 1890 he was in a new job, working as a messenger in the Custom House. (12)

The incredible career of Patrick Ginley took him through the Crimean War, Indian Mutiny, American Civil War and service with the New York Police Department. His life was not an easy one; even in later years he had to endure suffering, when his daughter died while only in her mid-twenties. He remained fiercely proud of his wartime career, and kept newspaper clippings which related to both his actions at Ream’s Station and his service with the Police Department. The Connacht man who had seen so much of the world eventually passed away on 5th April 1917. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Queen’s County, New York.

(1) New York Irish American 25th November 1890; (2) Ireland Births and Baptisms 1620–1911, New York Truth 23rd February 1883; (3) Jones 1897: 483, New York Truth 23rd February 1883; (4) Ibid; (5) Ibid; (6) New York Truth 23rd February 1883; (7) Jones 1897:484-5, New York Truth 23rd February 1883; (8) Jones 1897: 483; (9) Official Records: 409; (10) Proft 2002:867; (11) New York Truth 23rd February 1883; (12) New York Herald 2nd July 1875, New York Truth 23rd February 1883, Daily Inter Ocean 9th November 1890;

References & Further Reading

Chicago Daily Inter Ocean 9th November 1890. “Paddy The Horse”

Jones, J. W. 1897. The Story of American Heroism: Thrilling Narratives of Personal Adventures During the Civil War

New York Herald 2nd July 1875. Trials of Policemen, Encounters between Officers and Young Lawyers- “Paddy The Horse” on His Dignity

New York Irish American 25th November 1890. Irish Brigade Reunion

New York Truth 23rd February 1883. “Paddy, The Horse.” An Ex-Policeman and Soldier Fights His Battles O’er Again

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Series 1, Volume 42, Part 1, Chapter 55. Report of Capt. A. Judson Clark, Battery B, First New Jersey Light Artillery, commanding Artillery Brigade, of operations August 12-26

Proft, R.J. (ed.), 2002. United States of America’s Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients and their Official Citations, Fourth Edition

Ireland Births and Baptisms 1620–1911

Patrick Ginley Find A Grave Memorial

Civil War Trust Battle of Ream’s Station Page

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.