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Peter Welch, who became a color sergeant in the Irish Brigade, spoke for all the Irish-Americans when he wrote to a relative in Ireland in June 1863: "America is Irlands refuge Irlands last hope. Destroy this republic and her hopes are blasted. If Irland is ever [to be] free the means to acomplish it must come from the shores of America" (Beller 22). .
Along with the hopes of keeping the country intact, many also thought of fighting in the war as their chance to earn their place in America. The number of Irish that joined the Union Army was about 150,000 men (Glazier, 153). Less well documented is the Irish contribution to the Confederate cause.
There were many different regiments and companies in the Union Army, but one of the most famous units was the Irish Brigade. "After the battle of the First Bull Run, a man named Thomas Francis Meagher began recruiting a brigade to be composed of Irish regiments" (Glazier 446). He was a powerful speaker and was able to recruit many volunteers to fight in the new brigade. The Irish Brigade set out before Christmas in 1861 (Glazier 446). He led his troops into battle with an emerald green flag with a large golden harp in its center, celebrating their heritage even in the midst of death. .
The brigade went through many battles together and hence saw many Irishmen die. "At Antietam on September 17, 1862, Meagher personally led his brigade in a charge on the center of the Confederate line at the Sunken Road" (Glazier 446). The Irish Brigade went through perhaps its most valorous period between this battle and the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. The Irish Brigade was known not only for its fighting spirit, but its dash and Irish-Catholic identity (Glazier 447). Though the brigade continued to distinguish itself on the battlefields, increasing casualties forced changes within the brigade. By June 1864, the brigade had been reduced to that of nearly regimental size (Beller).
