Irish Brigade In The Civil War: The 69th New York And Other Irish Regiments Of The Army Of The Potomac [Paperback]

Joseph G. Bilby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2001

The unveiling of the Irish Brigade Memorial at Antietam this year focuses attention on one of the most colorful units of the American Civil War. Despite its distinguished record and key role in the war, no detailed history of the brigade has been written in 130 years.Made up largely of New York Irishmen, the Brigade made a decisive contribution to the Union victory at Antietam, suffered fearfully in a gallant charge at Fredericksburg, and made a famous stand in the Wheatfield on the second day at Gettysburg, as depicted in the recent film.The full co-operation of the present-day 69th New York National Guard helped make possible the compilation of this detailed account, which includes 13 period maps and 270 illustrations, many of them rare photos from private collections. The original hardcover limited edition of Bilby's book quickly sold out to re-enactors, veteran and active members of the 69th Regiment, and hard-core Civil War collectors; the Combined Publishing trade paperback is the first edition made available directly to the general public.Joseph G. Bilby is a popular columnist for the Civil War News and a veteran of the current 69th Regiment. He is also the author of Civil War Firearms.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joseph G. Bilby is a popular columnist for the Civil War News and a veteran of the current 69th Regiment. He is also the author of Civil War Firearms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (November 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938289977
• ISBN-13: 978-0938289975
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #710,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Humbling!, April 28, 2011

By 

Michael E. Fitzgerald (Kingwood, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Irish Brigade In The Civil War: The 69th New York And Other Irish Regiments Of The Army Of The Potomac (Paperback)

The Irish Brigade was the finest combat unit the Army of the Potomac possessed. Formed early in the American Civil War they would fight at 1st Manassas, Fair Oaks, Gaines Mill, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Petersburg and Appomattox. No other unit would lose more men in battle than the Irish Brigade.

Full of remarkably colorful characters, they were, almost to a man, agitators for Irish independence from Britain. Most of the brigade's leaders were known Irish revolutionaries so strident in their beliefs that the Federal Government would warn Britain there could be Union supported consequences in Ireland if Britain intervened on the Confederacy's behalf! The brigade's casualties were appalling. At Antietam, they would suffer 60% casualties attacking the Sunken Lane. At Fredericksburg, while attacking the stone wall at Marye's Heights, manpower would be reduced 84%, from 1600 to 256. At Gettysburg, they could muster only 600 men but fought in the Wheat Field under Winfield Hancock. In June of 1864, reduced to regimental size, they were incorporated into the 3rd and 4th brigades of the II Corps but would continue to fight in all of the war's battles until Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House.

This is the story of the most superb combat brigade fielded in the Eastern Theater of the war. The exploits of The Irish Brigade will simply astound. Decidedly nonacademic in its writing and full of warm, spirited antidotes, this is one of the better unit histories regarding America's Civil War I have found. You will not be disappointed.

12 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview of the Irish Brigade's work in the war, October 2, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Irish Brigade In The Civil War: The 69th New York And Other Irish Regiments Of The Army Of The Potomac (Paperback)

This book gives an excellent overview of the movements and battles of the Irish Brigade during the War between the States. If you are interested in Civil War and/or the Irish in America, you will find this book interesting.