CHAPTER I.

ORGANIZATION OF THE NINTH - SOME PRELIMINARY
EVENTS LEADING THERETO - ACTIVITY OF IRISH-AMERICANS
IN THE CAUSE OF THE UNION - THE FLAG DISPLAYED ON CATHOLIC CHURCH EDIFICES - PATRIOTIC ACTION BY THE
REV. THOMAS F. HENDRICKEN AND OTHER PRIESTS -
GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM FAVORS THE RAISING OF AN IRISH REGIMENT
- THOMAS W. CAHILL IS MADE COLONEL.

"Thrice blest the nation that has every son A soldier, ready for the warning sound; Who marches homeward when the fight is done, To swing the hammer and to till the ground.

"Call back that morning, with its lurid light, When through our land the awful war bell tolled; When lips were mute, and women's faces white As the pale cloud that out from Sumter rolled.

"Call back that morn: an instant all were dumb, As if the shot had struck the Nation's life; Then cleared the smoke, and rolled the calling drum, And men streamed in to meet the coming strife."

No class of Connecticut men volunteered with greater alacrity than those of Irish birth or descent. It has been estimated that between 7,000 and 8,000 of this ele-

ment alone, enlisted into the various regiments that went to the front from the State. They were represented in the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Many Connecticut men of Irish lineage also enlisted into organizations credited to other states and many more rendered valiant service in the navy.

Many were killed in battle and thus cemented their devotion to the Republic with their blood. Others, per¬ished of wounds or disease, while still others returned home crippled for life. But the Nation was preserved and so their sacrifices were not in vain. A grateful people will long remember its Irish heroes who wore the blue.

Soon after the outbreak of the war, Connecticut began organizing regiments and sending them forward to sup¬port the Flag. Young men of Irish birth or extraction enlisted in these early regiments by the hundred, and were as zealous as any descendant of the Pilgrim or the Puritan to fight for the maintenance of the Union. At frequent intervals, notices were published in the daily papers, throughout the State, requesting patriotic young Irishmen to attend meetings, here and there, for the pur¬pose of organizing military companies. Prominent men of Irish extraction participated in great "war meetings," the Stars and Stripes were displayed on Catholic church edifices, priests addressed their flocks on the great issues of the hour, and everywhere a spirit of earnest patriotism was manifested. The insult offered the Irish element by the Know Nothing administration, in 1855, when the six companies were disbanded, was forgiven, if not for¬gotten, now that the life of the Nation was at stake. In the New Haven Palladium, April 20, 1861, appeared the following:

"Our Irish fellow-citizens are strong in their patriotic devotion to the country of their adoption. At a very en¬thusiastic meeting of the Emmet Guard last evening [in New Haven] it was determined to offer their services to the Government as soon as they shall have been recog¬nized as citizens and soldiers by the Governor.

"The McGowan Guards, too, a target company, formed some two years ago, will tender their services as soon as the Emmets shall have done so, and the two companies will prove themselves among the best of the soldiers who are to fight for the flag."

In its issue of April 22, 1861, the Palladium said: "We are glad to hear that Governor Buckingham, in a letter to Captain Cahill, of the Emmet Guard, has informed him that the officers chosen by that company shall be fully commissioned immediately upon being reported by the Adjutant-General, without the usual formalities attending the organization of military com¬panies."

In the Palladium for May 15, 1861, appeared the following notice: "All patriotic young Irishmen who desire to defend the flag of their adopted country, and to serve for three years, or during the war, are requested to meet at Hibernian Hall, [New Haven], this evening, at J\ o'clock. Particulars given by M. A. Williams, as per instructions. It is intended to attach this company to Colt's Regiment, to be armed with Colt's Rifles. We understand that this regiment will be commanded by United States officers."

In its issue the next day, May 16, 1861, the Palladium, referring to this meeting, said: "The military meeting at Hibernian Hall last evening was large and enthusiastic. Mr. Michael A. Williams was elected Chairman, and John Brown, secretary. This meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a military company for three years' service. The meeting adjourned to meet this evening at Healy's Hotel, in Broad street, where those who wish to enlist can have the opportunity."

On April 25, 1861, the Palladium notes that "A magnificent American flag was last night hoisted on the spire of St. Patrick's church on Grand street [New Haven]. It shows —as have many similar demonstrations— that our adopted citizens are with us in the support of the Government."

Early in the war, the Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken, of Waterbury, Ct., (afterwards bishop of the diocese of Providence, R. I.), called a meeting of the young men of his parish. The meeting was held in the basement of the church and a military company was organized and its services offered to Governor Buckingham. It was intended to serve for three months. As the short-time regiments were then full, the company waited and was finally mustered into the Ninth. The Croffut-Morris history of Connecticut in the Rebellion, speaking of Waterbury's part in helping the cause of the Union, states that a company, the City Guard, of that place, was promptly recruited to the maximum and its services offered to the Governor. On April 20, 1861, "it left for New Haven, being escorted to the depot by an immense crowd of citizens and civil societies, and a speech of farewell being made by Rev. Mr. Hendricken of the Catholic church." The same work also states that about the same time, "A beautiful American flag was raised over the old Catholic church, [in Waterbury]; the three hundred Catholic pupils, under the direction of the Misses Slater, participating in the patriotic ceremonies. The Irish Catholics assembled, and fifty voted to volunteer."

One of the leading spirits at a great war meeting in Middletown, Ct., at this time, was M. H. Griffin, a promi¬nent Democrat. He "was a loyal Irish-American of wealth and influence in Middletown, and he gave all his efforts to the work of prosecuting the war. He incited a spirit of patriotism by personal appeals in the street and in the workshop, gave freely of his money and his time, and zealously promoted the work of organization and equipment for the front."

In the Croffut-Morris history, already quoted, it is stated that "A fine company of Irishmen from Norwich was raised for the Fifth Regiment; but it finally joined the First New York Artillery. Capt. Thomas Maguire became major of the regiment, and was succeeded by

Capt. William A. Berry, killed in front of Petersburg. He in turn was succeeded by Capt. Thomas Scott of Norwich."

Early in the war, the project of forming a distinctively Irish regiment,* in Connecticut, was suggested, and received the favorable consideration of Governor Buckingham. He thoroughly disapproved of the Know Nothing tactics, of 1855. His activity in securing justice for the companies that had been arbitrarily disbanded by Governor Minor also did credit to his head and heart.

At the May session of the General Assembly, 1861, Mr. Gallagher of New Haven introduced in the House of Representatives, May 3, a joint resolution reinstating as a part of the military force of the State all regularly organized military companies, composed of foreign born citizens that were disbanded in 1855, and also reinstating their respective officers to take rank from the date of their several commissions; also providing for paying said companies for armory rent, and the performance of mili¬tary duty as if said companies had not been disbanded.

"The resolution was read the first time, and by order of the House (the rule being dispensed with), the second time, and, on motion, was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs."

Another extract from the Journal of the House, at this time, reads: "Tuesday Morning, May 28. The report of the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution reinstating as a part of the military force of this State all regularly organ¬ized military companies, composed of foreign born citi-

* There were many Irish regiments in the Union army during the war. Among them were the Tenth New Hampshire, Ninth Massachusetts, Twenty-eighth Massa¬chusetts, Thirty-seventh New York, Sixty-third New York, Sixty-ninth New York, Eighty-eighth New York, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth New York, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth New York, One Hundred and Seventieth New York, Seventeenth Wis¬consin, Twenty-third Illinois, Nintieth Illinois, Seventh Missouri, Fifteenth Michi¬gan, etc. There were many other regiments in the service which, while not known as Irish regiments, were largely composed of men of Irish birth or parentage. The Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery was one of these. Corcoran's Irish Legion and Meagher's Irish Brigade covered themselves with glory during the struggle.

zens, that were disbanded in 1855, and also reinstating their respective officers to take rank from the date of their several commissions; also providing for paying said companies for armory rent, and the performance of mili¬tary duty as if said companies had not been disbanded, by authorizing the Comptroller to draw an order on the Treasurer, in favor of the captain or senior lieutenant of such companies, for the use and benefit of each of said companies, on receipt of satisfactory evidence of their having performed military duty and paid armory rent," was received from the Senate. It was adverse to the passage of the resolution, but recommended "the passage of a substitute resolution therefor, submitted by the Committee, providing for the legal and honorable discharge of the military companies of adopted citizens disbanded in the year 1855, from the performance of further active military duty in the same manner that they would have been discharged if they had served for the full term of five and seven years under the laws of this State." The report of the Committee was accepted, the resolution originally referred to the Committee was rejected, and the substitute recommended by the Committee was passed.

The substitute resolution here mentioned was finally adopted, by both House and Senate, and thus the Know Nothing stain was removed from the fair escutcheon of Connecticut, so far as that stain had affected the reputation of the Irish companies.

The difference between the original resolution, which was rejected, and the substitute which was passed, consisted, briefly, in this: The original resolution provided that the disbanded companies and their officers should be reinstated as a part of the military force of the State, and that the companies thus reinstated should receive payment for armory rent and military duty performed from the time of their disbandment, in 1855, down. The substitute provided for the honorable discharge of the

companies and their officers, and did not provide for armory rent or for payment for military duty since 1855. This arrangement, while not fully realizing the expectations of the friends of the original resolution, was, nevertheless, a fair one under existing circumstances. It acknowledged and vindicated the loyalty of the Irish companies, which loyalty had been questioned and assailed by the Know Nothing regime.

The following is an extract from Governor Buckingham's inaugural address, 1861:

The requisition for troops from the Secretary of War, did not call for chaplains. I have, however, no hesita¬tion in recommending the appointment of one to each regiment, at the expense of this State; and as many of our adopted citizens, connected with the Roman Catholic Church, have manifested their loyalty by uniting with the volunteers, I would recommend, also, the appointment of two additional chaplains of that religious faith to each brigade.

The following communication was also of especial significance; it shows that the idea of an Irish regiment had been entertained even previous to the passage of the foregoing legislation:

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,

NORWICH, April 26, 1861. CAPT. THOS. W. CAHILL, EMMET GUARD.

DEAR SIR: —Yours of the 25th inst., enclosing the resolutions of the Emmet Guard, asking "Whether the services of a regiment composed of Irish adopted citizens would be received by the State authorities with the understanding that the regiment nominate their own officers throughout?" [is received].

In reply, I am directed by the Governor to say that a regiment composed of Irish adopted citizens would be received and the wishes of the regiment consulted and

respected in the appointment of officers. No one would intentionally be pressed who was unacceptable.

Very respectfully, O. N. SHIPMAN, Executive Secretary. On May 3, 1861, Mr. Byington introduced, in the State Senate, the following:

WHEREAS, Honorable mention has been made of the fidelity and patriotism of our adopted citizens, by the Governor of the State in his usual message to this body, and WHEREAS, It being understood that large numbers of this class of our fellow citizens desire to organize themselves into a regiment for the defence of our common country, therefore, Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is, requested to accept such regiment of adopted citizens, and to muster them into service as necessity or occasion may require.

On motion the resolution was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Military Affairs. As soon as it was decided to form an Irish regiment, much enthusiasm was manifested in the interest of such an organization, and great activity prevailed. Recruiting places were established, patriotic appeals were issued through the press and from the platform, posters were put up, inviting enlistments, and other effective steps taken. Recruits began to pour in, One company, (A), and the nucleus of two others, for the new regiment, went into camp at Hartford. Great interest in "The Irish Regiment"* was manifested in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, Meriden, Norwich and many other places throughout the State. No longer were heard sneers at the "foreign-born." The Know Nothing cabal

* Certain regiments organized in Connecticut were called at home by auch names as "The Lyon Regiment," "The Charter Oak Regiment," " The Irish Regiment," etc.

Lieut. Col. Richard FitzGibbon
(Reproduced from War-Time Print).

had been driven from power by an indignant people. Strong arms were needed to defend the Nation and the Irish of Connecticut nobly responded. On May 17, 1861, the following notice under the head "A Chance for Volunteers," appeared in the New Haven Palladium: "A recruiting office is now opened in Engineers' Hall, Artizan street, [New Haven], to those who would serve the country and protect its flag. Office open every evening from 7 until 9 o'clock, when persons can receive all necessary information. John Duffy."

The following is the text of a poster displayed at New Haven and probably elsewhere: "Forward the 9th!" Here followed a woodcut of an American eagle defending the American shield. The poster then continued: "9th Regiment, Irish Volunteers! This destined to be gallant Regiment, organized under the auspices of His Excellency, the Governor of this State, to be officered by Irishmen throughout, is now rapidly filling up. All persons wishing to join, can receive further information at the Headquarters, in Crown street, 3 doors from Church street, New Haven, Conn."

Another poster with the heading "Forward the Ninth!" displayed an eagle holding the inscription, "The Union must be preserved." The poster then went on to say that "The Emmet Guards, lately commanded by Thomas W. Cahill, now Colonel of the 9th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, require a few more men to complete the maximum number required by the State. Application may be made at the camp ground or at the tent on the green." Then followed information as to the pay of privates, the matter of bounty, etc., as follows: United States pay per month, $13; Bounty from State of Connecticut, per year, $30; Bounty to soldier's wife, per month, $6; Bounty to wife and child per month, $8; Bounty to wife and two children, per month, $10, "making the pay of privates who enlist in Connecticut companies range from fifteen dollars and fifty cents to

twenty-five dollars and fifty cents, according to size of family. In addition, $100 of bounty from the United States when honorably discharged." This poster was signed: "Michael McCarten, Captain."

Capt. Cahill was commissioned Colonel of the Ninth, Sept. 3, 1861. Lieut.-Col. Richard Fitz Gibbon* and Major Frederick Frye, of the regiment, had already seen active service in the field, the former as a captain in the First Regiment, C. V., and the latter as a captain in the Third Regiment, C. V.

Under the head of "The Emmet Guard Going," the New Haven Palladium, Sept. 5, 1861, states that "At a large and enthusiastic meeting of the Emmet Guard, [New Haven], last evening, Lieutenant Maher in the chair, it was voted to enlist for the war. The meeting was addressed by Col. (late Capt.) Cahill in a feeling and eloquent manner. They will meet at their armory to¬morrow night to receive such members as may wish to join their war organization." At the meeting, Sept. 4, here described, the Emmets adopted a preamble and resolutions, regretting the loss of Cahill as captain of the Guard, but expressing satisfaction at his promotion to the rank of Colonel of the Ninth Regiment. Thanks were also extended Lieut. McCarten, "who now retires to occupy a more advanced position." The committee on these resolutions consisted of Engineer McCaffrey, Lieut. Wrinn and Adjutant Geary.

On Sept. 9, 1861, the New Haven Palladium stated that "The 9th (Irish) Regiment, C. V., is to be removed to-day or tomorrow from their present camp ground at Hartford to this city, taking position on Mr. Hallock's field at the right of the 6th and 7th. This is done because it is apparent that the regiment will be largely recruited from this section of the State. On this account — although we believe the Hartford camps to be comfortably situated —we welcome the change as a good one.

*Generally spelled Fitz Gibbons in the records.

The regiment will probably be filled in ten days from this time."

Sept. 10, 1861, the Palladium notes that the Emmet Guard, of New Haven, "led by Colonel (late Captain) Cahill, made a very fine show in their parade yesterday afternoon. At its close, Mr. Bartholomew Healy gave them a fine entertainment at the Broad Street Hotel. The parade was a very admirable one, which did much credit to those engaged in it."

In the Hartford Courant, Sept. 12, 1861, appeared the following: "Lieut. Wm. Wright, late of the 3d Regiment, C. V., will open a recruiting office to-day, under the American Hall, [Hartford], for the purpose of enlisting a company for the 9th Regiment. He is desirous of having his company composed exclusively of Irishmen; and as there has not been a company raised as yet in this city for the 9th Regiment, it is to be hoped he will meet with liberal encouragement. There is no reason why Hartford should not be represented by a full company of Irishmen in the 9th, under Col. Cahill; they can be raised, and Lieut. Wright will do it. Go and hear Father Quinn's lecture at St. Peter's church to-night. He will tell you all about the war." This is believed to have been the Father Quinn who was chaplain in a Rhode Island regiment. Lieut. Wright was commissioned Captain of Co. G, of the Ninth, and was one of the best officers that ever carried a sword.