The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-08-16
CAPT. Meagher's Narrative.


On the first page Of this number Of the
Pilot will be found the commencement Of
THOMAS FRAScIs MEAGHEK's lucrative"
of the late events Of the campaign in Vir-
gina. As prominent actor in the move
ments he treats of, and writer of the
highest ability, Capt. NJ, is, perhaps, of
all who have undertaken tue task, the tit
test to become the historian of this epi-
sode in the National troubles and the
avidity with which his statements have
been copied into the American papers
shows how interesting they are. to all clas-
ses Of the community. ,.-.-.-.-...-..-..-......
The second and concluding portions of
this exciting narrative-embracing the IA
tai conflict at Bull .Run-will appear in
our succeeding issues.
We doubt not that on, readers of all
nations and politics vii, give US thanks for
furnishing them tbs interesting "narra~
tive" for which. we are indebted to the
New York Irish Itmerican.
Cap. MEAGHER has been rendered the
command Of new Irish Regiment in New
YoiK, by its leading officers, but on ac-
! count of his affection for his comrades Of
the gallant GO b. he has declined the honor
| by the following letter:
New YokK, Monday, Aug. 5, '61.
GENrLEaEN:-Ia ieply to your very
complimentary communication Of the 3lst
of last month-which press of duties in
connection with the Sixty prevented
me acknow edging until this last moment,
beg to say, that, whilst should esteem
it high honor to be at the head Of the
regiment you are organizing, | am too
strongly attached to the Sixty ninth to be
induced, however powerful the invitation,
to break the ties which binds me TO it.
Those ties were formed and strengthen
ed amid scenes and underinfuences which
frequently gives rise to and confirms the
most fervid friendships. Having been in
camp and battle with the Sixty ninth, /
cannot frd it in my heart to part from
my tried and honored comrades, and in
memory of the days during which shared
their fortunes, prefer the humtlest posi-
ton in their ranks to the highest | could
| hold with newer friends.
Nor shall l disguise from you the con,
seriousness of my inability to command a
regiment. With my limited experience
and very imperfect knowledge of military
affairs, it would be grievously culpable in
me, at this crisis of the national interests,
when great disaster has to be reversed.
to assume post which [ feel, and every
body knows:I am incompetent to fill.
Brave and energetic soldiers, such as
those now crowding to the defence of the
national authority and domain, deserve to
have accomplished and skillful officers. l
have no ambition to figure in the category
of blunderers and impostors, to whom for
some time back, the disorders and rever-
ses of the national arms are justly ascribed.
With sincere regard for each of you
personally, and the friendliest wishes for
the success of your regiment, have the
honor to be, gentlemen, most faithfully
yours,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER.
Capt. Company X, Sixty ninth Ree't.
To Lieut.. Col. 7. D. Kelly, Capt. Jo-
seph McDonough, and Acting Commissary
McSorey, Third Regiment "Irish Volun-
teers," New York. ...- ...
Capt. Meagher left New York for Wash.
sington on Tuesday, the 9Th lust. to look
after the wounded and missing of his reg.
iment.