The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-10-18
Col. James A. Mulligan.

The following sketches Of Col. james A,
Mulligan. the brave defender Of Lexington
No., we learn from gentleman Of Detroit
who has been intimately acquainted with him
for the past FIVE or six years.
Col. James A. Mulligan was born in the
city Of Utica, n. Y, in the year 1929, and
is consequently in his 32d Year, His parents
were natives Of Ireland. His mother, after
the death Of his father, which took place
when no was child, removed to Chicago,
where she has resided with her son for the
past "a years. She married q respectable
Irish American in Chicago, named Michael
Lantry. who has steadily watched with a
lather's solicitude the expanding mind Of the
brave young soldier. lie was educated at
the Catholic College Of North Chicago. un.
der the superintendance ofthe Rev. Mr.. Kin
seller, now Of New York city. He strict
member of the Catholic Church. In 1852,
1888. and 1854, he read law in the Office Of
Hon. Isaac N. Arnold. Congressman from
the Chicago District. For q short time he
edited the Western Tablet, semi.religious
weekly newspaper, in Chicago. .Atthis time
he held the position Of I'd Lieutenant in the
Chicago Shields Guards, one Of the companies
attached to the Irish brigade now in Missouri
and which has done 50 well in Lexington.
In tho winter of 1857 Senator Fitch fin
diana, rendered him a clerkship in the De-
partment Of the Interior. He accepted the
position and spent the winter at Washington
During his residence in Washington he cor.
responded with the Utica Telegraph over the
nom de plume OF "Satin." After his return
from Washington he was elected Captain Of
the Shields Guards. On the news arriving
OF the bombardment ef Fort Sumter, he
threw his soul into the national cause. The
Irish-American companies held meeting,
Of which he was chairmen. Shortly al
terwards he went to Washington with let
ter, written by the late Senator Douglas on
his deathbed, TO the President, rendering q
regiment to be called the "Irish Brigade.
He was elected Colonel, and Immediately
went to work with will. The course Of the
Brigade" up to the battle Of Lexington, is
well known; il has nobly, brayely and hon
Orably done its duty.
Col. Malligan is worthy of all praise. A
purer, better man does not live in the
State of Illinois. Since he was able to tell
the difference between ale and water glass
of spiritouous or malt liquor has not passed
his lirs. lie is rigid temperance man, al
though he is jOcund and whole souled to a
fault. lie is six feet three inches in height,
with wiry, elastic frame, large, lustrous,
hazel eye, an open, frank, Celtic face, stamp
ed with courage, pluck and independence,
surmOunted with bushy profasion OF hair
tincturcd with gray. Honorable in all rcla-
tioDs, respected BY all, he has won his way
by untiring industry and unquestionable
On the 25th day Of Oct. 1859, he
was married to Miss Marian Nugcnt, by the
Roman Catholic Bishop of Chicago.
A fine scholar, a good speaker, brilliant
writer. promising lawyer, was he when the
banner Of the Union was insulted. Now he
is-long may he continue so-onc OF the
brave defenders Of the Onion. In one OF his
last letter. received by the gentleman above
alluded to, he says: "lf die-if fall in
defence Of our laws and Constitution, lett my
example be followed by abby every man
who loves the fame and rcnown OF the faith
ers who made US great and honorcd peo-
nlev