The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-08-01
Speech OF Gen. Meagher.

Brigadier General Meagher, on presenting
himself, was received with the most over
whelming outburst of wild enthusiasm. As
soon as silence was restored, he proceeded to
address the multitude. He said
FelLoto cop1strynae9l and feLlotO citizens -
(Cheers)-The cordial and energetic spirit dis
played by this great meeting gratifes me be-
yond description. Would to Heaven that the
cheers which have leaped exultingly from so
many Irish hearts tonight, were heard in q
certain camp on the James river, where, at
this hour, the three green flags that were
proudly borne down Broadway seven months
ago, are furled, in all their torn beauty, over
the brave fellows who held them aloft in the
fierce storms that have lately made this, to
thousands, fatal summer in Virginia. ZAP
plause.) Deep and glowing, indeed, would be
the gratitude, the PRIDE the exultation, with
which such cheers would overflow that camp !;
and many are the little privations, many the
severe duties, great the fatigue, and great the
exhaustion, which would be forgotten in the
conviction they would bring that the soldiers
of the Irish Brigade, fighting beyond the Po-
tomsc to maintain the authority of the Amer
lean Government were the favorites and idols
of every Irish home in this vast city. Tire
mendous cheering.) A conviction like this
far moro than the commendation of the mill
tary authorities-far more than the eulogies of
the Senate-far more, even, than the anticipa-
ted conservation in history of his fidelity and
valor-compensates the Irish soldier, such as
know him to be; for whatever hardships pains
and sacrifices his duty compels him to under
go-and, whilst it warns him into fresher
| life it nerves him to bolder daring (cheers)
Won will forgive me for saying it, know
YOU will, though / say it, who, perhaps, ought
not to say il, the soldiers of the Irish Brigade
we'll deserve those cheers, and all that has
been said of them tonight with such liberal
eloouence by some of The foremost representa-.
tives in this republic of the cultivated intellect
and scholarship of our race. Loud cheering.
| This meeting has been called for the transac.
| ton of business-called to adopt the speedies
/ measures TO I'll up the exhausted ranks of the
| Irish Brigade, and it would be out of place fol
me to relate the story which justifes me in &C
cepting for the Irish Brigade, as just reward
| and nothing more, the praises and applaus'
| Won have bestowed. limo viii not permit mt
| to do So neither will the urgent demands ana
necessities Of the public service, the nationa
cause, and growing boldness Of the enemy.
| I ask for recruits. ('sGood.)) / ask fe
them with a significant emphasis, and asl
| for them alone. (Cheers.) We don't wan
| any more officers. We have enough Of then
| in the army of the Potomac, and more thar
enough, if we are to judge of the shoals il
| which they are coming down the James river
and spreading themselves all over these saf
and delicious sanctuaries of the loafer, tn
military schemer, the impester and poltroon
(6roans and hisses.) We want no raw i'm
portations with unblemished buttons and vir
gin blades. (Continned groans.) We wan
men-strong, honest vigorous, hearty men
men with muskets, instead Of straps aeros
their shoulders (CheeTs.) The officers nov
in commission, who have conducted themselve
| with ability in ths field and have fought wit
honor, should have the first promotions. The
should be advanced before every other claim
ant for military distinction, no matter ho'
useful, enterprisirg or potential the citizer
| nov deyoured with the love of danger and in
mortality, and painting for double bars of gol
| or silver eagles, shelld chance tobe. Cheers
Then come the non-commissioned officer
They should have the first commissions vacaI
in their regiments. That is the way to do
That is the way tc recuperate the army OF Il
Potomac, and make it stronger and bold'
than ever it has been. Never mind new reg
lments until the old ones, that have prove
, their metsl and baptized their colors, sha
! have BEEN sufficiently recruited. Never min