The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-07-13

sent by our Government to Costa Rica, and this
trip was brilliantly sketched in several articles of
HaToer's Weekly. After ten years of widowhood,
he married the beautiful and accomplished Miss
Townsend of New York, the daughter OF
wealthy Merchant. Possessing all the refine
ment and elegance of highly cultivated lady,
she partook of his camp fare, following the for
tunes of the Irish brigade, during the whole time
he commanded it, and accompanied him to Mon
tana, where she now is.
The outbreak OF the war found Mr. Meagher
in New York. He promptly abandoned his pro-
fession at the bal, and recruiting company for
Corcoran's famous siXty-ninth, he fought with
galantry at the the battle of Bull Run, having a
horse shot from under him. 1t is said that during
this battle he performed prodgies of valor, and
there is no doubt Oft, as personal courage which
is the inheritance of every Irishman, was conspi-
cuous in Meagher. Soon after Colonel Fremont,
then in Missouri, offered him staff position with
the rank of Colonel; this he declined and pro-
ceeded to raise brigade of Irishmen, which he
did, and it was afterwards known as the Irish
brigade This is the only instance on record of
one man raising brigade of six thousand men,
Others received their stars through political in
fluences. Meigher merited his by indcfatigable
devotion to the Republic. The performances of
this brave brigade is part of the history of the
country. They were thanked by Mcclellan for
gallantry at Fair Oaks, at Malvern, at Antietam,
at Fredericksburg. The conduct of Meagher at
this terrible battle forms bright and conspicu-
Gus part of the annals of these days of gloom and
disaster. He was several times wounded, and it
is sad to think that one so gifted and so highly
esteemed by thousands should be in an instant
swept out of existence by an unforeseen casualty
and after escaping all the vcisitudes of exile and
battle should perish in a manner so sudden and
unexpected.
Thomas Francis Meagher, in appearance, was
fine specimen of genuine Celt. He was of me-
dunn height, captivating personnel, f1orid face
brilliant eyes, glowing with the fires of patriotism
His countenance was thoroughly Milesian, large,
open, genial, plump. and ruddy. His voice was
the very music of freedom. Meet him in sociable
moments, he was overfowing with wit and hui
NOR of the rarest kind caustc and cutting against
intriguers, spectators and political charlatans
but genial and flowing towards his friends, full of
bouyant vivocity, wit and historical lore, he was
genial, instructive and delightful companion
He was as pleasant friend as Lever ever painted
in any of his novels-his strongest weakness was
devoted love of the social pleasures. This was
the head and front of his offending. In the light
of those heroic sacrifices which made the early
days of his career illustrious, his friends may
well forget the errors from which no mortal is
free and rank his name high in the list of those
who have deserved well of their country and
made their mark upon their day and generation.
The last time we saw him was in Washington,
where we met him at the residence of a common
friend Mr.. Coyle, ofthe LlteUigencer. The observa
ton was made, that perhaps we might never
meet again and with superb smile he answered,
If not here, shall meet yonder beyond the
cedars and the stars"
Mozart died finishing the requium that was
first destined to be chanted over its creator, and
then to enchant creation. De Lilies wrote the
chant that conducted him to the scaffod andwhich,
then and since is the war cry of his nation " The
1Ha1SelldiSe. Tasso lived long, yet died only
when appreciated, the blithe notes of fame sing
ing him out of the world with the laurels on his
brow for death chaplct. And Thomas Francis
Mcagher has fallen in the very bloom and prom
Use of brilliant manhood. By the millions of his
countrymen in all lands his death will be pro
foundry lamented. His sincere and indefatiga-
BILE efforts for tue independence of dear old Erin
endeared him to his countrymen. Americans
Will nOl lOSCI Hllu Ills UdnC are INK
ed impershable memories gathered at Bull Run,
through the Peninusula's gloomy campaigns and
Antietams bloody plains; in the desperate
charge at Fredericksburg. His grand and i'm
FASHIONED orations for an undivided nationality
will cause the natives of the United States to
weep for the loss of an adopted son in whom
"The love of liberty with life was given,
And life itself the inferior gift of Heaven"
His old comrades in arms, such as Howard
Sickles, Miles and scores of others, will deeply
regret the death of an old fellow soldier who had
so often given many signal proofs of devotion to
the land of his adoption.
Honored Meagher! true patriot! gallant SOL
der! genial friend All hail and farewell! Take
your crown and harp. Dwell forever in beautiful
repose. In the grandeur of Eternal peace be the
companion of Emmett, Of Fitzgerald of Lincoln,
and of all those patriot heroes who, during the
recent struggle fell, making life illustrious and
death dvinei
Adieu gallant Meagher! thou art buried in light
God speed thee to Heaven, lost star of our night !
Would that could this evening, in this superb
summer, strew his grave with the purple flowers |
which Anchises dedicated in the Elysian fields to
the young Marccllus, and that these flowers |
remained of perpetual bloom and fragrance |
Brother of my heart friend of my soul fare |
we'll!