The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1869-05-16

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,The following spIAndid tibnte to Tho military
charseter and glory ofstiAe Irisk race in this
Soanfxy1 was spoken 4 W Con. Ord, ION st.
PafEizE,s day, at the laying Of the eorhsrstone
of tIsnew Hall Of the Isish Ausrican Society
of San Francisco Cal az Nas hi response TO
ne Following ses,timent e The Amy aua
Naxss af the EI1lifaa SEssfoa u
General Ord aaid :r7Geptlemens There is no
people, OF race, OF ssif tbose who goto make up
our nationality who have better right to feel
proud of the army of the United States than
1rishmen. Wherever flag foats, or has
hoated, IrishmeAl have been conspicuous in
placing it there; and in the darkest hour of
danger or temptation not an Irish soldier ever
failed it or forgothis faith. You win find their
graves from Mexico to Alaska, from Maine to
Florida-in every mountain pass, and on every
ronte across the coptinent-with q simple in
scription, such Patrick Murphy or John
O'Briep, of such regiment, killed in hattie or
died of cholera, long ago, breaking the way
In the wilderness for-us to follow. But few
persons are aware how largely we are indebted
to Irishmen for the battles we have won, the
countries have gained, and few citizens
know thatthe Republic has shownits gratitude
by promoting from theranks more Irish soldiers
than Of all other nationalities put together
Take the First Artillery for instance we have
five Irish officers promoted from the ranks for
gallanfry--just i've times as many as from any
other foreign lands, and ut the head of the list
StAnas the gallant General Jackson, cool, brave
and skillfuL Whom The General commanding
the army TO which tho negro corps was attach.
cd had them in tho field, he was not satisfied
with the General commanding them, 90 he |
removed him and no placed them under General |
jackson. He know that If there was any fight |
in the dsrkies, an Lishmsn was the man to |
bring it out, and, gentlemen, was mot dis |
appointed. Other regiments In our army show |
the large majority Of irish officers who bsys
won their spurs BY hard fighting; among whom
are the Nolans, Dorghertys, Mnrphys, O'Con-
nors, O'Connels, o'Donohues, Msaghers, O'Mal-
1saye Rafertys, McMahons, Sweenys, Barrys
Washes, Kecghes, Jacksons and . hundred
others. An Officer who was present ct the
battle Of Antictam told mo that the fighting of
the Irish Brigade was perfectly magnificent;
that In moving forward after they had closed
their gaps, which they did without q WAIVER.
they left almost line of battle of dead and
wounded. Another who fought against them
described to me the fighting of the regular
Brigade at Stone River He said it was the
prettiest lighting he ever saw; they held the
turning point of the battle in moro than one
sense Of the word, for all to the right of them
were routed They were ordered to fall back
to cover the retreating wing, and they did it
as II they were on drill, turning to deliver
their fire so coolly and steadily, that he said,
''We didn't think it healthy to charge them
again." But gentlemen, in our army Irishmen
have taken high stand for other qualities
chan that OF mere bravery or skill in battle.
One of our best works on military law is from
IN Irtihi officer here and who that ever sat by
. camp FIRE, or hustled ont ut the long roll viii
Havens, oh r FROM the pen ofthel genial whole
souled O,Brien, of the old First Infantry
Indeed, in love or war, song Of story, there arc
none ahead Of Irishmen: Some think they
can't help it; Others, like Kathleen, who ac-
connted for her large family 70 the disconsoiate
Countess who hadn't any, think maybe, It's
the praties.s You know the Countess begaed
ksssls sss s6 ss Rs ssS MINI
lrishmcn, in either love or war are stSnper
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