The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-06-12
Sketches of tho Fsni.n Leaders.

The Chicago Repxblican gives the follow
facts concerning the late Fenian leaders:
O'Neil is now about thirty We years old.
He was born in the town of Dungannon,
Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1885, and came
to America when quite boy. He received
a good education, but his military instincts
led him into the American army long be-
fore the war. He served for eight years in
the old I'd Dragons, under Col. Robert E.
Lee. At the breaking out of the rebellion
O'Neil took the Union side, and, in COM
maDd of q mounted infantry company,
fought with Mcclellan from Yorktown to
Malvern Hill. He also served under Hun
ter at the first Bull Run. After the retreat
on Harrison's Landing, O'Neil was trans
ferred to the West, and obtained command
of company of cavalry, distinguishing
himself by several daring acts, for which
he received high COMMUNICATION from his
commanding officers. He was detailed to
drive John Morgan, the famed guerrilla,
from Kentucky. This O'Neill accomplished
in the spring of 1864, receiving the sword
OF Morgan upon his surrender in May of
that year. The remainder of the war
O'Neil served under Gen. Thomas, particle
pating in the battles of Franklin aud Nash
Vile. At the latter place the future Fenian
General was wounded severely, and was
laid up at Nashville for several months.
After this he was not heard of until one
snltry day in the beginning of June, 1866,
when the news came over the wires that
Col. O'Neil had invaded Canada at Fort
Erie. Then came the news Of the fight at
Ridgeway, in which he severely whipped a
superior number of Canadian Volunteers.
After accomplishing this feat O'Neil retired
on Fort Erie, where he was again attacked
by the British from Port Colborne. This
force he also thrashed, capturing nearly 200
and compelling the remainder to flight. On
the same night, finding that he was not
sustained by Gen. Sweeney, who had the
chief command, O'NeiI recrossed the river
under the noses of the British, Col. Pea
cocks three batteries of artillery and $500
regular troops, the English officers being
hoodwinked by o weak picket line which
was thrown out by the Fenian leader to
cover his retreat. In the midst of the Mia
CARA the returning Fenians were captured
by the United States authorities, and for
that time the movement was at an end.
On the retirement of Col. Roberts from the
was elected President, and since then has
labored hard for the movement which he is
now making on Canadian territory.
Hitherto he was considered an able Off
Ger, but his recent capture has plucked his
honors from him. Gen. Spear, aged thirty
During the rebellion he commanded bril-
gade in the Army of the Potomac. He is
pronounced one of the most efficient officers
in the entire Fenian army.
Gen. Gleason also commanded brigade
in the Army Of the Potomac. Col. Lewis had
a regiment of Vermont cavalry under his
command, and is by birth an American.
Gen. DOnnelly was native of Ireland,
and about 36 years of age. Daring the
war he commanded the 4th Michigan
Volunteers. Since he came East he has
resided in Providence, R. L., and Utica, N.
Y. He was Civil Engineer of the Locomo-
tive Works at Utica. He was considered
one of the ablest members of the present
Ferian Army. He was appointed speaker
of the Fenian Congress at their last ses-
sion, and has since been appointed chief of
the staff in the present Fenian organization.
Gen. Boyle O'Reilly was formerly Ser
geant Major in the British Army, but on
account of his connection with the Fenian
movement he was transported to Australia
in 1868. He made his escape to San
Francisco, and recently came to this city.
Col. III. LIE CarOn is a young man, and he
was Major in an Illinois regiment during
the war. He has seen service in the South
West. Col. Cosgrove is an ex United States
soldier of much ability, and he served
33 years of age, and is looked on with con-
fdence. -
Col. Starr served in the Rebellion in q
Kentucky regiment. He took active part
in the Fenian raid of 1866, and he is
generally considered an able soldier. " His
only weakness is q love for women" say
| his friends.
Col. Lyddy is Lieutenant Colonel of the
4th Regiment Fenian Volunteers, New
York City.
DIsGRAcEFUL SCENE IN PROTESTANT
CHuRCH.-A singular scene has just Oc-