The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1882-09-24
the Irish actually did on the battle field of the

the Irish actually did on the battle field OF the
Revolution. In the evidence taken before q
committee Of the House Of Commons on the
conduct of tho American war. 1t was stated. In
answer to n question by Edmund Burke. and
on tho authority Of Gen. Lee. that half the
rebel Continental army were from Ireland"
Evidence to the Same effect is supplied by the
official register OF the officers and men from
New Jersey who took part in the Revolutionary
war. The number OF Irish names appearing in
the list is mos remarkable. Not only were the
rank and fle OF tho Continental army largely
composed OF Irish. but very many Of the
most distinguished Generals were OF Celtic
birth or descent. Thus Richard Mont
gomery. the first General of the Cont
mental army who fell in the struggle.
was born in County Donegal; MaiorGeneral
Anthony Wayne. known as Mad Anthony"
on account Of his reckless valor. was the son Of
Irish parents so was Major Gen. Knox. who
throughout tho contest was actively engaged
as an artillery officer. and who subsequently
occupied the post OF Secretary Of War in Wash
ingtons Administration. John Barry. the first
Commodore OF the American navy. was born in
County Wexford the three brothers. John.
Daniel, and Ebenezer Sullivan, who were con-
spicuous figures throughout the Revolutionary
period were OF Irish blood. John Stark was
the son OF one Of the earliest Irish colonists OF
New Hampshire. and in looks. gesture. and
brogue was as Irish rs IL he had been reared
in Cork. Gen Walter Stewart came to America
from Londonderry; Gen. William Irvine Of the
Pennsylvania line. and Gen. William Thomp-
son. who commanded the American forces in
the battle OF Trois Rivieres. in Canada.
we're both natives Of Ireland. Gen. Edward
Hand. who became Adjutant- General Of the
Continental forces. was Of Irish descent. and
Brig. -Gen. Moylan was born in the south OF
Ireland. 1t would be impossible to go through
the roll OF Irish names that adorn the military
history OF the Revolution. but it should be
noted that Irishmen furnished material as
sistance in all important ways When. for in
stance. the bank of Pennsylvania was estab-
lished for supplying the army with provisions.
ninety three firms and individuals subscribed
$500 600 Of which more than n third was con-
tributed by twenty seven members Of the
Society OF the Friendly Sons OF st. Patrick. 1t
is further pointed out by the author OF this
volume that when the Declaration Of Indepen-
dence was signed in the old hall in Philadel-
phia at least nine men Of Irish birth or Irish
descent put their names to the document.
1t is safe to say that If facts like these had
been properly set forth in the school books Of
the last generation. there would have been no
room for the outburst Of prejudice which gave
rise to the Native American movement. II the
large share taken by the Irish in the founda-
tion OF our national independence had been
rightly appreciated. the foolish attempt to os-
tracize them would have been repealed with
indignation, instead OF acquiring for q brief
time considerable political significance