Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1892-11-10

,,vnipg, the other the climax Of an Irish
sT;ls,s career. The pathway between was
not ali sunshine or there would be no ro-
lance TO follow, and OF course was not
all yelled in clouds.
General Sweeny landed in New York in
the tbirties, in family Of exiles from the
famine stricken island, and after n few
Gears of study in the public schools took
nm the printers trade. Those were the
Ssvs Of general training, when the national
militia made some show Of keeping the law,
and every large city boosted numerous
companies of organized soldiery. Sweeny
enrolled himself in band known as the
Spaxter Blues" and proved so good SOL
disr that at the beginning Of the Mexican
1sr he was elected lieutenant in the
Second New York volunteers. That regi-
ment marched and fought with Scott from
Vera Cruz TO the City OF Mexico, and
sweeny was in every battle up to Churu-
bnseo He was wounded there in the fierce
attack led by Gen. Shields against the
aapk Of Santa Annals army while the
regulars stormed the position in front.
The Mexicans fought Shields with unusual
desperation In order TO save their main line
from foe in the rear
The New Workers made a brilliant
charge lost heavily and came out covered
with glory. Sweeny's right arm was shat
tered above the elbow and was amputated
AZ the shoulder. On his arrival in New
York he was given a public reception at
Castle Garden theater, then the arena for
great ceremonies, and was loaded with
bonors. OF course the hand buried ut
Churubusco could no longer stick type,
and Uncle Sam kindly recognized the hero
stuff behind that empty sleeve with COM
mission in the regular army.
There was work in those days for the
regulars in making the far, far west habit
able for the venturesome white man, and
Sweeny's regiment-the Second infantry
was in the California gold fields almost as
soon as pick was stuck in the yellow
earth in 1919. The regiment was on the
Colorado couple Of years and built Fort
Yuma as a stronghold against the Coyote
and Yuma Indians, who kept the wsrpath
constantly, capturing and distressing the
settlers, II they did not do worse. In the
summer Of 1851 the Indians got between
the fort and the military base at San Diego
and the garrison was cut off from supplies
The commander saw no way out but u
fall back to San Diego but didn't intend
to give up the fort to the redskins Sweeny
was lieutenant in one'of the companies
and with a detachment of ten men wa:
left TO hold the fort until the main body
could march to San Diego and bring bach
help and material.
The retresting garrison was followed ny
by Indians, and shortly the country be
tween Fort Yuma and San Diego swarmeC
with hOstiles Sweeny's band was undei
Eege from June to Dec. Q, and would
have held ont until promised help came OF
starvation or massacre overlook them but
for the timely arrival OF force Of soldier
nom quarter unsupported by the be
hegers A government exploring expedi
ton under .silitary escort happened at thu
time to be at work on Colorado river 70
mote from the scene OF trouble, and on Civ
ing up their searches for the winter re
tired by the way Of Fort Yuma. The ex
porers were we'll provided for the march
and the two parties united made their wa,
to the military posts in spite Of the red
skins.
The exploit put Sweeny's name a pei
higher at the war Office. and In 1851 he wa
captain OF his company. In April he wa
assigned to duty at the st. Louis arsena
under major of southern proclivities
During the excitement following Sumte
The seceders Of the state tried to get pos