Irish Regulars in the Wheatfield.

[Manassas 1861]

I have heard that the US Regulars had more Irishman than Kelly's Irish Brigade at Gettysburg. This seems likely considering the Irish brigade was only 500 men, and around 46% of the Regular Army were foreign born, largely from Germany and Ireland. Were there actually more Irish in the Regular brigades at Gettysburg, then the actual Irish Brigade? I learned this when I went to see the LR when the did the 69th NY event, would just like to know what you guys think.

 

[Dan Kohli]

This might be a stupid question, but, Are we going by percentage or by actual numbers?

 

[Cavalier]

That an interesting question, and worth looking into in my opinion. I would say off the top on head that it certainly would have been very possible.

John

 

[Manassas 1861]

This might be a stupid question, but, Are we going by percentage or by actual numbers?

Actual numbers

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

I have heard that the US Regulars had more Irishman than Kelly's Irish Brigade at Gettysburg. This seems likely considering the Irish brigade was only 500 men, and around 46% of the Regular Army were foreign born, largely from Germany and Ireland. Were there actually more Irish in the Regular brigades at Gettysburg, then the actual Irish Brigade? I learned this when I went to see the LR when the did the 69th NY event, would just like to know what you guys think.

I would like to see some statistics that show German immigrant enlistment in the regular army. Based on my own research I would guess that number is greatly inflated.

 

[Tom Elmore]

I figure the two Regular brigades together had more Irish-born soldiers, although admittedly it is based on a rather unscientific method. In the following calcuations I assume the casualties randomly represent the unit as a whole in terms of birth country:

In the two Regular brigades, I list 50 casualties whose birthplace was Ireland. Busey and Martin's Regimental Strengths shows 829 casualties out of a total engaged strength of 2,507 in the two brigades. Therefore the Irish-born comprise at least 6.03 percent (50/829) of the casualties, which extrapolating, indicates the two brigades together had at least 151 Irish-born men (.0603 X 2,507) in them.

As for the Irish brigade, I list 33 casualties whose birthplace was Ireland. Busey and Martin's Regimental Strengths shows 198 casualties out of a total engaged strength of 532 in that brigade. Therefore the Irish-born comprise at least 16.67 percent (33/198) of the casualties, which extrapolating, indicates the Irish brigade had at least 88 Irish-born men (.1667 X 532).

Of course, here we are comparing two brigades against one, which is not quite fair, right?

 

[Manassas 1861]

I would like to see some statistics that show German immigrant enlistment in the regular army. Based on my own research I would guess that number is greatly inflated.

I understand your point. In my opinion it seems likely that Germans enlisted in the Regulars, as many Germans came to the US after the failed revolution of 1848. Just like how many irish fled to the US after the Potato Famine.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

I understand your point. In my opinion it seems likely that Germans enlisted in the Regulars, as many Germans came to the US after the failed revolution of 1848. Just like how many irish fled to the US after the Potato Famine.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but I would need to see the evidence to believe it.

Language was a large obstacle for many, which was the impetus for so many German companies and regiments. Additionally one of the main reasons I've seen for emigration is to avoid conscription. It would make sense to me that Germans would flock to volunteer, for 90 days to 3 years, serving with comrades from similar cultural backgrounds, to put down the rebellion. But much less so to enlist for 5 years and serve with/under who knows whom.

 

[SJU]

I'm traveling at the moment but I know Irish historian Damian Shiels had something about this on his website. I think he wrote that there were more Irish born Regulars at the Wheatfield in comparison to the Irish Brigade.

Irish in the American Civil War

Exploring Irish Emigration in the 19th Century United States

irishamericancivilwar.com

I can't check at the moment but if you search his site you'll get your answer.

 

[SJU]

Saw this at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. Same time frame as the ACW.

 

[RedRover]

Some Good information on the Regular troops in the wheatfield fighting...

Sykes' Regulars | Gettysburg

In another thread, @MackCW mentioned an ancestor John Marr John Marr was shot in the back at Gettysburg when his regiment was ordered to about face and march away from Wofford's Georgians. I believe, but have not yet confirmed, that this John Marr was a member of the 17th US Regulars. Being...

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