2nd Manassas Valor on Chinn Ridge

Andy Cardinal

1st Lieutenant
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The 75th Ohio, part of McLean's brigade, stood on Chinn Ridge on the afternoon of August 30. Confronting Longstreet's onslaught, the Ohioans knew that it was going to be a very tough day. Lieutenant George Fox turned to Mike Brady, the color bearer, and said, "They will get the Colors today." Brady replied, "If they get the flag, they'll get Old Mike. Now mind that Lieutenant."

Mike Brady was 21 years old. He was born in Cavan, Ireland, in 1840. His mother died in 1848 and Mike and his father came to United States soon thereafter.

Standing only 5'4" tall, Brady was unusually short for a color bearer.

The 75th Ohio, along with the rest of McLean's brigade was overwhelmed on Chinn Ridge. They did not stand much of a chance. During the brief fight, the 75th's flag was hit at least 90 times. Brady was hit in the chest. He managed to sit up and hold the flag upright despite his wound.

Captain Andrew Harris, who later commanded the regiment, ran to save the flag. He said he had to pry Mike Brady's fingers from what was left of the staff. The flag was not captured.

Mike Brady died in Washington on September 5. Lt. Fox wrote to Brady's father:

Dear Sir

I am called upon to announce to you the sorrowful news of Michael, your son. In the action of Aug 29th [actually August 30] while boldly leading the Regt with our Glorious Stars & Stripes he was struck by a bullet in the right breast, the ball passing clean through his body. He was taken off the field but could not be attended to that night. The next day he was taken as I am informed by the Doctors to Washington City. Michael was loved by all who knew him. From our Colonel who commands this Brigade to the Private he is known to be a good brave whole souled soldier. The Colonel has repeatedly asked if he has been heard from and how he is getting along. The Company suffers a severe loss. I believe I can say of him something that i cannot of any other member of the Company. That is he has never had a quarrelsome work with anybody– nor has he been at any time reprimanded for neglect or non performance of duty. Father at one time came into Western Va to carry home the money of the Reg. as his passage back was a dangerous one some men were chosen to escort him among which was Michael. Every letter I receive from Father he makes mention of him and speaks of the hardships they were required to submit to and the especial kindness he paid him. As I have more letters to write to the friends of my killed and wounded I must close. Anything further I may gain in reference to him I shall communicate it to you...."


Sources:
Irishamericancivilwar.com
"If They Get the Flag, They'll Get Old Mike"
Patchin, Second Manassas
 
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Thanks for posting this. The 75th got the short end of the stick again on May 2, 1863 at Chancellorsville. The reports sent back by its CO, Col Robert Reily, to XI HQ fell on deaf ears and he did his best to prepare his unit for Jackson's flank attack. They suffered significant casualties, including their CO. And - against all odds - it happened to them once more at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. The 75th is Exhibit A for the case that brave men were sacrificed due to the incompetence of higher-ups.
 

The 75th Ohio, part of McLean's brigade, stood on Chinn Ridge on the afternoon of August 30. Confronting Longstreet's onslaught, the Ohioans knew that it was going to be a very tough day. Lieutenant George Fox turned to Mike Brady, the color bearer, and said, "They will get the Colors today." Brady replied, "If they get the flag, they'll get Old Mike. Now mind that Lieutenant."

Mike Brady was 21 years old. He was born in Cavan, Ireland, in 1840. His mother died in 1848 and Mike and his father came to United States soon thereafter.

Standing only 5'4" tall, Brady was unusually short for a color bearer.

The 75th Ohio, along with the rest of McLean's brigade was overwhelmed on Chinn Ridge. They did not stand much of a chance. During the brief fight, the 75th's flag was hit at least 90 times. Brady was hit in the chest. He managed to sit up and hold the flag upright despite his wound.

Captain Andrew Harris, who later commanded the regiment, ran to save the flag. He said he had to pry Mike Brady's fingers from what was left of the staff. The flag was not captured.

Mike Brady died in Washington on September 5. Lt. Fox wrote to Brady's father:

Dear Sir

I am called upon to announce to you the sorrowful news of Michael, your son. In the action of Aug 29th [actually August 30] while boldly leading the Regt with our Glorious Stars & Stripes he was struck by a bullet in the right breast, the ball passing clean through his body. He was taken off the field but could not be attended to that night. The next day he was taken as I am informed by the Doctors to Washington City. Michael was loved by all who knew him. From our Colonel who commands this Brigade to the Private he is known to be a good brave whole souled soldier. The Colonel has repeatedly asked if he has been heard from and how he is getting along. The Company suffers a severe loss. I believe I can say of him something that i cannot of any other member of the Company. That is he has never had a quarrelsome work with anybody– nor has he been at any time reprimanded for neglect or non performance of duty. Father at one time came into Western Va to carry home the money of the Reg. as his passage back was a dangerous one some men were chosen to escort him among which was Michael. Every letter I receive from Father he makes mention of him and speaks of the hardships they were required to submit to and the especial kindness he paid him. As I have more letters to write to the friends of my killed and wounded I must close. Anything further I may gain in reference to him I shall communicate it to you...."


Sources:
Irishamericancivilwar.com
"If They Get the Flag, They'll Get Old Mike"
Patchin, Second Manassas

A sad tale in one way but also an interesting story on one mans part in the war. I'm trying to find records of the man in our census records, there was a census in 1841 so he could be there somewhere if he was born in 1840.
 
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