New Creek Va Nov 11^th 62—

Hd. Qrs. Irish Brigade

Camp Commiskey—

 

Dear Captain

                        Dont think I've neglected you because I am only now replying to yours of the 26^th of Sept^r Most of the time since has been passed in business at Washington returning the day before yesterday. Matters look very distracted in the Capitol and before we reach the New Year we shall witness a great many surprising changes. And in most of the present cases I am not certain but that a change is an improvement. But first let me congratulate you upon entering the service and congratulate the service upon getting you. I am proud of the honor you have done me in christening your Company "The Mulligan Guards". Many reports of their muscle and discipline have reached me and I am confident that under their present leadership they will do daring things. No man in this war has more thrilling incentives than an Irishman. At every blow he repays the Republic for sheltering his exile and reflects back again his father's grave thanks for the Irish blood transmitted him—blood that has been the honor and wealth of every land.

 

            While in Washington I had a pleasant interview with Gen^l Shields—a man that long since should have been a Maj Gen^l commanding a Dep^t. Think a moment: what a dazzling thing it would be: an Irish Division thirty thousand strong led by Shields and brigaded under Meagher Corcoran M^cQuade Nugent and Sweeney. It would cut its way from the Ohio to the Gulf right through the vitals of this rebellion. There's not a man in power to-day but knows this and yet there's no division. Shields is in forced idleness M^cQuade and Nugent are unrewarded / and Irishmen scattered through all the Army are struggling bitterly and gloriously renewing the proud achievements that have made the song and history of our beautiful land.

 

            But I hope for better plans quickly. I have faith in the President, faith that he will see the virtue and necessity of these things when certain uneasy and vain gentlemen stand out of the light And New York and Illinois have made a very decided request the other day (Nov 4) that it be done. But I will not trouble you more with these things at Washington but ask you to New Creek. Two days ago three of our Companies, the Mulligan Battery and several hundred Cavalry all under Gen^l Kelly engaged the enemy and routed him—capturing many prisoners and much property Our men made a forced march of sixty miles and burst up the enemy's camp at daylight

 

            Give my warmest regards to Father Dunn. Remember me kindly to Captⁿ Barnett and the Officers of the Reg^t with whom I am acquainted. Hoping soon to hear from you: or better to meet you and the Legion on these Virginian fields

 

                                                                                                I am Your Friend

                                                                                                Jas. A. Mulligan

Capt P. Flynn

            Mulligan Gd^s Dunne Legion

                        Chicago           Ills.

SOURCES