Rebel Sons of Erin

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Historical Information

They too fought for the Cause. America’s Irish community – like so many other Americans – was divided by the Civil War. Irish volunteers in the North achieved fame through the battlefield exploits of units like “Meagher’s Irish Brigade.” Less known, but no less fervent in their patriotism, were Southern Irishmen – who promptly took up arms in defense of the South and Southern Independence.

Most prominent among Irish Confederate commanders was General Patrick R. Cleburne, and among the best-known Irish Confederates were the troops of the 10th Tennessee, C.S.A. Outfitted in new uniforms trimmed in red, and equipped with British Tower muskets from the War of 1812, they endured a regimental baptism of fire during the Fort Donelson Campaign of 1862.

At 1:25 p.m., on Thursday, February 13, 1862, the 10th Tennessee (Irish) engaged the enemy at Erin Hollow near Dover, Tennessee. It was the only combat the troops would experience as a full regiment. Shoulder-to-shoulder beneath their regimental flag of Irish green, they poured fire into the Federal ranks. Their well-crafter uniforms had been supplied by one of their own – Lieutenant Colonel Randal W, McGavock – an affluent former Nashville mayor who had outfitted the entire regiment. Into battle with him went McGavock’s personal battle-flag, which served as reminder to this troops that he was with them.

McGavock was a stirring presence at Erin Hollow. Observed historian Ed Gleeson in his book Rebel Sons of Erin: “There was a big, mounted, red-haired officer in a red-and-gold trimmed uniform, with a green feather in the red lining of his gray hat, pointing a sword that flashed in the afternoon sun. Above him at a higher point on the hill was a green flag, with white shamrocks, flapping in the Tennesee wind.”

They were the defenders of their Southern homeland.

They were the Rebel Sons of Erin.

Source: Mort Kunstler[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]