Few brigades of the Civil War can boast of a record as distinguished as that of New York's 69th, yet it has never fully received the attention warranted by its record of military excellence, distinctive reputation, and the unusual perspective its members brought to the Civil War. In fact, the 69th was engaged in nearly every major action of the eastern theater; its military reputation was well deserved and its combat casualties, which are some of the highest of the war, are testimony to the soldiers' collective bravery and patriotism. In his post as war correspondent for the New York Herald, Capt. David Power Conygham was required to be an eyewitness to the many battles on which he reported - some of the experiences he would later describe when writing the history of the Irish Brigade. Conygham's account of the Irish Brigade is one of the best - filled with vivid accounts of battle, wit and humor, and an appendix of scrupulously gathered biographical data on the men who served the unit.

Of all the units that fought in the Civil War, the Irish Brigade seems to be the most recognized. Comprised of troops from New York who were mostly Irish-Catholics, this unit proved itself in some of the most important battles of the war. A principal player in this unit was the chaplin, Father William Corby. Through his devotions and his willingness to be ever-present at the encampments, as well as at the front, the souls of the Irish Brigade were always cared for. A combination biography, history of the Irish Brigade, day-to-day look into the lives of Civil War soldiers, and reflection on the Catholic faith, this book is wonderfully written in Corby's own words. All the aspects of his life come together here. Recommended for public and academic libraries.

"Very seldom does one come across so inspiring a volume. . . . It belongs in every Irish-American library. . . . Anyone with an interest in the Civil War and/or the history of the Irish in America should own a copy of this very fine work." -Irish Edition

"Very seldom does one come across so inspiring a volume. . . . It belongs in every Irish-American library. . . . Anyone with an interest in the Civil War and/or the history of the Irish in America should own a copy of this very fine work." -Irish Edition