Irish Green and Union Blue: The Civil War Letters of Peter Welsh, Color Sergeant, 28th Massachusetts

The Irish in the Civil War

by Peter Welsh, Lawrence Frederick Kohl (Editor)

"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

Genres: Civil War, History, American

170 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Mary Elizabeth Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My wound is slight" is the most positive spin on a fractured bullet in an arm you could make, which reveals the kind of person Peter Welsh was. Civil War letters are top notch.

[Shelly♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Welsh was an Irish Immigrant who enlisted in the 28th MA in 1862 under duress. These letters, compiled by a relative are written primarily to his wife but also a few to other family members. They tell the story of his enlistment with the 28th MA, his thoughts on the war, and his concern for his wife. At times they are mundane (much like the day to day life of a soldier), but they are a true reflection of a soldier's life. His serving in the Irish Brigade may make it more interesting to certain readers, but his details of the Irish component of his service are limited. The editors added many footnotes to these letters to help explain and contextualize situations - both army and personal where known.

Highly recommend to enthusiasts of the Civil War.

[Damian Shiels · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Irish accounts of the war, and an example of how Irish-Americans were just as much a part of 19th century Irish communities as the Irish-born themselves.