Someone had to fill the void, to lead the Irish. No sooner had Meagher returned to New York than requests poured in for him to take up where Corcoran had left off. Orator, barrister, scholar, journalist, revolutionary, adventurer and part-time soldier he was, but a commanding military officer? His little Zouave unit of volunteers had put up a fight at Bull Run, yes, but they’d been routed along with the other New Yorkers. Still, there would be no sitting out this war for Meagher. After a few days at home, he went back to Washington to look after the wounded from the 69th.
