Thomas Francis Meagher

(1823 - 1867)
Home State: New York
Command Billet: Brigade Commander
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps

see his Battle Report

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He was an Irish independence activist, served time as a (British) convict in Tasmania (Australia), and escaped to the US in 1852. Here he was a lawyer, lecturer, and political leader for Irish immigrants. In 1861 he organised a company in the 69th New York Militia and was appointed Major. He fought at First Bull Run. He then organised the Irish Brigade in New York, and in February 1862 was appointed BGen. of Volunteers commanding the 2nd ("Irish") Brigade/ 1st Division/Second (II) Corps at Yorktown, Seven Pines, Seven Days, and Second Bull Run.

In the Antietam Campaign:
He continued in command of the the 2nd ("Irish") Brigade in the First Division of Richardson's Second (II) Corps. During the assault of his Brigade on the Sunken Road, he roported that his horse was shot out from under him and he was stunned in the fall. Army and newspaper rumors suggested that whiskey caused the fall. Whichever it was, he was relieved in Brigade command by Col J. Burke of the 63rd New York. You may also want to see Meagher's Official Report about the battle, and a special Feature here at AotW.

The remainder of the War:
He led the Brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and resigned in May 1863 (not accepted). He later held various positions in the West, and commanded a Provisional Division in the Carolinas campaign.

After the War:
He was Territorial secretary (acting governor) for Montana for a year until his death.

More on the Web:
For a more detailed biography see also the Meagher Biography at Shotgun's Civil War page.

Place of Birth: County Waterford, Ireland
Burial Place: unknown: drowned in Missouri River, Montana

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