Eugene McGrath

He came to America at age 3, trained as a shoemaker, and was a builder in New York. He was a member of militia Companies in New York City before the war. Age 44, he enrolled 7 May 1861 in New York City and mustered as Captain, Company B, 38th New York Infantry on 3 June. He was wounded in action at Bull Run, VA on 21 July 1861 and was recruiting in New York City for the 38th Infantry by the end of August, but was discharged for disability on 14 September 1861.

He returned to active service on 12 March 1862 when he was commissioned Captain, Company F, 5th New York Heavy Artillery.

He commanded the battery and was captured with them in action at Harpers Ferry on 15 September 1862. At the surrender on the morning of the 15th

poor Eugene McGrath involuntarily exclaims to his men, tears filling his eyes at the time, Boys we've got no country now.

He was wounded in action in September or October 1864, place not given. He was promoted to Major of the regiment on 3 February 1864 to rank from 29 December 1863. He resigned his commission on 21 February 1865.

Basic service from the Adjutant General.1 Personal details and the quote above from the Boston Pilot of 11 October 1862, online from the Boston College Library. His 1861 recruiting service from a notice in the New York Times of 28 August 1861.

c. 1817; Dungannon, County Tyrone, IRELAND