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The integral part played by New York’s 69th Regiment is still recognised every 17 March when they lead the St Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan; and each December, as crowds gather in Fredericksburg, Virginia to commemorate the demise, more than 130 years ago, of the 69th and the other regiments of the Irish brigades on Mayre’s Heights. 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 theatre; 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. Captain David Power Conygham had careers in both Ireland and America. Throughout the course of his life he served as a revolutionary leader, novelist, war correspondent, newspaper editor, government bureaucrat, and historian. Conygham was bestowed an honorary membership by the 69th’s colourful commander, Thomas Francis Meagher and saw action during his brief service as the commander’s aide-de-camp. In his post as war correspondent for the New York Herald 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. He fleshed out the rest of the story by relying on the records of others. Conygham’s account of the Irish Brigade is filled with vivid accounts of battle, wit and humour, and the book contains an appendix of biographical data on the men who served in the unit. Capturing the Irish nationalist perspective, Conygham preserves the valorous record of the brigade.
