Letters to the Editor — March 2019

Originally published March 2019 · p. 2

Letter to the Editor: I enjoyed Leon Reed’s article “New York State Militia/Hiram Roosa’s Collection.” Since my family was involved in the New York State Militia at the time, I hope Mr. Reed does not mind if I provide a side bar. Mr. Reed is correct when he wrote, “Of all the northern states, New York was the one that took military affairs most seriously.” Well, there was more than one reason New York State gave such strong support to its militia; it was the Irish and the Fenian Brotherhood. Some, not all, were Irish Regiments and some of them were training in hopes of returning to Ireland to cause trouble for the English. Some Irish Regiments at the time were the 9th, 69th, 7th, and 12th. New York Governor Fish even gave the Irish regiments the right to wear green uniform coats in 1849. The 69th wore their green coats for the first time on February 25, 1853. My great grandfather’s regiment, the 69th New York Militia, was later nicknamed the Fighting 69th by General Lee. Col. Corcoran, the acting leader of the New York State Fenian Brotherhood, was elected as its commanding officer. The Irish political power was so strong, that the State of New York even allowed the 69th to train as artillerymen, since they could raise infantry in Ireland, but not artillery. Then, on April 12, 1861, the South fired on Fort Sumter and Irish regiments went to war to preserve the union. Steve Reilly Lost Mountain, Georgia Letter to the Editor: “Let Them Rest” by Gould Hagler. I’d like to thank Mr. Hagler for his fine piece on Confederate Statues. He points out the Smithsonian’s Magazine article on this topic and it’s falsehoods. He also points out the Smithsonian partnering with “The Nation Institute” a far left wing group that is far below the dignity and standards of the Smithsonian that we expect. This article and others in the February 19 issue were great—as always. Bob Brewer Gaithersburg, MD