In April 1861, Irish Immigrants Rush to Enlist in the 9th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

On April 15, 1861, threes days after the attack on Ft. Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, by Rebel forces, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation seeking 75,000 volunteers to join the Union Army.

Two days later, the Boston Evening Transcript reported, "Upon the application of several prominent adopted citizens, Governor John Andrew empowered Dr. T.R Smith to raise an Irish regiment of 1,000 men. A large number have already volunteered."

Irish immigrant Thomas Cass of Boston's North End began recruiting Irish immigrants to form the Massachusetts 9th regiment. The volunteers came largely from Boston and the nearby towns of Salem, Milford, Marlboro and Stoughton. A total of 1,727 men enlisted.

The Irish volunteers encamped on Long Island in Boston Harbor through May, and on June 11 the Regiment was mustered into service.

The 9th enjoyed a big send-off on June 25, 1861, when the troops made their way from Long Island to Long Wharf in Boston, then marched to Boston Common, where Governor Andrew welcomed them, thanking the leaders Colonel Thomas Cass and Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Guiney.

Governor Andrew presented them with flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the regiment was also permitted to carry its own Irish flag, which was donated by Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis. The flag is now part of the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House.

The regiment fought bravely at many battlefronts during the Civil War, including Malvern Hill and Gettysburg. The regiment returned to Boston on June 13, 1864 and was mustered out on June 21, 1864.

A statue dedicated to Thomas Cass in the Public Garden is part of Boston's IrishHeritageTrail.com

For year round details on Irish cultural events, visit IrishBoston.org.

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