On June 25, 1861, the Irish 9th Massachusetts Regiment Received the State Flag from Governor John Andrew Before Going to War

Civil War Regiment on Tremont Street, Courtesy of Omni Parker House

On Tuesday, June 25, 1861, the Massachusetts Ninth Irish Regiment was officially received at the Massachusetts State House by Governor John Andrew, who presented the volunteers with the state flag before they headed off to fight in the American Civil War.  The regiment had been officially mustered into service two weeks earlier on June 11, 1861.

That morning the regiment left Long Island in Boston Harbor, “fully uniformed armed and equipped,” and landed at Long Wharf, where they were “greeted by an immense crowd of people, Led by Patrick S. Gilmore's Band and Mooney's Juvenile Drum Corps and escorted by various Irish societies of Boston, the 9th regiment of 1,020 men marched up State Street toward the State House, wrote Daniel G. MacNamara in his book, History of the 9th Mass. Volunteers, first published in 1899:

“The route to the State House on both sides of the streets and sidewalks was one mass of people men women and children. The reception accorded the regiment all the way was most enthusiastic; it was an ovation of continued cheers and hand clapping. On reaching the State House on Beacon Street, the crowd was so dense that the men found difficulty in marching through it; line was formed after a while and the Governor shortly appeared surrounded by his staff officers State officials and others."

The 9th regiment had been formed in April that year by Irish immigrant Thomas Cass, who had heeded the call by President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation seeking 75,000 volunteers to join the Union Army. It consisted almost entirely of Irish-born and Irish-American men from Boston, Milford, Salem, Marlboro and Stoughton.

The 9th regiment began training at Faneuil Hall in April before moving to more spacious training grounds on Long Island in May.

 At the June 25th ceremony, Governor Andrew said to the regiment and the assembled crowd:

“Mr. Commander, I thank you and through you this splendid regiment which you sir have the honor to command and which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is proud to register among the first six regiments of its volunteer contingent, for the happy opportunity of a few moments interview and for the parting congratulations between us on the eve of your departure for the seat of war.

“The progress of the enlistment of your men and the appointment of the time of your departure have been the subject of the deepest solicitude. I understand, sir, that like yourself, a majority, if not nearly all of your command, derive their origin either by birth or directly by descent from another country than this.

“As religion makes no distinction in the human family, so the United States of America knows no distinction between its native born citizens and those born in other countries. In one common tide flows the blood of a common humanity inherited by us all, and into our hearts by the inspiration of the Almighty has been breathed a common understanding.

“To you and all your soldiers from all the inhabitants of this land today begins an indebtedness which it will take long to discharge and by future generations will you be remembered. Inspired, sir, by the purposes of patriotism, you as adopted citizens will know no other allegiance than that due to the United States of America now the mother of us all.

“When you look on the Stars and Stripes you can remember that you are American citizens; when you look on this venerable ensign you can remember your wives and families in Massachusetts. Take this as a pledge of affectionate care from the State of your kindred and homes and of the sincere and undying interest which its people feel and will ever feel for you. In the utmost confidence in your patriotism and valor we send you forth as citizens of Massachusetts assured that her honor will never be disgraced by the countrymen of Emmet and O Connell."

The Governor's speech was received with "great enthusiasm and cheers" from the assembled crowd.

Five days later, the 9th Regiment had arrived in Washington, DC and proceeded to serve the Union while representing Massachusetts for two full years, fighting in numerous battles. The regiment returned to Boston on June 13, 1864 and was mustered out on June 21, 1864.

Statue of Thomas Cass in Boston Public Garden

Colonel Thomas Cass himself was mortally wounded at the Battle of Malvern Hill, and brought back to Boston, where he died on July 12, 1862. He is buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. 

The Fighting Ninth served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, and in World War I, when it was renamed the 101st Infantry Regiment and led by Colonel Edward L. Logan of South Boston, for whom Logan International Airport is named. 

In World War II the regiment, still known as the Fighting Irish, was led by Colonel Paul G. Kirk, whose son, Paul G. Kirk, Jr. became the Massachusetts U.S. Senator in 2009 after the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

The Fighting Ninth was phased out on May 1, 1959, with its final review taking place on Boston Common on April 26, 1959. 

Today, the 9th Irish Flag are on display at the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House, and are part of Boston's Irish Heritage Trail. 

For year round information on Boston Irish history and heritage, visit IrishHeritageTrail.com