Through American and Irish Wars: The Life and Times of General Thomas W. Sweeny 1820-1892

Description

This biography traces the life of Thomas W Sweeny who, born in Cork, came to America at the age of twelve with his mother. His life was one of war and adventure and also shows the way in which the Irish became prominently involved in events such as the Mexican War, the Indian wars, the settlement of California, the Civil War and ultimately in post-Civil War Fenian efforts toward the liberation of Ireland. Sweeny, who rose from a Lieutenant of Volunteers to the rank of General in the US Army, was the Fenian Secretary of War and the designer of the 1866 Fenian invasion attempt on Canada. The book captures the rugged, spirited times during which a large population of Irish settled into American geographical and cultural space.

Table of Contents

Foreword

1. ‘Whistle Up the Marching Tune’

2. The Infernal Desert. 1849-53

3. The Sioux Expedition and St. Louis Towards War, 1854-61

4. The Battle at Wilson’s Creek, 1861

5. Shiloh to Atlanta, 1861-65

6. Commanding the Armies of Ireland: The Fenian Invasion, 1866

7. Canada Aftermath, The Later Years

Bibliography

About the Author

Jack Morgan teaches American Studies in the English Department University of Missouri-Rolla. He is the author of The Biology of Horror: Gothic Literature and Film (2002) and The Irish Stories of Sarah Orne Jewett (1996).