|
The famous Fighting 69th NY regiment stormed down Malvern Hill screaming in Gaelic "Clear the Way!" as they mixed it up with the rambunctious Louisiana Tigers. The 10th LA, also composed of many recent immigrants from Ireland, engaged in a new fratricidal hand-to-hand struggle with their northern brethen.
This frenetic "donnybrook" in the July 1st 1862 dusk was the last conflict in rear-guard action at this storied battlefield thus insuring safe Union Army passage to Harrison's Landing. For the Confederate Army the retreat meant the gates of Richmond were secure for another 3 years.
|