KELLY'S IRISH BRIGADE

Via Carl

 

Capt. Joseph Kelly, an Irish immigrant, organized the Washington Blues in 1857. In November 1860, Kelly's men went to western Missouri to repel Kansas invaders, and were among the earliest volunteers in Sterling Price's Missouri State Guard. In 1861, as a regiment in the 6th Division of the Missouri State Guard, Kelly's men participated in the battles at Carthage, Wilson's Creek (where Kelly was wounded) and Lexington; in 1862 they were at the Battle of Pea Ridge. Later, most of the regiment joined the 5th Missouri (CSA), which fought in Mississippi and other western battles, including the Atlanta campaign. Only 23 of the 125 men who enlisted in Kelly's regiment in 1861 returned to St. Louis at the end of the war.

... The song Kelly’s Irish Brigade is really a conversation between Irish immigrants, claiming that "true Irishmen" should be fighting for the Southern cause.

Lyrics to: Kelly’s Irish Brigade

Listen all ye that hold communion
With Southern Confederates who are bold,
And I will tell you of some men for the Union
Who in northern ranks were enrolled;
They came to Missouri in their glory
And thought at their might we’d be dismayed;
But they soon had a different story
When they met Kelly’s Irish Brigade.

CHORUS:
When they met with the Irish Brigade me boys
When they met with the Irish Brigade
Didn’t those cowardly Lincolnites tremble
When they met with the Irish Brigade.

They have called us rebels and traitors,
But themselves have thrown off that name of late.
They were called it by the English invaders
At home in the eve of ninety eight
The name to us is not a new one though,
‘Tis one that shall never degrade
Any true-hearted Irishmen
In the ranks of Kelly’s Irish Brigade.

CHORUS

Well they dare not call us invaders,
‘Tis but state rights and liberty we ask;
And Missouri, we will ever defend her,
No matter how hard may be the task.
Then let true Irishmen assemble,
Let the voice of Missouri be obeyed;
And the northern fanatics will tremble
When again they meet Kelly’s Irish Brigade.

CHORUS