A Southern Missive

A Short Review: The Rogue’s March: John Riley and the St. Patrick’s Battalion, 1846-48

The Rogue’s March: John Riley and the St. Patrick’s Battalion, 1846-48 by Peter F. Stevens, (Potomac Books 2005) is a book that should be read by anyone who loves Irish history and heroes.  This very fine read is much more than just an historical account—it is an expose and condemnation of individual, philosophical, and governmental actions and policy during a crucial and volatile period of American history. Stevens’ research reveals many facts, files and other evidence that were previously unknown or denied in the myth-making that followed our “victory” in the Mexican War.

The back cover has this summary: “The Rogue’s March is the controversial true story of the U.S. Army deserters—the majority of them Irish immigrants—who fought valiantly for Mexico during the Mexican War.”

This book is also a vindication, a story of the Irish in America—of their suffering and persecution in their immigrant experience. It is a book that will make you rethink what you’ve been taught about the building of America, the people of Mexico, our war with Mexico, and especially the plight and predicament of the Irish-American in the mid-19th century.  The book is rich in allusions and in historical details that make John Riley and the men of the St. Patrick’s Battalion come alive. The 301 page book does include some photos, an appendix listing the men of the brigade, and excellent notes and bibliography.

I’ve already made a previous post concerning the St. Patrick’s Brigade, but once again I must say that this is a story that should be told, a story that has touched my own heart deeply.  I wonder: If I had been an Irishman of those days, persecuted for my faith, denied citizenship in the U. S. assaulted, abused and even tortured almost daily by Nativist officers, if I had been offered a commission, land, and freedom to worship, would I have taken the deal Mexico offered them? Perhaps I too would have gone over the hill to “march into the war’s major battles beneath a green silik banner emblazoned with gold-threaded images of St. Patrick, the harp of Erin, and a shamrock” (2). Here’s an interesting fact that Stevens brings out: “Of the nearly 40,000 regulars who saw duty during the conflict, a stunning 5,331, nearly 13 percent of the ranks—deserted” (3).

Of course, the U.S. won the Mexican War. Concerning the captured Irishmen serving as Mexican soldiers, the fifty who were hanged, and the fourteen who were whipped savagely and branded with D’s on their cheeks, (Riley had both cheeks branded) I would have to agree with Mexico that these men were heroes and deserve to be honored—not only in Mexico, but wherever the stories of Irish heroes are told.

Last week, I presented creative writing sessions and Celtic music to the Mississippi School of the Arts. I met so many wonderful and talented teachers and students. One student I met was Jamy Barnes, a fine poet. This post is devoted to her and is the first of several posts I’m going to devote to the students and faculty of the Mississippi School of the Arts.  Here is Jamy’s “official” biography:

Jamy Barnes is a Literary Arts senior at the Mississippi School of the Arts who graced the earth with her presence eighteen years ago. Born to Sonya Taylor and James Barnes, she has a brother and sister whose arguments and antics are constantly giving her new inspiration for pieces of writing. She prefers writing poetry because she can get away with slyly mentioning her infamous purple water bottle in a poem and it will seem like it’s meant to be there. She has a love for pigs and cats, both of which she refuses to eat. After graduation from high school, she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Library and Informational Sciences. Her poem “Ireland” was published in the first issue of Aerie International, a literary and visual arts magazine for high school students

“Ireland” by Jamy Barnes

I’ll go to Ireland
When the roses bloom next winter
And the bright red clover grows on the hills
When I go to Ireland
I’ll dance spasmodically in Dublin
With the untamed gypsy lizards
No snakes to worry about
Just that traveling heathen lizard
I’ll go to Ireland
When the dead doves open their wings
And the bright blue ferns create a wonderful bed
When I go to Ireland
I’ll sing praise at the Hill of Tara
With the stubborn purple hedgehog
Laughing in the fuchsia wind
Crying in the orange rain
All the while the few trees will
Groan in their sympathy
Heave in frustration
Let their papyrus leaves fall
To land on me.

Here’s a photo of the featured poet.

As I was driving to my parents house in Kemp, Oklahoma, a small town on the banks of the Red River, I was listening to 1,000 Kisses, a CD by Patty Griffin. I had heard one of her songs on the Americana station some time ago and more out of curiosity than anything, I purchased this CD. The song I’m posting is not the one I first heard, but it is the one I like best on her CD and the one I want to learn and add to my little music show. Here are the lyrics to this song (some sites on the Net say it was written by Bob Dylan). I follow the lyrics of each stanza with the chords. As most musicians can play songs they like by ear, you can hear when the chords change.  If the key is wrong for you, then transpose it. Evidently, a few others have recorded this song, so if you have a favorite version other than Patty’s, I’d like to know about it.

Tomorrow night will you remember what you said tonight?
Tomorrow night, will all the thrill be gone?
Tomorrow night will it be just another memory,
Or just another song that’s in my heart to linger on?

G, C, Cm, D7, G, Am7, D

G, C, Cm, D7, G

Your lips are so tender, your heart is beating fast
And you willingly surrender to me, to be my darling at last
Tomorrow night will you be with me when the moon is bright
Tomorrow night will you say those lovely things you said tonight?

D7, G, D7 G

G, C, Cm, D7, G

(Repeat each verse until your audience is weeping!)

Patty Griffin’s official website is here: