Sons of Erin Flag
The Tenth Tennessee regiment was formed in Nashville in April of 1861. One of the commanders was Randal McGavock , a former mayor of Nashville.
McGavock helped recruit recent immigrants (mostly from Ireland) who had helped elect him as mayor of Nashville in 1858. Because of the large number of Irishmen, this unit was named the “Sons of Erin,” since Erin is another name for the country of Ireland.
McGavock paid to outfit the regiment. The Ladies Soldiers Friend Society Nashville sewed a green and gold regimental flag with an Irish harp and the words "Sons of Erin" and "Go where glory waits you" embroidered onto the flag.
This flag was left in Ft. Henry where it was captured by Federal troops in February 1862. The Tenth surrendered at Ft. Donelson and the enlisted men were sent to the prison at Camp Douglas, Illinois. The officers, including McGavock, were sent to Ft. Warren in Massachusetts. By September of 1862, all officers and men were exchanged for Union prisoners of war.
McGavock was killed in May 1863 in Raymond, Mississippi, during a battle. Of the original members of the Sons of Erin,” only four were still fighting in 1865 when the war ended. Of the 720 original volunteers, 121 were causalities--30 killed and 90 wounded.
Picture Credits:
- Flag known as the "Sons of Erin" flag carried by the 10th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, C.S.A., whose nickname was "Sons of Erin." Green background color has faded to a gold color. Tennessee State Museum (TSM) Collection, 73.27
- Print of the painting, "Rebel Sons of Erin at Ft. Donelson Campaign," by Mort Kunstler, 1996. While the painting is historically incorrect since the flag was left at Ft. Henry and not used at Ft. Donelson, it probably accurately portrays how the now faded "Sons of Erin" flag looked. TSM Collection, 1996.83.1
Civil War and Reconstruction >> Civil War >> Battles >> Forts Henry/Donelson
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