Irish Rebels, Confederate Tigers: The 6th Louisiana Volunteers, 1861-1865

Rating:
Summary: Highlight of Irish From Louisiana Fighting for Lee & Jackson
Review: A very personal portrayal of a predominately Irish brigade from New Orleans fighting for the south. The enigma is that this regiment had the highest percentage of Irish in any brigade plus they were linked with the famed Wheat's Tigers plus they fought in Virginia during the entire Civil War. This is particularly impressive since New Orleans was captured so early in the war and the 6th Louisiana virtually became orphans in regards to State support. Much like the famed Kentucky Brigade. Gannon is a excellent writer that through intensive research provides flowing first hand accounts particularly from the brigade priest and Captain Ring. The high point of the book is the close up look at where the brigade participated in major campaigns and battles. They were a key part of the Valley Campaign, particularly Port Republic, the Seven days, Cedar Mountain, both Bull runs, Gettysburg, Early's Valley campaign including the threat to Washington and the disasters at Cedar Creek and Fort Steadman. The best gem in the book is the section on the capture of Rappahannock Station, which was an isolated bridgehead for Lee's army located on the north side of the river. This fascinating break down in strategy and command is very well focused and told in detail because the luckless 6th is one of the 3,000 troops that virtually get overwhelmed and captured in a sudden attack by large numbers. This little told event precedes Grant's arrival but seems to reveal problems in southern command caused by the lost of key officers and the strain of a long war on the Confederate supplies. The sadness of the brigade is captured as it is progressively whittled to only 50 odd survivors at Appomattox.

Rating:
Summary: The Fighting Tigers of Ireland
Review: I stumbled onto this book while researching my family history, and was absolutely taken with the story of these men. Gannon is a gifted writer with a reverence for his subject, respect for the facts and sources, and a warm narrative style. This book is a treat to read, and in doing so you will not only develop a personal interest in the lives of these brave Irish men, but you will understand how their lives impacted the nation we have become. Irish Rebels is a marvelous story, told by a master!

Rating:
Summary: Irish Rebels pays tribute to all members of the Regiment
Review: This book is a fascinating and intriguing account of the 6th Louisiana. While Gannon named his book Irish Rebels and covered the majority Irish members, he does give due to the Louisianians and other immigrants who made up the regiment. I was grateful to see this as my ggggrandfather was one of those members in a company from outside of New Orleans, Company C, the St. Landry (Parish) Light Guards and to see the action his unit took part in on paper was a great experience. It gave a story to my grandfather's participation in the War I never knew!

Rating:
Summary: Irish Rebels pays tribute to all members of the Regiment
Review: This book is a fascinating and intriguing account of the 6th Louisiana. While Gannon named his book Irish Rebels and covered the majority Irish members, he does give due to the Louisianians and other immigrants who made up the regiment. I was grateful to see this as my ggggrandfather was one of those members in a company from outside of New Orleans, Company C, the St. Landry (Parish) Light Guards and to see the action his unit took part in on paper was a great experience. It gave a story to my grandfather's participation in the War I never knew!