Regimental News

Officer's Views on 2005 Season.

The start of the new season is almost with us and I am delighted that the list of events is starting to look quite healthy. It won't be long before the old familiar bugle will sound and the soothing tones of First Sergeant Paul will be heard inviting you, gently of course, to get out of bed, stand in line and answer your names like the good, conscientious soldiers that you are!

I can sense the anticipation in all of you – Your kit is clean, your boots polished (Brogans marinated in urine of course), muskets gleaming, corsets laced ??!! And cash waiting to be handed over to our Sutler!

I have a feeling that this is going to be another good season and for those new members who have enlisted with The Irish Brigade's finest – The Fighting 69th – a very big welcome.

The regiment is growing and looking in very good shape for the season ahead. If you are a new member you will find that being with The 69th will become a way of life. We are a family. Veterans will know what I mean.

We have a very proud record and reputation. The name ‘Fighting 69th ' was given to us by none other than the great Confederate General, Robert E Lee.

We have a simple rule in The 69th – ‘Work hard and play hard.' We expect commitment to the regiment and its ongoing excellent reputation. Commitment to duty, drill and combat is not an option – it is expected when you serve under The Green Flag! A soldier in the 69th WILL give everything, as do our non-combatant and medical personnel. It doesn't need an officer or an NCO to tell you to give commitment…You will do it through the pride and prestige of belonging to this famous fighting unit. When the shout of ‘Irish' is heard on the battlefield, the response of ‘ Erin go Bragh' comes from the very soul and is more heartfelt and stirring than any Rebel Yell!

Last season was absolutely superb. The events were very enjoyable, the battles excellent, the living history truly professional and I was so proud to be associated with The 69th New York ..

The number of soldiers that we were able to put on the field at Chelmsford was staggering. I want to repeat that and better it at every event this season. The quality of ‘soldiering' at Chelmsford was truly magnificent and that is what I mean by commitment. In addition, the non-combatant, civilian impressions, particularly from the ladies, together with the medical displays were, once again, an outstanding feature of our regiment's contribution to the season.

As most of you are aware there has been a change of command in the Federal Army. Major Tim Davies will command the Federal Battalion. I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate Major Davies and assure him of The 69 th New York 's full support. I should also like to convey the regiment's sincere best wishes to Major Nick Richards and to thank him for his commitment and help over many, many years.

You might be aware that Major Davies has appointed me to the position of Battalion 2-i-C with the rank of Captain. My position as Officer commanding The 69th New York Volunteers will, however, remain unchanged. It is a great privilege to accept this post but it is also, I feel, a tremendous honour for The 69th - and a reflection of the reputation we have, and the respect that other regiments, Confederates included, have for us.

As a regiment we are recognized as being ‘sound', reliable and committed. I think we all have cause to feel very proud of our contribution to American Civil War re-enactment. I am sure that those brave souls who fought and fell with The Irish Brigade during the 1860's would approve of our noble and realistic portrayal of their story. Their spirit lives on in us. Like them we work hard, fight hard and play hard.

‘ Erin go Bragh.'

Nigel Morgan

Captain – 69th New York Volunteers

Back to top