Ever wonder why your Irish ancestors moved to America? Perhaps it was this broadside (poster) that was posted all over Ireland in the early 1860s:
The Irish Brigade In America
You gallant sons of Erin's isle, of high and low degree,
Who are fighting in the American states to put down slavery
Far from your native country and the friends you do adore,
In the loyal cause of freedom, on the American shore.It is vain for to describe the undaunted bravery
Of the Irish brigade, led on by Maher, in North America,
Like their noble ancestors, as in ancient days gone by,
Led on by General Sarsfield at the siege of Fontenoy.Brave General Meagher inspected them, as you may understand,
Each man he wore the laurel green for Erin's lovely land;
Twelve thousand brave young Irishmen in armour array,
To fight for the freedom of the slave all in America.
You can read the rest at http://www.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/14833/criteria/america
