An Irish Solution To An American Victory
America was built by the Irish.
I’ve said that before but did you know the grass-roots of this fine country, the very fiber of America, the existence of the American government, the life blood that makes America great is due largely in part because of Irish Revolutionary soldiers followed by a few Scots and Scots/Irish, though to be fair, many of the Scots fought for the British and there is at least one notable Irishman in the British army.
Without these brave Irish men, America would likely not exist, which is why George Washington (the father of America and her first general) loved his Irish soldiers.
To show just how much General Washington valued the military aid of our cousins in Ireland he had this to say. I paraphrase the following:
The general congratulates the army, the parliament of Ireland and the inhabitants of that country, to restore to a brave and generous people their ancient rights and freedom and by their operations to promote the cause of America.
Ireland Fights for America
The most enthusiastic supporters of American Rebellion were Irish who fled to escape English Tyranny. Some had already become American with their forefathers. Others came right off the boat. They were the backbone of Washington’s army. The Royal Gazette estimated, Washington’s forces were about half Irish.
In 1775, the Continental Congress was in dire need of funds. Though the British did their best to squash American sympathies money was collected from major cities throughout Ireland including Dublin, historically a largely British political stronghold in Ireland.
The Forgotten Irish Financier
Oliver Pollack, born in Northern Ireland personally raised over $300.000 for the American cause. He was a wealthy commercial agent and is credited with creating the first U.S dollar sign in 1778. He made his fortunes while gaining political influence and ran for Congress three times but was never elected. At least twice, Pollock lost his fortune, ending up in debtor’s prison in Havana once, but this gutsy Irishman with the American spirit always prevailed.
In my research for 100 Things You Didn’t Know About Irish History I found many amazing facts, contributions to science, etc. some that cross over into American history such as the following, which I have explored further.
- Hundreds of Irish Americans took part in the American Revolution, too many to count, but several were born right in Ireland, some making it to become American Generals though Washington had this to say about his army.
Remember, that is is the actions, and not the commission, that make the off that there is more expected from him than the title.
Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.
Five men born in Ireland valuable to Washington and the American Revolutionary Army.
Stephen Moylan was born in Cork and one of Washington’s secretary.
Richard Montgomery was from Dublin and a Brigadier General
Hercules Mulligan from County Derry was noted as a master spy for the American cause.
General Richard butler was from Dublin
General Edward Hand
Most Interesting Fact of Irish History I found is this one!!
I would like to say all the Irish were smart enough to support the American cause but its simply not true. At Yorktown, It was Brigadier General Charles O’Hara who personally surrendered to Washington. He wasn’t full blooded Irish though. He was born in Portugal, the illegitimate son of General James O’Hara and his mistress.
And the list goes on …….
Washington continued to support his Irish cousins after America won her freedom by his acceptance of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick.
When Thomas Jefferson campaigned for president, he chose Thomas Emmet who was the brother of Irish rebel Robert Emmet as his campaign manager. Robert Emmet is one of Ireland’s martyred patriots!