Kelly's Irish Brigade

At the beginning of the war, Johnny did some hitting with a few ragtag outfits of fellow Missourians (Johnny can be seen in this picture, closest to the center, carrying a rifle and yelling.  He's the one with hazel eyes and the cut about his right brow.).  At one point, he was with Captain Joseph Kelly's "Irish Brigade" (which was never really of brigade size, but sure fought like one).
There happens to be a catchy song about this particular body of troops.

Please...give 'er a listen via this link to a musical slideshow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ot7am…

Here be the lyrics to the song:


Listen all ye that hold communion
With Southern Confederates so bold,
And I'll tell you of some men for the Union
Who in Northern ranks were enrolled;
They came to Missouri in their glory
And thought at their might we'd be dismayed;
But they soon had a different story
When they met Kelly's Irish Brigade.

CHORUS:
When they met with the Irish Brigade me boys
When they met with the Irish Brigade
Didn't those cowardly Lincolnites tremble
When they met with the Irish Brigade.

They have called us rebels and traitors,
But themselves have thrown off that name of late.
They were called it by the English invaders
At home in the year of Ninety-eight
The name to us is not a new one though,
Tis one that shall never degrade
Any true-hearted Irishmen
In the ranks of Kelly's Irish Brigade.

CHORUS

Well they dare not call us invaders,
'Tis but state rights and liberty we ask;
And Missouri will ever defend her,
No matter how hard may be the task.
Then let true Irishmen assemble,
Let the voice of Missouri be obeyed;
And the Northern fanatics will tremble
When again they meet Kelly's Irish Brigade.

CHORUS


The flag that that fella over on the right is carrying was the Battle Flag of Confederate Missouri.