'The Republic that gave us asylum and an honorable career, - that is the mainstay of human freedom, the world over – is threatened with disruption. It is the duty of every liberty-loving citizen to prevent such a calamity at all hazards. Above all it is the duty of us Irish citizens, who aspire to establish a similar form of government in our native land.'
- Thomas Francis Meagher, Waterford born commander of the Union’s Irish Brigade
'I believe the North is about to wage a brutal and unholy war on a people who have done them no wrong, in violation of the Constitution and the fundamental principals of the government. They no longer acknowledge that all government derives it's validity from the consent of the governed.'
- Patrick Cleburne, Cork born Confederate Major-General
North and South: Irish soldiers of the American Civil War
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