Page:Brigadier-General Thomas Francis Meagher- his political and military career; (IA brigadiergeneral00lyon 0).pdf/17



writing of the life, character, and genius of Thomas Francis Meagher, we have to treat of one whose name is familiar in two hemispheres. It has made part of the history of Ireland and of America for the last twenty years. In Ireland it has been associated with events which characterized an epoch not rare in the story of that country, an epoch of revolution. What Lord Edward Fitzgerald was to the period of '98, and Robert Emmet has to the unfruitful though gallant movement of 1803, Meagher was, in a great measure, to the revolutionary attempt of 1848.

Endowed with the same gifts of youth, fortune, and a highly cultivated mind, he was not deficient in the gallantry to lead, and the fortitude to suffer, which were conspicuous qualities in the character of Fitzgerald and Emmet. In America he has not only been recognized as : prominent representative of the genius, oratorical talent, and chivalry of his race, but he has contributed much, by tho brilliancy and efficiency of his services as a soldier, to maintain the permanency of the Government.