Irish of the 7th: CPT Moylan's Story (& more!) Custer's Immigrant Army, PART II

Here are stories of Irishmen who fought with Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn: Sergeant George McDermott of Galway and the little known story of how he heroically turned back during the valley retreat to save a comrade from certain death; Medal of Honor recipient Captain Myles Moylan of Galway (BREAKING NEWS: history books say Moylan was born in Massachusetts, but local Tuam, Galway, historian proves he was actually born in Tuam as well!); Custer's personal flag bearer, Sergeant Robert Hughes of Dublin; Private Stephen Ryan of Tipperary who carried the body of his company's slain lieutenant back to camp for burial; and Sergeant Jeremiah Finley of Tipperary who had fought with the 17th Foot Regiment in Crimea before joining the 7th Cavalry and making the very buckskin jacket General George Custer wore the day he died.
Captain Myles Keogh of County Carlow was not the only brave Irishman who stood out on the battlefield on June 25, 1876.
...
Sources:
Books
Courage and Conflict: The Irish at War, Ian Kenneally
They Died with Custer, Douglas D. Scott. P. Willey, Melissa A. Connor
Participants of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Federic C. Wagner III
Myles Keogh: “Irish Dragoon,” John P. Langellier, Kurt Hamilton Cox, Brian C. Pohanka
Life of Soldier on the Western Frontier, Jeremy Agnew
G.A. Custer, Glenwood J. Swanson
Ireland 1845-1850: The Perfect Holocaust, Chris Fogarty
Regular Army O, Douglas McChristian
Articles:
Mairéad O'Brien's work and research on Myles Moylan for the Journal of the Old Tuam Society (an annual local history publication)
Myles Walter Keogh (1840-1876), Imelda Kehoe, Old Kilkenny Review, Kilkenny Archaeological Society
The Irish at the Little Big Horn, Jack McCormack, June 1986, LBHA Research Review
Links
Irish Famine Museum Dublin Ireland - Irish Famine Exhibition (theirishpotatofamine.com)
Remembering The Fallen: Corporal John Briody, Seventh U.S. Cavalry (1847-1876) | Pat McNamara (patheos.com)
Nativism Against the Irish in America: A Historical Perspective - Irish Famine Exhibition (theirishpotatofamine.com)
Black '47 Ireland's Great Famine and its after-effects - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie)
Penal laws (Ireland) - Wikipedia
The Civil War Was Won By Immigrant Soldiers | Essay | Zócalo Public Square (zocalopublicsquare.org)
Irish Immigration: Beyond the Potato Famine | State Historical Society of Iowa
Captain Myles Moylan, Commander of A Troop, 7th Cavalry | Army at Wounded Knee
...
Thank you to Dale Kosman, George Kush, Nathan Simmons, Geoff Lackey, Chris Moylan, and Mairead O'Brien for sharing little known facts, anecdotes, and images with me about these brave Irishmen!
...
If you too have a passion for the 7th Cavalry, please consider joining:
Little Bighorn Associates
www.thelbha.com
Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association
custerbattlefi...
Custer Association of Great Britain
www.english-westerners-society.org.uk
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I love hearing suggestions of what you’d like to see next!
For more about my current work-in-progress or my published books (The Confusion of Languages and You Know When the Men Are Gone, both with Putnam/Penguin), please see my author website:
www.siobhanfallon.com
Or follow me on Instagram and Facebook:
siobhanfallonwriter
THANK YOU!

[@patrickmcnamara2869]

I just can't say how much I'm loving these videos focusing on the Irish! So awesome. Thank you!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@patrickmcnamara2869 yay!! I have plenty left!! I am working on a new one at the moment about Godfrey's article about the LBH fight that addresses many of the controversies. But then back to the Irish!! 🍀🍀🍀 Really looking forward to doing a video on Mike Madden, whose leg was amputated on the battlefield by Dr. Porter, but he lived...

[@gar9429]

P.S. As soon as I saw your map of Ireland I remembered singing a song at a music festival when I was in grade school called (get this) Galway Bay. Such a beautiful song. I am now almost 82! Thank you again I never get tired of of history of any kind.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@gar9429 thank you, Gar! My mind has been full of Irish songs too ...

[@maeveevans]

This is really fascinating! I can't believe that so many people in the cavalry were foreign-born!! 😮

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@maeveevans 🇮🇪🍀🇮🇪

[@jameslee9315]

Absolutely enthralling as always. Your research must take hours but believe me it's appreciated. Wow factors thank you.💥👌💐♥️

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@jameslee9315 aww James, thank you, I wish more people thought so! Each video take weeks to put together but I learn so much in the process. 💕📚

[@oneida41859]

My gosh Siobhan! The bravery of these men! McDermott is literally awe inspiring. There are some major Hollywood scripts to be had for sure. Thank you for sharing your research and time with all of us. I can’t wait for the next episode. Take care!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@oneida41859 thank you! I'm visiting family now, so it might be awhile until I get the next installment up, but I will!! 🍀🍀🍀

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hello there! The newest installment of my Irish Soldiers of the 7th is up! 🍀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHirXmOAaNGXf9Esi=XN4h5s1GZctv8llK

[@EvelynFallon-sb6vs]

Wow Siobhan! I loved this video. I’m Irish, so this is one of my favorite of your videos!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@EvelynFallon-sb6vs thank you, Evelyn!! 🇮🇪💕🇮🇪

[@MaireadOBrien-z9k]

Great presentation, Siobhan! Maith thú! Thank you for highlighting so eloquently that Myles Moylan was a Tuam (Chewm😃) man. Thanks for the shout out for myself and the Journal of the Old Tuam Society. The Old Tuam Society does great work in collecting and recording local history.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@MaireadOBrien-z9k THANK YOU, MAIREAD!! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 We'll have to work on another more detailed one about him!!

[@MaireadOBrien-z9k]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Go for it😃! I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

[@cameronmoylan712]

Thank you Mairead for your research. If you ever get a chance to visit Butte, Montana , look us up at the Old Saint James Hospital Museum.

[@sunnyjacksmack]

You almost snuck this one past me but i caught it. Your research is incredible and the videos are getting better every time. Thank you .

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@sunnyjacksmack 🤣😉 I would never try to sneak a video past you! I love your witty comments too much!

[@sunnyjacksmack]

@@SiobhanFallon7 You don't have to butter me up i am already a devoted fan. lol

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@sunnyjacksmack 🤣🤣🤣🙌

[@alohamatthewshields]

I'm continuously struck by how many familiar family names I keep recognizing in your deep dives! For example Hughes was the name of a childhood friend, who's family came from Coos Bay Oregon where that name is a big deal in the founding of the town.

[@ktd9]

Great presentation…thanks🙏⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@ktd9 thank you!!

[@biglaw6278]

Absolutely great work on these podcasts Siobhan.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🎉

[@johnlawson2984]

Well done, as always and thank you for these wonderful videos. ☘️

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@johnlawson2984 thank you, John!!

[@RailfanDownunder]

Superb work yet again, Siobhan😊

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@RailfanDownunder thank you!! 🙏🇮🇪

[@TeriAngelique]

This is good information on a video of the Irish men of the 7th Calvry, my great great grandparents are from Galway, Ireland 🇮🇪. Now I am getting the answer.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@TeriAngelique thank you!

[@MilesWalterKeogh]

Wow! Wow. Beyond words. Siobhan Fallon, it is amazing stuff you are doing. Keep going! Instead of spa we'll drink brown ale And pay the reckoning on the nail; No man for debt shall go to gaol From Garryowen in glory!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@MilesWalterKeogh ha! I must get to the history of Garry Owen in one of these soon!! And thank you for the kind words! 🍀🇮🇪🍀

[@keithagn]

Excellent video, and very well presented. So many stories of the men involved in this action, and many stories we will not know. Respect from Canada 🇨🇦

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@keithagn thanks so much, Keith! Visiting family stateside but I will finish this series when I return home to Cyprus. The Mike Madden story coming up is CRAZY 🍀🇺🇸🍀

[@heroperseus007]

Hello from Ireland. Great to hear about my ancestors.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@heroperseus007 thank you!! 🍀🇮🇪🍀

[@chuckmyers7698]

The time and effort you put onto these videos is amazing. Hope your making some money for all your hard work. Thanks again

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!! My channel and viewing numbers are so small that it's embarrassing how little I make, but I'm a writer and not used to actually making money!! 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️ If I break a hundred dollars a month I'm good 😬 I see this as a college course I'm forcing myself to take. I research and create these presentations, and in this way I learn so much more than I would just reading the books. And I love it all so much. I m so lucky to be able to do this. Thank you for the kind words, Chuck!! 🙏

[@alrude2847]

I loved it. One of you best, withe the interesting that other miss or skimp on. Can’t wait for you next installment.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@alrude2847 yay, thank you, Al!! 🇮🇪🍀🇮🇪

[@joesphmurphy4013]

Siobhan:: Another fascinating look at the lives of the men of the 7th Cav. I can attest to the Absent Without Leave that a lot of the soldiers seemed to experience, the Irish tend to drink too much and forget to stop. When the money runs out they go back to face the charges or as you found out they reenlist under another name. Love your telling of the exploits and bravery of soldiers who never realized the acclaim that Custer received but were also the true heroes of the West. Stay safe and on to the next video.😃

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@joesphmurphy4013 thank you, Joseph!! I will carry on! Garry Owen, my friend! 🍀🐎

[@deskgamesix]

Dying on a wind-swept hill is probably the last thing these men considered when leaving Ireland.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@deskgamesix yes indeed. But I bet they all knew it could happen when they joined the Army 😬🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@82ismi]

​@@SiobhanFallon7 Well, it could, but must times the soldiers did anything but fighting.

[@82ismi]

​​@@zingwilder9989It's the purpose of an army, but the purpose of enlisting as volonteers in the regular army was mainly to earn money, not to fight and die, especially for men living in poverty. No wonder they deserted in huge numbers when the risk was over their limit or better opportunities showed up. The training also often did not stand the needs of real combat.

[@brycesuderow3576]

My friend, Terry Justice has written a manuscript about the seventh cavalry, it’s entire history, it’s called the Gary Owens. Would you like to look at it?

[@brycesuderow3576]

I want to send it say a word about Finley. He was probably sent to Canada along with Garnet Woolsey, who was in command of a British army in 1862x. The British thought they might go to war with United States. In 1861 the US war ship, San Jacinto had captured and boarded the British vessel Trent. Aboard were two British confederate enyoys, Mason and Slidell. The captain of the San Jacinto made them prisoners, and they were brought back to the United States where they were placed in prison. Because of the threat of war, the British Prime Minister and his cabinet sent sir Garnet with his army to Canada, which probably included Finley

[@FlynnHancock]

Fantastic Presentation! Please do one on the Troopers, their struggles with post life including Sergeants and Officers, bunk equipment and food and finally their issues with the Indians.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@FlynnHancock great suggestions, Flynn! I will!! 🍀🇮🇪🍀

[@thomaslong6231]

I'm enjoying this. Custer fan for 55 years.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You're wonderful, Thomas! Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@ChrisMoylan-d9u]

Many thanks Siobhan for clarifying that Myles Moylan was a true Irishman and connecting with Mairead O'Brien. As always, love the heartfelt stories you tell of the 7th Cav Soldiers and their Families. Important that we never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. Slainte!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@ChrisMoylan-d9u Thank you for putting Mairead and I in touch!! I'm still spinning from the connection and timing!!

[@cameronmoylan712]

Yes, high marks on that point. Chris- if you ever get the chance to visit Butte, MT, swing by the Old Saint James Hospital Museum.

[@ChrisMoylan-d9u]

@@cameronmoylan712 Absolutely! Are you also a Moylan? My Moylans are from county Cork and Jersey City.

[@nickfrancis]

Great video, I tell you I'm such a history buff, I love these!🤔😅👍🏾

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@nickfrancis thank you, Nick!! So good of you to send such a positive message my way! I am smiling thanks to you!! 🙏

[@EndingSimple]

America owns much to the Irish. And I say that as a descendant of Scotsmen. Siobhan, I've just come from watching the 1991 miniseries "Son of the Morning Star" on youtube. I think is a pretty good depiction which even touches on some of little things you've mentioned (like the coloring of the horses episode that annoyed Capt. Bentine). It strikes me that you may be the best one to give an opinion on the many media depictions of Little Big Horn and Gen. Custer. I believe the politics of the day often shades the depictions, and you might have a lot of say about that. Just a suggestion. I know you have a lot of other projects.

[@brycesuderow3576]

Can you tell me some more about the Civil War service of Miles Milan? He said he was in the fourth Massachusetts cavalry, where did they fight? It seems to me that they were at the battle of high Bridge Virginia on April 6, 1865 during the Appomattox campaign.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hi Bryce! I don't know myself... until I research him more!

[@gar9429]

Thank you Siobhan. Sure do like these personal stories. I thought at one time I read a story about a survivor and he called himself Finkel. I don't remember the whole story. Did you read anything about that?

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hi Gar! Yes, there was a man who claimed to be Finkel but most agree he was not actually at the battle-- bit of a tall tale, if I remember correctly.

[@tommybhoy1581]

great stuff ☘

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I appreciate it, Tommy! 🍀🇮🇪🍀

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

As usual you're teaching me more about the 7th Cavalry, Siobhan, apart from your pronunciation of "Keogh" which I'll probably constantly slag ya about! I didn’t know that Arapajo Michie was born in Galway, but l'm a Jackeen so that's my excuse 😂

[@SiobhanFallon7]

🤣🤣🤣 the Arapajo Mickey has a whole new meaning now! Makes me wonder if Moylan had a brogue. Of course Benteen would call Moylan some derogatory name that also insults his heritage! 🍀😉

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Awh, Benteen was a very brave guy, Siobhan, but he'd have an argument with his shadow! I'll still pay my respects to the cranky git(!!) when I'm in DC this September in Arlington Cemetery when visiting the grave of Thomas O'Neill.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@niallfitzpatrick6568 Benteen and his son, Freddy! Please tell them I say hello, and see if the Old Man responds and finally tells what happened on June 25th... 😉 You know I get a kick out if him, Niall. His letters are a joy (and shock) to read.

[@JimDavidson47]

Thanks!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

How lovely of you, Jim!! Thank you!!

[@82ismi]

Just one remark, Company B and the pack train was a substantial force in itself. There wasn't just Co. B, but also civilian packers plus detached men from the other companies as well. So there were some men from the companies who died with custer actually fighting alongside Reno and Benteen and surviving the battle.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@82ismi yes, the pack train had a security detail made up of men from each company, very true, thank you for pointing that out!! 🍀

[@82ismi]

​@@SiobhanFallon7If one compares the numbers of men, the pack train plus escort can be counted as another "bataillon" on the field, due to the overall very low company strength. I'm still not sure about the nature/status of the US Army in the Indian wars. In comparism with European military very understrength, no permanent large formations, the duties more like a colonial constabulary force. The Nation had learned about it's military power potential in the Civil War, but all these temporary high rankers had now to do all the small and dirty jobs dealing with the Natives, it must have been a frustrating and depressing experience. What do you think?

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@82ismi yes. I think that was part of why Custer had such startling high desertoons at the close of the Civil War, when they were sent down south for Reconstruction duty and them out West. One thing to fight for the Union, quite another to have a interminate role and act as a scrappy police force. And to be so very far from civilization and "the states." Must have been very forlorn indeed.

[@orderofthedragon3109]

Many people don't know this, but the temperature around the area of the battlefield regularly exceeds 100° F during the summer months. It is deceptively hot up there when the skies are clear.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@orderofthedragon3109 yes, indeed 🔥

[@manuelsteele7755]

The Irish people actually have a lot in common with Native Americans in modern times. A lot of Native Americans in the southwest and plains adopted Catholicism. The Irish Catholic Nuns established missions on many reservations. Apache was my first language in early childhood. But Irish Catholic Nuns taught me English by age five. So, I have been bilingual for most of my life. Basketball is also very popular on the reservations. When I attended the University of Notre Dame, most of the students were Irish Catholics. Names like Gallagher, McAndrew, Gaffney, etc. were common. The university had the largest intramural basketball tournament in the country often with over 700 teams of 5 players each. That was how I connected socially with a lot of students at Notre Dame - basketball. The modern Irish Catholics on that campus love basketball just like the Indians on the "Rez". Historically, Mother Katherine Drexel, an Irish Catholic Nun, helped establish a lot of missions in the Four Corners region for Native Americans. She was beloved by many indigenous communities in NM and AZ about a hundred years ago.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Beautiful insights and connections there. Thank you so much for sharing! Hope to hear from you again, Manuel 🙏

[@proudinfidel2194]

Hard to imagine what was going through the minds of young lads..in their last moments on a battle field.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes. Very tragic for all. 🙏

[@82ismi]

Desertion was an unbelievable plague to 19th century armies. In Napoleon's last army of 1815 even members of the most elite Guards units deserted, reenlisted, were promoted, deserted again, joint the King's Guards and were promoted again - all well documented under their real name (!). Another point is the absence of many officers and men from duty in the regiments. Apart from sick-leave, KIA, POW, stragglers, there were so many detachements, rear area duties and so on, the real strength of units was almost always very low, while full strength was not even achieved on paper. As a conclusion - an army is a rather fragile structure.

[@michaelhart6318]

According to the 'DataMeister,' as the situation at the Reno-Benteen defense site began to deteriorate, Cpt. McDougall approached Benteen and asked, "Say old man, what is going to be the outcome of this unless we have a commanding officer here pretty damn soon? You're the senior captain and we would like to see you take the lead in affairs..." Wonder if there is any truth that Reno wanted to leave the wounded and attempt an escape under the cover of darkness and Benteen retorted, "We're staying here." Certainly not a common response from an O-3 to an O-4; particularly when the O-4 is a graduate of the United States Military Academy.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@michaelhart6318 I think Reno was exploring his options and considering leaving the wounded. And I think officers were concerned. However, I take everything Frederick Benteen said with a grain of salt, as he too often put himself in the best light, and was a little slippery on evidence. But I think it's Godfrey who said that Captain Weir came to him on the night of June 25th and asked if Godfrey would side with Benteen, if sides had to be taken between Benteen and Reno. And Godfrey said he would, and Weir seemed relieved. So there was definitely something afoot.

[@michaelhart6318]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Ole Freddy was known to embellish some of his endeavors. "Harvest of Barren Regrets: The Army Career of Fredrick Benteen" is a good read if anyone is interested. He was a bitter, angry and yet fascinating character. Personally feel he was the finest cavalry officer in the 7th at the time of LBH. Can't watch the Major Fambrough scene in the movie "Dances With Wolves" without chuckling and thinking of Benteen. Think Fred's last military assignment before the Conduct Unbecoming charge was at Fort Duchesne; he was the CO with the rank of Major at that time.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@michaelhart6318 ha ha, yes, good stuff, Michael 🙌

[@maeveevans]

Love this video 🎉

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@maeveevans thank you, Maeve!

[@RussellJamesStevens]

Brave Irishmen also fought on the British side in 2 world wars WITH DISTINCTION❤❤❤

[@garybender432]

I’m sure they whole cavalry nationwide was made up of foreign enlisted and some officers. It must have made kind of a tower of babble communication problem. Especially when under strain and excitement of battle.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@garybender432 yes, great point! 😬

[@ericstevens8744]

Dying on a windswept hill how terrible 😢

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@ericstevens8744 I'm sure it was, Eric 😭 Thanks for taking the time to comment! I'm working on the next installation now!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Here is the latest in the Irish series, Eric: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHirXmOAaNGXf9Esi=XN4h5s1GZctv8llK 🍀🇮🇪🍀

[@tbenedict6335]

Hard lives were lived and forfeited amongst the plains. I imagine most were happy to escape ireland and british rule and joining the army of the United states they must have felt like they one upped theyre British counterparts at that time.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

It is a strange push and pull, America vs. Britain, isn't it? I'd love to know British soldier experiences compared to Irish soldier experiences during this time 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Just getting started watching the series but wanted to make a comment about an "Immigrant Army" The thing with the American Army in the West - is that it was almost entirely made up of men who were from the East - many of whom were Immigrants - because - the people in the West knew what Soldiers lives were like - and wanted nothing to do with that. So - all the people they recruited - were from the East - who did not know what they were getting into. In the movie _The Glory Guys_ Capt. Demas Harrod with Sergeant James Gregory his NCO are back east recruiting and will travel out West with their recruits - whom they then train. Another factor was that there was a very high desertion rate. Anyone with access to a horse - could get on it and just keep riding West. They might get caught - but they might not. .

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@BobSmith-dk8nw yes!! Great points! I cover a few of them in this video too 🍀

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

Glad my lot came to Australia

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf your people are made of strong and wild stock. I love Australia 🇦🇺 myself 🍀

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Cheers i love your work🤩

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf thank you, Wayne!!

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@SiobhanFallon7 All good beautiful lady. Love your work

[@franklucido3252]

"Wild Geese "

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@franklucido3252 yes, Frank!! 🪿 🍀🇮🇪

[@christopherfoster3744]

Hi ! Enjoy your vacation time with your family ! Thank you for another outstanding video !🙏✌️

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank so much, Christopher!! I really am enjoying this time!

[@waynelayton8568]

You would think the oppressed would have a hard time fighting the oppressed

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hey there, Wayne. Thanks for watching! I think they were soldiers fighting warriors, and that was the way it was, and both just hoped they'd survive another day. You are looking at it with nearly 150 years of hindsight and judgment that they did not have 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Avalanchelodge]

I’d submit that the tribes did not view themselves as oppressed. I’d also say that the soldiers who enlisted, whether Irish, Italian, etc. likely did so not to fight Indians but to earn a living. They’d have much preferred to stay in a fort, getting meals and uniforms, staying warm and safe versus fighting an enemy that was so different than anything they’d ever experienced that the mere thought of engaging warriors was terrifying.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@Avalanchelodge I absolutely agree. And they had too often seen what happened to soldiers who died at the hands of warriors. The night before the Little Bighorn fight, they found that white scalp in the Sundance lodge, not to mention all the other instances of having found soldiers or pioneers hacked to pieces. If you read soldier letters, they often complain about how their enemies were being fed and weaponized by the US government. They knew they were up against a lethal foe.

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

Sorry but you're doing something no historian worth their salt would ever do, ie., using hindsight to make judgements. If I could do that I'd have won the irish lottery by now! You're also trying to simplify lrish people by calling us "oppressed". Have you ever taken into account that many Irishmen were happy to serve in the British armed forces and some continue to do so, especially with the Irish Guards. I'm Irish and am very proud of my fellow Irishmen who fought in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, especially fighting the Nazi tyranny under WW2.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@niallfitzpatrick6568 I agree 100% Niall 🙏

[@jamesjenkins1680]

what about the ulster scots no mention too biased

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Why don't you tell us and try to share your knowledge rather than being unnecessarily insulting, James?

[@billlecky7964]

@jamesjenkins1680 Not to put too fine a point on it but the title of the piece is 'Irishmen And Their Stories Of The Little Bighorn'. The devil is in the detail, not many ' Ulster Scots ' describe themselves as ' Irishmen', they are usually quick to tell you they're British, which is probably why they're not mentioned.I am pretty sure that The Officer Calhoun, who had 'Calhoun Ridge ' named after where he and his men fell in a skirmish line, was of Ulster Scots heritage or Scots/Scotch Irish as they are referred to in America. There were numerous Scottish surnames like Wier and McDougal but its hard to say if they're Ulster Scots or Scottish. It may be worth asking Siobhan if she'd have included Ulster Scots among the Irish or UK numbers in the make up of ' The 7th Cavalry ', I would have thought it would have been among 'The Irish' but its hard to say because in 1876 Ireland was part of the UK, and only the 6 counties have remained since 1922 where Ulster Scots mainly reside, even most Irish Americans don't know the details of Uk/Irish constitutional arrangements, but I'd say Siobhan probably does,so might be worth clarifying, as she has separated the The Mainland British from The Irish, possibly she did the same with The Ulster Scots. As The Battle took place in 1876 it was not long after and to some extent still during a massive spike in Irish Immigration to America, which was sparked by The Potato Famine in The 1840s. The Plains Indians War and American Civil War are integral to 'The Irish ' story in America. 1876 was around 150 years after the main Ulster Scots migration to America, by this time they were 6 or 7 generations in. They were mainly concentrated in the Southern Backwoods and by 1876 would have been heavily mixed with English and German. They would have mostly fought for The Confederacy in The American Civil War, and would have after losing and seeing The South all but destroyed, have had no great desire to help the hated Union Army on The Plains against The Native Americans.I counted 41 Soldiers from The Confederate States out of 892 Soldiers of 'The 7th Cavalry ',so thats less than 5% and most would have been English and German origin, so the American born Ulster Scot involvment would not have been big.As for Ulster Scots fresh from Ulster, there wouldn't have been many. Like most British migrants to America in the mid to late 19th century, they would have been skilled or educated due to better living and working conditions and opportunities in Ireland at the time compared to the Irish who were denied these advantages and so on arrival in America, your Ulster Scot would not have been in a join The Army or Starve situation like so many Irish. So compared to The Irish, The Ulster Scots involvement in ' The Battle Of The Little Bighorn ' would have been small. That said, if you're interested in The Ulster Scots story in America, the main conflicts would be The Seminole Indian wars, The French and Indian War, and The American Revolution, and the early conflict with Mexico in Texas,which were much closer in time to their arrival in America. The Ulster Scots were pivotal in breaking with British rule in America and made up the bulk of The American Continental Army, King George lll referred to it as 'The Irish Revolution '. They wanted Britain out as Britain designated Indian lands as a protected Crown reserve, but weren't able to enforce it very well and so The Ulster Scots were regularly in conflict with Native Americans over land, here and in the aforementioned conflicts they earned a reputation as adept 'Indian Fighters', skills they say were developed and passed down from forebears who spent a century in Ireland fighting The Irish in land disputes. Men like President Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and Kit Carson came to prominence in these conflicts, I dare say Custer and his Irishmen could have used a few men like that at The Little Bighorn, that terrible day, still The Ulster Scots speciality was woodland fighting eg Kings Mountain in American Revolution against the British, they'd have maybe saved some of the men Reno lost in his rout while retreating from the cottonwoods but good as they were, caught and surrounded in the open like Custer and his men were, they like anybody, couldn't have changed the tragic outcome.

[@billlecky7964]

@jamesjenkins1680, May be of some interest to you but Custer was partially of Ulster Scots heritage, hence the middle name Armstrong, from which his nickname Autie was derived when an infant sibling couldn't pronounce Armstrong. He was mainly of German origin, Custer was an anglicisation of Kuuster, his Paternal German ancestor who arrived in America 6 generations prior, he also had English and I believe some Irish ancestry too, with Surnames like Ward and Kirkpatrick in his family tree.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@billlecky7964 Wow, now that is some incredible research!! Thank you, Bill!! I really appreciate this info 🎉

[@billlecky7964]

​@@SiobhanFallon7 Thanks Siobhan, I really enjoyed watching your work and learned alot from it. I have to say I regularly have differences of opinion with people like James, but it's usually confined to Britain, Ireland and Ulster. This is somewhat disconcerting, Northern Ireland Sectarianism enters a time Machine and emerges in 19th century American Race war, has spun me out a bit !

[@danran100]

All them Irish, no wonder the battle was lost.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

🤣🤣🤦🏼‍♀️ lots of Irish on the side of the Union during the Civil War and they won all right 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@danran100]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Lots of Irish on the confederate side too, unfortunately they lost. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@danran100 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

Lots of lrish fought in the British Army and were highly regarded as damn fine fighters, by BRITISH officers. If you don't believe me see his many VCs were awarded to Irishmen, North and South.

[@danran100]

@@niallfitzpatrick6568 You're right they did and were. My Irish mates take the piss about Britain all the time I don't get offended.

[@dieternowatius5062]

What a 🍔 Big McDermott Story next the one of Ryan🥇😳🥈. Aha, and Finley was the creator of all those fine leatherjackets.🧵🪡Siobhan, your latest work is like a fresh 1876 newspaperprint Irish Pub-lished in 2024 👋😅👍 What a fun again 🙃 many thanks…

[@LuigiBruno-w4c]

Non parlo inglese... Mi piacerebbe che i tuoi video avessero sottotitoli in italiano....ciao....

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hmmm... I don't know how to do that but I'll see what i can do... thank you for your message Lt Carlos DeRudio of the 7th Cavalry deserves a video!!

[@williamminamoto.7535]

Ms Fallon

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hi William!