William Francis ATKINSON
Birth: 8 Jan 1846 in Warwick, Lambton, Ontario, Canada
Death: 4 May 1907 in Detroit, Wayne, MI
Michigan 22nd Infantry Regiment
Date of Organization 29 August 1862
Date of Muster 26 June 1865
Infantry Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded 3
Officers Died of Disease or Accident 4
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded 86
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident 306
Regimental History
Battles Fought
Battle at Lexington, Kentucky
Battle at Near Danville, Kentucky on 24 March 1863
Battle at Ringgold, Georgia on 18 September 1863
Battle at Chickamauga, Georgia on 20 September 1863
Battle at Chattanooga, Tennessee on 10 October 1863
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 14 October 1864
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 17 October 1864
Battle at Nashville, Tennessee on 16 December 1864
Battle on 07 May 1865
List of Soldiers
John Atkinson Michigan 25 July 1862 Captain age 21 Detroit, MI union
Patrick Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Priv age 38 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Corpl age 18 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson
Claimed Residence in Port Huron
Enlist Date 13 August 1862 Enlist Place Port Huron, MI, Rank Corpl Age Enlist 18
Served Michigan
Last Reported Residence at Detroit, MI
C Co. 22nd Inf Reg. MI
K Co. 3rd Inf Reg. MI
Application Date: 25 August 1866
Relationship: Self
Number: 114301
10 June 1907
Relationship: Widow
Name: Kate M Atkinson
Number: 872094
State: MI
Sarnia Observer, 4 March 1870
MARRIED
At Plympton, Ont. on the 28th (alt.?) at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev Mr Japes, William F. Atkinson of Port Huron to Miss
Kattie M. Donnelly.
"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893 (could be 1898)
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was Duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So distinguished himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William f. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of th4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada, and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland. When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F.Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson
took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada, and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of effecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America, with headquarters in New York City. the supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization.
Father: James ATKINSON b: 1 Jan 1798 in Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ireland
Mother: Elizabeth SHINNERS b: Nov 1804 in Co Clare, Ireland
Spouse:
Catherine M DONNELLY b: 1844 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Married: 28 Feb 1870 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Children:
1. William Donnelly ATKINSON b: 4 Apr 1871 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
2. Eleanor ATKINSON b: 25 Nov 1872
3. John ATKINSON b: 2 Feb 1875 in Port Huron, St Clair Co, MI
4. Katherine M ATKINSON b: 18 Apr 1876
5. Francis William ATKINSON b: 21 Jun 1878 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
6. Florence ATKINSON b: 13 May 1880
∼"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So Distinguished Himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William F. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of the 4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada , and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland . When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of Colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F. Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada , and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of affecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America , with headquarters in New York City. The supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York, who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization in this state.
In the fall of 1865 O'Mahony was deposed and General W. R. Roberts, of Boston , was elected his successor. Roberts favored an invasion of Canada at the first possible opportunity. Accordingly early in October, 1866, Colonel John O'Niel crossed into Canada and with only 1,000 troops defeated the queen's own and all the available Canadian volunteers, amounting in all to nearly 5,000.
Uncle Sam Nabbed Him O'Niel was stopped in his daring attempt by the intervention of the United States government. He surrendered to The United States government, but retained the colors which he captured in his successful skirmish with the queen's own. O'Niel's partial success aroused the Irish to action and it resolved to try once more an invasion of Canada . In this second raid Captain Atkinson figured as second in command. He tells the story of the events with which he was prominently identified.
"It is so long since those stormy days," said Captain Atkinson yesterday, that I cannot recall the proper dates in many cases. Many of the boys who marched side by side with me are dead and gone and very few are left in this vicinity to talk about the hazardous undertaking on which our boyish enthusiasm led us to embark. I may say byway of preface that I enlisted in the union army on Aug 12, 1862. My regiment was the Twenty-second Michigan infantry. I was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and taken prisoner.
On Jan 19, 186- I was fortunate enough to escape from the Confederate prison, On Feb 10, I and two companions reached the union line after a tramp of –miles. Soon after I rejoined my regiment. I was commissioned ...lieutenant. In August, I was on General Sherman's staff ....officer ,I ...celebrated message from Sherman to General Corse...the fort? I am coming.
"On Nov 8, 1864 I was promoted to be Captain of Company K Third Michigan Infantry. I was mustered out on May 25,1866. Returnin ...to Bay City I settled there but I suppose I had not seen enough shot and shell. I was then only twenty two. I became mixed up in the Fenian movement and went into the scheme for the conquest of Canada with considerable enthusiasm. I was married only a few months when I was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Irish revolutionary army."
The Captain produced a time worn document.
"I don't want to lose that old paper," he said. "Even my Canadian wife is anxious to preserve the record of my rank in the army that invaded her country."
Had Stars and Stripes over the reading matter of the commission is an engraving of the motto of the visionary Irish Republic . It consists of the pafp of Erin surmounted by the American Eagle with the Stars and Stripes and the "Sunburst of Ireland: in the back ground the wording of the commission is as follows:
"Know ye: That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism , valor, fidelity, and ability of William F. Atkinson he is hereby appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry in the service of the Irish republic to ..as such from Sept 2, 1867. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of a lieutenant-colonel by doing and performing all manners of things thereunto belonging. And it is hereby strictly enjoined upon all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as lieutenant-colonel and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall receive from the President, Secretary of War and other officers to whom he is subordinate, according to the rules and discipline of war. This commission to remain in force until lawfully revoked...........Patrick J. Meehan, Secretary of War, John T adjutant general; John O'Neil, president of F. B."
Continuing his story Captain Atkinson said: "We had promised to furnish over a thousand men form Michigan . This was to be called the Michigan division. The chief officer in command was Colonel John McDermott of Bay City. the Michigan division was originally supposed to cross from Detroit to Windsor while O'Neil crossed into Canada from Vermont . "I can't remember the dates as I said before, but I am pretty sure it was early in June we were to have crossed to take Windsor on the same day O'Neil was to move also on the Canadian forces. We had about 100,000 stand of arms stored along the border. The American government gave us lots of time to accomplish our end but the inaction of some of the leaders and the delays and postponements saved Canada for England . When the day for action began to draw near, Colonel McDermott backed out for some unaccountable reason. This wavered several of the rank and file.
Joined O'Neil "Those of us who were determined to have a slap at Canada in any event resolved to join O'Neil in Vermont with whatever force we could muster. Accordingly a few days before the date for the advance of O'Neil I was appointed in command for the Michigan division and I left Port Huron one Saturday night with a large army ---just fifteen men. Arriving in Detroit my force was augmented to about seventy-five, but that did not encourage us much as we had expected at least five hundred from the city. Old Justice of the Peace John Patton was among the gang who joined us here, also J P McDonegal who is now in Kansas . "There was another young fellow named Phelan? among the Detroit ....if I am not mistaken, he is a member of the Montgomery Guards of this city. There are several others whose names I do not know, but they salute me when I meet them on the streets and I recognize them as having belonged to my command. We went in from here to Toledo by way of Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. At Toledo we got another reinforcement of several hundred. That encouraged the invading army and we ..that after all Canada would really be taken. We went on to Buffalo , where we were reinforced by about five hundred more and we were tendered a ....reception the people turning out en mass to welcome us. Next day we moved to Rome , N.Y. where we got the largest reinforcement of all. Among the other companies was one from Louisville , KY , the finest company I ever saw. All of them were .. confederate soldiers and when they reported to me as commanding officer I informed their captain that I was a union soldier myself he shook my hand three times as warmly as he had done before and remarked: 'Well, Colonel, we are fighting now for a common cause. The men overheard the captain's remark, and the lads who were the blue shook the hands of those who were the gray and made the city ring with their merry making all night long. I don't think Will ever forget the impression left on my mind by that simple incident of the meeting of the blue and gray. Most of the men who made up the Michigan and Ohio contingents had been in the thick of the fight to save the union. Most of them had experienced all the horrors of southern prisons. Yet as members of our race who rallied at the call of their motherland to strike a blow at the old enemy of the Celt they forgot for the time being that there had ever been a war between the north and the south. Those from the south forgot that their cherished cause, the cause of the confederacy, had just been wiped out in blood by the army of the north, in which some of those whose hands they shook that night were the federal blue.
They Sang Together
"They sang together. There is a song they used to sing that night through the streets which I remember still, it wasn't inappropriate to the occasion. I recollect one verse:
'Deep in American woods we've met,
From one bright island flown,
Great is the land we tread, but yet
Our hearts are with our own;
And ere we go to fight the foe,
While dawns the golden day,
We'll toast old Ireland , jolly old Ireland , Ireland , boys, hurrah?'
"We left Rome at daybreak on the following morning for Malone, where several thousand stands of arms were stored. The boys were mad for fight and were craving to get the arms into their hands. I had then fully fifteen hundred men under my command and the anticipation of a scrap with the old enemy of their race put them in excellent fighting humor. We dispatched messengers to O'Neil to inform him that we were ready and giving him all the particulars as to our strengths and the equipments within our reach. We waited anxiously all day for a reply. the men began to get impatient and clamored to advance on the Canadian front at once. Our orders from O'Neil were to wait until he had first affected a crossing. We waited until the following morning and about daybreak we got word that he was preparing to cross. My men began to feel good again at this intelligence, but all their enthusiasm was dispelled by the arrival of a messenger about noon who apprised us of the fact that O'Neil had been arrested by the United States authorities. United States Marshal Foster had trapped the general as he was in the act of stealing over the river to Canada . Men cursed O'Neil for making a bungle as they called it. Several suggested that we advance on the Canadian frontier with our own force. But it was too late. The United States government had taken a decisive step to prevent the move on Canada . We got orders from headquarters to disband and we did so not without bitter feeling of disappointment and anger. I often think no army ever retreated from battle with a greater feeling of humiliation.
Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
Birth: 8 Jan 1846 in Warwick, Lambton, Ontario, Canada
Death: 4 May 1907 in Detroit, Wayne, MI
Michigan 22nd Infantry Regiment
Date of Organization 29 August 1862
Date of Muster 26 June 1865
Infantry Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded 3
Officers Died of Disease or Accident 4
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded 86
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident 306
Regimental History
Battles Fought
Battle at Lexington, Kentucky
Battle at Near Danville, Kentucky on 24 March 1863
Battle at Ringgold, Georgia on 18 September 1863
Battle at Chickamauga, Georgia on 20 September 1863
Battle at Chattanooga, Tennessee on 10 October 1863
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 14 October 1864
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 17 October 1864
Battle at Nashville, Tennessee on 16 December 1864
Battle on 07 May 1865
List of Soldiers
John Atkinson Michigan 25 July 1862 Captain age 21 Detroit, MI union
Patrick Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Priv age 38 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Corpl age 18 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson
Claimed Residence in Port Huron
Enlist Date 13 August 1862 Enlist Place Port Huron, MI, Rank Corpl Age Enlist 18
Served Michigan
Last Reported Residence at Detroit, MI
C Co. 22nd Inf Reg. MI
K Co. 3rd Inf Reg. MI
Application Date: 25 August 1866
Relationship: Self
Number: 114301
10 June 1907
Relationship: Widow
Name: Kate M Atkinson
Number: 872094
State: MI
Sarnia Observer, 4 March 1870
MARRIED
At Plympton, Ont. on the 28th (alt.?) at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev Mr Japes, William F. Atkinson of Port Huron to Miss
Kattie M. Donnelly.
"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893 (could be 1898)
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was Duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So distinguished himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William f. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of th4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada, and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland. When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F.Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson
took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada, and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of effecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America, with headquarters in New York City. the supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization.
Father: James ATKINSON b: 1 Jan 1798 in Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ireland
Mother: Elizabeth SHINNERS b: Nov 1804 in Co Clare, Ireland
Spouse:
Catherine M DONNELLY b: 1844 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Married: 28 Feb 1870 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Children:
1. William Donnelly ATKINSON b: 4 Apr 1871 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
2. Eleanor ATKINSON b: 25 Nov 1872
3. John ATKINSON b: 2 Feb 1875 in Port Huron, St Clair Co, MI
4. Katherine M ATKINSON b: 18 Apr 1876
5. Francis William ATKINSON b: 21 Jun 1878 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
6. Florence ATKINSON b: 13 May 1880
∼"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So Distinguished Himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William F. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of the 4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada , and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland . When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of Colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F. Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada , and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of affecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America , with headquarters in New York City. The supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York, who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization in this state.
In the fall of 1865 O'Mahony was deposed and General W. R. Roberts, of Boston , was elected his successor. Roberts favored an invasion of Canada at the first possible opportunity. Accordingly early in October, 1866, Colonel John O'Niel crossed into Canada and with only 1,000 troops defeated the queen's own and all the available Canadian volunteers, amounting in all to nearly 5,000.
Uncle Sam Nabbed Him O'Niel was stopped in his daring attempt by the intervention of the United States government. He surrendered to The United States government, but retained the colors which he captured in his successful skirmish with the queen's own. O'Niel's partial success aroused the Irish to action and it resolved to try once more an invasion of Canada . In this second raid Captain Atkinson figured as second in command. He tells the story of the events with which he was prominently identified.
"It is so long since those stormy days," said Captain Atkinson yesterday, that I cannot recall the proper dates in many cases. Many of the boys who marched side by side with me are dead and gone and very few are left in this vicinity to talk about the hazardous undertaking on which our boyish enthusiasm led us to embark. I may say byway of preface that I enlisted in the union army on Aug 12, 1862. My regiment was the Twenty-second Michigan infantry. I was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and taken prisoner.
On Jan 19, 186- I was fortunate enough to escape from the Confederate prison, On Feb 10, I and two companions reached the union line after a tramp of –miles. Soon after I rejoined my regiment. I was commissioned ...lieutenant. In August, I was on General Sherman's staff ....officer ,I ...celebrated message from Sherman to General Corse...the fort? I am coming.
"On Nov 8, 1864 I was promoted to be Captain of Company K Third Michigan Infantry. I was mustered out on May 25,1866. Returnin ...to Bay City I settled there but I suppose I had not seen enough shot and shell. I was then only twenty two. I became mixed up in the Fenian movement and went into the scheme for the conquest of Canada with considerable enthusiasm. I was married only a few months when I was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Irish revolutionary army."
The Captain produced a time worn document.
"I don't want to lose that old paper," he said. "Even my Canadian wife is anxious to preserve the record of my rank in the army that invaded her country."
Had Stars and Stripes over the reading matter of the commission is an engraving of the motto of the visionary Irish Republic . It consists of the pafp of Erin surmounted by the American Eagle with the Stars and Stripes and the "Sunburst of Ireland: in the back ground the wording of the commission is as follows:
"Know ye: That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism , valor, fidelity, and ability of William F. Atkinson he is hereby appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry in the service of the Irish republic to ..as such from Sept 2, 1867. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of a lieutenant-colonel by doing and performing all manners of things thereunto belonging. And it is hereby strictly enjoined upon all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as lieutenant-colonel and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall receive from the President, Secretary of War and other officers to whom he is subordinate, according to the rules and discipline of war. This commission to remain in force until lawfully revoked...........Patrick J. Meehan, Secretary of War, John T adjutant general; John O'Neil, president of F. B."
Continuing his story Captain Atkinson said: "We had promised to furnish over a thousand men form Michigan . This was to be called the Michigan division. The chief officer in command was Colonel John McDermott of Bay City. the Michigan division was originally supposed to cross from Detroit to Windsor while O'Neil crossed into Canada from Vermont . "I can't remember the dates as I said before, but I am pretty sure it was early in June we were to have crossed to take Windsor on the same day O'Neil was to move also on the Canadian forces. We had about 100,000 stand of arms stored along the border. The American government gave us lots of time to accomplish our end but the inaction of some of the leaders and the delays and postponements saved Canada for England . When the day for action began to draw near, Colonel McDermott backed out for some unaccountable reason. This wavered several of the rank and file.
Joined O'Neil "Those of us who were determined to have a slap at Canada in any event resolved to join O'Neil in Vermont with whatever force we could muster. Accordingly a few days before the date for the advance of O'Neil I was appointed in command for the Michigan division and I left Port Huron one Saturday night with a large army ---just fifteen men. Arriving in Detroit my force was augmented to about seventy-five, but that did not encourage us much as we had expected at least five hundred from the city. Old Justice of the Peace John Patton was among the gang who joined us here, also J P McDonegal who is now in Kansas . "There was another young fellow named Phelan? among the Detroit ....if I am not mistaken, he is a member of the Montgomery Guards of this city. There are several others whose names I do not know, but they salute me when I meet them on the streets and I recognize them as having belonged to my command. We went in from here to Toledo by way of Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. At Toledo we got another reinforcement of several hundred. That encouraged the invading army and we ..that after all Canada would really be taken. We went on to Buffalo , where we were reinforced by about five hundred more and we were tendered a ....reception the people turning out en mass to welcome us. Next day we moved to Rome , N.Y. where we got the largest reinforcement of all. Among the other companies was one from Louisville , KY , the finest company I ever saw. All of them were .. confederate soldiers and when they reported to me as commanding officer I informed their captain that I was a union soldier myself he shook my hand three times as warmly as he had done before and remarked: 'Well, Colonel, we are fighting now for a common cause. The men overheard the captain's remark, and the lads who were the blue shook the hands of those who were the gray and made the city ring with their merry making all night long. I don't think Will ever forget the impression left on my mind by that simple incident of the meeting of the blue and gray. Most of the men who made up the Michigan and Ohio contingents had been in the thick of the fight to save the union. Most of them had experienced all the horrors of southern prisons. Yet as members of our race who rallied at the call of their motherland to strike a blow at the old enemy of the Celt they forgot for the time being that there had ever been a war between the north and the south. Those from the south forgot that their cherished cause, the cause of the confederacy, had just been wiped out in blood by the army of the north, in which some of those whose hands they shook that night were the federal blue.
They Sang Together
"They sang together. There is a song they used to sing that night through the streets which I remember still, it wasn't inappropriate to the occasion. I recollect one verse:
'Deep in American woods we've met,
From one bright island flown,
Great is the land we tread, but yet
Our hearts are with our own;
And ere we go to fight the foe,
While dawns the golden day,
We'll toast old Ireland , jolly old Ireland , Ireland , boys, hurrah?'
"We left Rome at daybreak on the following morning for Malone, where several thousand stands of arms were stored. The boys were mad for fight and were craving to get the arms into their hands. I had then fully fifteen hundred men under my command and the anticipation of a scrap with the old enemy of their race put them in excellent fighting humor. We dispatched messengers to O'Neil to inform him that we were ready and giving him all the particulars as to our strengths and the equipments within our reach. We waited anxiously all day for a reply. the men began to get impatient and clamored to advance on the Canadian front at once. Our orders from O'Neil were to wait until he had first affected a crossing. We waited until the following morning and about daybreak we got word that he was preparing to cross. My men began to feel good again at this intelligence, but all their enthusiasm was dispelled by the arrival of a messenger about noon who apprised us of the fact that O'Neil had been arrested by the United States authorities. United States Marshal Foster had trapped the general as he was in the act of stealing over the river to Canada . Men cursed O'Neil for making a bungle as they called it. Several suggested that we advance on the Canadian frontier with our own force. But it was too late. The United States government had taken a decisive step to prevent the move on Canada . We got orders from headquarters to disband and we did so not without bitter feeling of disappointment and anger. I often think no army ever retreated from battle with a greater feeling of humiliation.
Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
William Francis ATKINSON
Birth: 8 Jan 1846 in Warwick, Lambton, Ontario, Canada
Death: 4 May 1907 in Detroit, Wayne, MI
Michigan 22nd Infantry Regiment
Date of Organization 29 August 1862
Date of Muster 26 June 1865
Infantry Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded 3
Officers Died of Disease or Accident 4
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded 86
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident 306
Regimental History
Battles Fought
Battle at Lexington, Kentucky
Battle at Near Danville, Kentucky on 24 March 1863
Battle at Ringgold, Georgia on 18 September 1863
Battle at Chickamauga, Georgia on 20 September 1863
Battle at Chattanooga, Tennessee on 10 October 1863
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 14 October 1864
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 17 October 1864
Battle at Nashville, Tennessee on 16 December 1864
Battle on 07 May 1865
List of Soldiers
John Atkinson Michigan 25 July 1862 Captain age 21 Detroit, MI union
Patrick Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Priv age 38 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Corpl age 18 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson
Claimed Residence in Port Huron
Enlist Date 13 August 1862 Enlist Place Port Huron, MI, Rank Corpl Age Enlist 18
Served Michigan
Last Reported Residence at Detroit, MI
C Co. 22nd Inf Reg. MI
K Co. 3rd Inf Reg. MI
Application Date: 25 August 1866
Relationship: Self
Number: 114301
10 June 1907
Relationship: Widow
Name: Kate M Atkinson
Number: 872094
State: MI
Sarnia Observer, 4 March 1870
MARRIED
At Plympton, Ont. on the 28th (alt.?) at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev Mr Japes, William F. Atkinson of Port Huron to Miss
Kattie M. Donnelly.
"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893 (could be 1898)
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was Duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So distinguished himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William f. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of th4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada, and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland. When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F.Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson
took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada, and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of effecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America, with headquarters in New York City. the supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization.
Father: James ATKINSON b: 1 Jan 1798 in Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ireland
Mother: Elizabeth SHINNERS b: Nov 1804 in Co Clare, Ireland
Spouse:
Catherine M DONNELLY b: 1844 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Married: 28 Feb 1870 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Children:
1. William Donnelly ATKINSON b: 4 Apr 1871 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
2. Eleanor ATKINSON b: 25 Nov 1872
3. John ATKINSON b: 2 Feb 1875 in Port Huron, St Clair Co, MI
4. Katherine M ATKINSON b: 18 Apr 1876
5. Francis William ATKINSON b: 21 Jun 1878 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
6. Florence ATKINSON b: 13 May 1880
∼"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So Distinguished Himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William F. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of the 4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada , and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland . When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of Colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F. Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada , and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of affecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America , with headquarters in New York City. The supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York, who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization in this state.
In the fall of 1865 O'Mahony was deposed and General W. R. Roberts, of Boston , was elected his successor. Roberts favored an invasion of Canada at the first possible opportunity. Accordingly early in October, 1866, Colonel John O'Niel crossed into Canada and with only 1,000 troops defeated the queen's own and all the available Canadian volunteers, amounting in all to nearly 5,000.
Uncle Sam Nabbed Him O'Niel was stopped in his daring attempt by the intervention of the United States government. He surrendered to The United States government, but retained the colors which he captured in his successful skirmish with the queen's own. O'Niel's partial success aroused the Irish to action and it resolved to try once more an invasion of Canada . In this second raid Captain Atkinson figured as second in command. He tells the story of the events with which he was prominently identified.
"It is so long since those stormy days," said Captain Atkinson yesterday, that I cannot recall the proper dates in many cases. Many of the boys who marched side by side with me are dead and gone and very few are left in this vicinity to talk about the hazardous undertaking on which our boyish enthusiasm led us to embark. I may say byway of preface that I enlisted in the union army on Aug 12, 1862. My regiment was the Twenty-second Michigan infantry. I was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and taken prisoner.
On Jan 19, 186- I was fortunate enough to escape from the Confederate prison, On Feb 10, I and two companions reached the union line after a tramp of –miles. Soon after I rejoined my regiment. I was commissioned ...lieutenant. In August, I was on General Sherman's staff ....officer ,I ...celebrated message from Sherman to General Corse...the fort? I am coming.
"On Nov 8, 1864 I was promoted to be Captain of Company K Third Michigan Infantry. I was mustered out on May 25,1866. Returnin ...to Bay City I settled there but I suppose I had not seen enough shot and shell. I was then only twenty two. I became mixed up in the Fenian movement and went into the scheme for the conquest of Canada with considerable enthusiasm. I was married only a few months when I was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Irish revolutionary army."
The Captain produced a time worn document.
"I don't want to lose that old paper," he said. "Even my Canadian wife is anxious to preserve the record of my rank in the army that invaded her country."
Had Stars and Stripes over the reading matter of the commission is an engraving of the motto of the visionary Irish Republic . It consists of the pafp of Erin surmounted by the American Eagle with the Stars and Stripes and the "Sunburst of Ireland: in the back ground the wording of the commission is as follows:
"Know ye: That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism , valor, fidelity, and ability of William F. Atkinson he is hereby appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry in the service of the Irish republic to ..as such from Sept 2, 1867. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of a lieutenant-colonel by doing and performing all manners of things thereunto belonging. And it is hereby strictly enjoined upon all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as lieutenant-colonel and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall receive from the President, Secretary of War and other officers to whom he is subordinate, according to the rules and discipline of war. This commission to remain in force until lawfully revoked...........Patrick J. Meehan, Secretary of War, John T adjutant general; John O'Neil, president of F. B."
Continuing his story Captain Atkinson said: "We had promised to furnish over a thousand men form Michigan . This was to be called the Michigan division. The chief officer in command was Colonel John McDermott of Bay City. the Michigan division was originally supposed to cross from Detroit to Windsor while O'Neil crossed into Canada from Vermont . "I can't remember the dates as I said before, but I am pretty sure it was early in June we were to have crossed to take Windsor on the same day O'Neil was to move also on the Canadian forces. We had about 100,000 stand of arms stored along the border. The American government gave us lots of time to accomplish our end but the inaction of some of the leaders and the delays and postponements saved Canada for England . When the day for action began to draw near, Colonel McDermott backed out for some unaccountable reason. This wavered several of the rank and file.
Joined O'Neil "Those of us who were determined to have a slap at Canada in any event resolved to join O'Neil in Vermont with whatever force we could muster. Accordingly a few days before the date for the advance of O'Neil I was appointed in command for the Michigan division and I left Port Huron one Saturday night with a large army ---just fifteen men. Arriving in Detroit my force was augmented to about seventy-five, but that did not encourage us much as we had expected at least five hundred from the city. Old Justice of the Peace John Patton was among the gang who joined us here, also J P McDonegal who is now in Kansas . "There was another young fellow named Phelan? among the Detroit ....if I am not mistaken, he is a member of the Montgomery Guards of this city. There are several others whose names I do not know, but they salute me when I meet them on the streets and I recognize them as having belonged to my command. We went in from here to Toledo by way of Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. At Toledo we got another reinforcement of several hundred. That encouraged the invading army and we ..that after all Canada would really be taken. We went on to Buffalo , where we were reinforced by about five hundred more and we were tendered a ....reception the people turning out en mass to welcome us. Next day we moved to Rome , N.Y. where we got the largest reinforcement of all. Among the other companies was one from Louisville , KY , the finest company I ever saw. All of them were .. confederate soldiers and when they reported to me as commanding officer I informed their captain that I was a union soldier myself he shook my hand three times as warmly as he had done before and remarked: 'Well, Colonel, we are fighting now for a common cause. The men overheard the captain's remark, and the lads who were the blue shook the hands of those who were the gray and made the city ring with their merry making all night long. I don't think Will ever forget the impression left on my mind by that simple incident of the meeting of the blue and gray. Most of the men who made up the Michigan and Ohio contingents had been in the thick of the fight to save the union. Most of them had experienced all the horrors of southern prisons. Yet as members of our race who rallied at the call of their motherland to strike a blow at the old enemy of the Celt they forgot for the time being that there had ever been a war between the north and the south. Those from the south forgot that their cherished cause, the cause of the confederacy, had just been wiped out in blood by the army of the north, in which some of those whose hands they shook that night were the federal blue.
They Sang Together
"They sang together. There is a song they used to sing that night through the streets which I remember still, it wasn't inappropriate to the occasion. I recollect one verse:
'Deep in American woods we've met,
From one bright island flown,
Great is the land we tread, but yet
Our hearts are with our own;
And ere we go to fight the foe,
While dawns the golden day,
We'll toast old Ireland , jolly old Ireland , Ireland , boys, hurrah?'
"We left Rome at daybreak on the following morning for Malone, where several thousand stands of arms were stored. The boys were mad for fight and were craving to get the arms into their hands. I had then fully fifteen hundred men under my command and the anticipation of a scrap with the old enemy of their race put them in excellent fighting humor. We dispatched messengers to O'Neil to inform him that we were ready and giving him all the particulars as to our strengths and the equipments within our reach. We waited anxiously all day for a reply. the men began to get impatient and clamored to advance on the Canadian front at once. Our orders from O'Neil were to wait until he had first affected a crossing. We waited until the following morning and about daybreak we got word that he was preparing to cross. My men began to feel good again at this intelligence, but all their enthusiasm was dispelled by the arrival of a messenger about noon who apprised us of the fact that O'Neil had been arrested by the United States authorities. United States Marshal Foster had trapped the general as he was in the act of stealing over the river to Canada . Men cursed O'Neil for making a bungle as they called it. Several suggested that we advance on the Canadian frontier with our own force. But it was too late. The United States government had taken a decisive step to prevent the move on Canada . We got orders from headquarters to disband and we did so not without bitter feeling of disappointment and anger. I often think no army ever retreated from battle with a greater feeling of humiliation.
Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
Birth: 8 Jan 1846 in Warwick, Lambton, Ontario, Canada
Death: 4 May 1907 in Detroit, Wayne, MI
Michigan 22nd Infantry Regiment
Date of Organization 29 August 1862
Date of Muster 26 June 1865
Infantry Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded 3
Officers Died of Disease or Accident 4
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded 86
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident 306
Regimental History
Battles Fought
Battle at Lexington, Kentucky
Battle at Near Danville, Kentucky on 24 March 1863
Battle at Ringgold, Georgia on 18 September 1863
Battle at Chickamauga, Georgia on 20 September 1863
Battle at Chattanooga, Tennessee on 10 October 1863
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 14 October 1864
Battle at Atlanta, Georgia on 17 October 1864
Battle at Nashville, Tennessee on 16 December 1864
Battle on 07 May 1865
List of Soldiers
John Atkinson Michigan 25 July 1862 Captain age 21 Detroit, MI union
Patrick Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Priv age 38 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson Michigan 13 August 1862 Corpl age 18 Port Huron, MI union
William F Atkinson
Claimed Residence in Port Huron
Enlist Date 13 August 1862 Enlist Place Port Huron, MI, Rank Corpl Age Enlist 18
Served Michigan
Last Reported Residence at Detroit, MI
C Co. 22nd Inf Reg. MI
K Co. 3rd Inf Reg. MI
Application Date: 25 August 1866
Relationship: Self
Number: 114301
10 June 1907
Relationship: Widow
Name: Kate M Atkinson
Number: 872094
State: MI
Sarnia Observer, 4 March 1870
MARRIED
At Plympton, Ont. on the 28th (alt.?) at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev Mr Japes, William F. Atkinson of Port Huron to Miss
Kattie M. Donnelly.
"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893 (could be 1898)
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was Duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So distinguished himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William f. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of th4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada, and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland. When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F.Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson
took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada, and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of effecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America, with headquarters in New York City. the supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization.
Father: James ATKINSON b: 1 Jan 1798 in Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ireland
Mother: Elizabeth SHINNERS b: Nov 1804 in Co Clare, Ireland
Spouse:
Catherine M DONNELLY b: 1844 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Married: 28 Feb 1870 in Kertch, Plympton, Ontario, Canada
Children:
1. William Donnelly ATKINSON b: 4 Apr 1871 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
2. Eleanor ATKINSON b: 25 Nov 1872
3. John ATKINSON b: 2 Feb 1875 in Port Huron, St Clair Co, MI
4. Katherine M ATKINSON b: 18 Apr 1876
5. Francis William ATKINSON b: 21 Jun 1878 in Port Huron, St Clair, MI
6. Florence ATKINSON b: 13 May 1880
∼"Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
A PRICE UPON HIS HEAD
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM F. ATKINSON
He Was With O'Neil in the Fenian Invasion of Canada
Was duly commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fenian Army and So Distinguished Himself that a Price of L2000 Was Set Upon His Head.
Few of the people of Detroit who are acquainted with Captain William F. Atkinson are aware of the fact that there is a price on his head of 2,000 plump sovereigns set by the Canadian government. The captain was one of the 4 principal leaders in the movement among the Irish in America twenty-five years ago, which had for its object the conquest of Canada , and the ultimate establishment of a republican form of government in Ireland . When the scheme failed the Canadian government resolved to punish the bold marauders who took part in the raid upon Canadian territory. Five thousand pounds was offered for the capture, dead or alive, of Colonel John O'Neil, who was chief in command of the invading array and L2,000 for the capture of the second officer in command. This gentleman was none other than William F. Atkinson. Since Captain Atkinson took part in the Irish revolution movement things have changed considerably. The Irish in America have abandoned the idea of a raid upon Canada , and have been converted to the belief that Ireland can regain her liberty by bloodless means.
It was different was back in the sixties. After the war between the north and south was ended it was the dream of the Irishmen who had fought in the confederate as well as the union army to band themselves together in a movement for the conquest of the British dominions on the American continent. Canada in the hands of the Irish could be made the basis of operations against England for the purpose of affecting the liberation of the Irish people from British rule.
Early in 1865 the Fenian organization was established in America , with headquarters in New York City. The supreme head of the organization was Colonel John O'Mahony, of New York, who had served with considerable distinction in the union army. The Irish of Michigan soon established branches, or, as they were called circles of the organization in this state.
In the fall of 1865 O'Mahony was deposed and General W. R. Roberts, of Boston , was elected his successor. Roberts favored an invasion of Canada at the first possible opportunity. Accordingly early in October, 1866, Colonel John O'Niel crossed into Canada and with only 1,000 troops defeated the queen's own and all the available Canadian volunteers, amounting in all to nearly 5,000.
Uncle Sam Nabbed Him O'Niel was stopped in his daring attempt by the intervention of the United States government. He surrendered to The United States government, but retained the colors which he captured in his successful skirmish with the queen's own. O'Niel's partial success aroused the Irish to action and it resolved to try once more an invasion of Canada . In this second raid Captain Atkinson figured as second in command. He tells the story of the events with which he was prominently identified.
"It is so long since those stormy days," said Captain Atkinson yesterday, that I cannot recall the proper dates in many cases. Many of the boys who marched side by side with me are dead and gone and very few are left in this vicinity to talk about the hazardous undertaking on which our boyish enthusiasm led us to embark. I may say byway of preface that I enlisted in the union army on Aug 12, 1862. My regiment was the Twenty-second Michigan infantry. I was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and taken prisoner.
On Jan 19, 186- I was fortunate enough to escape from the Confederate prison, On Feb 10, I and two companions reached the union line after a tramp of –miles. Soon after I rejoined my regiment. I was commissioned ...lieutenant. In August, I was on General Sherman's staff ....officer ,I ...celebrated message from Sherman to General Corse...the fort? I am coming.
"On Nov 8, 1864 I was promoted to be Captain of Company K Third Michigan Infantry. I was mustered out on May 25,1866. Returnin ...to Bay City I settled there but I suppose I had not seen enough shot and shell. I was then only twenty two. I became mixed up in the Fenian movement and went into the scheme for the conquest of Canada with considerable enthusiasm. I was married only a few months when I was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Irish revolutionary army."
The Captain produced a time worn document.
"I don't want to lose that old paper," he said. "Even my Canadian wife is anxious to preserve the record of my rank in the army that invaded her country."
Had Stars and Stripes over the reading matter of the commission is an engraving of the motto of the visionary Irish Republic . It consists of the pafp of Erin surmounted by the American Eagle with the Stars and Stripes and the "Sunburst of Ireland: in the back ground the wording of the commission is as follows:
"Know ye: That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism , valor, fidelity, and ability of William F. Atkinson he is hereby appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry in the service of the Irish republic to ..as such from Sept 2, 1867. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of a lieutenant-colonel by doing and performing all manners of things thereunto belonging. And it is hereby strictly enjoined upon all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as lieutenant-colonel and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall receive from the President, Secretary of War and other officers to whom he is subordinate, according to the rules and discipline of war. This commission to remain in force until lawfully revoked...........Patrick J. Meehan, Secretary of War, John T adjutant general; John O'Neil, president of F. B."
Continuing his story Captain Atkinson said: "We had promised to furnish over a thousand men form Michigan . This was to be called the Michigan division. The chief officer in command was Colonel John McDermott of Bay City. the Michigan division was originally supposed to cross from Detroit to Windsor while O'Neil crossed into Canada from Vermont . "I can't remember the dates as I said before, but I am pretty sure it was early in June we were to have crossed to take Windsor on the same day O'Neil was to move also on the Canadian forces. We had about 100,000 stand of arms stored along the border. The American government gave us lots of time to accomplish our end but the inaction of some of the leaders and the delays and postponements saved Canada for England . When the day for action began to draw near, Colonel McDermott backed out for some unaccountable reason. This wavered several of the rank and file.
Joined O'Neil "Those of us who were determined to have a slap at Canada in any event resolved to join O'Neil in Vermont with whatever force we could muster. Accordingly a few days before the date for the advance of O'Neil I was appointed in command for the Michigan division and I left Port Huron one Saturday night with a large army ---just fifteen men. Arriving in Detroit my force was augmented to about seventy-five, but that did not encourage us much as we had expected at least five hundred from the city. Old Justice of the Peace John Patton was among the gang who joined us here, also J P McDonegal who is now in Kansas . "There was another young fellow named Phelan? among the Detroit ....if I am not mistaken, he is a member of the Montgomery Guards of this city. There are several others whose names I do not know, but they salute me when I meet them on the streets and I recognize them as having belonged to my command. We went in from here to Toledo by way of Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. At Toledo we got another reinforcement of several hundred. That encouraged the invading army and we ..that after all Canada would really be taken. We went on to Buffalo , where we were reinforced by about five hundred more and we were tendered a ....reception the people turning out en mass to welcome us. Next day we moved to Rome , N.Y. where we got the largest reinforcement of all. Among the other companies was one from Louisville , KY , the finest company I ever saw. All of them were .. confederate soldiers and when they reported to me as commanding officer I informed their captain that I was a union soldier myself he shook my hand three times as warmly as he had done before and remarked: 'Well, Colonel, we are fighting now for a common cause. The men overheard the captain's remark, and the lads who were the blue shook the hands of those who were the gray and made the city ring with their merry making all night long. I don't think Will ever forget the impression left on my mind by that simple incident of the meeting of the blue and gray. Most of the men who made up the Michigan and Ohio contingents had been in the thick of the fight to save the union. Most of them had experienced all the horrors of southern prisons. Yet as members of our race who rallied at the call of their motherland to strike a blow at the old enemy of the Celt they forgot for the time being that there had ever been a war between the north and the south. Those from the south forgot that their cherished cause, the cause of the confederacy, had just been wiped out in blood by the army of the north, in which some of those whose hands they shook that night were the federal blue.
They Sang Together
"They sang together. There is a song they used to sing that night through the streets which I remember still, it wasn't inappropriate to the occasion. I recollect one verse:
'Deep in American woods we've met,
From one bright island flown,
Great is the land we tread, but yet
Our hearts are with our own;
And ere we go to fight the foe,
While dawns the golden day,
We'll toast old Ireland , jolly old Ireland , Ireland , boys, hurrah?'
"We left Rome at daybreak on the following morning for Malone, where several thousand stands of arms were stored. The boys were mad for fight and were craving to get the arms into their hands. I had then fully fifteen hundred men under my command and the anticipation of a scrap with the old enemy of their race put them in excellent fighting humor. We dispatched messengers to O'Neil to inform him that we were ready and giving him all the particulars as to our strengths and the equipments within our reach. We waited anxiously all day for a reply. the men began to get impatient and clamored to advance on the Canadian front at once. Our orders from O'Neil were to wait until he had first affected a crossing. We waited until the following morning and about daybreak we got word that he was preparing to cross. My men began to feel good again at this intelligence, but all their enthusiasm was dispelled by the arrival of a messenger about noon who apprised us of the fact that O'Neil had been arrested by the United States authorities. United States Marshal Foster had trapped the general as he was in the act of stealing over the river to Canada . Men cursed O'Neil for making a bungle as they called it. Several suggested that we advance on the Canadian frontier with our own force. But it was too late. The United States government had taken a decisive step to prevent the move on Canada . We got orders from headquarters to disband and we did so not without bitter feeling of disappointment and anger. I often think no army ever retreated from battle with a greater feeling of humiliation.
Detroit Tribune" Sunday, August 12, 1893
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