Beard-O-Rama Bonus: St. Patrick’s Day Eve
Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, and it brought to mind my favorite photo of one of my favorite generals, Brig. Gen. Thomas Greely Stevenson, killed at Spotsylvania Court House on May 10, 1864. Stevenson, a division commander in the Federal IX Corps, was a protege of his commander, Ambrose Burnside (although I doubt that’s why Stevenson has Burnside-like sideburns).
This photo always made me think of Stevenson as a pugilistic leprechaun. He could practically be on a box of Lucky Charms, for crying out loud.
So, in honor of Gen. Stevenson and his fine leprechaun beard, I wish you an early Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Pugilist Leprechaun me aching feet! He’s the spittin’ image of Paddy O’Rourke!
Chris, appreciate the St. Patrick’s Day post. On the subject of the Beard-O-Rama, I will be very disappointed if James Longstreet and Stonewall Jackson are not included in the competition. Those are two great beards.
Oh, no! I’ll be honest, neither of them are in the competition. Neither got nominated this year. But if all goes well with this year’s tournament, perhaps we’ll repeat it next year and incorporate some of the lessons we’re learning this year. For instance, we didn’t actually define “beard,” but our readers have had strong feelings about what makes a beard a beard!
(Longstreet’s postwar beard is particularly incredible.)
In the words of Thomas Meagher, Erin Go Bragh! to his comrade in arms “Seamus” Stevenson!!
Well, since it’s Saint Paddy’s Day , and my oldest daughter’s birthday, please indulge me in a little more love of soldiers from the Emerald Isle … as it turns out George Washington was a big fan of his Irish Continentals — the biggest ethnic contingent in the nation’s first army … the general had a special affection for the green as “Ireland’s patriotic struggle against the British crown mirrored America’s own struggle for liberty.”
So, in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, his general orders at at Jockey Hollow, NJ read:
General Orders 16 March 1780
“The General congratulates the army on the very interesting proceedings of the Parliament of Ireland and of the Inhabitants of that Country which have been lately communicated; not only as they appear calculated to remove those heavy and tyrannical oppressions on their trade but to restore to a brave and generous people their ancient Rights and Freedom and by their operation to promote the cause of America.
Desirous of impressing on the minds of the Army, transactions so important in their nature, the General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for tomorrow the 17th, a day held in particular regard by the People of that nation—At the same time that he orders this, he persuades himself that the celebration of the day will not be attended with the least rioting or disorder—The officers to be at their quarters in camp and the troops of each state line are to keep within their own encampment.”
Irish translation: Take the day off … drinking and celebrating is encouraged … but keep the party down to a low roar … to his officers, stand-by to break-up fights between the Irish and the Germans.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!