In 1861, Thomas Francis Meagher of New York began to form an Irish Brigade. Along with local Irish leaders he began to lobby Gov. Andrew to supply a Massachusetts regiment for the Brigade. At this time the governor was under pressure from several fronts for troops. First he had Meagher who wanted an Massachusetts regiment for his Irish brigade. Being from NY he wanted NY men to lead it. Local Irish leaders, like Patrick Donahoe who owned the Pilot and B. S. Treanor the editor of the Irish Patriot, wanted an Irish regiment lead by local Irish men. General Butler who was raising troops in New England also wanted a regiment from the governor. In an attempt to please everybody Andrew decided to attempt to raise two Irish regiments at the same time. The 28th would be recruited at Camp Cameron in Cambridge and go to Gen. Butler. The 29th would be recruite in Framingham and go to the Irish Brigade. onr would have MA officers, the other NY officers. Things did not work out this way. (1)
(1) Thomas Francis Meagher and the Irish Brigade in the Civil War, Callaghan, Daniel M., McFarland & CO., Jefferson NC 2006, pg. 49-50
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