Regarding some of the events behind the song --

"Return of the 69th (Irish) Regiment, N.Y.S.M. From the Seat of War", a painting by Louis Lang, has recently been restored and will be on display starting November 11 (Veteran's Day) at the New York Historical Society Museum when it reopens.

The New York Times says about it: "Huge, detailed and colorful, it comes from an era when paintings were expressive and descriptive, tools not only to evoke emotions, but also to do the very real work of simply documenting and recounting history. "

"Early on the morning of July 27, 1861, the Irish brigade of New York's 69th Regiment returned From the First Battle of Bull Run, landing by steamboat at what is now Battery Park"

"The painting captures a moment in Civil War history, when the Irish rose to defend the Union and were lauded as heroes. Their joyful homecoming, however, was followed by the 1863 Draft Riots, blamed largely on the Irish."

Another site, with images that show detail from the painting.

"Endurance and pluck", an article from the Irish Times.

The NY Historical Society's eMuseum notes on the painting

NY Historical Society page on the exhibit that will include the painting: "Making American Taste: Narrative Art for a New Democracy"

~ Becky in Tucson