Another bit of unknown history. Gen. Winfield Scott, vilified for some of the San Patricio hangings, had saved 23 Irishmen from hanging by the British during the War of 1812. Scott and about 1000 soldiers, including the Irishmen, were taken prisoner in one of the actions. The British separated the Irish-born to be taken to England to be tried for high treason. Scott was released in a prisoner exchange, and took the case to Congress. Later he captured a number of British soldiers, and said he would hang 23 Britons if the Irish were not released.
The interesting story is here: Wild Geese 1812