You probably know that I'm a "War of Secession" (American Civil War) buff and have been studying it for about 35 years. Last year at Gettysburg I made a point of visiting the spot where Joseph L. Pierce, in Co. F of the 14th Conn., fought. At the time I thought he was the only Chinese who fought at Gettysburg. In the latest issue of Gettysburg Magazine there is an article about other foreign soldiers who fought there.

It turns out that another Chinese, John Tomney of the 70th NY, was killed during the second day's fighting. Others that might be of interest to some of the Nuts are:

Richard Flanagan, from Sydney, Australia, fought with the 72nd PA and was wounded at "The Angle" while repulsing "Pickett's Charge".

James W. Sibley, from Nova Scotia, was an assistant surgeon for the 95th NY before moving to Geelong, Australia.

Albert Oss, from Belgium, was a member of Co. B, 11th NJ and was wounded.

Thomas R. Morris, from New Zealand, was in Co. G of the 15th Alabama and fought on Little Round Top.

There were many Irish, German, English, etc. serving on both sides. One heck of a way to be a "melting pot".

Pkslinger, were they here when it started or did they travel from their countries to join the action? where they considered mercenaries?

Slim, I'd think it was both, but mostly already here. I've never heard them considered mercs.

There were also some native Americans involved too - but not much press because they were crapped on after the war.

Good to see a kiwi in there stirring things along!

radar wrote:

Good to see a kiwi in there stirring things along!

...and an Aussie mate, albeit an Irish sounding Aussie.

I will give it to you Americans, you do your history proud with your museams for the different battlefields on your continent.
I went through Gettysburg back in 1970 as a kid and still remember it even if I didnt fully understand it at the time.
Do they still have the 5 ft wide sections of trees with bullets and shrapenal embedded in them on display?

Pumpkinslinger, you are of course referring to the War of Northern Aggression.

This morning I feel like I did.......