Lot
1849 
69th Reg't N.Y.S. Vol., red and blue patriotic shield with green Irish Harp (Lyre) in center design, Young Lockwood & Co's Press, Buffalo" imprint, on cover bearing 3¢ rose (65) cancelled by "Paid" handstamp, matching "Gowanda, N.Y. Nov 18" cds to Vermont; stain spot at bottom, otherwise Very Fine and scarce Irish patriotic design. Estimate $150 - 200.
The the 69th New York Infantry, or the "Fighting 69th" was the Irish Brigade consisting predominantly of Irish Americans that served in the Union Army in the American Civil War. The designation of the first regiment in the brigade continued in later wars. The Irish Brigade was known in part for its famous war cry, the "Faugh a Ballaugh", which is an anglicization of the Irish phrase, fág an bealach, meaning "clear the way". According to Fox's Regimental Losses, of all Union army brigades, only the 1st Vermont Brigade and Iron Brigade suffered more combat dead than the Irish Brigade during America's Civil War.
Realized: $600