Sons of Leitrim
Sweeney
Daniel
Soldier Profile: Daniel Sweeney
Co. C, 182nd New York Infantry Regiment (69th New York National Guard)
Daniel Sweeney's war began at Bull Run in 1861 and ended at Reams Station in 1864—three years of service that saw him rise from private to second lieutenant, only to fall in the brutal summer fighting of Grant's Overland Campaign. Three days before his death, his mother received $100 he had sent home. Nine days after, another $50 arrived.
Early Life and Family
Born: December 31, 1837, Carrigallen, County Leitrim, Ireland
Father: John Sweeney (baptized May 20, 1802, in Oughteragh Church, County Leitrim)
Mother: Ann Sweeney
Parents' Marriage: May 3, 1838, at James Street Church, New York
Emigration: Unknown date, but the family was in New York by 1838
Early Occupation: From age thirteen, Daniel worked in a paper printing factory, giving all his wages to his mother to support the household
Military Service
Daniel enlisted in the Union Army on April 20, 1861—just eight days after Fort Sumter. He was mustered into Company B of the 11th New York Infantry Regiment.
First Bull Run (July 21, 1861)
The 11th New York saw action at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, and suffered severe casualties. While we cannot confirm with certainty that Daniel participated in this engagement, it is likely he was there—the first major battle of the war, a Union disaster that shattered illusions of a quick victory.
Muster Out and Re-enlistment (June 1862)
The entire brigade was mustered out on June 2, 1862, in Washington after attempts to reorganize it failed. Daniel was mustered out with them, having been promoted to sergeant by this time.
One month later, on July 1, 1862, Daniel rejoined the army on a ninety-day enrollment, mustered into the 69th New York Infantry National Guard Militia. This regiment was serving in the defenses of Washington, and Daniel likely spent the summer of 1862 on garrison duty in the capital's fortifications.
The 182nd New York Infantry (69th New York National Guard)
On September 10, 1862, Daniel joined the 182nd New York Infantry Regiment, Company G (also known as the 69th New York National Guard), with the rank of sergeant. This was part of the famous Corcoran's Brigade—named for Michael Corcoran, the Irish nationalist and Union officer.
Promotion to 2nd Lieutenant: June 7, 1863
Transfer to Company C: July 23, 1863
The Waiting (1862–1864)
The regiment saw no major engagements until the start of Grant's Overland Campaign in May 1864. For nearly two years, Daniel served, drilled, and waited—rising through the ranks while the war raged elsewhere.
The Overland Campaign: Three Months of Hell (May–August 1864)
When Grant launched his Overland Campaign in May 1864, the killing began in earnest. The 182nd New York was thrown into the meat grinder:
Spotsylvania Court House (May 17–21, 1864): The regiment lost 1 officer and 5 men killed, 21 wounded, and 3 missing
North Anna Campaign (Late May 1864): More fighting along the river crossings
Battle of the Totopotomoy: 6 men killed, 25 wounded, 6 missing
Cold Harbor (June 1864): Captain Edward Burler of Company C—Daniel's company—was killed along with 18 others. Another 43 were wounded and 26 missing or captured. Cold Harbor was a slaughter, one of Grant's worst tactical failures.
Siege of Petersburg (June 16–July 29, 1864): The long siege that would eventually strangle the Confederacy
Around July 29, 1864, the regiment was transferred to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. Colonel Murphy took command of the brigade.
Deep Bottom (August 1864): More fighting along the James River
They had been fighting almost continuously for three months. The casualties mounted with each engagement. It is likely that Daniel Sweeney fought in all these battles—Spotsylvania, the Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom—rising each morning uncertain whether he would see the next.
Reams Station (August 25, 1864)
During the Second Battle of Reams Station on August 25, 1864, Second Lieutenant Daniel Sweeney was shot dead. First Lieutenant Patrick McCarthy attested to his death in an affidavit in April 1869.
Three days before his death—on August 22, 1864—Daniel's mother Ann had received a remittance of $100 from her son. Nine days after his death, on September 4, 1864, she received a further remittance of $50. The Adams Express Company had delivered both payments. Daniel had been sending money home throughout his service, supporting his parents even as he fought through the bloodiest campaigns of the war.
A Mother's Pension
Ann Sweeney submitted a claim for a pension on 15 Janaury, 1869—nearly five years after Daniel's death. She was living at 25 Mulberry Street, New York, with her husband John, who was sixty-seven years old and suffering from chronic rheumatism since 1861. They had been supported by their son Daniel's earnings from the paper printing factory, and then by the money he sent home from the army.
Ann signed her application with an X—she could not write her name.
She was granted a pension of $15 per month on July 24, 1869, backdated to August 26, 1864—the day after Daniel's death.
Service & Family Timeline
Date Event Detail
Dec 31, 1837 Birth Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim
Apr 20, 1861 Enlistment 11th New York Infantry (Sergeant)
June 7, 1863 Promotion Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 182nd NY
May–Aug 1864 Overland Campaign Fought through Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor
Aug 22, 1864 Last Letter Sent $100 home to his mother
Aug 25, 1864 Killed in Action Second Battle of Reams Station, VA
