Sons of Leitrim
McGuerty
Patrick
Soldier Profile: Patrick McGuerty
Co. I, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
Patrick McGuerty’s journey took him from the rugged landscape of County Leitrim to the crowded wards of Boston, and finally to the legendary "Irish Brigade." His story is a poignant example of the immigrant experience—working as a laborer to build a new life, only to lose it in the harsh conditions of a Civil War prison camp.
Early Life and Family
Born: Circa 1827 in County Leitrim, Ireland.
Parents: James McGuerty and Mary McGrail.
Emigration: Unknown date, but he had settled in Boston by the mid-1850s.
Marriage: Married Betsey Gilchrist on July 29, 1857, in Boston.
Life in Boston: By 1860, Patrick was working as a day laborer in Boston’s Ward 3. Despite his humble job, he had managed to save a modest estate valued between $300 and $1,000—a significant achievement for an immigrant of that era. He and Betsey had two sons, James (b. 1859) and Francis (b. 1862).
Military Service
Patrick was an early volunteer, enlisting on September 17, 1861, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He committed to three years of service in the 28th Massachusetts Volunteers.
Physical Description: Patrick stood 5' 6" tall with blue eyes, black hair, and a dark complexion.
The "X" Mark: Like many of his countrymen who were denied an education in Ireland, Patrick signed his enlistment papers with an "X," indicating he could not read or write.
Wounded at Fredericksburg: On December 13, 1862, Patrick took part in the Irish Brigade’s famous, tragic charge at Marye’s Heights, where he was wounded in action.
Capture and the Horror of Belle Isle
Patrick returned to his unit in time for the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863—the second day of the massive conflict—he was captured by Confederate forces.
Imprisonment: He was sent to Richmond, Virginia, and confined at the notorious Belle Isle Prison Camp, an island in the James River known for its exposure to the elements and lack of food.
Conflicting Records: While official War Department notes later listed "disease" as the cause of death, his Company Muster Roll recorded a more haunting truth: that he died of starvation while a prisoner.
Final Resting Place
After months of suffering, Patrick was admitted to "Rebel" Hospital 21 in Richmond on November 13, 1863. He held on for six weeks before passing away on December 28, 1863.
His widow, Betsey, applied for a pension in 1864 to support their young sons. Like his comrade John Shanley, Patrick McGuerty is buried in the Richmond National Cemetery, a Leitrim man resting forever in Virginia soil.
Service Timeline
DateEventLocation
Sept 17, 1861 Enlisted for 3 Years Cambridge, MA
Dec 13, 1862 Wounded in ActionFredericksburg, VA
July 2, 1863 Captured (POW) Gettysburg, PA
Nov 13, 1863 Admitted to Prison HospitalRichmond, VA
Dec 28, 1863 Died in CaptivityRichmond, VA
