The Army of the Potomac Tuesday, March 17, 1863, St. Patrick's Day, the Irish Brigade celebrated in its usual royal manner. The day is celebrated due to an adorned Saint. She cast out all serpents from her bounderies in Ireland.
General Meagher believed the morale of the troops would benefit by a celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Preparations for the celebration were grand. Speaker stands were erected for speeches which would be given by honored guests. At one o'clock in the morning the ball began. The drums and music startled soldiers in encampments for miles.
General Meagher's quarters were decked with Irish and American flags. Among the officers and soldiers who were guests and speakers for the festivities were General Hooker, General Sickles, General Sedgwick, and General Butterfield.
Horse racing, vaulting, foot-races, wheel-barrel races, wrestling matches,and the finale would be a grand Irish Brigade steeple chase for a greased pig. There was only one pig around for miles and unfortunately for te soldiers it belonged to a widow who didn't want to part with it easily. She requested thirty dollars for her prized pig, but the soldiers hoped to negotiate the price to fifteen or the race might have to be cancelled.
The quarter master was sent to Washington for liquors and meats.
After the many speeches, the commanding officers, some with their ladies on horses and in ambulances, headed for refreshments. Even though they were in the middle of war the celebration was grand. The brigade officers and their brass hat guests consumed thirty-five hams, a side of an ox roasted, an entire pig stuffed with broiled turkeys, and unlimited number of chickens, ducks, and small game.
The officers consumed eight baskets of champagne, ten gallons of rum, and twenty-two of whiskey. The whiskey was mixed with condensed milk, nutmeg, and hot water to make a milk punch. The punch was served from an enormous punch bowl which held not less than thirty gallons. The Irish Brigade enlisted men each received a special ration of two gils of rum before the race. The various activities continued until five o'clock.
While these sports took place, rapid artillery fire could be heard in the distance. Cavalry regiments started out on a reconnaissance the prior day toward Culpeper. Early in the morning a Confederate Brigade was spotted in pursuit on the opposite side of the Rappahannock.The enemy was fully prepared to defend the ford. Only two men could ford the river abreast. The crossing, however, was successful after a brief skirmish.
Once the river was crossed, a regular cavalry and artillery fight occurred between General Averill's command and General J.E.B. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee. For once te cavalry was engaged in a fair fight with a Union victory.
The Irish Brigade remained in Falmouth until George Meagher returned from a bout of rheumatism, and then they headed to Chancellorsville.