There was also an undercurrent of discontent amongst the Catholics in the Army at the thought of fighting another Catholic country on the behalf of a Protestant nation. Several soldiers decided that rather than endure the humiliations imposed on them by the officers, they would desert. Several found their way to the Mexican lines and were treated well. These deserters gave the Mexicans the idea of spreading dissention in the ranks by deliberately appealing to the immigrants and Catholics to come over to the Mexican side with promises of acceptance and rewards of land. Thus began a war over religion as much as one for territory. Ultimately, the Mexicans were able to gather enough deserters to create an artillery battalion that was largely Irish and Catholic.

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The San Patricios fought with valor against their former comrades, but like the rest of the Mexican Army they were eventually defeated. The price of defeat was high since as many as 46 San Patricios were hung for their crimes of desertion and aiding the enemy and 15 more were whipped 50 times each and branded on the cheek with a large ‘D’ for desertion. One of the more ‘fortunate’ ones who was branded and whipped was the leader of the San Patricios John Riley. John Riley was whipped and branded only because, at the time he deserted, the United States was not technically at war with Mexico and so he could only receive the lesser punishment. Both Ireland and Mexico consider the San Patricios heroes, but in the United States they are infamous for being deserters. Yet it would be wrong to consider the San Patricios the norm instead of the exception. Most immigrant soldiers fought valiantly with the US Army and this, combined with the conduct of the Nativist officers, impacted future leaders such as: Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and George B. McClellan; who learned to treat the common soldier with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, Braxton Bragg never learned the lesson and was still a martinet during the Civil War. And the Irish would once again be in the forefront of combat proving their courage with both the Irish Brigade and the Rebel Irish. The book also illustrates problems in the modern United States in dealing with immigrants.

Rogue’s March by Peter F. Stevens is a 2005 reprint of a 1995 volume by Potomac Books (formerly Brassey’s) and appears as part of the Warriors Series. The research is excellent and combines plenty of both primary and secondary sources. The writing is flawless, the illustrations enhance the text and the maps add scope and depth to the battlefields. With a $9.95 list price, the book is readily available to all readers and is highly recommended for any student of military history or to those who want to study the history of immigrant life in the United States and its impact on current society.

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