#OnThisDay 1820 Colonel Theodore O’Hara was born in Kentucky. Both his parents were from Ireland and fled during the 1798 Rebellion. O’Hara joined the US Army & fought in the during the US-Mexican War, distinguishing himself at the Battle of Churubusco (Possibly against the Irish San Patricios). He later joined the Confederate Army at the outbreak of Civil War but due to tension with his superiors, he never got to command men. He is best known for his poem “Bivouac of the Dead”.
The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat
The soldier’s last tattoo;
No more on life’s parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On Fame’s eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards, with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead.
The Irish at War 