Campaigning with the Irish Brigade Pvt. John Ryan, 28th Massachusetts

John Ryan, a 16-year-old laborer from West Newton, Mass., enlisted in the 28th Massachusetts on Jan. 1, 1862. From that date until 1876, except for several months, Ryan was an enlisted man in the United State Army. For 10 of those years, he served as a trooper in the 7th Cavalry, surviving the bat-tle of Little Bighorn. He returned to West Newton upon his discharge, enjoying a good life until his death in 1926.As a member of the 28th Massachusetts, Ryan participated in many of the major campaigns and battles in the East. In November 1862, the regiment joined the renowned Irish Brigade, taking the place of the non-Irish 29th Massachusetts. From then until December 1864, upon his discharge, Ryan served with the brigade. He ended his Civil War service with a six-month tour of duty with the 61st Massachusetts.A number of published diaries, letters, and memoirs of members of the Irish Brigade have appeared over the years. Ryan's memoir, evidently begun by 1887, joins that list. Ryan writes well and recounts in some detail the major actions of the regiment and of the brigade.His descriptions of camp life are particularly good, but there are lapses in his story. He left the regiment-for conflicting reasons-immediately after Gettysburg and did not return for nearly a year. His memoir covers those months with a sketchy account of his unit's operations.Sandy Barnard, who has written a biography of Ryan and has edited his memoirs of service in the 7th Cavalry, supplements Ryan's reminiscences with an excellent introduction, chapter summaries and notes. Barnard's editing enhances the book's worth and provides information on numerous members of the regiment.Ryan's memoir of his service in a fine Union regiment is a welcome addition to Irish Brigade books. It is not a classic work of a common soldier, but a good one.