This is a soldiers prayer book provided by the New York Society of St. Vincent De Paul 266 Mulberry St. New York in 1862.
The prayer book deflected a mini ball at Gettysburg on 2nd July 1863 and saved Cassidy's life. However the next day July 3rd. 1863 John was fatally wounded.
On the inside cover is inscribed Presented by the Rev. Father Martin Chaplain
69th. Regiment at Camp Observation Poolesville Md.
Photo taken as a young man with best uniform, his trefoil and cravat. It was recorded in the Philly. Times that at Gettysburg during the charge by Picketts 53rd Va. a young Confederate soldier called Sergt. Arthur Willmingham jumped the stone wall at Gettysburg in front of Whitticks 69th K Co. He was captured, disarmed and imprisoned. However he was exchanged in August 1863. However some 24 years later after the war was long over and old enemies became friends and old 69th soldiers and their former Confederate enemies met at the wall yet again. Willingham recognised Whittick after all these years. No doubt an emotional reunion.
It would be remise of me not to include some images and material
on the men who carry the tradition of the numerous
units who took part in the Civil War. Of particular interest
obviously are the
men who take part in and run the unit of the
69th.Penn Volunteers. I have had great input by their Capt John Kopich
and his men in both support and information to this website and I thank them.
It is difficult to realise that there are numerous books, articles,
unit listings, pension files etc
in the States but here in Ireland the information on the men who
left Ireland and fought the good fight
is minimal. I have been as a side line to my own
family research been keeping a note of any soldier either
the Blue or Gray and the
War of Independence I have come across. What you see
on other pages is about as good as
it gets though I will add to as I find. Enjoy the images of this group
inserted below.
The present 69th Pa. re-enactment regiment was presented a few years back by the City of Philadelphia with the Philadelphia Medal of Honour, to honour the memory of the original 69th Pa.
Acknowledgements.
Colonel O'Kane's image "Courtesy of The Civil War and Underground
Railroad
Museum of Philadelphia". Much appreciated.
