The Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion, 1846-48(The Warriors)

This is the true story of U.S. Army deserters, the majority of them Irish immigrants, who switched sides during the Mexican War. Fed up with the harsh treatment that they received from the xenophobic and anti-Catholic officer corps, they crossed the lines to fight for Mexico. Led by John Riley, a charismatic Galwayman, the St. Patrick's Battalion earned an honoured place in Mexican history while creating a controversial legacy for the United States.

Review :
"Peter F. Stevens, a journalist and historian, has attempted not simply to tell a story which will come as news to most readers, but also to explain why these deserters chose the path of treason. His narrative of the war is vivid and is based on solid research in U.S. and Mexican archives. His explanation for the actions of the San Patricios is controversial and provocative." "Peter Stevens's vivid, fast-paced writing style brings to life the story of the St. Patrick's Battalion through fascinating first-person accounts and meticulous documentation. Never before has the plight of Irish and German immigrants of the 1840s been told with such careful research and skillful writing. This is a must-read." "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." "Through Peter Stevens's scholarship, "The Rogue's March" shines a spotlight on a period of American history that has been virtually buried in myth and, yes, shame, for more than a century. The story of John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion is a critical piece of the history of the Irish-American experience. A delightful read, Stevens's masterful chronicle of the San Patricios will stand as an important reminder of how far we have come in our own American journey." "Through Peter Stevens's scholarship, THE ROGUE'S MARCH shines a spotlight on a period of American history that has been virtually buried in myth and, yes, shame, for more than a century. The story of John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion is a critical piece of the history of the Irish-American experience. A delightful read, Stevens's masterful chronicle of the San Patricios will stand as an important reminder of how far we have come in our own American journey." --Edward W. Forry, publisher of THE BOSTON IRISH REPORTER "Peter Stevens's vivid, fast-paced writing style brings to life the story of the St. Patrick's Battalion through fascinating first-person accounts and meticulous documentation. Never before has the plight of Irish and German immigrants of the 1840s been told with such careful research and skillful writing. This is a must-read." -- Mark Day, filmmaker and producer of THE SAN PATRICIOS: THE TRAGIC STORY OF THE ST. PATRICK'S BATTALION