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Sweeny, Thomas William, 1820-1892.
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.
Collection consists of materials concerning the Sweeny faction in the Fenian Brotherhood and Sweeny's role in theFenian movement. Letters and papers, 1865-1866, of the members of the Sweeny faction pertain to transportation oftroops and supplies to various invasion points along the U.S.-Canadian border, preparations for the initial assaults, and strategies to be followed by the invaders. Some letters and papers, 1892-1941, of William M. Sweeny concern his father's activities in the Fenian movement. Also, a few letters from John Mitchel, the Fenian leader and editor.
Thomas William Sweeny (1820-1892) was a soldier in the U.S. Army and a Fenian leader. He was born in County Cork,Ireland, but came to the U.S. in 1832, joined the U.S. Army in 1843 and fought in the Mexican War and U.S. Civil War. In 1866 he became active in the Irish liberation movement as Secretary of War in the Republic of Ireland declared by the clandestine Fenian Brotherhood. After an abortive attempt to invade Canada from the New York and Vermont borders, Sweeny and his troops were arrested. Sweeny was released without trial and returned to the U.S.Army. He retired in 1870 with the rank of brigadier general.
Among first to enter action. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division.
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