Colonel James Mullican of the 23st Illinois, the [Chicago] Irish Brigade, died following a mortal wound at the Battle of Kernstown, July 1864.

"In July 1864 the 23rd Illinois was moved back into the mainstream of events. They helped turn back Jubal Early's attack on Washington. Fighting under General Sheridan, men of the 23rd met Early'troops again at Kernstown. Here Colonel Mulligan made his final and greatest sacrifice to the northern cause: his life. He was shot from his horse, and when his men offered to carry him from the field, he rebuked, "Lay me down and save the flag!" He was captured where he fell and died two days later in Confederate hands. His body was brought back to Chicago where the whole city mourned their "hero of Lexington."

A piece of music was later written: "Lay Me Down and Save the Flag." I've gotten it hid somewhere but cannot lay my hands on it at present.

Interestlingly, my ggrandfather was in the Confederate regiment opposing the Yanks at Kernstown, my wife's ggrandfather had been originally a member of the 23rd Illinois up to their capture at Lexington.

George Martin