Original Class Version:

CS. General Patrick Cleburne’s Sword

Some Irish immigrants arriving in the United States during the diaspora played an active role in the
American Civil War. This sword belonged to an important Confederate General, Patrick Cleburne, who
was born in County Cork, Ireland on March 17, 1828. Given to him as a gift by his soldiers, the sword is
embellished with an engraving of an Irish harp as a representation of his heritage. He permanently left
Ireland during the Great Famine. His prior British military experience and charm made him a
distinguished leader who was celebrated by some and estranged by others after his death. Such
mistreatment supported the overall trend of prejudice towards Irish Immigrants that was present in the
U.S. during the diaspora.

Given by Beverly M. DuBose in his family’s donation of Civil War material to the Atlanta History center in
1989.

FINAL Revised Version:

The National Museum of Ireland preserves the stories of its people, no matter their location in
the world. Despite its American origins, this sword represents the mix of cultures and
acceptance that Irish immigrants experienced when settling outside their nation’s borders.

Hospitality or Hostility?
CS. General Patrick Cleburne’s Sword presented in April of 1864

Many Irish immigrants arriving in the United States during the diaspora played an active role in
the American Civil War. This sword belonged to an important U.S. Confederate General, Patrick
Cleburne, who was born in County Cork, Ireland on March 17, 1828. It was a gift from
Cleburne’s soldiers and embellished with a shamrock and harp engraving to recognize his Irish
heritage.
Cleburne permanently left Ireland during the Great Famine. His prior British military experience
made him a distinguished leader within the U.S. Army. However, his immigrant status led him
to be celebrated by some and estranged by others. This conflicting treatment supported the
overall trend of prejudice towards Irish immigrants in the U.S. during the diaspora.
*Given by Beverly M. DuBose in their family’s donation of Civil War material to the Atlanta History Center in 1989.