Tuesday, June 18, 2013  Whiskey Courage in Abundance  “Whiskey
Courage in Abundance” K. Michael Gamble  As the Battle of
Antietam raged into a harvest of death, Confederate and Union
soldiers were ordered to remain steadfast in the execution of
their orders.  Evidence of their bravery was evident through out
the day as both armies attacked and counterattacked.   As the
toll of human life mounted, however, many soldiers questioned
the decisions that sent men into harms way.  Were these orders
given by officers who were thinking in rational and logical
ways, or were orders given by intoxicated amateurs who were hell
bent for glory at the expense of soldier lives?  How prevalent
was the use of liquor at the battle, and did this affect the
welfare of the troops?  The Irish Brigade had achieved a
reputation for its fighting spirit.  These Irish immigrants were
proving that they were worthy of defending their adopted
country.  During the attack on the sunken road, Brigadier
General Thomas F. Meagher ordered his tro