"The only thing lower on the wage scale than an Irishman was a black man".

Yes, I know about this. On my Mother's side was 100% shanty Irish..
The only work was the worst, if you could get it. The Irish were hated &
dispised, and are still somewhat in some parts of this great nation..

So I can understand when Paddy stepped off the boat in New York City
he could be influenced to join Thomas Meagher's Irish Brigade..
Fighting against the rebellion was less brutal than life in general
for the poor Mick!