"Eventually, he gave up on the newspaper business, and joined the Mexican Army. When he received news of Fort Sumter, he resigned his Mexican Army commission"
Cump,
Cross kind of reminds me of Col. Timothy O'Meara of the 90th Illinois. That was Grandpa Alex's regiment. He started his career in the old army in California. When he finished his enlistment, he also went to Mexico to join Benito Jauraez (Spelling) to fight for Mexico's freedom as did Col. Cross. After Ft. Sumter O'Meara resigned from the Mexican army and returned back to New York and joined the 42nd New York (The Tammany Hall regiment) as Captain of E company. He was involved in the eastern battle and was captured at the battle of Balls Bluff. He was imprisoned at the Rigdon warehouse along with Col. Corcoran of the NY 69th. He so impressed Corcoran with his demeanor and loyalty that when the Arch Bishop of Chicago, I forget his name, formed the Irish Regiment in Illinois and wrote to Corcoran for a recommendation for a commander, Corcoran recommended O'Meara. O'Meara was another leader of men. He lost his life at Missioanry Ridge in Nov. of 63. He is buried at 1st Calvary cemetery in New York City. He was 27 when he gave up the ghost.
FC