Cump,
Not to wander to far from Snakes, but yes, he was a real fighter. When he first came to America, he joined the army and spent five years in Claifornia. After his enlistment was over, he journeyed to Mexico to help Benito Juareze (Sp) in his effort to bring democracy to Mexico. Mean while the hostilities had broken out in the States so he came home to New York and joined the 42nd NY as Captain of company E. He saw action in the east and was at Balls Bluff when that debacle occoured. His command was out on the island and when it appeared that all was lost, he swam back to see about getting some boats to retrieve the men who were trapped on the island. Being refused boats, he swam back to his men and assumed command till the bitter end. Being an officer, he was placed in Rigdon Warehouse with the other officers. Some of the officers were complaing about being held prisoner while the administration did nothing on their behalf. O'Meara at this point stood up and gave them a tounge lashing that they would not forget. Observing this was Col. Michael Corcoran of the NY 69th (the fitin 69th). Some time after their parole, Corcoran recieved a letter from a Bishop in Chicago telling him, Corcoran that he was raising an Irish regiment and wanting to know if Corcoran could recommend a good man to command it. Corcoran wrote him back telling him how impressed he was with O'Meara based on what he had seen at Rigdon. Long story, short story, as they say the rest is history. He was 27 when he died and had only been in command of the outfit for about 15 months. I am sure that based on his ability, if he had lived he would have attained much higher rank. His men truly loved him. Grant loved him for saving his army at Cold Water Ms. after the debacle at Holly Springs. as a matter of fact, after O'Meara died, Grant held up the boat that contained his body,so that he could personally pay his respect to Col. O'Meara. BY the way, he is buried in First Calvary Cemetery, Brooklyn, Queens Ny. very near his good friend, col. Michael Corcoran of the 69th NY. I have a picture of him by the way. Looks like a gentle warrior to me.
FC