The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick --A Proud American Society

Membership in The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick has long been considered a mark of distinction, for few - in any - societies can list so many of its charter members as playing primary parts with Founding Fathers in the turbulent and historic birth of these United States of America. It was organized in Philadelphia by a group of twenty-four professional and businessmen, native born or descendant cultured Irishmen, who had been meeting together for many years to play backgammon or whist, followed by a supper supported by good wines, punch and songs. Their first annual dinner in honor of St. Patrick was on March 17, 1771.

Stephen Moylan, First President of the Society called all members together. At the solemn meeting, all but one member resolved to pledge their lives, their personal fortunes and their families’ future to the cause of liberty. The one exception, Thomas Bolt, on half-pay as a British officer, wished to give the matter further thought. The members thought for him. They expelled him for “outrageous loyalty.” Then the members subscribed 100,000 pounds sterling of the 315,000 needed to provision the Army of the Revolution. All volunteered to serve in some capacity. Wealthier members began to organize and finance companies and regiments of volunteers.

When George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief, he made five of them Generals, yet none were professional soldiers. General Henry Knox, General Edward Hand, General Anthony Wayne, General Stephen Moylan, and General William Irvine. Others were commissioned Colonels, Captains and Lieutenants.

After the military victory at Yorktown, the Society wanted to invite their Commander In-Chief to be a member. They could not offer him an Honorary Membership, for the charter quota was filled, and a regular membership required at least one parent to be Irish. At a dinner given by the Society to George Washington on January 1,1782, they made him “an Irishman by adoption.” Washington actually wrote the following letter to George Campbell who was President of the Society:

“I accept with singular pleasure the Ensign of so worthy a Fraternity as that of the Sons of St. Patrick in this City, a Society distinguished for the firm adherence of its Members to the glorious cause in which we are embarked. Give me leave to assure you. Sir, that I shall never cast my eyes on the Badge with which I am honoured, but with a grateful remembrance of the polite and affectionate manner in which it was presented.

I am with respect and esteem, Sir. Your Most Obedient Servant, George Washington”

Down through the years the membership of the Society has consisted of many other Mayors, Assemblymen, Senators and Presidents of these United States.

......... Frank Livingston — Past Historian



The Westchester Arm

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