Dunleavy”s Great Grandfather & his Brother

Betrayal:  a book carefully researched for decades by Brian E. Dunleavy, highlights an aspect of the history of the U.S. Civil War not previously explored. It brings to light General George McClellan’s reluctance to fully fight the Confederates. While he did not personally feel one man should own another, he was willing to tolerate the practice if others felt strongly about it. In short, he was not really willing to fight a civil war over slavery. And he did not share his views with President Lincoln. Instead General McClellan accepted Lincoln’s proffer of the leadership of the Union Army.

With his timidity and slowness in fully fighting, Mr. Dunleavy states that McClellan betrayed the Union cause and caused the death of General Kearny and countless soldiers in the Peninsula Campaign.

This fascinating book written by Brian Dunleavy was encouraged and aided by his wife. He began researching his family after retiring as a chemical engineer and discovered that his great grandfather and several of his brothers were U.S.Civil War Veterans who had served in The Peninsula Campaign. Further researching other Irish-Americans in the campaign, he came across General Philip Kearny. Extensively documenting the Peninsula Campaign for 25 years he wrote this book to document the injustice that he discovered.

At The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood meeting on Tuesday March 25th, Brian Dunleavy will give a power point presentation complete with maps. He will also distribute a list of interesting historical books to read. He will have his book available for sale.  Sales will be donated to the Historical Society and additionally he will match the proceeds 2 for 1 and send a donation through UNICEF to the Children of Ukraine.

Everyone is invited to attend this free, open to the public meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday March 25th. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Come and learn a new angle on the U.S. Civil War from a man who has always had a profound interest in learning about American History and has added further information to digest. Afterwards enjoy refreshments and fellowship with the Historical Society. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.