Few Civil War officers were more colorful than Captain James (Paddy) Graydon. He was a hard drinking, daring and unconventional Union captain with a short fuse, particularly remembered for his fearless exploits in the Southwest. His legacy is marked by bold tactics, a volatile personality, and a reputation as a relentless fighter against Confederate forces and Native American tribes.
Born in Lisnakea, Ireland in 1832, Graydon emigrated to the United States at age 21 to escape the Potato Famine and soon enlisted in the elite 1st Dragoons. Stationed in New Mexico, he quickly adapted to the harsh desert environment and earned a reputation for audacity and ingenuity. One of his most infamous schemes involved sending mules laden with lit howitzer shells into Confederate camps—a plan that tragically failed but underscored his willingness to take risks. Despite his rough demeanor and penchant for hard drinking, Graydon was revered by his men for his courage and effectiveness as a spy and combat leader. His contributions to the Union effort in the Far Southwest remain a vivid chapter in Civil War history.
Discharged from the Army in 1858, he opened a hotel and saloon near Sonoita, Arizona. Typical in the west, it attracted a tough crowd where poker games were held 24 hours a day. Despite the tough environment, Graydon wanted more, so he spent time catching horse thieves, murderers and retrieving people held hostage by the local Indians. A few years later, he rode to Santa Fe and offered his services to the Union Army. He was authorized to recruit soldiers to join him and many were former patrons of his saloon. Like Graydon, they earned a reputation of being mean and nasty, but effective spies and saboteurs. They infiltrated Confederate lines and gathered intel on troop movements and sizes. One example of his daring exploits was to attach explosives to mules, light the fuse, and send the mules toward a Confederate camp. It didn’t do as planned, however. The mules turned back toward Graydon and his men. They ran for their lives and survived the explosion. The mules were not so lucky, of course. Other daring tactics were implemented by Graydon during the war cementing his reputation as a daring, unconventional leader. In 1862, Graydon had a dispute with Mescalero Chief Manuelito over whiskey that resulted in Manuelito’s death. Dr. John Whitlock, an Army surgeon, then shot and killed Graydon and while walking away from the scene, he was fatally shot by Graydon’s men. Graydon died on this day, November 9, 1862 at the age of 29 or 30.
