Father Peter Whelan is an Irish-born, Catholic Priest who distinguishes himself as a chaplain for the Montgomery Guards, an Irish company established in Savannah for the First Georgia Volunteer Regiment at the beginning of the American Civil War.
Previously his work included missionary duties in North Carolina, the pastorate of Georgia’s first Catholic parish, and on two occasions served as administrator of the entire diocese of Savannah.
He ministers to Confederate troops during the capture of Fort Pulaski by Federal forces, and later he volunteers to remain with them during their imprisonment in New York.
He also minister sto the Union prisoners-of-war held at Andersonville, Georgia.