Description
Rare carte view of Irish born Colonel Michael Corcoran. Immigrating to the United States in 1849, he enlisted as a private with the 69th New York Militia. By 1859 he was appointed colonel of the regiment. On October 11, 1860, Colonel Corcoran refused to march the regiment on parade for the 19-year-old Prince of Wales, who was visiting New York City at the time, to protest against British rule in Ireland. Corcoran was removed from command and a court martial was pending over that matter when the war began. With the outbreak of war, the court martial was dropped and Corcoran was restored to his command because he had been instrumental in bringing other Irish immigrants to the Union cause. He led the 69th to Washington, D.C., and served for a while in the Washington defenses building Fort Corcoran and led the regiment during the First Battle of Bull Run where he would be captured. In April 1863 Corcoran was involved in an incident that ended with Corcoran shooting and killing Edgar A. Kimball, commander of the 9th New York Infantry. Corcoran attempted to pass through the 9th New York’s area without giving the required password after receiving the challenge from a sentry. When Kimball intervened on the side of the sentry, Corcoran shot Kimball. Corcoran was found at fault for not providing the required password; he was reprimanded by the court, but not subjected to further punishment. Corcoran returned to the army and set about recruiting more Irish volunteers. He raised and took command of what would be known as the Corcoran Legion. Placed in command of the 1st Division, VII Corps he was engaged in the Battle of Deserted House and took part in the Siege of Suffolk. In late 1863 he was placed in command of a division in the XXII Corps and returned to serve in the Washington defenses. While riding alone in Fairfax, Virginia, he was thrown from a runaway horse and suffered a fractured skull. He died at the W. P. Gunnell House on December 22, 1863, at the age of 36. Great carte view of this colonel. Back marked by Brady.
