Description:

Civil War
Philadelphia, PA, ca. 1864
Irish-American Colonel Captured at First Bull Run Details His Captivity in Confederate Prisons
Pamphlet/Booklet
[CIVIL WAR.] Michael Corcoran, The Captivity of General Corcoran. The Only Authentic and Reliable Narrative of the Trials and Sufferings Endured, During His Twelve Months' Imprisonment in Richmond and Other Cities, by Brig.-General Michael Corcoran The Hero of Bull Run. Philadelphia: Barclay & Co., 1864. 64 pp., 5.875" x 9.25". Includes illustrated paper covers; irregular pagination (21-30, 39-52, 61-74, 85-100); three internal, unnumbered, woodcut illustration pages; general toning; scattered stains.

With this pamphlet, prominent Irish-American Brigadier General Michael Corcoran details his experience as a prisoner of the Confederates for a year before being exchanged. Captured at the First Battle of Bull Run, Corcoran was exchanged in time to return to service in command of the 69th New York Infantry and Corcoran's Irish Legion. A skilled recruiter, he attracted many Irish immigrants to the Union cause. After enduring battles and a year in Confederate prisons, Corcoran was ultimately killed by a fall from a runaway horse. This pamphlet was published posthumously.

Excerpts
"In assuming the pen for the purpose of recording the following facts and incidents of a short but eventful experience, I have no other purpose than that of laying before you, reader, a few truthful, perhaps startling, statements in regard to one who will, as you may doubtless suppose, always feel deeply honored by your enthusiastically expressed assurances of regard and esteem.
"A little more than a year ago, he left New York City in command of the gallant Sixty Ninth, to fight, and, if necessary, to die for the beloved land of his adoption. His greatest gratification was to lead his men into battle bearing side by side the Star Spangled Banner of his American home, and the Emerald Standard of his Native isle." (p21)

"The events that took place subsequently, my countrymen are already familiar with, and, therefore, need no mention here. But, ere I lay down my pen, let me assure the reader of these pages that I have again taken up the sword, and will never sheathe it until victory perches upon the National Banner of America, or Michael Corcoran is numbered among those who return not from the battle-field." (p100)

Michael Corcoran (1827-1863) was born in County Sligo, Ireland, to an officer in the British Army and his wife. In 1846, he became a member of the Revenue Police in County Donegal. In 1849, he immigrated to New York City, where he worked as a clerk in a tavern. In 1854, he married Elizabeth Heaney. He became involved in Democratic politics and helped deliver the Irish vote for Tammany Hall candidates. He enlisted as a private in the 69th New York Militia and by 1859 was appointed as the regiment's colonel. When, in October 1860, he refused to march his regiment on parade for the Prince of Wales to protest against British rule in Ireland, Corcoran was removed from command and a court martial was pending when the Civil War began. Authorities dropped the court martial against Corcoran because he was active in recruiting Irish immigrants to the Union cause. He led the 69th New York to Washington, D.C., where they constructed defenses, including Fort Corcoran. In July 1861, he led his regiment in the First Battle of Bull Run and was taken prisoner by the Confederates. He was held captive in several Confederate prisons in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia before being exchanged in August 1862. In April 1863, Corcoran tried to pass through an area controlled by the 9th New York Infantry without giving the required password to a sentry. When Edgar A. Kimball, commander of the 9th New York, intervened on behalf of the sentry, Corcoran shot and killed Kimball. The resulting court of inquiry faulted Kimball for interacting with Corcoran though he was not on duty and using menacing and insulting language and reprimanded Corcoran for not providing the password but received no further punishment. He recruited more Irish volunteers for what became the eight-regiment Corcoran Legion. Returning to command of a division, Corcoran was involved in the Battle of Deserted House and the siege of Suffolk. While riding in Fairfax, Virginia, he was thrown from a runaway horse and suffered a fractured skull. He died at the house that served as his headquarters on December 22, 1863, at the age of 36.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.875" x 9.25"
  • Medium: Pamphlet/Booklet

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