| Michael Corcoran |
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EARLY LIFE Corcoran was born in County Donegal, Ireland on September 21 , 1827 . At the age of 18 he became an Irish Constable . Only a few years later in 1849 he emigrated to the U.S. and settled in New York City where he found work as a postal clerk. He also enlisted as a private in the 69th New York Militia. By 1859 he was appointed colonel of the regiment. The next year Col. Corcoran refused to march the regiment on parade for the Prince Of Wales who was visiting New York City at the time. Corcoran was removed from command and a court martial was pending over that matter when the Civil War began. CIVIL WAR 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. In July he led the regiment into action at the First Battle Of Bull Run . During the battle he was wounded and taken prisoner. THE ENCHANTRESS AFFAIR During this time the U.S. had made threats to execute captured Confederate privateers. Corcoran and several other Union prisoners were selected by lot for execution if the U.S. carried out its threats against the privateers. This event was known as the Entrantress Affair , but no executions were ever carried out by either side. Corcoran was then offered a parole under the conditions that he not take up arms against the Confederacy. Intending to resume his place in the Union army upon his release he refused the offer of parole. He appointed Brigadier General of volunteers in July and exchanged in August 1862. His role in the Enchantress Affair and his refusal for parole gained him some attention and upon his release he was invited to dinner with President Abraham Lincoln . CORCORAN LEGION AND DEATH 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. On December 22 , 1863 while riding alone, his horse fell on him and he died from a fractured skull. SEE ALSO SOURCES
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