Michael Corcoran - the First Commander of the Fighting 69th and his song

 A recent book by Timothy Egan on Thomas Francis Meagher (which is an excellent read btw) was titled "The Immortal Irishman".   If the title were not already used, I would have titled this article, and a few to follow on Michael Corcoran the same.   If not for a freak accident which killed him in 1863, he might have been the most well known and beloved of all the Irish who fought for the Union Army.   

Corcoran was born in Carrowkeel, Ballymote - son of an officer in the British Army married to an Irishwoman. At the age of 19, he joined the revenue police in Donegal where his job was to bust illegal poitín stills.  While in Tir Conaill he joined the Ribbonmen - a secret society dedicated to protecting Catholic and tenant rights.  In 1849, Corcoran may have been forced to leave  Ireland because of his involvement in that secret society.   He  sailed for America, and got a job as a clerk in Hibernian House, in New York City,  and married the owner's niece, Mary Heaney. 

Corcoran was instrumental in the founding of the Fenian Brotherhood in the US in the 1850's, and his interest in forming the 69th NY Militia rose from his strong political beliefs. He and many other members of the Brotherhood believed that by forming Militia groups in the US, they were  aiding Ireland in its fight for freedom.   

During these times the Brotherhood in Ireland was very close to the Fenians in the US.  They thought that their objective, a free Irish State, would be accomplished by developing  a strong military presence in the US that could ultimately be used against England.  It's interesting to speculate how the Fenian Raids of 1866 and beyond would have turned out if a seasoned and sensible commander like Corcoran had survived the Civil War.  

Corcoran was the first commander of the 69th, and  achieved fame in the Irish Community in NY and throughout the US for his refusal to allow the 69th to march in a parade honoring the visiting Prince of Wales.  “Although I am a citizen of America, I am a native of Ireland,” Corcoran said. “In the Prince of Wales I recognize the representative of my country’s oppressors.”   

When the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, he was under Court martial.   His indiscretion was quickly forgiven as Lincoln called for soldiers to fight the war, and the 69th was eager to put an end to the Southern insurrection to show their loyalty to the US and their military prowess.    He proudly led the 69th as they marched down Broadway on their way to Washington to join the fray, cheered on by thousands, marching to traditional Irish tunes such as the Minstrel Boy.

Corcoran was captured at the First Battle of Bull Run, and during his capture he kept a journal of his imprisonment.   It was published in 1862,  It's an interesting read, and considering he was under an order of execution, amazing that he could keep a journal.   He was held for a year, and released in a prisoner exchange.   

Because of his celebrity, he was the topic of news and speculation as the folks  in NY City were very interested in hearing of his imprisonment and well-being.   So naturally a song was written and published during those times.  (I have yet to find the name of the author)  This was to be sung to the tune "The Union Cockade".  Enjoy.

                   Richmond Jail

     (Dedicated to Michael Corcoran of the Irish Brigade.)

This southern rebellion has raised a mighty fuss,

And before it ends I fear it will make things a great deal worse,

With Stonewall Jackson at their head they threaten us to whale,

And every man they take from us to lodge in Richmond Jail.

Chorus: come boys, come I know you ain't afraid,

We'll go down to rebeldom with Corcoran's Brigade.

That traitor old Jeff Davis thinks that we are near whipped,

But we'll show him that like Lawrence we will not give up the ship,

John Bull with intervention thinks our gallant boys to scare,

But he'll soon find out we can't be beat or sent to Richmond Jail. 

Chorus

Foremost among all others the 69th did go,

To meet their southern foemen in response to Lincolns call,

The gallant Corcoran at their head as they marched down Broadway,

Not thinking then how soon he'd be locked up in Richmond Jail. 

Chorus

That ever memorable day of the battle of Bull Run,

Bold Corcoran was in the field and showed the rebels fun,

Protecting our army's rear mid cannonball like hail,

Twas then that he was taken boys and lodged in Richmond Jail.

Chorus

It was while this in bondage they offered him parole,

But he nobly did refuse it saying I would not sell my soul,

Your parole of honor you may keep I'd rather much remain,

Yes and rather die than take it to get out of Richmond Jail.

Chorus

At length, the glorious day came on which he did return,

And many a gallant Irish heart with noble ardour burned,

They flew unto his standard and swore they would not fail,

To avenge his foul imprisonment way down in Richmond Jail.

Chorus

Soon this gallant Irish corps to rebeldom will go,

To confront with man and musket Stonewall Jackson's rabid horde,

At the point of the bayonet for which they are so famed,

Once more he'll go to Richmond boys but not to Richmond Jail.

Chorus

Then give me your attention I'm about to end my song,

The few words I've to say to you will not detain you long,

When next they meet our Corcoran the rebels raid will quail,

And skedaddle back to Richmond from that man of Richmond Jail.  

In next months article we'll take a look inside his journal and share his thoughts, observations, and insights - and the ironic circumstances of his untimely end.