The Irish standard., 1898-01-22
BRAVE GEN. C0RCORAN
Continued From Page ~

was brave sight-the rush or the
Sixty-ninth to the death struggle. With
such cheers as those which won the
battles of the Peninsula, with quick
step at first, then double-Quick. and at
last run, they dashed forward along
the extended edge of the forest Coats
and knapsacks were thrown to either
side, that nothing might impede their
work; but we knew that no guns would
slip from the hands of those determined
fellows. even If dying agonies were
needed to close them with a firmer
grasp
1t was in this engagement that Col.
Corcoran was captured This unfor-
tunate circumstance is best told by
letter written by Col. Corcoran on July
"a. from Richmond, Va:
II brought my men off in admirable
order" says Col. Corcoran. having
formed a square, to defend the cavalry
who were advancing. | moved In the
square. until reaching a wood, when,
having TO pass through a deiley and
over very broken ground, | had to
march by flank until l reached the
road where we got mixed UP with two
other regiments. who were retreating in
disorder. | ordered a halt. to correct
our line, and scarcely had the command
been given, when the cavalry Of The
enemy were seen advancing.
II dsmounted and went into the fell,
took the colors and called out to rally
around it. My voice was drowned amid
the roar Of our artillery and the dis
charge of the cavalry carbines, conse-
quently only two officers. Capt. McIvor
and Lieut.. Connolly. with nine privates,
were all l had. This delay caused our
arrest The cavalry surrounded us at IL
small house, which | was about to use
as means Of defense, and made pris-
oners Of my gallant little band"
After being taken prisoner Col. Cor
coran was first sent to Richmond and
afterwards to Charleston, S. c.. where
he was kept for nearly Il year In close
confinement. With some other national
officers. he was reserved for execution,
in case the Federal government carried
out it's threat Of furnishing the crews
of captured privateers. Col. Corcoran
was offered his liberty on several occa-
sions, on condition Of not taking up arms
against the South, but refused TO accept
it on such terms.
An exchange being finally effected. he
was released from Libby Prison. Aug. 10.
1862, and was commissioned by Pre5i-
dent Lincoln Brigadier-General. his
commission dating from the day of his
capture. July 81 1861.
Upon his release from prison Gen. Cor
coran was tenderd ovations In all the
cities that he passed through on his way
back to New York These testimonials
to the brave Irish American general
were always attended by the mayors and
the prominent citizens of the cities
through which he passed. the houses
being decorated as on holidays. the citl-
zens Of each city striving to Guido those
Of their sister cities.
simultaneously with his arrival in
New York, Gen. Corcoran set about rails
Ing the 'Coreoran LEGION" and again
went to the front, Gen. Corcoran tool;
a prominent part with his Legion in the
battles of Nansemond River and Suffolk,
during April. 1863, and held the advance
of the enemy upon Norfolk In check In
! August. 1868. the Legion was added to
tho rmy Of the Potomac. where it dis
tinemished itself under it's able LEADER
On Dec. %. 1868. Gen. Measher, who
had been paying a visit to Gen. Corcoran
at Fairfax Court House, Va. (about two
miles outside OF Washngton), was re-
turning to Washington, when the latter,
with some members of his staff. con-
cl,ded to accompany him. Gen. Cor
coran mounted upon Gen. Meagher's
horse. This horse had won a race at
Falmouth on st. Patrick's Day While
riding along Gen. Corcoran remarked to
the others that he would try the horse,
and Immediately started out in trying
w jump u ullcll Lne morse missed MS
footing and fell. throwing Gen Cor
coran heavily. He was at once placed
under medical treatment, but died two
hours later.
Tho remains Of Gen. Corcoran reach,l
New York city on the 25th of December
At the ferry the body was met by a dele-
cation from the Common Council, repre-
sentative citizens and body Of soldiers.
The remains were conveyed to the CITY
Hall and laid in state at tho Governors
room. Here they were reviewed during
tho day. and although II was Christ
mas" say the papers Of that day, "tharc
was vast throng."
On tho morning of the 9th the body
OF Gen. Corcoran. which had been living
IN state for the past two days, was con-
veyd to st. Patrtcks Cathedral. Null
berry street. where a solemn high MAS
Of requiem was celebrated. Long before
tho hour appointed tho sacred edi(lce
was crowded to its utmost, ana it was
deemed advisable to close the doors. as
Il measure of prccaution.
On the arrival Of the body at Tho
nthclrnl L..