He died during the Civil War in 1863 near Fairfax Court House, Virginia

Commander of the famous "Corcoran Irish Legion"

(1827-63) He was born in Carrowkeel, near Ballymote, County Sligo in Ireland, and before he emigrated to America in 1849, he belonged to a Catholic rebel guerrilla group, the Ribbonmen. In 1859, Corcoran became colonel of the famous fighting 69th New York State Militia. On October 11, 1860, Colonel Corcoran refused to march the regiment on parade for the Prince of Wales, who was visiting New York City at the time, to protest against British rule in Ireland. He was a close confidant of President Abraham Lincoln. When serving in the defenses of Washington in the spring of 1861, his men constructed one of the first forts that took on his name, Fort Corcoran. He was a hero at the 1st Battle of Bull Run where he was wounded and captured. Corcoran then became a pawn in a controversial chess game played by the Union and Confederate authorities where he was held hostage for reprisal in the event of the execution of the crews of captured privateers by the U.S. Navy. After being shuttled back and forth between a number of Confederate prison camps, he was exchanged in August 1862 and promoted to brigadier general. After an invitation to dine with President Lincoln, Corcoran was as enthusiastic as ever and continued to rally Irish support for the Union by raising the "Corcoran Irish Legion" which he led in the Suffolk, Va. campaign. 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 Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Corcoran attempted to pass through the 9th New York's lines without giving the required password after receiving the challenge from a sentry. When Kimball intervened on the side of the sentry, Corcoran shot Kimball. At a court of inquiry, Kimball was faulted for interacting with Corcoran though Kimball was not on duty and was not a sentry, and for using menacing and insulting language. In addition, some witnesses suggested that Kimball was intoxicated when he confronted Corcoran. Corcoran was found at fault for not providing the required password; he was reprimanded by the court, but not subjected to further punishment. In late 1863, Corcoran was appointed commander of a division in the 22nd Corps, and while riding near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, he was thrown from his runaway horse, and suffered a fractured skull. He died at the W.P. Gunnell House on December 22, 1863, at the age of 36.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Large bust view in uniform with rank of brigadier general. He wears epaulettes on his shoulders, and a sash with an oval medal across his chest. No back mark. Excellent condition. Very desirable Irish/American Civil War general.