Apr 16, 2013 - Sale 2310

Sale 2310 - Lot 120

Unsold
Estimate: $ 6,000 - $ 9,000
(CIVIL WAR--PHOTOGRAPHS.) Collection of photographs and papers of Brigadier General Michael Corcoran, including a signed CDV. 14 photographs (12 cartes-de-visite, one cabinet card, and one tintype), Autograph Letter Signed, 2 patriotic covers, ribbon, and 2 clippings; various sizes and conditions. Vp, 1861-93
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Additional Details

Michael Corcoran (1827-1863) was one of the great Irish-American heroes of the Civil War. Born in County Sligo, he came to New York in 1849 and soon joined the all-Irish 69th New York Militia, reaching the rank of colonel by 1859. He was also active in the Fenian Brotherhood and other Irish nationalist causes. In 1860, he was court-martialed for refusing to march his regiment for the visiting Prince of Wales, but was restored to his command at the outbreak of the Civil War. He led the 69th New York at Bull Run, where he was captured and spent a year in Confederate prisons. He could have been exchanged earlier, but refused to take the parole oath. Upon his release, he was promoted to Brigadier General in July 1862 and formed the Corcoran Legion, a brigade of mostly Irish-American New Yorkers which served at Gettysburg and elsewhere. He died from a fall from his horse in December 1863.
This collection contains a rare signed carte-de-visite of Corcoran; we are aware of no others at auction. The carte-de-visite was produced by D. Appleton at their 445 Broadway location, setting the date at 1863. Other highlights include: Autograph Letter Signed from Corcoran to his adjutant general requesting a commission for John J. Duff as captain in Corcoran's brigade, Astor House, New York, 29 September 1862 Patriotic cover with engraved portrait of Corcoran captioned "Sons of Erin! Let the watchword be Corcoran! Rescued if living, avenged if dead!" A handsome cabinet card produced by Matthew Brady circa 1893 Engraved ribbon titled "Welcome! Brigadier-General Michl. Corcoran," 7 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches and 11 other cartes-de-visite, each with a different image of Corcoran.