Michael Corcoran's 69th U.S. Infantry Regiment
The Irish of the "Fighting 69th" made their mark at First Bull Run.
Jul 5, 2008
Early Years
Many of the members of the militia unit were members of, or were very sympathetic towards the anti-British "Young Ireland" movement. The senior officer of the 69th New York Militia, Colonel Michael Corcoran, along with many other members of the 69th NYSM were founding members of the "Fenian Brotherhood", an Irish republican movement which campaigned for an Ireland free from British rule. Colonel Corcoran famously snubbed an invitation to meet the Prince of Wales at a ball given in his honour. Corcoran was set to be court marshalled by the State, but luckily for him, the Rebels fired on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, the Civil War began and his presence was required to fight the Rebels and preserve the Union.
The 69th New York State Militia was founded in 1851 and it was designated by the state as New York's 2nd Regiment of Irish Volunteers. Two other Irish immigrant based units, the 9th and 75th New York militias were consolidated with the 69th in 1857, leaving the new unit with the designation as the 69th.
On 12th April 1861 the 69th New York State Militia had only 245 men on the regiment's roster, but within a few days it had swelled to just over a 1,000 men, composed in almost all its entirety of Irish-Americans, who had a 90 day service period.
"Boot Camp" at Georgetown
At the beginning of May 1861, the 69th New York State Militia were billeted on the grounds of Georgetown College in Washington, DC, where they were drilled hard by ten West Point cadets who had been detached from the military college to work the Irishmen hard for seven hours a day. On 23rd May as they crossed into Virginia over the Potomac River, where they were then joined by Captain Thomas Francis Meagher's "Irish Zouaves," who were re-named company K of the 69th New York State Militia.
First Bull Run, Manassas, Virginia
Under the command of General McDowell, the 69th was stationed on the hill overlooking Centerville. They were still there on July 20th when their obligation to perform Federal service ran out. Although they could have both legally and morally left the field the 69th stood to duty. They had come to fight. On July 21, still attached to Brigade, they advanced on Bull Run.
The 69th crossed Bull Run in single file and deployed on the other side. The troops fell back to Henry Hill. The 69th advanced in to a wooded meadow and their first serious opposition, The Louisiana Zouaves. a regiment made up of Catholic immigrants. They would earn their own battle laurels and the nickname Louisiana Tigers. But today it was fighting Irishman against fighting Irishman.
Volleys of "buck and ball" from the 69th's smooth bore muskets cleared the field "It was Sherman's Brigade and the 69th New York in advance, that arrived at about twelve-thirty o'clock, and a most deadly fire assisted in breaking the enemy's lines, soon after one o'clock the wood which had been obstinately held were cleared of the enemy!" wrote Col. Ambrose Burnside in a letter to Col. Official Sherman's Brigade who was then attached to Col. Hunters Division who was preparing assault Henry Hill.
The Confederates on the hill were commanded by Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson who, with his soon to be famous brigade, were about to earn their legendary place in history. Brigaded with the 69th was the 12th Wisconsin and the 79th New York, a Scottish-American regiment know as the "Cameron Highlanders." The 12th Wisconsin was the first to attack. Making two gallant tries they left 112 dead and wounded on field. The Highlanders were next, making only one attempt but losing 198 brave men.
Gaelic Battle Cry
It was hot and humid, summer in Virginia. As the day wore on the 69th waited their turn to assault Jackson's Brigade. Many men debloused their heavy woolen coats. They charged, some in shirt sleeves and others bare-chested, screaming their Gaelic battle cry of "Faugh A Ballagh!" or "Clear the Way!". This was as close as a Victorian age warrior would get to the wild, naked charges of his ancient Celtic ancestors.
Col. Corcoran, leading the charge, received a leg wound but retained command. Capt. Meagher had his horse shot out from under him, rolled to his feet, waving his sword, shouting, "Remember Ireland and Fontenoy."
Because the Regiment's flag was drawing too much fire, Corcoran ordered the colors lowered. The Color bearer refused and was shot dead by the enemy. Another man took his place only to be cut down. In all, the 69th charged and rallied three times but were unable to carry their objective. They retired, under fire. General Irvin McDowell would later commend them on their bravery that day. After pulling back, Corcoran had the regiment form a square around Col. Sherman and stood ready to repel a Confederate cavalry attack.
Retreat to Washington
The Army under Gen. McDowell began a retreat toward Washington. The 69th retired in good order toward Centerville, but the wounded Col Corcoran and the Regiment's national colors became separated from the main body. A hand full of men and officers refused to leave their stricken chief. They retired to a nearby house to make their last stand. In order to save the lives of these gallant men Col. Corcoran surrendered himself and the colors to the Confederates.
The 69th won its first battle laurel that day and acquitted itself well in what was disastrous defeat for the Union forces. From July 16 to July 21 they lost a total of 192 killed, wounded or captured. With their dash in attack and courage under fire they to establish the reputation of the "Fighting Irish".
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