 Mooney was in the process of straightening an American flag that became stuck during a flag raising ceremony.Mooney's return was much bemoaned by the men of the regiment, but Mooney was warmly welcomed on his return to the city by 4,000 parishioners assembled in Tompkins Square.During the New York City draft riots of July 1863, Mooney organized a neighborhood group to counter the federal troops sent to New York.