A salute to Elmer Ellsworth

[malthaussen]

Elmer Ellsworth, dashing young Colonel of the 11th New York Volunteers (aka the First Fire Zouaves) and one of Abraham Lincoln's close friends, was killed on 24 May 1861 after taking down a Confederate flag which was flying from the roof of an Alexandria inn. Virginia had just ratified secession the day before. Ellsworth thus has the somewhat dubious distinction of being the first Union officer killed in the Civil War. He was 24 years old.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-death-of-colonel-ellsworth-878695/

In light of the actions of Bree Newsome today, I thought it was not inappropriate to commemorate the actions of her gallant forerunner.



-- Mal

[appalachiablue]

1. You don't often see the name of Elmer Ellsworth, the NY Fire Zouave Colonel who took down

the large Confederate flag atop the Marshall House on King Street in Alexandria, Va. Elmer was close to the Lincoln family and played with the young sons one of whom had a tiny Zouave uniform. I worked on a museum exhibit about the incident which included artifacts from the Marshall House, the original flag and Elmer's distinctive uniform, cap and accessories among other items.

~ Appa

[malthaussen]

2. Nice exhibit!

Used to be that Ellsworth was better known than he is now. It was such a "romantic" story. I understand Mr Lincoln was quite broken up about the young man's death.

-- Mal