Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1861-05-30

From the several versions given of the
crossing Of the Potomac by the Fedora
troops We have attempted to make con
nected account of the proceedings of the
syentfnl night of the Esd Of May and the
following day.
At late hour on Thursday night, there
was stir among the Federal troops, in
Washington, though the object of the
movements was unknown 10 the men them
selves, and toa all but few of the officers.
So unexpected was the order that the off
GERS of the Sc,enth Regiment Of New
York had arranged for grand Spread
at Willard's that night. At ten o'clock
SIX companies Of picked men from the Dis
trict Volunteers, crossed the long bridg to
reconnoitre, but found no enemy.
About two o'clock in the morning the
main body of the Fire Zouaves, under the
command of Col. Ellsworth, left on the
steamers Baltimore and Mount Vernon
for Alexandra. AT the same time the
main body of Federal troops left Washing
ton by way of Long Bridge, the force com
prising the Michigan Regiment, the 18th
and 25th New York Regiments, the four
New Jersey Regiments, two regularly cav
airy corps and Sherman's two batteries.-
Following these was a long train of wag-
ous filled with wheelbarrows, shovels, de-,
for the purpose of throwing up earthworks.
At the same time the 9th and 2Sth and
69th Regiments, and one from PennsylYa-
mia said to contain three Ohio companies,
crossed The chain bridge from George
town to the aqueduct. Immediately on
crossing, this force seized the train on the
London and Hampshire Railroad, and
took some prisoners. The total force sent
oyeris set down at 13, 900 men.
Dnring the crossing of the main body,
and whilst they were taking up their po-
sition, the scouting party of District Vol
unteers, were securing the country in all
directions, aud driving in the enemy's pick
cts. Their conduct was deserving of all
praise. Their terms of enlistment did
not compel them 10 serve beyond the Dis
trict, but they all, save one, volunteered
gladly to cross over into Virginia on their
dangerous and delicate mission. @
The Michigan Regiment under Col. Will
cox, accompanied by detachment of Uni
ted States cavalry and two pieces of Sher-
mans battery, under command of Lieut..
Ransom, proceeded by way of the Long
Bridge direct for Alexandria. On arriving
there they marched directly to the depot
of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
As they entered train of cars started out,
taking the secession troops and everything
that could be easily loaded up and carried
off. Alta slave pen close by, Virginia
company of Cavalry men were surrounded
and captured. bond .-a-a 8@L l.
At the same time that the Michigan
Regiment entered Alexandria from the
turnpike, Ellsworth's Zouaves landed under
cover of the Pawnee's guns. The Rebel
pickets fired and fled. One company of
Zouaves was detached to tear up the track
of the Orange and Alexandria railroad,
the balance of the Regiment was formed
and marched up town under the Adjutant
of the regiment, whilst Col. Ellsworth
with file Of men preceded to the tele-
graph office to cut the wires. el
Col. Ellsworth and his detachment pro-
ceeded in double quick time up the street.
They had proceeded three blocks, when
the attention of Col. Ellsworth was at
tracted by large Secession flag flying
from the Marshal House, kept by A. w.
Jackson. COL Ellsworth entered the hotel
and meeting man in the hall asked-"Who
put up that fag!" The man answered,
81 don't know, l am boarder here" Col.
Ellsworth, Lieut.. Winser, the Chaplain of
the regiment, Mr.. House volunteer aid,
and the four privates, went up 10 the roof,
and Col. Ellsworth cut down the flag. Of
The party proceeded down the stairs,
preceded by Francis E. Brownwell, of
Company A. As they left the attic, the
man who had said he was boarder, but
who proved 10 be the landlord, jackson,
was met in the hall, having doubled bar
rel gun, which he leveled at Brownwell.
Brownwell struck up the gun with his
nusket, when jackson pulled both triggers
of the gun. The contents lodged in the
body of Col. Ellsworth, entering between
the third and fifth ribs. Col. Ellsworth
was at the time rolling up the flag. He
fell forward on the floor of the hall and ex-
pired instantly, ,only exclaiming my GcdW
= Private Brownwell with the quickness
of lightning, leveled bis gun at Jackson.
and fred. The ball struck jackson on the
bridge of the nose crushing his skull and
killing him instantly. As he FL, Brown
well followed his shot with thrust of his
bayonet which went through Jackson's
body. .aa ' a4 ~ 81
The companions of Col. Ellsworth, sew
en- in number, Immediately posted them
selves 40 as to command the halls of the
Secessionist's hotel, and threatened to shoot
the first man who showed his head outside
the door. In this way they stood for ten
minutes. Their protracted absence alarm
Adj. Leoser who ordered Company A.
Capt. Coyle to search for them. The COM
paDy found their commander dead, and
their companions in possession of the ho-
tel. A surgeon was sent for but Col Ellis.
worth was dead before his arrival.
Jackson's wife presently discovered the
fatality, and approaching the body, uttered
the most agonizing cries, and, although
treated with the utmost consideration that
could be offered her in her misery, she re-
mained for long time in wild state Of