The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-27
THE ADVANCE OF THE WASHINGTON
TROOpa

IhOOI6.
LETTER FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL
RIFLES.
WASHINGTON, May "a, 1891
Oossir9 the Long Bridoe-Entring Vhyinis-Driung in
tho Enemy's Pickds-7he Order Of tho kasch-7he Assas
sinassow Of Col. Eusoovsh de-, DO, dc.
We are In the midst Of stirring events Last night
half past seven We were ordered on secret service
The intention was TO make upon Virginia, and
plan was to take boats up -Four Mile Run and capture
the picket guard stationed between that place the Long
Bridge. The scheme frustrated however by tida
and bright moonlight night, 30 VIC gave IT up We then
marched across the bridge and led che advance into v
gina. The bridge lined with troops which followed
about half mile beyond our company. When we he'd
gone about half mile, 20 far az the road leading 70
Minors, found the rebels picket guard consisting,
were told, Of company Of infantry and horse
men. When within about one hundred yards Of
them they faced about and retreated In double quick
time, without firing shot giving US a chance TO do
80. We had fifty men. We then divided our men,
part holding the roads while the rest
made reconnaissance towards Balls roads
the advanced scouts went about two miles.
When the cross roads, they routed out another
picket Of two men, who away hurredy that they
even left their horses behind them IL was novel SEN
saon to to be stationed alone at night enemy
country, but rather liked 1t. was surprised at my
own GOODNESS. went AZ far az the canal Ridge near
Arlington Our scouts called in, and reported the
coast clear and then grand sight We drawn
up the roadside in the bright moonlight while regl
ment after regiment poured past First came the Now
York Twelfth-eplendid men; then the Twenty ffh-M-
bany boys then Michigan regiment then the New Jersey
Brigade OF 600 lastly the cavalry and artillery
The Seventh formed the rear guard The Rhode Island
and Massachusetts, boys at work on Arlington
Heghts but did not many Of them Several city
companies followed train next came along having
eight ten wagons loaded with intrenchng tools and
the Notifications at commenced. During all
this time not gun had been fred We returned home
at Oclock NJ bivOuackin0 IN
the road. They gave q rousing cheer. Whom got
home had not been Off my feet for twelve hours, and
had marched from ten to fifteen miles all told, but didn't
feel very tired. 1t was glorious time, and would not
have missed IT for great deal.
Now comes the sad part OF my story Alexandria was
who crossed in steamers simultaneously with the ad-
from the bridge. They met with little no
resistance. About i've O'Clock A. NJ Ellsworth proceeded
to the Marshall House, captured o secession flag and
hoisted Union nag in its place. AS he came down
stairs his return Jackson the hptel keeper opened
long enough to jackson killed. Esworths men are
nearly frantic with rage They said to have captured
Walter Lennox and Noble G. Thomas ex Lieutenant OF
police, and hundred other II ID easy TO
guess their fate II the Z0uaves to decide IT, They
said TO have ordered all the Union to to WASH
nRton, and talk OF razDg the town TO 5 foundations.
Hlsworths body lies at the Navy Yard, wrapped in a
flag All the bells in town t0lled for hour and the
flags at half. mast. ! one mar who saw the
body, and another who saw one OF the men who was
with Ellsworth when shot and obtained my Information
from them.
The city as you may well suppose is oil astir to- day
More troops coming in The rebels stl continue TO
fall back without firing, until they draw US into an
ambuscade, and then they expect TO thrash U.s. This
Is Rives Alexandria trap" OF which you have heard