The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-06-01
CIR Cefil Wbig.
Colonel Ellsworth.

Col. Elmer +. Ellsworth was born near
Mcchanicsville. in Saratoga county, n y.
April 23rd. 1887, and was. therefore, at his
death only twenty -four years of age. In his
early youth lac manifested strong military
inclnations. lie lived ut home until twelve
Or thirteen years OF sge, during which time
he received a good common school education.
lie was always close and diligent student.
On leaving home he went to Troy. and was
employed for number Of years as clerk in a
store in that city. But the narrow limits Of
the counter were not sufficient for the dc.
velopment of his talents and ambition and,
leaving his business, he went to New York
city, where he remained about two years
Some six years since he removed to Chi
cago, arriving there pcnniless and without a
profession or certain means o. support but.
by his industry, perseverance, and energy,
he soon achieved an honorable position in that
city. The exciting exploits Of the French
Zouaves at Seb,stopol led him to investigate
this description Of drill. Coming to the
decision that The Zonave tactics were the
most efficient yet studied. he set to work to
organize a company Of this character in
Chicago, Ivy the title Of The Chicago
Zouaves." Forty or fifty young men joined
the company, and he devoted himself assidu-
ously to drilling them to the highest perfeo-
ton in every branch Of tactics. After II
practice Of about a year. a tour to the East
was projected, and the trip made by the
Zousvcs to the Eastern cities are matters Of
history. Col. Ellsworth from that time
became known all over the country as the
originator Of the Zouave drill in the United
States.
The engrossing scenes Of the Presidential
contest, which followed soon after, diverted
public attention from the Zouaves and their
captain. Among other persons who paid
Ellsworth attention, however. was Mr.. Lin.
coin, then a candidate for the Presidency, in
whose office he had studied law. After the
election, Mr.. Lincoln signified lis intention
Of attaching Colonel Ellsworth to his person ::
and when, in February last, he departed on
his journey to Washington, Ellsworth was
invited to form one Of his escort. On the
journey he won the esteem of all 10y his
suavity and frankness. lie was, the reporters
tell us, one Of the most useful Of the party,
ever wstchful Of Mr. Lncon's person, and
always in good temper and ready for any
thing that could render the journey pleasant
1t was generally supposed that Colonel
Ellsworth would he placed IN a prominent
position in the War Department under Mr.
Lincoln. 1t is understood that his claims
were urged by General Sumner, and that
some post-perhaps the Chief Clerkship-
was mentioned in connection with his name
1t is not likely, however, that he sought any
such inglsriouS berth. On the outbreak of
the war he sought active service. And having
had an opportunity Of judging what excellent
material for soldiers was contained in the
New York Fire Department. he be,hought
himself of forming out Of item q Zouave
Regiment.
The freedom and dash Of the Z"uavc drill
just suited these reckl less and daring spirits,
and with magical quckncss Regiment was
formed. instructed, and fully armed and
equipped, was OH its way to the scene of
glory.
Even in the short time he had had to be-
como acquainted with IFS men, lie was
endcarcd to them. and these wild hearts
loved hin sincerely both as man and a
leader.
1t may not be amiss to mention at this
time that Col. Ellsworth had been engaged
for the last two years to Miss Carrie SpafoId,
ayoung lady OF seventeen. the daughter o.
Chas. Spafford, wealthy citizen Of Rockford,
III. Miss S. was recently student in Carroll
Institute. Brooklyn. The marriage would
probably have taken place ere this, bus for
the breaking out of the war.
Ills parents are still living at his native
place. His only brother died year ago last
spring he had no sister.
The last thing Col. Ellsworth did Thurs.
day evening. before leaving Washington, was
to write letter to his father. E. d. Ellis.
worth, of Mechanicsvile, N. Y. and another
to Miss Carrie Stafford, at Rockford, Ill.,
His last act. as he left tho tent to embark on
the steamer, was to look at her portrait, and
to place it in his bosom.
Ills body left Washington on Saturday
and passed through Elkton on the evening
train. 1t was carried from the Navy Yart
mid followed to the depot by the President
and Cabinet, and large body Of troops
Col. Ellsworth's death must mark an era
in the history Of this war. His name here
after shall stand by the side of those illus
trious carly dead Warren and others-whe
were among the first to fall in the Revolution
in fighting ;or their country.
A correspondent of The New York Tribune
who was with Col. Ellsworth at the time 0
his assassination in Alexandria. by Jame
NJ. jackson, the proprietor of the Marshal
House. gives the following account Of tn
affair:
I'VE passed quickly through the streets
meeting few bcwildcred travellers issuin.
from the principal hotel, which seemed to b
slowly coming to its daily senses, and wer
about to turn toward the telegraph office
when the Colonel, FIRST Of al, caught sight G
the Secession llag, which has so long swunI
insocnlly in full view Of the President
House. He immediately sent back tho S.r