The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-05-31
THE WAR BEGUN.
ALEXANDRIA AND ARLINGTON
HEIGHTS OCCUPIED.


| BALTIMORE, May %.
| Washington was in feverish excitement
all day, in consequence of report that
eight regiments had received orders to march
at moments notice, and that fifteen
rounds of ball cartridge had been supplied
to them. The meaning of the order has
not transpired, but up to late hour not a
single regiment had been moved from its
quarters. There were indications of an
aggressive step towards quelling the rebel
lion by forward march, southwark, to
take place tomorrow morning.
The New York 7th, 18th ard Goth regi-
ments, the Fire Zouaves and Sherman's
Battery, are undoubtedly the regiments for
the advance force. This force will proceed
across Long Bridge into Virginia and estab.
lish out posts on Arlington Heights and
tending down the Potomac.
At Alexandria the government will take
possession of the telegraph lines and rail-
road communications. -Four regiments
will move towards Richmond, and in the
direction of Harpers Ferry.
To>morrow's dawn will probably find the
Union flag displayed from spots where the
flag of jeff. Davis has been Haunting.
The greatest activity is going on tonight
in various camps, and additional regiments
to those named above, are to be under
marching orders in case of necessity.
Special to Times The army starts
southwark tonight. The New York 9TH,
18th and 69th Regiments and Rhode Is
land brigade fold up tents tonight, and to-
morrow morning will be on the sacred soil
of Virginia. They probably will take up
their quarters on Arlington Heights, where
they will throw up their works. They took
provisions in knapsacks for four days.
Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves move tonight
down river five miles, to a point OPP
posite Alexandria. They were overjoyed
when they received this glimpse of fight.
WASHINGTON CITY, May %, 1861.
An advance has been made to the mouth
of the Potomac.
The Seventh New York Regiment was
among the troops, and after several hours
march occupied point between the bridge
and Columbia Springs, on the Washington
and Alexandria Railroad.
The District of Columbia troops returned
to Washington this morning,
From 5000 to 10000 troops were sent
over into Virginia this morning. Firing
was heard occasionally by the driving in Of
the Virginia pickets.
9 O'CLOCK, A. M.-The N. York Zouaves,
18th and 9th, and Jersey Regiments, held
Alexan ria, while Arlington Heights are
occupied by several regiments.
The entrance into Alexandria was at.
tended by an event such as cast the deepest
gloom over this community. Colonel Ellis
worth, who had hauled down the secession
flag from the Marshall House, was soon
afterwards shot by a concealed foe. His
dead body has been brought to the Wash
ington Navy Yard.
Accounts from Alexandria are somewhat
conflicting, but there is no doubt of the fact
that man named Jackson, who shot Col.
Ellsworth, was instantly put to death, some
say by both bullet and bayonet.
When the federal troops reached Alex
andria the Virginia soldiers fired at them
and fed.
Persons from that city say the scenes
were intensely exciting. Federal vessels
were in the meantime before Alexandria.
1t seems to be true that body of federal
troops have advanced to Fairfax Court
House to take possession of the junction
OF the Washington and Alexandria and
Manassas Gap railroads, with a view of in.
tercepting the advance of Virginia troops
towards Alexandria from Richmond and
other points. Nearly 5000 troops arrived
at Washington yesterday.
The forces sent over to Virginia were two
batteries and two companies of artillery.
The news of the death of Col. Ellsworth
was not generally known throughout Wash.
iDgton until towards ten o'clock to-day.
The excitement was intense, especially
among the military, who express the great
est impatience and desire to be sent over to
Virginia.
From spy-glass view of Alexandria,
the Stars and Stripes are seen flying from
various points.
Three hundred troops from North Caro-.
lima arrived at Richmond last Monday night,
and are now stationed near Old Point Com.
fort. They were to be followed by 500
more in day or two, from the same State,
making full regiment of one thousand
men.
Twelve hundred Tennessee troops arrived
at Richmond on Tuesday.
The camp opposite Williamsport, Nd, is
being reinforced, and the construction of
batteries on the heights on the Maryland
side is still going on with vigor.
WASHINGTON, May 24-llA.M.
1t is reported that as the Virginia troops
retired from Alexandria, one of them was
killed by return shot from the federal
forces. There is prospect of capturing
the fugitives before evening.
The forces sent over 1000 rounds of
cartridges and balls. Balls and canister
were shipped from the arsenal yesterday,
destined for Cairo.
9r T.nurc Nav