Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-06-09
KILLING ELLSWORTH.
An Incident that Thrilled the Country
in May, 1861.
Washington Letter.

Washington Letter.
1t was twenty years ago last Tuesday
when Col. Ellsworth was killed in Alex
andria. He was killed by Jackson, who
was the proprietor of the Marshall Bouse
in that city. In turn Jakcson was killed
by Capt Frank E. Brownell. The latter
is now in this city. His account of the
tragedy, which is as follows, is replete
with interest:
1t was on the night of the 2Sd of May,
about 10 o'clock, that Colonel Ellsworth
called the regiment out, and when We
were formed in columns of divisions he
said: "Boys, l heard this morning that
a movement was to he made on Alexan-
dria. l went to General Mansfield and
told him that as we were the first vOlun-
teer regiment mustered into the service
for the war, we would consider it deep
affront if We were not allowed the right
of the line. Prepare yourselves for a
night ride, with perhaps a. skirmish at
the end of it. When we arrive in Alex
andria | want you to act like men and
show the eneml that VIC arr gentlemen
as well as soldiers. No matter what
happens, not a shot must be fired with
out orders" We were camped at Gies-
bora Point, and between two and three
O'Clock next morning the boats to convey
us to Alexandria arrived. 1t took us
quite while to embark. as there were
no wharf heads at the Point. and the
three boats could not get up very close
to take us off As we approached Alex
andria, We found the gun boat Pawnee
lying off the town, and us our steamer
moved up to the wharf, Il boat put off
the Pawnee with a white flag flying. Up
OH landing the officer in command of the
boat had consultation with Col Els
worth, and | have always understood.
informed him that the city had Eeen
placed under a flag of truce, or at least
been given Il certain time to surrender.
At ;tll-erehts the town was under flag
of truce, from the officer commanding
the Pawnee, and for that reason it was
not deemed imprudent for Col. Ellsworth
to leave his regiment and go up into the
city. We landed at the foot of Cameron
street, and aS the regiment disembarked
Col Ellsworth started up into the town,
by 'our Chaplain, and the
of the New York Times /
and Tribune. AS he passed to the right |
of the regiment it was suggested by
some one, that he take guard with him.
He called for the first group on the right |
of the first company to follow him, which |
Was made up of sergeant, two cOrpOrals |
and two privates. We proceeded up
Cameron street three squares to Royal |
street, and then went south till We came
to King street. AS we turned into King
street, tie first thing that met our gaze
was the reble flag floating over tile Mar
shall House, which was situated ON
Spring street one square further west.
When We left the regiment iG was my
mpressf IN that we were G n ! to tie
Telegraph office. When he saw the rebel
lag. Col. Ellsworth turned to the SER
seant and told him to hurry back to
Captain Coyle, who commanded COM
pany. ~. and ti'h him to hurry up there
With luS men us SOON as possible. We
were OH the opposite side of the street
from tie -'hotel, and we then started on
and went past it, and had just concluded
hat Col. Ellsworth had decided TO leave
,he flag for Capt. Coyle to look after.
After passing the house, however, the /
Colonel stopped fer minute or two,
and then turned across the street and
,ntered the building. There was man
behind the Office counter, and Col. Els
worth asked him if he was the proprie-
or. He replied he was not. Col. Els
worth then started up tile stairway for
he roof, closely followed by the whole
If our party. We pulled down the flag,
md started back for the lower floor.
The stairway wound round with COM
,lete turn between each floor. l was in
Ldvance, and is. | made the turn be-
ween the.third and second stories | saw
Jackson standing at the head of the
light running to the next story, with a
louble barreled shotgun presented. l
umped toward him, and with Any mus
let struck down his gun. As my weapon
lidaoff@I spfang back, and lost my foot
ng, and just at that moment Col. Els
worth appeared round the turn of the
tairs coming down. Jackson raised his
run with quick jerk as he saw him,
md fired. the fatal ,shot, and turned to
,ive, me the other barrel. had recover
ID my feet, however, and fired upon him
irst, Immediately following up my shot
With the bayonet, my thrust pushing
lin, dowfl>the stairs, the other barrel Of
lis gun going off as he fell.
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