Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-21
TIE OCCUPATION OF TIE crrY.

and forage, but the council returned for answer
that they had no means OF complying with the
demand. Col. Wilcox then made proclamation
that he had occupied Alexandria for the
United States, assuring peaceable citizens OF
protection to their persons and property,
ordering the closing Of all establishments for
the retail of ardent spirits, and declaring tina,
all combinations against the United States
would be punished"
So the occupation Of Alexandria was accom-
plished Less bloodless than the bombardment
Of Fort Sumter. where no life had been lost,
two deaths signalized the change of flags In
the nrst virginia town occupied by the forces
Of the United States.
JURY's IDEA OF WAR.
One Of the most singular episodes Of the
borderland between peace and war was the
inquest on Jsckson's body. On the day that
jackson was killed the ordinary civil proceed
ings over his body took place. A constable
summoned coroner's Jury, evidence was
taken to ascertain how Jackson came to his
death, and the verdict rendered IL the case is
still on record 1t was like striking 0 match
to see lightning. 1t is as follows
Alexandria county, to wit: An inquisition
taken at the Marshall House, in the county of
Alexandria, on the oath day Of May, 1861, be-
fore James A. English. justice of the peace and
body Of James W. Jackson, there lying dead
The jurors sworn to inquire where, how and
by what means tho said James W. jackson came
TO his death. upon their oaths do say that he
was killed by an armed force of federal troops
while In defense of hi house and his private
rights.
"In testimony whereof the said coroner and
Jurors hereunto set their hands this Gath day
OF May, 1861.
James A. English, J. p; George L. Deeton,
foreman; ]. G. EnglebriSht G. I. Neale, John
Cogan, Wesley Avery, G. W. Deeton, Elijah
Horseman John Fanshall, John L. Smith, Jo-
seph Padgett, jr., and William G. Simpson"
MIR. Glazier in his life Of Ellsworth gives the
following history of his last day on Garth:
"Ellsworth's command crossed the river in
steamers and ON learning that the place had
surrendered on terms proposed by the Pawnee.
Ellsworth proceeded with a detach-
ment OF his command to the telegraphs and
railroads. While ON this mission the confeder
ate flag flying from the Marshall House
attracted his attention. He entered with a
party and asked whose fag it was OF man
whom he met in his shirt and pants. This
proved to be James ". Jackson. The man
professed to know nothing about it. Ellsworth
ran upstairs to the roof and cut down tho flag,
and as he was descending the narrow stairway
again some one, 1t proved to be Jackson,
sprang from a dark corner and discharged o
doubie-barreled fowling piece full into his
breast. The shot drove into his body a gold
circ!et which had been one Of his presenta-
tions, inscribed with the legend: Non nobis sed
pro patria."
One OF his companions adds:
II stood and called his name aloud at which
thought he murmured inarticulately. 1 pre-
sumo l was mistaken and ! am not sure OF O
word after he was struck. We lifted his body
with all care and laid it in a room near by
The rebel flag, stained with his blood, We laid
at his feet"
This account is entirely correct except that
the party mistook the man who met them
below 'in his shirt and pants" for Jackson.
This half-dressed man was Col. Alexander, the
clerk Of the hotel. Jackson was asleep in his
room when the entry to the hotel was made,
but awoke when with considerable tumult
Ellsworth and his party went upstairs to get
the flag. 1t was Jackson who met them as
they returned.
There had been some apprehension that the
death Of Ellsworth would in some way be
avenged, but nothing of the kind was done.
On the contrary, the New York Fire Zouaves
remained in the town until the battle of Bull
Run without trouble on Ellsworth's account
They made acquaintance and as a rule were
civil and well-behaved and more than one
Alexandria lady found o husband among the
young men that came with Ellsworth to occupy
Alexandria
ELLswoRTH's BODY REMOVED.
The remains OF Ellsworth were wrapped in
river to the engine house, where Abraham
Lincoln came to mourn his early death and to
carry his remains to the White House.
Says Capt Brownell:
1T was only a short time, however, when a
message came that the President wished to see
me at the engine house. 1 went There was
no one but the President, Capt Fox Of the
navy and the undertaken. Mr.. Lincoln was
walking up and down the floor, very nuch
agitated He was wringing his hands, and
there was, thought, the trace of tears upon
his cheeks He did not appear to notice my
entrance at first Lifting the cloth from the
face Of the dead man he exclaimed, with a
depth OF pathos / shall never forget My boy.
my boy? Was it necessary this sacrifice should
be made2' After awhile he made me relate
finished before Mrs. Lincoln came, and was
again asked to repeat the story Of the tragedy
TO her."
MR. LIScoLN's TRIBUTE.
letter from Mr.. Lincoln to Ellsworth 3
parents testifes to his grief. He wrote:
I'm the untirnely loss of your noble son our
affection here is scarcely less than your own.
So much Of promised usefulness to ones
country and Of bright hopes for ones self and
friends have rarely been SO suddenly darkened
as in his fall. In size and years and youthful
appearance boy, his power to command men
was surprisingly great. This power, combined
with fine intellect and indomitable energy
and a taste altogether military, constituted in
him, seemed to me, the best natural talent
in that department ever knew. And yet he
was singularly modest and deferentisl in social
Intercourse. My acquaintance with him began
less than two years ago, yet through the latter
half Of the intervening period il was as init
mate as the disparity of our age and my en-
crossing engagements would permit To me
he appeared to have no indulgences or pas
times, and never heard him utter q profane
or Incorporate word. What was more con-
elusive OF his good heart, he never forgot his
parents The honor he labored for laud-
ably, and in the sad end SO calamity gave his
life, he meant for them no less than for him
self. In the hope that it may be no intrusion
on the sacredness OF your sorrow l have
ventured to address this tribute to the memory
OF my young friend and your brave and early
fallen child. May God give you the consola-
ton which is beyond all earthly power. Sim
'sF'l' your friend in common ai1 EisSo.s"