Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-03-29

Francis L. Brownell recalls one of the
most striking and one of the first incl
dents of the great civil war. As recorded
in the pages of the Century War Book"
this incident first brought home to the
people of this country the fact that wal
meant the shedding Of human blood.
Even those of us who were children
at the time remember we'll the impulse
of horror and pity which swept over
the North at the first publication of the
news of the Alexandria tragedy.
How like romance it read The
gallant and handsome young colonel Of
The Fire Zouaves, Elmer E. Ellsworth,
famous in the year or two preceding the
rebellion as the drillmaster of the aero
batic Chicago Zouavc Company, protege
of the new President, and popularity be-
lieved to be destined to play leading
part in the approaching war, had been
killed on the threshold of activity.
The incidents leading up to the
tragedy in which Ellsworth lost his life
are unusually like an evolution of
romance. Hastily summoned to Wash
ington with his regiment of firemen
from New York city he is filled with
the fire of somewhat sentimental
patriotism and seems to have felt a pre-
monition Of early death. Before starting
he indited letters to his parents and to
his sweetheart, in which he speaks Of
readiness to sacrifice his life.
Upon reaching the capital he waits
upon the President and is given the
honor, possibly at his own request, OF
leading the first invading force south
ward. One can fancy the meeting and
farewell between the tall, unmilitary.
rugged civilian head of the army and
the short, athletic, handsome, and dash
ing young soldier
So, having received the solemn bene-
diction of the fatherly man who was
himself destined to be slain in the same
cause, the proud young officer is seen in
the gray of the following morning lead
ing his scarlet and blue-clad fire-fighters
into the streets of Alexandria, sleepy
little town ten miles down the river.
He was elate with the enthusiasm of
one who hoped for fame, and smiled as
his men marched behind him up the
silent streets.
Suddenly he sees, or his attention is
called, to a strange flag flying from the
top of gablo-roofed, country-looking
| hotel at the corner of two streets near
the line of march. Calling to Corporal
Brownell, who was favorite subordi-
nate, he ordered him to follow, and
accompanied by one or two others, en-
tered the building, which was known as
the Marshall House.
AS they rushed up the stairway lead
ing to the roof man came out of an
| upper room, clad only in shirt and
trousers. This was jackson, the pro.
prietor.
In response to Ellsworth's order TO
| haul down "that flag" he muttefed a
surly reply and disappeared. Ellsworth
| Brownell, and another reached the roof
| tore down the flag, and started to dee
scend. Ellsworth had the flag bundled
in his arms.
Instantly Jackson appeared at the
foot of the stair landing, leveled q
double barreled shotgun at Ellsworth,
gun with his own the charge tore
through the flag and through Ellis
worth's heart.
With lightning-like fury Brownell
shot the hotel-keeper through the head
and stabbed him twice with his long
sword bayonet almost before he could
fall to the floor a corpse.
Ellsworth body was borne upon the
crossed guns of his soldiers to steamer
and thence to Washington wrapped liz
the national flag. The remains after
ward reposed in state, and were finally
brought to his childhood's home in
Illinois. His untimely end became the
theme of patriotic song and sentimental
story until long after the war was at an
end.
Such was one, and but one, of the
countless incidents of the greatest civil
war of history. In the pages of the
Century War Book" are found count
less narratives of equal interest. We
who are hungry for history and for
romance have been neglectful of this
storied treasure. There is nothing in the
records of the absorbing present which
affords study of greater human in
terest.
Perhaps the greatest charm of this
standard history of the great rebel
lion lies in impartiality. Taking each
leading campaign and feature sepa-
ratoly, it is discussed at length in origi-
nal and varied styles by the leading
commanders upon both sides. What
ever Gata is necessary to verify conclu-
sions asserted, is arranged in tabular
form and appended.
From literary standpoint alone there
is afforded an unusual opportunity. IT
character is revealed by chirography,
how much more is shown by revela-
ton of motives which impelled great
men to do great and sometimes little
deeds.
A comparison of the different modes
of thought and action as revealed in the
personal narratives of such men as
Grant, Sheridan, Longstreet, Mcclellan, .
Johnston, Sherman and host of other
prominent fighters, present source of
delight to the student of history and
character never before afforded.
Nor are the observations and opinions
of the private soldier neglected in this
book. In the opinion of many of the
readers, much of the success obtained
by the original edition of the "War
Book" was due to its popularity with
the rank and file.
of the illustrations much could be
said. They cover every phase of the
great conflict and are based chiefly upon
photographs and sketches Of the war
period. In themselves alone, without
descriptive list, they present faithful
panorama of those four years of fighting.
In presenting to its readers the new
popular edition of the Century War
Book" The GAZETTE takes 4 special
pride. The work is believed to be at
once an education in patriotism and q
promoter of fraternal feeling between
all sections of the country. Veterans of
the gray will find it no less entertaining
than do those who wore the blue.