Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-09
OLD ALEXANDRIA
Where Young Ellsworth
Was Killed.
CITY OF QUA|NTNESS
Important Strategic Point
During the War.
MILITARY HOSPITALS
WE'RE MAINTAINED THERE BY
THE FEDERAL ARMY.
a Place Replete With Interest to the
Visiting Veterans of the
G. Il, e.
MILITARY HOSPITALS
WE'RE MAINTAINED THERE BY
THE FEDERAL ARMY.

The historic associations of Alexandria re-
lating to the civil war are doubtless attrac-
tive to the vast majority of Grand Army
veterans attending the encampment in
Washington. In a section filled with places
made famous by the most thrilling events
OF the great civil strife this old Virginia
city on the Potomac holds a position of dis
tnction. It's name, already known through
out the country, became assured to fame by
Its intimate connection with many of the
most important federal military movements
directed against the capital of the confed-
eracy Situated at the threshold of the
south it was through Alexandria that thou
sands of Union soldiers passed with i'm
mense quantities of provisions, camp equ-
page and other munitions of war 1t was
here that was shed the first blood spilled in
Virginia in that memorable strife.
Among the host of veterans gathered in
reunion in Washington are many who pass
cd through the streets of this city at one
time or another during the period between
1861 and '65. Then the town was under
military law and the native inhabitants
were scattered. There was fractional strife
and discord between those remaining and
those who governed with the strong hand
common to military rule. Business was de-
pressed to the verge of stagnation hospt'
tails had taken the places of churches; halls
and even private residences and homes were
deSOlate.
decades, those whose presence was once so
repulsive to the citizens are received as
visitors with expressions of unfelgned
friendship and cordial hospitality. And to-
day they come to city enjoying the bless
ings of peace and prosperity.
As It Was During the War.
The social, political and military picture
OF Alexandria as it existed during the war
Is now recalled to the minds of many vet
ocIo hot
1t was a typical southern city. The deepen
ing intensity of excitement spreading over
the south In the spring of 1861 found rapid
DEVELOPMENT 1t is recorded, among the local
population. The crowd caught the fever.
Hot speeches were made urging loyalty to
the old dominion as the first and weightiest
duty of every citizen. Military companies
were formed, drilled and equipped. When
the tremendous echo from the guns at Fort
Sumter reached Alexandria, it fell upon the
ears of hundreds of sturdy male citizens al
ready trained for the duties of war, who
were ready to take the field for the south
April 13, 1861, the Alexandria Artillery,
commanded by Captain Kemper, fired a
Lutte of seven guns in honor of the confed-
crate success in the first passage of arms
A few days later the flag of the confederate
states was raised over the Marshall House
by the proprietor. James w. Jackson. 1t
was greeted with cheers and salvos of ar
tillery. A number of United States flags
were displayed over private buildings, there
being among the residents some who were
opposed to secession. Such was the state
of excitement after the passage Of the ordi-
eance of secession IN Virginia that the
mayor of the city was constrained to issue
q proclamation urging citizens to modera-
ton and quietness. May % Alexandria rati-
fled the action of the state by vote of 95s
out of total of 10o6
Mai Corse in Command.
Major NJ. D. Corse of this place, afterward
general. was placed in command of the
local militia. The companies in Alexandria
about this time as follows: Mount
Vernon Guards, Alexandria Rihemen. Old
Dominion Rifemen, Warren Rifemen, Lou
doun Guards. Fairfax Cavalry Washington