The National tribune., 1907-04-18
Col. f. f. Ellsworth.

Among the ardent young spirits Of
the North who We're swift to pick up
the gantiet thrown down by the fiery
yOunS Secessionists was Ephraim Elmer
Ellsworth. then in his oath year. His
worth had attracted unusual attention
20 himself for ofie so young and so lit
tie gifted in the usual talents that lead
to distinction. He was born in Me
ehanicsyilie, n. Y, in 1897. and was left
without means and with but an imper-.
feet education by the bankruptcy of his
father. He had hoped to go TO West.
Point. and was studying hard for that
purpose. He turned to clerkins in
stores TO support himself while he pur-
sued his studies assiduousiy. He dtiJted
70 Chicago. became a patent lawyer,
and gained meager support by copy
ing legal papers, while studying law.
His interest in military matters WAS I'M
abated. At that time the French
Zouave system was the fad in military
circles The ''Chasseurs dAfrirue"
We're the constant theme of French
writer's and artists, and marvellous
stories were told of their performances
in the Crimean and Italian wars. ELS
worth found means To familiariZc him
self with their drill discipline and
methods, and succeeded in organizing
Zouave company in Chicago, of young
men OF the highest character whom ne
first requirement was total abstinence
as to tobacco and liquor. Severe gym
nastic practice was the next. The uni
form was a copy of that of the French
ZOuaves-baggy red trousers, leggings,
sash, short blue jacket and feZ with
tassel. In less than a year after organ
ization the company gave an astOnish-
ing drill at the Illinois Agricultural
Fair, and won fine silk banner. The
applause received determined the com
mander to make a tour of the Eastern
States, giving exhibitions. and chal!eng-
ing competitions with the local COM
panies. Everywhere the company went
it was an establishment and delight.
Packed houses greeted every exhibition.
On returning to Chicago, Ellsworth or
ganiZed a Zouave regiment, which he
offered the Governor for the defense OF
the State, in the troubles which even
then had begun to threaten. He ear
nestly interested himself in the election
of Mr.. Lincoln, and accompanied the
President-eleGt to Washington, where
he was given-a commission as Lieuten-
ant in the Regular Army and a posi-
ton in the War department, where he
intended to work out plan for the re-
organization of the militia of the whole
country. ne. u,
At this time game the Introduction
of the steam fire engine and paid fire
UepdTHntHtS. oOtn These lflHOVdtlOHS
We're bitterly opposed by the old volun-
teer fire companies. and nowhere more
so than in New York City. The fire
companies there were mainly rowdy.
political organizations, much more in
tent upon riots with one another and
controlling conventions and elections
than extinguishing fires. They made
endless trouble for the paid firemen,
and the underwriters of the city con-
ceived the happy, idea of organizing a
regiment from among them and offering
the command to Ellsworth. He took
hold Of the turbulent material, and
speedily brought into fair discipline by
wise firmness and Cancellation. Great
things were expected of the regiment,
the newspapers made much Of it, and
Ellsworth was eager to justify the peo-
pies anticipations. Its arrival In Wash
ington created sensation, and the regi-
ment did some good work in its OLD
way. by supffessing fire In WIZARDS
Hotel. BUTT was found better for all
concerned that the regiment be removed
from the city, and Ellsworth put into
camp across the Anacostia, which forms
the eastern border of Washington. IT
was there when the order came to cross