Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was composed of fire fighters. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

Chicago May 10^th 1861

Col EE Ellsworth

Dear Sir.

I telegraphed you from Springfield a day or two since with regard to position in your Command- have not recd an answer and so concluded to write.

Fergus spoke to me about going with himself and Coats and I should have gone then had I recd any direct word from yourself. The Zouave Regt of Chi- is trusted only four of the companies by straining every nerve getting into the 13^th Regt or rather the 14^th of the second State call- and so enlisted for only 30 days. I suppose you have heard that Jo Scott has been elected Col- Thed Harding Lt Col & Baldwin Major- of this Regt- With regard to myself- I have thrown up my situation in the Marine Bank with the intention of going to war- and now that I have gone into the thing I dont want to back down without an effort- and I believe I had as [illeg] jerk a philthy musket with you as any man I know of- When I went into this business it was the understanding with all the boys that you were coming on here to take charge of the affair- and (without soft [soap?]) I am confident that had you done so we would have been all right- Now Col I hope you wont read this letter and throw it aside- but if you can do anything for me I would be extremely obliged- and if you cant I am very sorry for it’s a damned shame (to use a hardy expression) when a man wants to fight or his country- that he shouldnt have a chance- If you will answer immediately by telegram I will pay all expenses- and be very much obliged

Very truly yours &c

Saml S. Boone

Citation:Samuel S. Boone, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. 10 May 1861.AMs 811/2.6

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was composed of fire fighters. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

Washington House & City

May 9” 1861

Colonel-

It was once the ill fortune of my mother, Mrs Read, and myself to know the aid of the New York Firemen- it was our good fortune that they rendered their aid promptly and effectively-

Therefore should any illness or mishap in you Regiment require the care of a woman, I beg leave herewith to report myself for orders, which will be obeyed to the utmost of my ability.

With high Consideration, I  remain […]

Harriette Fanning Read

Citation:Harriette Fanning Read, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. 9 May 1861.

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Washington City Apl 26^th 1861

My dear Col.

We are at last in Washington- The daily papers have doubtless posted you in regard to our progress- Our march from Anapolis on the R. Road track was a hard one- We started at 4 to 8 Oclock in the morning (Wednesday) and marched steadily excepting about two hours rest, until daylight Thursday before we reached the junction of the Washington Road- As a matter of course we […] all pretty well used up- The road in twenty places at least […] was rendered impassable by the removal of the Rails and destruction of the bridges- The material in the ranks however enabled us to make the repairs very rapidly. The government met us at the junction with a train and brought us through at once- We are quartered in the Capitol and shall remain here for a few days until our Camp equipage- which was left at Anapolis can be brought through- The sight for our Camp has not so far as I know been yet selected- Our men are in excellent spirits- notwithstanding their disappointment in not meeting the contemptible scoundrels who obliged them to build a rail road anew for the sake of having a clean shirt in Washington-

Not an officer has yet been able to get his baggage through- The government seized two days ago the R. Road to the junction from Washington and are obliged to keep a guard stationed to prevent its destruction- I saw Mr. Nicolay and his assistant and remembered you to him- Whatever you desire me to do for you in that quarter, command and it shall be attended to as far as lays in my power- All Washington was delighted to see us, and we anticipate a pleasant time, especially if Jeff. Davis would only show himself in the neighborhood- I have […] that the Chamber of Commerce are going to equip your Regiment and you will soon be ready to start from the City- Write me the particulars

Yours in haste Shaler

Citation: Capt. Shaler, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. Washington, D.C.; 26 April 1861. AMs 811/2.6

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

Alton Feby. 7. 1861

Hon. F. P. Blair Sen.r

Washington, D.C.

Dr Sir, I take great pleasure in introducing Col. Ellsworth of this state, and of recommending to the exertion of your influence, his application for the important position of Chief Clerk of the War Department.

Of strict integrity, great energy, combined with the nicest sense of honorable dealing his qualifications are also of the highest order, and I have no doubt that he would, as he is well capable, give entire satisfaction. Under the leadership of such a man as John C. Fremont as Secretary, Col. Ellsworth would prove a valuable acquisition to the Department.

You will probably remember Col. E. as the accomplished Commander of the Chicago Zouaves.

Very Truly Yours

Geo. T. Brown
Citation: George T. Brown, autograph letter signed to Francis Preston Blair. Alton, Ill., 7 February 1861. AMs 811/2.6

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

St Paul, Minn Feby 6^th 1861

Col E. E. Ellsworth

Springfield, Ill.

My Dear Sir,

Yours of the 23^rd, with enclosures and accompanied with “Manual,” “Lithograph” and 3 copies of the Militia Law was rec’d on the 4^th inst- I should have answered it sooner but that I have been detained by important business matters elsewhere. I am under great obligation, for your kindness, and if what I send with this, will be deemed any return therefore, shall feel perfectly satisfied. I enclosed letters from Sec’y of State & Surgeon General, which I hope will be of service to you. The former, is personally acquainted with Mr. Lincoln, and well known throughout your State.

The Governor is absent from town today, but I shall see him tomorrow and hope to get a Letter from him.

It gives me great pleasure, to be able to assist you in any way that I may, and if you can point out any mode to which I can render you further service, be pleased to signify it.

I sincerely hope, that you may be able to obtain the place you seek, nothing that I can do for you, shall be wanting. I shall tomorrow write the Hon. Cyrus Aldrich M.C. from this District in relation to you, and I think that he will aid you all in his power. Should you desire it, I can furnish a Letter of introduction to him, and also to Mr. Windom, his associate from this State, and to Mr. Wilkinson U.S.S.

The “Uniform” you send, I think perfect, it is just what I should like to see adopted here, and is precisely such an one as I have had in my eye, ever since I saw you “Zouaves” in Chicago. Can you inform me, to whom can I write, in Chicago, that would send me the entire uniform, Hat or Cap, Shoes, Gaiters, Sash, Knapsack (Zouave) everything that is on the Lithograph, in case I should desire to procure one- some one person.

I have not had time to give your “Military Law” that attention it deserves, but shall very shortly- I am convinced of one thing, in relation to our State, which is that the commutation system will never work here, and I doubt very much whether we shall be able raise a tax to support the Militia. Our people are not yet educated up to that idea. They will receive practical instruction I fear, before another year rolls round. No State needs an efficient Militia system more than ours, and in none is it harder to obtain one. Our poverty is of course one great reason, and yet that is not wholly the trouble- Our Legislators, do not give it the proper consideration, they in fact treat it lightly, and as long as they feel in that mood, it is perhaps as well that they should learn by experience the need of having a State Military Establishment. I am convinced that we shall have trouble here, if the Govt should be obligated to withdraw the Troops from our Frontier posts, and that I deem certain to occur, if our political troubles continue, and yet our Legislature makes no account of it whatever.

You will recollect that the largest Indian Tribe on this continent is all along our frontier, and in a situation to gather, and strike our settlements within 24 hours.

Hoping to hear from you again very soon,

I am Truly Your Friend

Wm. H. Acker

 
Citation: William H. Acker, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. St Paul, Minn., 6 February 1861. AMs 811/2.6

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

Chicago Jany 12^th 1861

Dear Colonel,

From present appearances I think the U.S. Government will issue a call for troops from the different States. Should this be done I presume your regiment will be among the first to volunteer, and in case they do so I would like to join your staff if it could be arranged, say as paymaster. What do you say could anything of this kind be effected; and would such an arrangement, be acceptable and pleasant to you? Please write in relation to this matter, per return mail, and you will much oblige

Your Friend

C. C. Farnham

Citation: C.C. Farnham, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. Chicgao, 12 January 1861. AMs 811/2.6

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcription:

New York, 5 Dec 1860

Col Ellsworth

Dear Col

Knowing you are looked upon as the head & front of the Zuave [sic] movement, and have been addressed by every corps forming in the United States, I take the liberty of our slight acquaintance, to ask you to give me the list & commanders of such corps, as may have come under your notice & for the following names- I have made arrangements with the “Tailor of the Garde Imperial of France” to make up uniforms for me of the reserve material, and exactly like the “Garde” which I can deliver in New York as follows- a full privates uniform for $40- consisting of the following pieces-

Cloak & Hood – Pantaloon

Jacket & Vest- Leggings & Garters

Cap & Tassel – Turban

Sash – Pin

Coarse shirt – Knapsack & straps

Sword[?] belt & plate – Cartridge box –

Strap for gun –

Officers uniform consisting of

Full dress coat

do pants

Undress do

Embroidered coat

Cloak & [illeg.]

For Captain $125

Lieutenant $115

2nd do $110

Sword & scabbard like yours $14

Scabbard alone $5

Bayonette & Telescopic scabbard $5.70

Bayonette scabbard alone $3.20

As this is perhaps cheaper than most of them got this uniform for, & from head quarters I may get some orders-

Begging pardon for the trouble & with assurances of regard am

Truly Yours

H. S. Lansing

Citation: H.S Lansing, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. New York, 5 December 1860. AMs 811/2.5

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria Virginia.

Transcript (excerpt):

New Orleans

Nov 24. 1860

[Excerpt middle of p2]

Times are hot here and if they do get into open conflict with the north Greek will meet Greek. These fellows are strong courageous young men and as hungry for blood as a nigger catching hound. They are used to it you see and they need the excitement. They are generally excellent shots with the Mississippi Rifle & dont fear the devil himself. I have seen young fellows jump into a crowd with his knife in his teeth and drive out a house full of irishmen—all around too. Its shoot or cut at the word go here and the law seldom punishes them for it.

[Excerpt p3, last paragraph]

You are favorably known here but your Zouaves are called boy soldiers & their excellent drill is said to be because they did nothing else. This is the peoples opinion and not nice for I know I see an admirable photograph of you on Camp Street  and if abolition was not so all in all in your state you would have more credit. They would not recognise you here as an officer unless you came here to stay or “declared your intentions” for a northern man has a poor show for anything here just now unless he has many personal friends here. This is the extent of my information as I am not well posted anyway

Truly Yours

J. A. Hendson
Citation. J.A. Hendson, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. New Orleans, 24 November 1860. AMs 811/2.5

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Transcript:

Col E E Ellsworth

Springfield, Ill

Dear Col

I have written you twice since I have been here— but I know you have been busy- ever since you quit Chicago—and see by the New York papers that you still have enquiries in regard to the Zouaves—and have been stumping it for our President—and I am very glad he is elected—I had no vote—but I never went in for the Fusion. I enclose you a slip of paper— I do not believe that they will be the best company there—if you have a mind to say the word—for I will be on hand—to do what I can—and if there is to be any sport why I think the Zouaves should be in and I hope things will turn up so our company can go to Washington and do honour to our President. I drill every day with the beautifull musket you gave me—and would give anything I have got to see you once more—I wish you could come down here and make me a visit I will see you well entertained. My Father is as strong Lincoln man as there is in the state- and he says he hopes our company will go to Washington- and I think we can raise the funds, at any rate count me in for I will convince you I have not forgot all you taught me about a musket—give my best respects—to Capt Cook—and Bunn—and the rest of the Boys. I hope to be out and see you soon—my best respects to all— and believe me as ever

Your Friend

H. D. Laflin
Citation: H. D.  Laflin, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. Springfield, Illinois, 12 November 1860. AMs 811/2.5