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