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.