Description: This is a scarce, terrific condition, original printing of Union Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth's "last letter" written to his parents the day before his death at the onset of the Civil War. The sheet is dated 1861 and was printed by Damrell & Welch in Boston. Ellsworth wrote this letter to his parents on May 23, 1861, the night before being called into action. The letter "is very touching, not only for the true affection it exhibits, but in its seeming presentment of approaching death, the trust it evinces in God's care and protecting power, and the fearless determination to follow the path of duty at any hazard." Single sheet, folded. The sheet measures 8" tall x 5" wide when folded, and 8" tall x 10" wide when un-folded. A respected friend of Abraham Lincoln, Ellsworth offered his "Fire Zouaves" for national service when Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union in April, 1861. Ellsworth's regiment was sent across the Potomac River on the morning of May 24, 1861 to occupy the town of Alexandria, Virginia. When a Confederate flag was spotted above the Marshall House Hotel, Ellsworth and a small group of men raced up the stairs to cut down the banner. During their descent, they were confronted by James Jackson, the hotel's owner, who fired a shotgun at Ellsworth's chest, killing him instantly. Ellsworth became the first Union Civil War officer killed in action. His death became a rallying cry, and innumerable prints (the print offered here being one of them), posters, and songs in honor of the martyr were employed to arouse Patriotism in the North.
Price: 275 USD
Location: Merrimack, New Hampshire
End Time: 2024-12-07T05:04:13.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.85 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 60 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Conflict: Civil War (1861-65)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
