American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

3 CDVs, comprising: 2 standing views of Elmer Ellsworth, the first conspicuous death of the Union and popularizer of Zouavism in the United States. Each with verso imprint of E. Anthony, publisher, and Brady's National Portrait Gallery, photographer. -- CDV of Francis Brownell. Imprint of Brady, New York, 1862 in lower margin and applied paper label on verso from McAllister & Brother, Opticians, Philadelphia.

In May of 1861, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth (1837-1861) traveled across the Potomac River and entered the Marshall House to remove a large Confederate flag, which was reportedly visible from the White House, flying atop the inn. Ellsworth was shot dead by the innkeeper on the way down the stairs from the roof. His story inspired patriotism across the Union and his name became a rallying cry, with some regiments even calling themselves "Ellsworth's Avengers."

Francis E. Brownell (1840-1894), 11th New York, made famous as Ellsworth's Avengers for which he later received the Medal of Honor in 1877. After slaying Elmer Ellsworth's murderer (innkeeper James W. Jackson) on the stairs of the Marshall House and posing for this popular Brady CDV standing on the Secessionist rag that caused Ellsworth's martyrdom, Brownell became an officer in the regular 11th US Infantry. He resigned his commission in November 1863. Thereafter, Brownell saw to his own reputation, twice petitioning the War Department for the Medal of Honor and becoming a self-appointed custodian of Ellsworth memorabilia and keeper of the flame.