American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Includes 1860 Detroit Light Infantry card, two 1860 cards from Company A, 14th Regiment New York State National Guard, and very rare Cadets’ Terpsichorean Club card naming Col. E. E. Ellsworth as President.  Ellsworth was the first casualty of the Civil War. 

Cadets' Terpsichorean Club card is approx. 3-1/2 x 5-1/4 in. with patriotic symbols around perimeter.  The Terpsichorean Club was founded by the U.S. Zouave Cadets in October 1859. Elmer Ellsworth is credited with popularizing Zouave military units and forming this society for their cadets. As early as December 1859 The Press Tribune (Chicago) reported in great detail on a grand ball held by the Terps. At the outbreak of the Civil War Ellsworth formed the Fire Zouaves from New York firefighting companies. After Virginia seceded, Ellsworth and his men tried to take back Alexandria. When he saw a Confederate flag on an inn, he went to take it down and was shot and killed by the owner of the establishment, becoming one of the earliest significant casualties of the war and a martyr for the cause.

The two National Guard tickets simply have the unit information (Co. A, 14th Reg't., N.Y.S.M.) and time and place of the event (Tuesday Evening, February 14th, 1860/ Gothic Hall, Brooklyn). Each 2-1/2 x 4 in.

The fourth is for a Military Ball, Detroit Light Infantry, also on Feb. 14th, 1860, at Merrill Hall. 2 x 3 in. Verso with Thomas B. Machine(?), Capt. S. Lee Com.