Description:

It features the final letter written by Union Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth—the first conspicuous Union officer killed in the American Civil War—to his parents on May 23, 1861, the night before his death. Recognizing the intense public grief and patriotic fervor surrounding his martyrdom, the Boston printing firm Damrell & Welch quickly published and distributed this letter as a commemorative single-sheet souvenir. Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth was a close personal friend and law clerk to Abraham Lincoln. He commanded the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry (known as the "First Fire Zouaves"). On May 24, 1861, during the Union occupation of Alexandria, Virginia, Ellsworth went up to the roof of the Marshall House hotel to remove a large Confederate flag that could be seen from the White House. While coming down the stairs, he was shot and killed instantly by the hotel's secessionist owner. The Premonition: Ellsworth wrote the letter in the quiet hours of the night before the operation, clearly anticipating that he might not survive the coming action. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 5" x 8"
  • Condition: Very Good Condition

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September 7, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Canandaigua, NY, US

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$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 + $500