Alexandria, VA., May 24 – Federal troops occupied this Virginia town today and more streamed across the Potomac from Georgetown to take positions on Arlington Heights.
The first blood of the war to fall on Virginia soil flowed this morning in Alexandria. Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, commander of the colorful New York Fire Zouaves, was shot and killed shortly after his regiment marched into town. J.W. Jackson, proprietor of the Marshall House, shot the colonel as the latter was returning from the upper story of the hotel carrying a Confederate flag which had been flying from a window there. Jackson was killed instantly by a member of Ellsworth’s regiment.
At 2 a.m. today, under President Lincoln’s orders, more than 10,000 Union troops crossed the Potomac on bridge and steamer and took up positions at strategic points on Virginia soil. Under the command of Gen. Joseph K. F. Mansfield, the Federal force, including infantry, calvary, and several batteries of artillery, tonight holds the high ground on the Virginia side of the Potomac overlooking Washington.
No Confederate troops opposed today’s operation, but Rebel cavalry was reported in Manassas only 18 miles to the South.
An eyewitness gave the account of the shooting in Alexandria:
“The Yankee troops marched into town from the river dock about 6 o’clock. The Zouave regiment was in the lead. As the soldiers approached the Marshall House, Col. Ellsworth noticed the Rebel flag floating from an upper story. He immediately ordered two men from the ranks and let the way into the hotel.
He tore the flag from the staff and was returning downstairs when he was confronted by Mr. Jackson, who levelled a double barrel shotgun at the colonel and demanded the flag. Ellsworth refused to turn over the Confederate colors and ordered the hotel man arrested.
Jackson fired one shot at Ellsworth and turned to fire at one of the Zouaves. Before he could pull the trigger the seconds time, one trooper had run a bayonet through Jackson who fell dead on the stairs. Col. Ellsworth also died instantly with a bullet in his heart.”
Both sections of the country are enraged tonight at the day’s happenings. Reports from Richmond indicate that the South does not intend to let Union troops occupy Virginia soil very long. From across the river in Washington, the death of the Zouaves colonel has brought cries of immediate reprisals against the Rebels.
Col. Ellsworth was a close friend of President Lincoln. His body was taken to the White House.
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