325 of 289 lots
325
[CIVIL WAR]. The Marshall House, Alexandria, Virginia. New York: E. Anthony. [With:] CDV of Elmer Ellsworth.
Estimate: $500-$700
Sold
$600
Live Auction
American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography
Location
Cincinnati
Description

[CIVIL WAR]. The Marshall House, Alexandria, Virginia. New York: E. Anthony. [With:] CDV of Elmer Ellsworth.



6 x 6 in. albumen photograph on heavily trimmed 7 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. cardstock mount with printed title and publication information.

A view capturing a group of men, possibly soldiers as they appear to be dressed in uniform, looking at the Marshall House. Several other individuals can be seen entering and exiting the establishment. Subjects of varying ages are congregating near the entrance and a young male subject, possibly African American, is seated on one of the steps.

[With:] CDV of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Uncredited. With penciled inscription on verso that is difficult to discern, but appears to reference a "Wm. H. Warner" and Philadelphia.

The Marshall House was the site of what is often considered the first Union casualty of the Civil War. In May of 1861, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth 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."


Estate of David O'Reilly, Old Bridge, New Jersey


This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Marshall House photograph: very good tonality, toning, occasional spotting, few stains. Mount heavily trimmed, with few some creasing near lower margin, toning, staining throughout. Ellsworth CDV: fading to print, light soiling. Mount and print trimmed along top edge.