11th Infantry Regiment

Mustered in: May 7,1861
Mustered out: June 2,1862

The following is taken from New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.

This regiment, Col. E. Elmer Ellsworth, was recruited and organized in New York city, accepted by the State April 20, 1861, and mustered in the service of the United States, at Washington, D. C, for two years, May 7, 1861. It was composed of members of the fire department of New York city, and left the State April 29, 1861. It served at Washington, D. C., from May 2, 1861; at and near Alexandria, Va., and in General Willcox's Brigade, from May 23, 1861; in the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, from July 16, 1861; in New York harbor and Westchester county, from September, 1861; at Newport News, Va., from October, 1861; at New York city from May 7, 1862, where commanded by Lieut.-Col. Joseph E. MacFarland, it was honorably discharged and mustered out June 2, 1862.
The regiment (1st organization) lost by death, killed in action, 1 officer, 33 enlisted men; died of wounds received in action; 1 officer, 2 enlisted men; died of disease and other causes, 4 officers, 8 enlisted men; total, 6 officers, 43 enlisted men; aggregate, 49; of whom 3 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.

Reorganizing - J. T. Brady Light Infantry

Colonel James C. Burke received authority, May 18, 1863, to reorganize the original 11th Infantry, as a three years' regiment. June 27, 1863, Col. Henry O'Brian succeeded Colonel Burke. In the draft riots in New York city in July 1863, col. Augustus B. Sage was appointed in his place. The efforts to recruit the regiment met with no success, and October 1, 1863, the reorganization was discontinued and the men, then enlisted, transferred to the 17th Veteran Infantry. 

The regiment or rather parts of it took place in suppressing the draft riot in New York city, July, 1863, where 1 officer was killed.

The following is taken from The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65 -- records of the regiments in the Union army -- cyclopedia of battles -- memoirs of commanders and soldiers. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908. volume II

Eleventh Infantry.—Cols., E. Elmer Ellsworth, Noah L. Farn-ham, Charles McK. Loeser; Lieut.-Cols., Noah L. Farnham, John A. Cregier, Spencer H. Stafford, Joseph E. McFarland; Majs., John A. Cregier, Charles McK. Loeser, Alexander McC. Stetson. This regiment, the 1st Fire Zouaves, was recruited in New York city and left for Washington, 1,200 strong, April 29, 1861. At Washington it was mustered into the U. S. service on May 7, for a two years' term and was quartered at the capitol until May 9, when it was sent to Camp Lincoln. On May 24, it was ordered to Camp Ellsworth, Alexandria, Va., where it became a part of Gen. Willcox's brigade. At the battle of Bull Run, July 21, it was with the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, and engaged with severe loss. In September, it returned to New York for the purpose of reorganization; performed guard duty at Bedloe's island and returned to Fortress Monroe the same month, going into camp at Newport News. Efforts to reorganize the regiment proved futile and it returned to New York May 7, 1862, and was there mustered put on June 2. Other succeeding attempts to reorganize were likewise un-successful and the men enlisted for that purpose were assigned to the I7th N. Y. During its term of service the regiment suffered the loss of 51 members by death from wounds and 15 from accident or disease.

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11th Regiment NY Volunteer Infantry | Regimental Color | Civil War

W.H. Wickham, on behalf of the New York City Fire Department, presented this unique, two-sided, white silk Regimental Color with red, white, and blue…

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Marshall_House_Flag_-_95-3033.jpg

Marshall House Flag | National | Civil War

Shortly after the Confederates bombarded Fort Sumter, South Carolina, James Jackson hoisted the extremely large Confederate national flag seen here…

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NYSMM Online Resources

Battles and Casualties from Phisterer (pdf)
Battles and Casualties from Phisterer (spreadsheet)

Muster Roll

Unit Roster

Newspaper Clippings

Historical Sketch

The Recruiting of Ellsworth Regiment

Search the Museum catalog for this unit

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Other Resources

This is meant to be a comprehensive list. If, however, you know of a resource that is not listed below, please send an email to ng.ny.nyarng.list.historians@army.mil with the name of the resource and where it is located. This can include photographs, letters, articles and other non-book materials. Also, if you have any materials in your possession that you would like to donate, the museum is always looking for items specific to New York's military heritage. Thank you.

Alcock, Arthur O. N, Patrick A. Schroeder, and Brian C. Pohanka. With the 11th New York Fire Zouaves in Camp, Battle, and Prison: The Narrative of Private Arthur O'neil Alcock in the New York Atlas and Leader. Lynchburg, VA: Schroeder Publications, 2011.

Baker, Joseph E.. E.E. Ellsworth: Late Col.of the New York Fire Zouaves. Boston: Lith. & published by J.H. Bufford, 1861.
Description: 1 print :; lithograph, b&w ;; image 31.7 x 20.3 cm., sheet 43 x 30.5 cm.
Portrait of Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth.
Note(s): Bio/History: Taken from a portrait in the possession of an intimate friend of Col. Ellsworth.

Belden, Mary J. Scrapbook, 1803-1861.
Abstract: Clippings of poems and articles, including description of the Fire Zouaves, quotation of their battle song and biographical statement on Elmer Ellsworth.
Note(s): Holograph; printed material./ The volume had previously been used as an account book in Saybrook, Conn.
Located at the Connecticut Historical Society.

Cadigan, Timothy J. Fire Zouaves and Patriotic Fervor. 2013.
U.S.N.A. Honors paper, Dept. of History ;; 2013, no. 2.
Located at U.S. Naval Academy.

Comings, Harrison H. Personal reminiscences of Co. E, N.Y. fire zouaves, better known as Ellsworth's fire zouaves. Maiden, Massachusetts. J. Gould Tilden. 1886.
Located at the Boston Athenaeum.

Crilly, Francis James. Obituary notice of Col. Charles McKnight Leoser, Colonel Eleventh New York volunteers and Captain Second U.S. cavalry. Born August 4, 1839. Died February 23, 1896. Prepared for the Association of graduates of the United States Military academy, West Point, New York.

Death of Ellsworth.
SUMMARY: James T. Jackson, proprietor of the Marshall House Tavern in Alexandria, Va. shooting and killing Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, of the 11th N.Y. Fire Zouaves. Jackson was immediately killed by Pvt. Frances E. Brownell, 1861 May 24.
Steel engraving after painting by Chappel, copyrighted by Johnson, Fry & Co.
This record contains unverified data from caption card.
REPOSITORY: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
May be accessed at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b26798 [link opens new window].

De Marsan, Henry. In memory of Col. Ellsworth, of N.Y. Fire Zouaves, assassinated, May 24th, 1861.[New York?: H. De Marsan?, 1861.
Note(s): 4 stanzas; first line: Fall'n when his course had just begun./ Within illustrated border./ Cut of sword, books, and tablet at head of text./ N-YHS copy mounted, with other ballads, on a sheet from the William P. Wright scrapbooks./ N-YHS copy imperfect: closely trimmed to 15 x 8 cm., with loss of border and imprint.
Other Titles: Fall'n when his course had just begun
Located at the New York Historical Society.

E. O. C., Mrs., and Henry De Marsan. The New-York Fire-Zouaves: Air : River Roe. New York : H. De Marsan, 1861-1862?
Description: 1 sheet ([1] p.) : ill. ; 26 x 17 cm.
Note(s): Lyrics only./ Six verses, enclosed within wood engraved pictorial border; first line; Come all, you loyal citizens, I pray you will draw near./ N-YHS copy 2 (SY1865 no.148) mounted, with other ballads, on a sheet from the William P. Wright scrapbooks./ N-YHS copy 2 (SY1865 no.148) imperfect: closely trimmed, with loss of border.
Located at the New York Historical Society.

Ellsworth, E E. Civil War Officer Images. 1861.
Artificial image collection for Elmer E. Ellsworth, a colonel with the 11th New York Infantry Regiment who became the first well-known casualty of the Civil War. The collection includes an enlarged copy print of a carte-de-visite and five copy photographs of two daguerreotypes. The oversized image shows Ellsworth posing in uniform and was taken from a cartes-de-visite released to honor him after his death. The copy photographs are of two daguerreotypes of Ellsworth posing in uniform and wearing a corps badge. The daguerreotypes were stolen in 1978 from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum while still residing in the Wisconsin State Capitol building. At some point, the images were also misidentified as being Edward A. Russell. Russell served as a private for five months in 1865 and would not have been wearing the officer's uniform and medals seen in the images. Museum records also show that Ellsworth had donated the images of Russell, indicating that the names had been accidentally transposed.
Located at Wisconsin Veterans Museum Library, Madison, WI

Ellsworth, E E, and Ephraim D. Ellsworth. Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth Collection. 1858. Archival material.
Collection of letters and documents related to Colonel Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth and his family of Mechanicville, New York. This collection also includes two letters of Ephraim D. Ellsworth, the father of Elmer Ellsworth dated, June 3, 1861 and December 15, 1884. Both of the letters indicate that he has received numerous requests from friends and others seeking to obtain an autograph signature of his son
Located at the New York State Library

Ellsworth, E. E. Papers, 1855-1861.
Abstract: Correspondence, memoranda book, sketches. Majority of collection is letters written to Ellsworth's fiancee Carrie Spafford, Rockford, Illinois. Topics cover Ellsworth's military career, his law study and the start of the Civil War.
Note(s): Sketches of military uniforms and insignia were transferred out of the collection./ Bio/History: Founder, United States Zouave Cadets, Chicago, in 1859. Studied law under Abraham Lincoln, participated in his presidential campaign and accompanied the President to Washington. Colonel, New York Volunteers, 11th Infantry. First Union casualty in Civil War.
General Info: Organization: Organized into the following files: I. Correspondence, 1860-1861; II. Memoranda Book for U.S. Zouave Cadets; III. Miscellaneous papers./ Original or duplicate materials: Illinois State Historical Library,/ Old State Capitol, Springfield IL 62701

Ellsworth Monument Association. Exercises connected with the unveiling of the Ellsworth monument at Mechanicville, May 27, 1874. Albany, N.Y. : J. Munsell, 1875.

Ellsworth's body lies moulding in the grave. Philadelphia: Johnson Song Publisher, 1861.
Note(s): Tune--"Brothers, will you meet me?"/ Cut of eagle with flags and bugle.
Responsibility: as sung by the Philadelphia Fire Zouaves.
Located at the Library of Virginia.

Gay, James D. Death of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth. Pennsylvania: s.n, 1861.
Verse in six stanzas; first line: True Union men, attention give./ Lyrics only./ Portrait within title of Elmer E. Ellsworth within wreath, American flags, and banner./ Followed by: Ellsworth's last letter./ "Entered according to an act of Congress, in the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania."/ Verse printed in two columns, separated by a single rule./ Text within ornamental border./ Printed in blue and red ink.
Located at New York Historical Society Library

Hay, John. A young hero, personal reminiscences of Colonel E. E. Ellsworth. McClure's magazine VI (1895/96) 354-61. .

Hay, John. Ellsworth. Atlantic monthly VIII (1861) 119- 25. Published for Chicago Historical Society by University of Chicago press. 1925.

Heldrick, R. M., and Mrs. DeMarsan. A voice from Ellsworth: Dedicated to the New-York Fire-Zouaves. [New York, N.Y. : H. De Marsan, 1861.
Description: 1 sheet ([1] p.) ; 15 x 8 cm.
Note(s): 4 stanzas; first line: A patriot's name will never die./ Other editions attribute the verses to Mrs. R. M. Heldrick./ Text within illustrated border./ N-YHS copy mounted, with other ballads, on a sheet from the William P. Wright scrapbooks./ N-YHS copy imperfect: closely trimmed, with loss of border and imprint.
Other Titles: Patriot's name will never die.
Located at the New York Historical Society.

In Memoriam: Christopher Leoser, Captain, 11th New York Infantry. Died at New York City. December 9, 1891. Philadelphia: Order, 1893.
Abstract: Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Circular ;; no. 16, ser. of 1893, whole no. 256; Variation: Circular (Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Commandery of the State of Pennsylvania) ;; no. 16 (1893 ser.) whole no. 256.
Located at Bureau of State Library, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Harrisburg, PA.

In Memory of Col. Ellsworth, of N.y. Fire Zouaves, Assassinated, May 24th. 1861. New York: H. De Marsan, publisher, 54 Chatham Street, New-York, 1861.

Ingraham, Charles Anson. Elmer E. Ellsworth and the Zouaves of '61. Chicago: Published for the Chicago Historical Society by the University of Chicago Press, 1925.

[Lieutenant Francis Brownell of Co. A, 11th New York Infantry Regiment]. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, 1861.
Abstract: Photograph shows portrait of Brownell in Zouave uniform with bayoneted musket and sword.
Located at Library of Congress and available online at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.35582.

Life of James W. Jackson, the Alexandria hero, the slayer of Ellsworth, the first martyr in the cause of Southern independence, containing a full account of the circumstances of his heroic death, and the many remarkable incidents in his eventful life, constituting a true history more like romance than reality. Richmond, West & Johnston, 1862. 48 p.

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865. Lincoln's Ellsworth letter, and also the last letter from Col. Ellsworth to his father and mother. New York: Privately printed, 1916. 
Available online at:
http://archive.org/details/lincolnsellswor3138linc

Morton, Christopher S. '"The Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave." The New York City Fire Department's Presentation Color Carried by Ellsworth's New York Zouaves.' Military Collector and Historian. v57 n2 (Summer 2005) 58-60.

Partridge, Horace. My Love He Is a Zou-Zu: Only 19 Years Old. Boston, Mass.: Sold at wholesale by Horace Partridge, importer, wholesale and retail dealer in fancy goods, toys, watches, jewelry, Yankee notions, &c. 27 Hanover Street, -- Boston, 1861.
Song in four stanzas with chorus; first line: My love he is a zou-zu, so gallant and bold./ Lyrics only./ Publisher's number at upper right: No. 768./ Imprint date suggested by textual reference to Lt. Col. Noah Lane Farnham of 7th and 11th New York Infantry Regiments, fatally wounded at the battle of Bull Run, 1861.

Portrait of the "southern Gentleman" Who Objected to Ellsworth's Zouaves Coming into Virginia, Because They Didn't Belong to the "first Families.". Philadelphia: S.C. Upham 310 Chestnut St, 1861.

Randall, Ruth Painter. Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, a biography of Lincoln's friend and first hero of the Civil war. Boston. Little, Brown and co. 1960.

[The recruiting of Ellsworth Regiment]. Daily Republican Advocate, Batavia NY. August 3, 1861. [microfilm, Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia NY]

Riley, Edward, and Henry DeMarsan. Song of the Zouaves. [New York, N.Y.: H. De Marsan, 1862.
Description: 1 sheet ([1] p.) ; 14 x 8 cm.
Note(s): 4 stanzas; first line: It was a lovely summer's day./ Text within illustrated border./ N-YHS copy mounted, with other ballads, on a sheet from the William P. Wright scrapbooks; closely trimmed to dimensions 14 x 8 cm., with loss of border and imprint.
Other Titles: It was a lovely summer's day
Responsibility: Words by Edward Riley, corporal of Co. B, 1st Regt. of Fire-Zouaves, and dedicated to Capt. Edward Bynes, assistant foreman of Mohawk Engine Co. 10.
Located at the New York Historical Society.

Robinson, Luther Emerson. Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth, first martyr of the Civil war. Publications of the Illinois state historical library no. 30. (1923) 11-32.

Sage, Augustus B. 170th New York Infantry, Co. B.Papers (1844-1889). 
These papers include personal letters and service records relating to Sage's military service during the Civil War. The letters concern routine matters such as camp life, drill, marching, and picket duty. 
Sage served in the 11th, 170th and 178th regiments of New York State volunteers. He was an attorney and acted as an agent for several states in New York.
1 box (.25 cu. ft.).
Located at the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections.

Sherman, Thomas W. Letters, May 24, 1861. 
Description: 2 items.
Abstract: Letters, both to Captain Dahlgren at the Navy Yard and dated May 24, 1861, refer to care of the body of Col. Ellsworth and its removal to "the president's mansion." Ellsworth a native of New York had gone to Springfield, Ill. to study law and became involved in Lincoln's presidential campaign. When the war started, he returned to New York and helped form the New York Fire Zouaves. He was one of the first Union soldiers killed in the war.
Note(s): Bio/History: Graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in 1836 and appointed Brigadier General May 1861.
General Info: Preferred citation: Thomas W. Sherman Letters, Illinois State Historical Library.

Strong, Thomas W. Col. Ellsworth, N.Y. Fire Zouaves, assassinated in Alexandria, Va., May 24th, 1861. New York: T.W. Strong,1800s
Abstract: Full-length portrait standing.
Located at the Library of Virginia.

Sutherland, William, and J H. Johnson. Brownell, the Gallant Zouave. Philadelphia, Pa.: Published by J.H. Johnson, publisher of Union songs, No. 7 North Tenth St., Philadelphia, 1861.
Abstract: Song in eight stanzas; first line: You may talk of your warriors of old./ Lyrics only./ Brownell shot the murderer of Col. Ellsworth at Alexandria, Va., on May 24, 1861./ Cut of zouave at left of title./ Text printed in two columns, within ruled border./ N-YHS copy closely trimmed, with slight loss of border.
Located at New York Historical Society. Available online.

Swain, Martha. "It Was Fun to Be a Soldier-Until the Shooting Started." American Heritage. 7.5 (1956): 12-23.
Located at Chicago Historical Museum.

Townsend, Frank S. and Rose C. Webb. Ellsworth and his fire zouaves. [S.l. : s.n., 1917.
Contents: Colonel Ellsworth's grave -- The new and the old / Rose C. Webb.
Note(s): Newspaper clippings, 1905, 1908, with other relevant clippings./ Prose and poetry.
Located at the Connecticut State Library.

Warren, Richard and Roger Sturcke. "11th New York Volunteer Infantry, (Ellsworth's First New York Fire Zouaves). 1861-1862." Military Collector and Historian.

Waud, Alfred R. Ellsworth Zouaves.
Description: 1 drawing on brown paper : pencil ; 26.4 x 33.6 cm. (sheet)
Located at the Library of Congress in the Civil War drawing collection (DLC)
May be accessed at hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g05168 [link opens new window].
Abstract: Several small sketches: figures, busts, and one group of civilians.

 

*Items in the museum collection are in bold.