^#1594 ^Lot 1652 Francis E. Brownell

Union lieutenant (1840–1894). Member of Co. A, 11th New York Infantry. On May 24, 1861, Union troops in Alexandria, Virginia took exception to a Confederate flag that flew on the roof of the Marshall House hotel, which was visible to President Lincoln from the White House. Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, leading a squad of his 11th New York Fire Zouaves, decided to pull the flag down. Having removed it, Ellsworth was shot dead as he started down the stairs from the roof by the hotel's owner James T. Jackson. He was the first martyr of the Civil War. Brownell avenged the death of Colonel Ellsworth by shooting and killing James T. Jackson on the spot at the Marshall House hotel. Brownell was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for this action. Rare wet plate, albumen 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite photo. Superb seated view in uniform with rank of 1st lieutenant, clad in a kepi with infantry insignia and the regimental numerals "11" clearly visible, and two medals pinned to his frock coat. His sash is also clearly seen as he poses cradling his sword. Backmark: D. Woodworth, Albany, N.Y. Light wear, toning, and rubbing, otherwise fine condition.