Ellsworth's Last Letter

Head-Quarters, First Zouaves, Camp Lincoln,

Washington May 23rd

MY DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER; The regiment is to move across the river to-night. We have no means of knowing what reception we are to meet with. I am inclined to the opinion that our entrance into the city of Alexandria will be hotly contested, as I am informed that a large force have arrived there today. Should that happen, my dear parents, it may be my lot to be injured in some manner.

Whatever may happen, cherish the consolation that I was engaged in the performance of a sacred duty; and tonight, thinking over the probabilities of the morrow, and the occurrences of the past, I am perfectly content to accept whatever my fortune may be, confident that He who noteth even the fall of a sparrow, will have some purpose e'en in the fate of one like me.

My darling and ever loved parents, good-by. God protect, and care for you.

Elmer

Charles Ingraham in Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth: First Hero of the Civil War, 1918, says that Ellsworth wrote two letters “[I]n the bustle and stress incident to the departure” on May 23rd and points to Ellsworth's letter to his financée, Miss Carrie Stafford.