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16-Year-Old Girl's Copy Book with Frank Brownell Reference,

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
16-Year-Old Girl's Copy Book with Frank Brownell Reference,

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Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
6" x 7.5" copybook, marbles paper boards and leather spine. Written by 16-year-old Isadore Dooley (later Jones), the book contains approx. 120 pages filled with beautifully written poetry, most well-known or "classic" authors - Percival, O.W. Holmes, Longfellow, Sir Walter Scott, Poe, and more. Many of the poems have a "death" theme - not uncommon during the time, but possibly exacerbated by the Civil War. There are also patriotic poems, such as "The Union" by The Late Mrs. Samuel Gilman, Charleston, S.C. Also copied on the front and rear pastedowns is the text of the telegraphed message: Father - Colonel Ellsworth was shot dead this morning. I killed his murderer. Frank. This message was widely reported in the media, including Harper's Weekly, and engraved on the patriotic covers popular during the war.

Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, of the New York Fire Zouaves, seeing a "Secesh" flag flying from the Marshall House while passing through Alexandria, VA, climbed to the top of the building and took the flag down. As he came back down the stairs, he was shot by the hotel keeper, John Marshall, who, in turn, was shot by Francis (Frank) Brownell, one of Ellsworth's followers.

Brownell was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his action. He also seems to have used the publicity to its fullest. The first medal sent merely had his name and unit. Brownell did not like that and sent the medal back. Congress sent a new one with the message Brownell had himself written: "The Congress to Sergt Frank E. Brownell, 11th N.Y. Inf'y for gallantry in shooting the murderer of col. Ellsworth at Alexandria, VA, May 24, 1861." (Smithsonian American History division) You might as well blow your own horn!! Includes a period CDV of Isadore Dooley (Jones) with hand-tinting on the carpet and her jewelry, with backmark of A.M. Allen of Pottsville, PA. 

Condition: First and last free pages partially torn, otherwise fine. Cdv has "bend" near center, scattered foxing on verso.