The Assassination of Colonel Ellsworth

The Assassination of Colonel Ellsworth

Sketchy action scene. In Frank Leslie's illustrated newspaper 6/1/1861, attributed to Francis Brownell. This calls attention both to the technique of attributing sketches to the eyewitness as opposed to the artist who rendered the scene, but also the manipulation by Leslie's, since Lumley clearly states that his account is from Dr. Grey. Brownell was the more newsworthy choice since it was he who killed Ellsworth's assassin moments after Ellsworth was shot.

May 24, 1861

Recto: "bedroom // bedroom // steps leading to roof // steps through garret to roof // Jackson // Sunday 6 AM Washington [sic] // double barrelled shot gun // Doctor Charles Grey of Zouaves // Put more action in this figure // Dr. Grey heard the firing and rushed up with [inserted: box of] instruments and found the both dead - laying on their faces, but from the position he found I make the sketch of firing he was the first up the instant it occurred - Dr. Grey is the best authority to get - he gave me this account in my room last night at 12 PM -."

Verso: [signed in ink] "Arthur Lumley // I will send you my sketch as fast as possible (?) // [Signed] A. Lumley // see letter."

Folds; pin marks; stain on upper right corner and on stairs.

pencil on wove paper

9.75 x 13.25 in.

Drawings--American--1860-1870

Pencil works--American--1860-1870

38.8048355, -77.0469214

Original drawing location: CW-AL-VA-5/24/61 (Box 4.)

http://hdl.handle.net/2345/4545

(Becker)CW-AL-VA-5/24/61