Fort Ellsworth sans scaffold (1864 photo LOC - LC-USZ62-136030)
From The New-York Times August 3, 1861:
REPORTS FROM ALEXANDRIA.
ALEXANDRIA, Friday, Aug. 2.
The execution of private WM. MURRAY, of Company F, Second New-Hampshire Regiment, for the murder of MARY BUTLER, on Saturday last, took place this afternoon. In order that his fate might be a warning to all evil-disposed soldiers, the scaffold was erected upon the walls of Fort Ellsworth, affording an unobstructed view to all. All the regiments encamped in the vicinity of Alexandria were present, and notwithstanding 20,000 persons witnessed the execution everything passed off without unnecessary excitement. The culprit ascended the scaffold with a steady gait, he made no allusion to his guilt, but called upon his friends to sustain his family in their hour of trial.
The private residence of SAMUEL JOHNSON, a Lieutenant in the Confederate Army, and located on the other side of Hunting Creek, was burned on Saturday afternoon.
Private KEETH, of Company E, Seventeeth New-York Regiment, stationed at Fort Ellsworth, was shot dead on Wednesday evening by Capt. STONE, of the same regiment. He was riotous, and committed an assault and battery upon the Captain.
I think Fort Ellsworth was in the process of being constructed and fortified at this time.
The 17th New York Infantry Regiment was also known as the Westchester Chasseurs. You can see their regimental color here.
The 2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry fought from First Bull Run through the occupation of Richmond.
Alexandria area with Fort Ellsworth (by Henry Knox Snedon; LOC, Virginia Historical Society)
