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 from the roof of the Marshall House hotel, which was visible to President Lincoln at 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. Manuscript DS, signed “Frank C. Brownell 1st Lt. USA,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, July 7, 1868. A true copy of an extract of Special Orders No. 157 stating “By direction of the President and in accordance with Section 26 of the Act of Congress…Brevet Brigadier General B. S. Roberts Lieutenant Colonel 3rd US Cavalry is hereby detailed as Professor of Military Science at Yale College, New Haven Connecticut.” Signed at the bottom of the page by Brownell. In very good condition, with intersecting folds and scattered toning, mostly to right edge. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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