Hillsborough (NC) Recorder
July 17, 1861
Page 3
Death of Gov. Ellis—We
announced in our last the report of the death of Gov. Ellis. He died at Red Sulphur Springs, Va., on Sunday the 7th, aged 41
years. Dispatches to the Military
department announcing the melancholy event were received in Raleigh at 10 o’clock Monday morning, when two companies from Col.
Fisher’s regiment were immediately detailed to proceed to Petersburg to escort
the remains, which arrived in Raleigh on Wednesday, and were met at the depot
by a numerous company of citizens, and the various military companies and State
troops in Raleigh and its neighborhood.
A very imposing procession was formed, and accompanied the body to the
late residence of the Governor, where suitable religious services were
performed by the Rev. Dr. Mason. On
Thursday morning, accompanied with suitable demonstration of respect, the body
was conveyed by special train to Holtsburg, Davidson county, and deposited in the family cemetery.
The
Capitol bell tolled all day, half hour guns were fired from the Capitol square,
from sun-rise to sun-set. The Capitol, the Washington monument, the
Confederate flags, Fayetteville street and the Executive Mansion were all draped in
mourning. The stores and offices of
businesses were closed, and almost the entire population were
witnesses and participants of the solemn scene.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]
