According to the auction house, Augustus had been a lawyer and a sea captain before the war. He was the first colonel of the 124th New York Volunteer Infantry (Orange Blossoms). The regiment had 40% casualties at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
The second day at the Battle of Gettysburg, the 124th was stationed at Houck's Ridge near Devil's Den on the left wing of the Union line. They got into a hot fight with the Texans under Confederate General John B. Hood.
Col. Ellis deliberately remained on horseback during the fight to inspire his outnumbered troops. He was killed, but the defense slowed the Confederate attack which broke on Little Round Top.
A monument in Col. Ellis' honor was erected on Houck's Ridge in 1885. There is also a Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War unit named in his honor.
Quite a Hero. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
