Contemporary Newspaper report from May 25, 1861, by the Evening Star based in Washington City will follow my brief. This movement of troops into Virginia was done in accordance with General Mansfield's plans for fortification of the Potomac, and removing all danger. It began in the early hours, with the 69th New York moving out and cutting the rail link and Telegraph between Alexandria and Leesburg. They destroyed 6 bridges, arrested a train load of sojourners, and brought three back under guard, for secessionist beliefs. Meanwhile the Zouves moved on the city and occupied it. Heavy boots trampling the stairway to the roof in the early hours, as Ellsworth's group ascended to the roof and returned with the flag, alerted Jackson, whom it can be surmised took cover on the second landing and waited to see what the disturbance was about. He saw an armed officer carrying his flag and fired.
What the paper said--
"James Jackson, who killed Col. Ellsworth, was a man of violent character, yet of generous impulses where his prejudices were not immediately aroused. He headed the the company that not long ago cut down the Republican Flag at Occaquan, and the Secession Flag was the first one thrown to the breeze in Alexandria."
Jackson had sworn to the people of Alexandria, when warned about Northern troops to come, that he would sacrifice his life in keeping it flying; which he did, though it came down anyway.
"At 9:30 last night the body of Jackson was laid out in the parlor of the Marshall House, the corpse dressed in the uniform of the artillery company which he had belonged. This company is resuscitated from a company in existence there many years ago, and the members wear the uniform worn then. The coat buttons bear the State coat of arms."
Friends and loved ones were removing the furniture that night to the country as Jackson's corpse lay within. This was late evening of the 24th. The 25th continues to say--
"Jackson's body is to be buried today. It was at 9 a. m. in charge of his family and personal friends. The Marshall House is taken today for barracks for a portion of Michigan troops. This morning a single sentinel continues in front of the house....Guards are posted over the town."
"The parties seized in their rooms at Jackson's Hotel immediately after the occurrence of the tragedy there, were taken in their respective chambers, and were not held in custody over an hour, no secession officers among them as alleged."
I think it would be safe to assume the sojourners were processed out of the Hotel by the invading force, after a thorough search and interrogation. On one final note, the eulogy given at Ellsworth's funeral is significant to both North and South in the ensuing contention. By Re. Dr. Pyne--
"These noble young men who are now rallying around the flag of our country, and who will bravely fight its battles [beg] not forget that the vital spark within them burns eternally."
Lubliner.