Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth.

[major bill]

An early war hero and a personal friend of the President. What if Ellsworth had not been killed? Would his friendship with the President lead to senior command? On the down side, Ellsworth had not attended West Point. He died so early in the War that I do not think we can judge his ability to hold senior command or if he had made a great general.

 

[captaindrew]

He most likely would have quickly been given a chance. How that would've worked out we'll never know.

 

[John Hartwell]

Ellsworth was "self-taught" as far as military science was concerned. But, he read deeply in the subject. He was a captain of militia in Wisconsin, and later was commissioned colonel of Chicago's National Guard Cadets before the war began. Immediately after Fort Sumter, he returned to his native New York, and raised the 11th N.Y. Infantry ("Fire Zouaves"). It is said he showed "aptitude" for a military career, but, we can only guess "what might have been."

 

[Ole Miss]

The only legacy he has, except for being murdered, was a drill master. I am not aware of any actual combat experience he had so his potential is never going to be clear. It was a grandstand action that lead to his death more the pity. I know he had a magnetic personality so he may well have been a good and efficient military leader.
Regards
David

 

[Lubliner]

It is a very good question. Like General Lyons out in the west who died early, a lot of gusto and bravery. I am thinking he was a great motivator of men, getting them to follow. His own headstrong ways possibly would have gotten him killed anyway soon into the war, such as Baker at Ball's Bluff.
Lubliner.

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this awesome article of a soldier's life. Another piece of Civil War history found.

 

[jackt62]

Ellsworth was good at inspiring his men and showing the type of bravado that was expected of a front line commander. His friendship with Lincoln and his enthusiasm for the Union cause would most likely have led him up the promotion ladder but the proof would have been his performance had he lived at say, Bull Run. Speculating if he remained in command of his regiment, or was given promotion to brigade level as a result of the Alexandria incursion, it's impossible to say how he would have done. But I would come down on the side of his performing well in combat.

 

[bankerpapaw]

There were a lot of "political" generals in the war. With Ellsworth already being a Colonel, no doubt he would have received a star or two somewhere down the line.