[1] Ellis performed numerous roles as a nurse, including assistant to the head surgeon.
She recounts in a letter to Mary G. Holland that once Ellis fainted during surgery, but quickly returned to service once she was recovered.
At the cavalry charge at Sugar Creek, Ellis worked to transport injured soldiers out of the field and to a house that was serving as a hospital.
[1] Ellis even saved the life of a man whom the regiment surgeon overdosed on medication.
[3] During her work as a detective and courier, Ellis wore a quasi-military uniform to protect herself and appear official.