Diary from Apr. 14, 1865

Senator Alexander Ramsey Diary

  • Full Title

    Senator Alexander Ramsey's Diary Entries, April 1865

  • Description

    Senator Ramsey of Minnesota was in Washington D.C. when President Lincoln was assassinated. These are his diary entries from when it happened, including details as he heard them; being part of President Johnson inauguration; and his participation in the congressional escort on Lincoln's funeral train.

  • Transcription

    April 14, 1865


    At 10 ½ pm at Fords Theater the Presd. of U.S. was shot by J. Wilkes Booth of which he died. Booth escaped.


    Mr. Secretary Seward and his son Frederick and the male servant of the Secretary were attacked (?) at the same time by an accomplice of B. with a knife – and is lingering with little hope of their recovery.


    The President died at 7 ½ a.m.


    Was present with Hon. Senators Foote of Vt. Gates of Ill. And Steward of Nevada at the inauguration of V. Pres. Johnson as Presd. about 10 in all witnessed the administration of the oath at 11 am by Chf. Justice Chase.


    Cigar .30


    Newspapers 5 & 16 .21


    Boot(?) knife


    Paid for use of above senators and myself for carriage 5.00



    April 21, 1865


    Left Washington as one of a congressional escort in conveying the body of Abm. Lincoln late Presid. of U.S. from Washington to Springfield. Left at 8 a.m. reached Baltimore at 10 and left at 5 PM and reached Harrisburg at 8 pm


    (?) Trunk .50


    at Baltimore .30

  • Source

    Alexander Ramsey and Family Papers, Minnesota Historical Society

  • Rights

    Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as Alexander Ramsey and Family Papers, Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please see this web page.

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  • Cite this Item

    Alexander Ramsey. "Senator Alexander Ramsey's Diary Entries, April 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed March 19, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/292