Document from Apr. 17, 1865

Military Telegraph of R. O'Brien, April 17, 1865

  • Full Title

    United States Military Telegraph of R. O'Brien, Goldsboro, to Genl. Dodge, April 17, 1865

  • Description

    States that President Lincoln was assassinated on the night of the 14th while in his box at Ford's Theater. Gives details of the night, including the attack on Seward, and asks that Dodge not make the information public at the present time.

  • Transcription

    United States Military Telegraph.

    By Telegraph from Goldsboro
    Dated April 17, 1865
    To Genl. Dodge

    Genl,
    I regret to have to
    tell you that president Lincoln
    was assassinated on the night of
    14th while in his box at Fords
    Theatre. The assassin shot him
    through the head and leaped out
    of the box brandishing a dagger
    and shouting Sic Simfor Tirrannis,
    The president lived about 2 hours,
    at the same time an assassin
    entered Secy Sewards house and stabbed
    him several times it is hoped he
    will recover but his son Fredrick
    was mortally wounded, Do not
    make this justice for present.
    R. O’Brian

    [Transcription Team: Kara C., Avery T., Austin G., Madison R., Tyler S.]
    [New Hampton Middle School]

  • Rights

    This item is in the public domain.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    O'Brien, R.. "United States Military Telegraph of R. O'Brien, Goldsboro, to Genl. Dodge, April 17, 1865". . Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/636