Full Title

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith

Description

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith was a Methodist preacher appointed to the Girard, Illinois, circuit at the time of Lincoln's death. He traveled to Lincoln's hometown of Springfield, Illinois, two days after the assassination and observed the collective mourning. Smith also held a service in his church the day Lincoln's ceremonial burial service was held in Washington D.C. In his diary, Smith recalls these events and comments on the progress of the hunt for Lincoln's killer and the person who attempted to murder Secretary of State, William H. Seward.

Transcription

April 1865

[continued from previous page] W R Constant & Christian Commission Annual Report. Another dona-
tion. 2 dresses for wife 7.85. J C Drake donator. Prayer meeting.
Lovely day for the first in sometime. Things are growing some.

Friday 14 This is Good Friday & tenaciously observed by some
as the time for planting potatoes & other roots to have a good
crop. This is the day the redeemer was led to Cavalry & suffered
in our stead. The just for the unjust that he might bring us to
God. Sure such an event is fraught with great importance to us &
should make a deep impression on our minds & consciences. Am free
to confess it does not today have that regard it was worthy of.
Pardon me, O Lord. Busied myself in writing & reading today. Took
some shoulder & potatoes to W Morris. It is now raining.

Satruday 15 Sat night & I am yet alive. Have performed most of
the duties of the day & evening. Attended Masonic Lodge. Felt de-
pressed on account of the sad news reached us of the death of
Abraham Lincoln & Secy Seward. Lincoln attended a theatre last
night & was shot through the head & died this morning. Seward was
murdered in his bed. It was the secessionist work. They are dirty
devils. What a suddn unsuspected affair. Sold 1 bush. and a half
of potatoes to Aylsworth & Kendalls. Bot sugar $1. Sent letter to
Father in law. Paid out to treas. of Lodge 95¢. Rained today.

Sunday 16 Easter Sunday. Christ the first fruits of them that
slept arose from the dead. A pledge of our Resurrection. Though the
skeptic & materialist may deny the resurrection of the dead, etc.
yet the testimony of the Apostles & his appearances at different
times is sufficient evidence of his being resurrected. Over 47 at
S S this a.m. in Wmsville. Recd of Mother Aylsworth 35¢ on papers.
35 of Keagle for Golden Chain; 35 of Drakes for Chain. Covers &
J Constants each dr for Chain. Let Schliffe at Bices have Chain &
Quest. Book 15¢. Broughtons, Chain 35. Hickmans, G T, dr to Chain
35. Coll. at Wmsville 5.75. Bices S H large turn out. Recd one into
church, Mary Waters. Miss. Anniversary. Raised 6.05. Joanna Ramey,
Mary Miller & Eli Blue went to Bices with me. Lovely day indeed.

Monday 17 Visited Springfield this day. Most all the stores &
businesses as well as many private residences were draped in
mourning. The people everywhere are speaking of the great loss, &
the people are nearly as a whole sad at the loss of so great a man
as Abraham Lincoln. He sleeps in death. Secy Seward who was re-
ported dead is still alive & probably will recover. Bot Journal
with all the particulars 10¢. Bot at Kimbers me a hat 3.25. Corsets,
gaiters, trimming etc. hoop skirts, veil, -----& comb amounting in
all to 24.70. Paid Kimber 2.50 owed before . Bot halter stem 75¢.
Fare on R R 1.80. Bot envelopes & stamps for Lodge. Sent summons
to Cantrell, Thompson, Canterbury, McLeod, Mitter, Lawrence & Winn.
Ramey brought us bag of flour 20lbs. Oranges 60¢. Lovely day.
Windy. Rain at night. Home in the rain & mud.

474

April 1865

Thursday 18 Lincoln, brave, honest & great. Abraham Lincoln is
dead. He died a martyr. Yea he lived to set menfree. He rests from
labor. His body will shortly be buried. His memory will be cher-
ished through the future ages. He was the country’s friend. Has
fallen. The wretch is not as yet captured. Vengeance will yet over-
take him. Good news. Mobile is ours. Johnston negotiating. Recd
dispatch from Elkhart inviting me to officiate tomorrow. Signed
D L Dana. Letter from Jesse K. Sent letter to George Smith, Rev
Simms, P Cartwright. Recd 75¢ of C Brest & $2 quarterage, Sister
Purce;$10 donation of Wm. Mount. Beans of Council. Paper 10¢.
Planted beans & potatoes. Quite warm. Rain 8:30.

Wednesday 19 Today the citizens of the town & country assembled
in our church to commemorate the burial of Abraham Lincoln at
Washington. Services were opened by reading from 2 Sam 1:17 and
Psa 46. Then singing & prayer, then sketch of his life, the speech
by Jacob Beck, then singing, then Bro Todd spoke. Took text. Then
I read his Farewell Address at Springfield. Then a little talk &
resolutions which were adopted by all save a few Copperheads.
Church was draped in mourning. Recd sub. to Central, Fletcher
Council, & 2$ through Bro Laucke. Had some eggs etc. exchanged.
Set a hen. Paid Olsen $5 which pays till June 26. Recd letter etc
Planted some corn. Quite summer like. Peaches are out in blossom.

Thursday 20 The supposed assassin of Seward caught. Should be
hanged up till dead, dead. Sent letter to Capt J B Jenkins, Baton
Rouge. Indebted to Lodge 72.00 & 61/2 yrs interest. Bot stamps 25¢.
Sent letter to Mason, Bloomington. Recd one from Kittie Lowe & $10
in it. Were aroused at 3 a.m. by neighbors. Pickerell Bices store
& two dwelling were burned by some incendiaries. Planted corn,
beets, squashes, butter beans, cymblings [cabbage sprouts] and
transplanted some hemp. Prayer meeting. Dr Winn joined on Prob.
& Langley & wife by letter. Rained by spells some today.

Friday 21 Fasting primitively was regarded by the Saviour as
essential to the casting out of stubborn devils or dumb spirits.
The directions for fasting were important. Examples worthy of
notice in reference to fasting are given us. The blessed Master &
his Disciples & Apostles fasted often. We do not fast as often now
since we do not have such humble views of ourselves as we ought to
have. Since we are not as holy nor as useful. Letter from Rev
Gooding. His babe died. Circular Syrian Lodge No 333. Bought sugar
(white) 4 lbs $1. Coal oil 1. per gal. Recd 35¢ for Chain. Bot
Tribune 10¢. Put some cucumber seed in the ground. Heard opening
sermon at the Presbytery. Rev Marcus, Micah 7:7. Bro Bishop Haller
supped with us. Rained by times all day.

Saturday 22 Lamentations 3:26: It is good for man – Dr Cartwright
preached at 11 a.m. from that text to small assembly at Yocums S H
Dined at Wm Yocums. Quarterly Conf. Recd of Wmsville this quarter
$28, 4. already allowed; of Fancy Creek 37. quarterage & 5.00
Donation; & $11 for potatoes; of Yocums 9.00; of Wolfe Creek

475

Source

HC.00190 - Reverend Leonard Smith Diaries Collection

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Tags

Cite this Item

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith. "Reverend Leonard Francis Smith ". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/851

Creator

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

April 15, 1865

Material

Typed on Paper

Dimensions

8" x 10"

Full Title

Handwritten letter to Jane Betts from Harriet Farley, April 23, 1865

Description

Handwritten letter to Jane (Young) Metcalf Betts from her aunt, Harriet Farley, in Burr Oak (St. Joseph County, Mich.), April 23, 1865. On the bottom of page one and top of page two, Harriet writes about the shocking news of Abraham Lincoln's death. She describes him as a "A father to his country, a tried friend of humanity". On Sunday, the local community marched from the Methodist church to the depot and had a public gathering with all three ministers present who spoke solemnly. She notes all town flags were draped in black. On Wednesday Elder Lamb gave a discourse at the Baptist house and Mrs. Wiltsie spoke at the schoolhouse. It is unclear if these last two speakers spoke of Lincoln or religious matters. This is a long (4 page) dense, chatty letter about marriages, deaths, family and local news unrelated to Lincoln. Jane (Young) Metcalf Betts and her husband 1) Taber Metcalf, later 2) William Betts, and her son, Irving Metcalf, lived in Burr Oak and Saint Joseph County, Michigan, as did her Aunt Harriet Farley. Irving served in Company D, 11th Michigan Infantry during the Civil War.

Transcription

[Page One]
Burr Oak [Mich.] Aprl 23, 1865
Sabbath afternoon
This is a cold, windy day
alone by the fire side [crossed out] I have been to church, was at home
by the fire side, thinking it a favorable time to[inserted] write somewhat
to Jane & Wm & Evy [Jane, William Betts and Irving Metcalf], I Fancy to myself how you look
there in your strange home. Have all the surroundings pictured
out in my mind. I received your letter of the 20th and one
from Phebe last week. She had not received yours at that time
the 13th. I presume she has written before this time and given you
the details of the singular disease which caused the death of
your Uncle Cotton, a Carbuncle we know must be very distress-
ing, but seldom proves fatal to life, Aunt Elesta writes
that he was prostrate almost form the first attack. They had a
serious time taking care of him 3 weeks. She says he was patient
through it all. They were feeling anxious about Frank, had not
heard from him since the last battle. I begin to think more about
going to see my folks, but life and all earthly things are so
uncertain we can know but little beyond the present.
Now I would say something about the shocking event which has
brought sorrow and mourning to so many hearts, but words seem
to weak and insignificant to express our individual feelings
and when we think of a nation bereaved of such a friend
as Abraham Lincoln! A father to his country, a tried
friend of humanity, we may only commune with our own
hearts and be still. Yet there have been efforts made here
as in other places to manifest the sincere love & great respect
that is justly due to so noble a man as our late President.
Last Sabbath an appointment was given out from the people to
[Page Two]
to meet at 3 o’clock at the Methodist church, from there
they marched down to the depot grounds where some preparations
had been made, the three ministers were present and each made
a speech appropriate to the occasion, It was truly a solemn time.
The old flag appeared impressive, draped in black on [inserted] almost every
house was the emblem of mourning, - On Wednesday the Baptist
house was crowded tho’ the rain prevented many from
attending. Elder Lamb gave a discourse as well as he was
capable of doing. In the evening Mrs. Wiltsie spoke at the
schoolhouse on the same subject. She had lectured here
the Friday before, and could not then say when she would
come again. On Monday afternoon I received a letter from her
stating that she would be here Wednesday evening, the time
was short to get notice circulated, no school, so there seemed
to be no chance to publish the appointment. A donation for
Elder Douste was to come off that afternoon and evening.
Under such circumstances we could not expect much-
However, to our surprise, the house was crowded, more than
could be seated, a very respectable and attentive audience.
Even Mr. & Mrs. Phelps, some of the WIllises and many other
Church members were there. I believe all were astonished.
The discourse was splendid. Some said she had her subject
well studied. She solicited bid for the poor soldiers, took
over twelve dollars, and nine dollars on Friday evening before.
Now it occurs to my mind I must tell you of another death.
Isaac Toll’s wife. The gay and musical woman has passed
from earth to the spirit world.
[Page Three]
It is getting late in the evening. I shall not be
able to finish my letter tonight. My eyes are quite weak.
They were very sore when my cold was so bad, my health
is pretty good again, my ear has come to its hearing again.
Carrie has been over to see me since I commenced writing she
is very kind and attentive since you left. So is Mrs. Cross
and all the folks. I shall not seem any time to be lonesome.
Monday morning [sidewise in the margin]
Mrs. Ward has bought a cow. I have all the milk that I need, and
Saturday Carrie churned, got a fine roll of butter. They intend to
sell the milk in future. Last week was a busy time with me
had visitors withal, Old Mrs. Vance from Branson staid [sic] with
me 3 nights, had the Gates one day, came in the morning, and
Mrs. Perry part of two days, staid [sic] over night, but not with me. I find
it rather difficult to get up a meal of vituals [sic] in order in my little
cluttered room, but make out to get along somehow, went over to
Ward’s to bake bread and pies. Thursday I got time to see some on
my dress, for the first since you left. Friday did a large wash-
ing (for me). Saturday finished the dress. It looks nicely, so the
ladies say, and I think so too. – Now withal[sic] the excitement and
doings that transpired last week Sarah Jane was married to
Dorsey. The wedding came off Thursday morning, and they
started on the cars, for a wedding tour, like other folks.-
Minta & the Col. Made quite a spread. They invited Mr. & Mrs.
Schmidt Mr. & Mrs. Parker and their daughter Mrs. Sutton,
Mr. & Mrs. McDonald, Elder Douste and lady of course, Ell Crane
and his lady were appointed to wait on the bridal pair, stood up
with them & etc. Kena was invited. She says everything was very
nice indeed. But there seems to prevail a general feeling of p8ity for the
Thoughtless girl.
[Page Four]
I don’t think of much more to write just now.
I read your letter to Father & Mother Betts. They seemed
to feel some better about you. I was not surprised
that you had rather a bad time of it at first, expected it
would be so. We were glad to hear that Evy’s eyes are well.
When I heard they were sore thought probably it would
result to the benefit of his general health as I think mine
did, tho’ I pitied him and you too. I heard from you
so often the time did not seem long since you wrote
to me, write when you can conveniently. Father Betts
talks of sending a bottle of ink, because you write with a
pencil every time. Charles was at home yet tho’ I heard
the children don’t mind this cough much, I believe it is
not the regular whooping cough. Now I think of a little
more to tell you tho’ not very interesting. George McMellin
was married [sic] week ago last Sunday to Mrs. Livermore’s daughter
Also Mrs. James ‘ daughter to Jake Whitman. Thus we hear of
deaths and mariages[a-inserted, sic]. Yet the world moves on in its course.
We think that Kena has got into the element that
suits her pretty well at last. She appears quite like a woman.
Has plenty of work, employs 3 women besides herself C and C.
Mary Ann Weaver got hurt badly by falling, was not able to do
anything the last I heard from her. It is now about 10 0’clock.
Have not had my breakfast yet. You will think it is time
for me to stop writing I hope. Wm. Will try to be more care-
ful of his health, and not work himself all up, be more patient.
I want to say to Everett He better get a few
more hens, if he can. I want to hear something
about Mrs. Leathrop next time you write. Harriet Farley

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Doris L. King Family Papers, 1822-1877

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This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

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Cite this Item

Harriet Farley. "Handwritten letter to Jane Betts from Harriet Farley, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/850

Creator

Harriet Farley

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

10x15.5 inches

Full Title

Photocopy of handwritten, unsigned letter to Friend Elizabeth, April 20, 1865

Description

Photocopy of a handwritten, unsigned letter from a Union soldier in Harper Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, April 20, 1865 to Friend Elizabeth [perhaps the widow Lib (Mrs. Levi) Smith]. The writer enjoyed her letter and hopes she is well. He is sympathetic over the loss of both her cousin and husband. The writer may have served or been hospitalized with both of these men. He heard from home that the president was killed. He notes that some people rejoiced over the news and two soldiers were fined a month's pay each and jailed because they rejoiced. He hopes the war will soon end as drafting and enlisting has stopped. He wants out of the hospital, either to return home or to his unit. He notes several who are ill. He writes that both his father and brother are in service. He concludes the letter because his hand shakes so he cannot hold his pen and asks her to write soon. The letter is part of the Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903. Levi Smith (1832-March 10, 1865) was the first husband of Elizabeth "Lib". He moved to Elba Township (Lapeer County, Mich.) from Ohio. Together they had a daughter. Levi enlisted in Company I, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics on December 23, 1862 as an artificer. He died of disease in Detroit on March 10, 1865. She then married another man, also with the surname of Smith, and had three more children.

Transcription

Page One
Harper Hospital
Detroit, Mich.
April 20, 1865
Friend Elizabeth
It is with great pleasure that i
now sit down to answer your
kind letter which which [sic] i received
yesterday it found me well as
usual and hoping these few lines
Will find you well. It is very
Warm to day [sic] it must been hard to
lose your Cousin but it was harder
to part with your husband so kind
and good. There was bad news home
that our president was killed.
There was some that rejoiced [sp?] over
his death. There was ttow [sic] soldiers here
that rejoyced [sic] over his death and
they put them in the guard house
and they took two [crossed out] one month's pay
Page Two
From your [sp?] friend Zachary [sp?] Bigelow
away from them i don't think that
this war will last long then we
all can go home to our friends,.
They have stoped [sic] drafting and
they have stoped [sic] enlisting. i think
that we will get our discharge. i have
put in for an examination. i hope they
Will give me my discharge or send
me to my regiment. i get sick
of hospital life. There is 5 [?] that
is in a bed now. There have but one
that is dangerously sick. Holister is
sick. he has been sick about a week.
I got a letter from home mother
had put her ankle out of joint she
will have it pretty hard till some
of us gets home. Father is in the
service and my Brother is two [sic]. i haven't
Heard from father since the last furlough [sp?]
i will have to close for this time my hand
Trembles so that i can't hold my pen still.
Excuse me for this short letter. Write soon

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903

Rights

This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

Tags

Cite this Item

unknown, part of Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903. "Photocopy of handwritten, unsigned letter to Friend Elizabeth, April 20, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/849

Creator

unknown, part of Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

original was 4.5x7 inches, the photocopy is 8.5x11 inches

Full Title

Handwritten Letter to Dear Parents from J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865

Description

Letter to his Dear (Unidentified) Parents from their son, J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865. McClure was in Memphis (Tenn.) setting up a business. He may have been from Iowa originally. McClure writes at first about moving to Memphis and having a tour of the town. Then he abruptly and emotionally transitions to having heard about the assassinations of President Lincoln, Seward, and Son that day from the boat coming from Cairo. He writes of the flags in town being at half-mast and draped in mourning [bunting]. McClure refers to the Secessionists as demons who will be destroyed by God. He then returns to the story of his tour of town, trying to help a lady find her husband at an unknown address, viewing the strong fortifications, battery, and garrison with lots of Union soldiers, the warm temperature and advanced state of growth in the trees and vegetables compared to those in the North, and how at present he has little business.

Transcription

Page One
Memphis, Tenn.
April 16th, 1865
Dear Parents:
I am here in the
beautiful city of Memphis in
the far flung South. I have
just got into the hotel from
a walk through the city
with a gentleman lawyer from
Michigan who has come
here to practice his profession.
Being acquainted he showed
many points of interest through
town. But Oh! Horror to
think of the awful calamnity [sic]
that has befallen our city[crossed out]
beloved country. In the assass-
ination of Lincoln Seward
and Son! The cold chills would
course my blood when first the
sad news reached my ears.
Page Two
2
The news first reached here this
morning on the boat from
Cairo. The news flew like
magic throughout the place
and the flags of the city were
hung at half mast, and
draped in mourning. What
horror to think our nation’s loss,
to see our Star Spangled banner
draped in mourning! “Whom
God will destroy he first maketh
mad”, and these demons, [of secession-inserted] are
surely sufficiently mad for
distruction [sic]. If possible I
will drive these thoughts away
for the present and write some-thing else. I got a carriage
this morning for Mrs. Billings
of Keohrels [sp?] who came down on
the same boat to visit her
husband. We rode for one hour
but did not succeed in finding
Page Three
3
as we had neither the name of
the street nor its number. But
we did see many most magnificent
business houses, Churches and residen-
ces. True I have not seen all
of the place by a considerable in
my hours ride, and two hours
walk. I have had a faint view
of the fortifications as I can have
now from my window. Yet,
Pickering is so situated as to
deal out distruction [sic] at a tremen-
dous rate to any foe the might
dare to approach from below or
above on the river, and it could
turn its mighty power from the
city to its utter demolition and
very hasty too. I see the large
guns standing upon the battery
ready at a single moments
warning, with its garrison of
over 3,000 soldiers within its
walls.
Page Four
Then how different the atmos-
phere here; the Sun is almost at
its meridian high to shining
forth its [genial-inserted] rays of warmth and
gladness. It is as warm here
as in June there, yet it is neither
sultry nor hot, but as I enhale [sic]
the atmosphere it seems cool
and embracing, much like we
sometimes have North just ater [sic]
a shower in a sultry hot
August day or the purer are [air-sic]
while the dew is rising in a
summers morning.
Then again how different
vegetation here; when I left
there was scarsely [sic] any of the
tees were putting forth their leaves
or buds, but before we reached this
point the peach and apple trees
had fruit put forth their blooms and
had fallen off. And to-day
the leaves on the oak and other
trees are almost full ground
and the gardens and yards are
green with grass and vegetables.
Page Four
But with all this I can’t tell
how I shall like the place.
I may not like the climate, the
the [sic] city, the practice to be had,
the people, nor the manner
of living. I do not know that
I have any occasion to be
discouraged unless it may be
from the high price of living.
It is Sunday and the most of
business is closed of course and
I am doing [sic] nothing in the way
of business. It will brobably [sic]
be one or two or perhaps three
weeks before I shall know
what to do. In the mean time
I shall enquire and remain
as contented as possible.
I guess it is dinner time.
I will write again when I
get more settled in business.
Your Affectionate son, J. D. McClure

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, J. D. McClure Correspondence, 1865

Rights

This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

Tags

Cite this Item

McClure, J. D.. "Handwritten Letter to Dear Parents from J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/848

Creator

McClure, J. D.

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

8x9.5 inches

Full Title

Handwritten Letter to John Yarick from his brother, Reuben Yarick, April 23, 1865

Description

Handwritten letter from Reuben Yarick, at Washington, D.C., to his brother, John Yarick, in Suffield, Portage County, Ohio. The letter describes Reuben's fears and feelings about the assassination of President Lincoln and visiting his body in the White House. This letter is part of Papers of John Yarick, 1854-1864. Reuben enlisted in Company G, 1st Michigan Infantry as a Sergeant on July 2, 1861 at Jackson (Mich.) age 25. He was wounded in action in 1864 and hospitalized at the U.S. Hospital, Hampton, Virginia. He was discharged from Company B, 24th VRC at Washington, D.C., on July 28, 1865. (This information is from Reuben's service record.)

Transcription

Page One
Washington, D. C., Aprl 23, 1865
Ever Dear Brother
Yours of the 16th is before
me and I am happy indeed to hear that
you are getting well again and your
family is recovering from its affliction
John I wrote a letter to you I think [inserted: two weeks ago]
that you have received it before this
time but I will write you a short
letter this evening yes John President
Lincoln is dead and you and [crossed out illegible words]
his remains are on it[sic] way to its last
resting place in the far west Springfield
Illinois they left here at eight -oclock
this [crossed out] yesterday morning I seen his
boddy [sic] at the White House last tuesday
or Wedensday [sic] it was conveyed to the
Capital the crowd of People was great the
procession was large and on thurday [sic]
his boddy [sic] lay in State at the Capital [sic]
and an emence [sic] swarm of People was
Page Two
their [sic] all day to get a last glimpse
of the once famous ruler of these
United States and our unhappy country
I went on Guard yesterday morning
at the old capital Prison and came
off this morning in the Prison nothing
but Rebel Prisoners of war are
confined and mostley [sic] all Rebell [sic]
officers from Second Lieutenant
to Generals and what little
opportunity that I had to speak to
them they all felt sorry and sayed [sic]
that to their opinion that the best
man for peace had gone and
did not think that the so called
Confederate Government had eneything [sic]
to do with the assassination and
was afraid that we would use them
pretty ruff [sic] we have allays [sic] used
prisoners of war well and I thing [sic]
that we allways [sic] will as long as they
will behave themselves two hundred
of these was sent off this morning
Page Three
for Johnson Island Ohio one Gen
was with the lot Gen Payn was
his name those two hundred was
all Officers.
Well John I don't know that i have
much more to write this time
their [sic] is a rumor now that the
V.R.C. will be mustard [sic] out soon
and if they do I will get out of the
Service but if the war continues
I will get in the Cavlrey [sic] if I can
I have one good arm yet and I can
fight it out had thought to quit
when I got out but this last cowardly
murder is enough to arouse evrey [sic]
Patriot's heart and fight as long as
he can raise an arm
Hoping that this will finde [sic] you
all well as it leaves me I will close
for this time my health is good at
present Remain as ever your
Devoted Brother
Sergt. Reuben Yarick

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, John Yarick Papers, 1854-1864

Rights

This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

Tags

Cite this Item

Yarick, Reuben. "Handwritten Letter to John Yarick from his brother, Reuben Yarick, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/847

Creator

Yarick, Reuben

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

8x10 inches

Full Title

Handwritten Diary of Quincy A. Moore,1866, 1869

Description

Diary entry of Aug. 12, 1865 describes how Moore attended the Dan Rice Great Show [a circus] and saw a sideshow tableaux of the assassination of President Lincoln in Bellefontaine, Ohio. [Note: Dan Rice is one of the greatest Civil War era clowns. He dressed and looked like our image of Uncle Sam.] Moore may have been a school district official in Logan County, Ohio. He regularly visited West Liberty, Bellefontaine, Lake Branch, and Degraff, Ohio. His diary, March 19, 1865-Oct. 1, 1869, gives a daily account of his farming, church, family, social life, and illness in Ohio.

Transcription

Aug. 12, 1865.

I was at Bellefontain [sic] to the show Dan Rice Great Show I saw Elephants Lions Bear wild cat yak camels buffalo monkeys Leopard Congerooh [Kangaroo]and a Blind Horse witch [which] was taught to under stand [sic] english language and a variety of other animals and I was in the side shows in one of them I saw the Representation of the assassination of Lincoln and also of secretary Seward it looked most horrible in the other side show I saw the albino family and a boy sixteen years old witch [which]was eightteen [sic]inches high the girl twenty two inches high seventeen years old a cat witch [which] had but two legs naturaly [sic] born so and a monkey go through military performance [sic] and a woman with beard it cost me for all I seen and bought just 50 [cents]

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Quincy A. Moore Diary, 1865, 1869

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Cite this Item

Moore, Quincy A., d. 1877. "Handwritten Diary of Quincy A. Moore,1866, 1869". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/846

Creator

Moore, Quincy A., d. 1877

Date

1865

Material

Diary

Dimensions

12x7.5 inches

Full Title

Edgar Lincoln Letter

Description

This letter from Edgar to his brother and sister discussing his recent activities near St. Paul, Minnesota, including the assassination of President Lincoln. Edgar notes that the news of Lincoln's death has stunned the local populace. Edgar goes on to note that he is willing to follow his brother in regards to management of land they hold in Minnesota, that he feels may drive him into debt.

Transcription

Thursday Eve,

St. Paul May 4, 1865 -

Dear Bro. & Sister

Your letter of April 25, I have just received. as it went to
Shakopee I did not get it quite so soon. I was very glad to hear from You, and am
rejoiced to know that you have returned in Safty. A letter from Augusta a few days
since informed me of Your being at Brewster and of Your good health. Isaac and
family are all well, or were Monday Morning. I left S - with about 400 Bbls lime
the 26 . April. put of 70 Bbls at the Fort. and have sold about 140 here. it goes
of very slow now and I dont know what to make of it, as it was generally supposed
this spring that there was going to be a good deal of building down here this year .
The news of the Murder of our good President has knocked every thing in head, and
people do not like to do any thing until they know how things are going to turn
out. I have brought down 720 Bbls before this trip, which sold for $1.50 per Bbl,
most of which we got the money for. Since I have been here this time Reice has been
here and made contract with most of the large masons to furnish them with lime for one
Year at $1.10 and so we shall have opposition again to contend with. He is a d - - d
jackass, but like all the rest of the Dutchmen here afraid that we shall make any thing.
With wood, labor, and every thing else at high as it is now, our lime costs us 86 cts
here . How long the d - - d fool will hold out against us or wheather it will be for
our interest to burn, or sell out the whole concern Isaac and I have not decided yet.
Isaac is getting about discouraged as well as myself, and it is no wonder that we do.
I feel made enough to work this summer for nothing, more than a living and if
Isaac has not such a large family I should want him to, and give Reice fitts.
I shall send Isaac Your letter tomorrow and let him answer You in regards to buying
Your part. As I have no desire to run in debt to possess more property in this
place I should be glad to take $1000, for my interest in the concern, on the same
terms that you offer yours. I shall write Isaac to answer You immediately at Boston
care of Crosby.

I would not go in the Bark again if they would not give me more
wages, but get a vessel and go the same as Allison does. I should have probably
been in Calcutta now, but Augusta was not well enough to go with me and as we have
but one life to live here we thought we might as well be together once in a while,
or try to be at any rate, as it is I dont know as we shall as Father Snow is so unwell.

I think it her duty to stay at home, at present, I suppose that I can bear
the cross, but think that all of us have had our share of them. I am very sorry that
Lucinda has a cough and hope that she will take good care of herself. I hope that
Free will come home from Spain, I am writing in the Cabin of the old flat Boat. and
expect to make it my home here until the misquitoes come. Shall try and not let the
faithfull old boat sink. Write on receipt of this to S - Tell Anthony that I am hearty
and hope that he is the same, and when he wants a mate to let me know. Give my love to
Mother and all enquiring friends. Please dont let the contents of this letter get out
much in Brewster, as it would be nuts for those busy bodies, and I dont intend to
furnish them any without paying for them with my best wishes for your good health
and prosperity, Freeman Your aff. Bro. Edgar

Source

MS. 3: Captain Joseph Lincoln Papers

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This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

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Edgar Lincoln. "Edgar Lincoln Letter". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/845

Creator

Edgar Lincoln

Date

May 4, 1865

Full Title

Joseph Lincoln Letter to Wife

Description

This letter from Captain Joseph Lincoln to his wife talks about his experiences as a merchant sea captain towards the end of the Civil War. Captain Lincoln mentions the death of John Wilkes Booth in his letter as well as his hope that the assassin would have been taken alive.

Transcription

Boston April 27th /65


My Dear Wife,


Have been looking for a letter from you yesterday & to day, but none
came. suppose that you are busy getting ready for another voyage. do not know where
she will go the next voyage, but there is some talk of her going to Philadelphia. to
load coal for New Orleans, if so think you had better go as far as Philadelphia with
me. If the weather continues good shall be all discharged by Saturday night. then
I suppose it will be driving times till they get her away. Have not settled with them
yet but see that they have the voyage made up and charged me the rate of exchange
on all money drawn away. Which bring me in debt to the ship. instead of having
5 or $600 coming to me, but I do not think that is the way they intend to settle with
me, if they do I want to make one more voyage for them and pay myself, that I should
call mean enough would make my wages less then $40 pr month Sailors are getting $50.
but will say no more till I know what they intend to do. to day we have the news that
they have got Booths body which is good. but was in hopes they would have taken him
alive. Write me so that I can get it Saturday night to the Webster House, Emma has a
little girl

Yours affectionate

Husband

Joseph L. Lincoln

Source

MS. 3: Captain Joseph Lincoln Papers

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This item may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

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Joseph Lincoln. "Joseph Lincoln Letter to Wife". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/844

Creator

Joseph Lincoln

Date

April 27, 1865

Full Title

New York Herald 1865

Description

New York Herald newspaper regarding the Lincoln assassination and identifying John Wilkes Booth as the shooter.

Transcription

"IMPORTANT. ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. The President Shot at the Theatre Last Evening. SECRETARY SEWARD DAGGERED IN HIS BED, BUT NOT MORTALLY WOUNDED. Clarence and Frederick Seward Badly Hurt. ESCAPE OF THE ASSASSINS. Intense Excitement in Washington. Scene at the Deathbed of Mr. Lincoln. J. Wilkes Booth, the Actor, the Alleged Assassin of the President."

"Major General Dix, New York:-
This evening at about 9:30 P.M., at Ford's Theatre, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Harris and Major Rathburn, was shot by an assassin, who suddenly entered the box and approached behind the President. The assassin then leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape in the roar of the theatre. The pistol ball entered the back of the President's bead and penetrated nearly through the head. The wound is mortal. The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying. About the same hour an assassin, wheahter the same or not, entered Mr. Seward's apartments, and under pretense of having a prescription, was shown to the Secretary's sick chamber. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed and inflicted two or three stabs on the throat and two on the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My _______ is that they will prove fatal. ___a nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and he hastened to the door of his father's room, when he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful. It is not probable that the President will live through the night. General Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theatre this evening, but he started to Burlington at six o'clock this evening. At a Cabinet meeting, at which General Grant was present, the subject of the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace were discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, and spoke very kindly of General Lee and others of the confederacy, and of the establishment of government in Virginia. All the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Seward, are now in attendance upon the President. I have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious.- Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"POSTSCRIPT. DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT!! Condition of Secretary Seward. Ten Thousand Dollars Reward Offered for the Arrest of the Assassins. J. Wilkes Booth Identified as the Murderer of the President."

"To Major General Dix:-
The President continues insensible and is sinking. Secretary Seward remains without change. Fredrick Seward's skill is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut upon the head. The attendant is still alive but hopeless. Major Seward's wounds not dangerous. It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime, Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President, and the other a companion of his whose name is not known, but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. It appears from a letter found in Booth's trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of March, but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until "Richmond could be heard from." Booth and his accomplice were at the livery ____ at six o'clock last evening, and left there with their horses about ten o'clock, or shortly before that hour. It would appear that they had for several days been seeking their chance,but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore-the other has not yet been traced.---Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"To Major General Dix, New York:-
Abraham Lincoln died this morning at twenty-two minutes after seven o'clock.---Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"Our Special Washington Despatch. Washington, April 15-8 A.M.
The President died at half-past seven o'clock this morning. The bells throughout the city are tolling. The public departments and most of the places of business are closed. Secretary Seward is pretty comfortable this morning, the wounds inflicted upon him not being dangerous in themselves, but serious for his advanced age and previously weak-condition. Mr. Frederick Seward is very dangerously wounded, his skull having been fractured by a blow from the butt of a pistol in the hand of the assassin. The most profound sensation prevails here and the deepest realization of the irreparable loss which the nation has sustained pervades the minds of the people."

Source

Montgomery County Historical Society

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Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation. Reproduction of the item requires our written permission for publication, broadcast or commercial use. Request for such must be made in writing, outlining in detail the items to be reproduced and requested use of the reproduction. For permission, please contact Victoria Johnston at vjohnston@lane-mchs.org.

Tags

Cite this Item

U.S. Department of War, Washington D.C.. "New York Herald 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/839

Creator

U.S. Department of War, Washington D.C.

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Home of Lincoln

Description

A photograph of Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois. The home of the President was draped in black mourning cloth. On the left side of the image is a printed description of the image.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (10)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

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Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Home of Lincoln". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/836

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)