Full Title

Hugh McCulloch to the Employees of the Treasury Department

Description

Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch signed this notice requiring all members of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to wear black crepe bands on their left arm for a period of six months in honor of the memory of President Lincoln.

Transcription

Treasury Department.

Washington, April 17, 1865.

It is hereby ordered that, in honor to the memory of our late illustrious Chief Magistrate, all officers and others subject to the orders of the Secretary of the Treasury, wear crape upon the left arm for the period of six months.

H McCulloch

Secretary of the Treasury

Source

Hugh McCulloch Letter

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McCulloch, Hugh, 1808-1895. "Hugh McCulloch to the Employees of the Treasury Department". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/700

Creator

McCulloch, Hugh, 1808-1895

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 17th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

19 x 23 cm

Full Title

Gardner Brewer to Alexander

Description

Wealthy Boston merchant Gardner Brewer writes to a "Mrs. Alexander" about Lincoln's assassination and its impact on the nation and the war.

Transcription

Boston, M. S. April 17, 1865.

Dear Mrs. Alexander

I had this pleasure a week ago, when Everything appeared bright and promising and all were in bouyant, Exultant spirits, but in a moment Everything has been Changed. Thinking that Jan and Mr. Alexander might at first feel apprehensive and despondent, I write to endeavor to persuade Jan to take a more cheerful view of our prospects; not that I am the less appalled or grieved by the shocking calamity which has deprived the nation of the services of a true and honest patriot at a moment when he was so much needed. I participate with almost all in the feelings of rage at this most atrocious act; but the nation does not depend upon the life of any one man or set of men, and I think Jan will be convinced upon reflection that we shall proceed Equally prosperously under the new administration as we shoud under the old. The effect of this murder will be not only greater union throughout the North, which was not needed, but it will intensify the resolution for energetic action and will cause the new administration to be sustained in Carrying out and vindicating the supremacy of the Laws. Perhaps good Mr. Lincoln had too much of the milk of human Kindness, and many fear that in pardoning indiscriminately nearly or quite all the leaders and participants in the rebellion, he would have done much towards Encouraging another attempt at some future day when we might be engaged in a foreign war, and at the moment of our greatest need, Numerous acts of clemency which did not appear in the newspapers were Circulated in private and Commented upon, and while all respected the Kindness of heart manifested they could not but have grave doubts of their expediency and fears for the results. There is no cause for apprehensions that Johnson will Err in expressing too much clemency. He will doubtless punish the leaders of the rebellion, and for me I sincerely hope he will. I consider it mistaken mercy on the part of Gen. Grant to have permitted that Cold, Calculating traitor Lee to escape so easily when he was in his power. You have doubtless shared in the mortification occasioned by the manner in which Johnson disgraced himself and the Country on the 4th of March. That was a terribly unfortunate accident, but it Certainly was an accident. I have the best authority for saying that he is not a drunkard. During the last two or three years his troubles and anxieties have been great, and he has taken Stimulants, but not to excess. He has now signed the pledge and made a solemn oath that if he is ever intoxicated again he will immediately afterwards resign his position. I have no fears, therefore, of his habits. He is a man of great strength of mind and of course possessed great natural ability, or he never could have obtained his present position. He is much esteemed and respected by those who have been with him a long time in the Senate, and they have no fears so far as his habits are Concerned. I admit that it is possible he may Err in great severity, but he will have able advisers in Mr. Seward (if his life is spared) as I think it will be,) and others, and I do not believe he will commit any rash or imprudent act, but that on the contrary our affairs, both foreign and domestic, will be conducted with the greatest prudence and skill. He will fear the newspapers and therefore will not comment upon the feeling which universably pervades the Community; but there is one remarkable feature. the most bitter opponents of Mr. Lincoln now deplore his loss even more, if possible, than his friends. Even Mr. Hillard, formerly one of the Editors of the Courier, who was hissed and not permitted to speak last Monday because he advocated Clemency Especially for Lee, could not restrain his tears when conversing with my brother on Saturday. To be sure he always was and is a kind hearted man, but it is so universally: the most bitter Copperheads feel as badly as the most staunch Republicans.

You will perceive that, as I predicted last week, Mobile has fallen, Perhaps before you read this, the telegraph will announce to you that Johnson's Army has surrendered. At all Events this is sure to occur.

The Confidence of the community in the change in the head of the Executive is shown by the absence of any change in that unerring thermometer, the gold market.

It will be difficult for you to realize the manifestations of grief. Almost every place of business and dwelling house, no matter how humble, has some Emblem of mourning, and the stores and houses of the more wealthy vie with Each other in the Elaborateness of the display. The only limit seems to be obtaining sufficient black material, which is nearly exhausted.

I Enclose newspaper slips which I thought you would find interesting, supposing you may receive them before newspapers Come to hand, some of which may not meet your Eye. I would call your attention particularly to "Carletous" account of the surrender of Lee, and I hope the places named may be found upon your maps.

Your Kind note sent through Mr. Hales was received a few days since and he very Kindly permitted me to send your Exceedingly interesting letter to him. Mrs. Brewer, Carrie and myself feel very grateful for your kind sympathy. You can hardly imagine how deep was our anxiety when it seemed as though we had scarcely any ground for hope. You perhaps may judge how Critical the Case was when I tell you that Dr Warren visited Mrs. B. three times a day and Dr Holmes Every other day in consultation, he having attended her mother and sister as well as his own wife, Mrs. Brewer's niece all of whom died of different internal maladies; and Dr Holmes Especially took the gloomiest possible view. He not only gave me no Encouragement, but so far as it was possible to gain an opinion it was decidedly that he had no hope. Dr Warren on the contrary, in the outset stated his theory which he always adhered to and which in the End proved correct, qualifying it however by saying that it was impossible for human sagacity to determine positively the cause, She is now so well as to be able to walk into the next room and sit up three or four hours Every day. The first mild pleasant day she is to be Carried down stairs to take a short drive. We leave for Newport the middle of June and we hope that by passing a very quiet Summer her health may be perfectly restored.

You may Expect a great rash of travellers from this side. Almost Every one is going. Nearly all the staterooms in the steamers are Engaged for two or three months. But I must conclude; and with Kindest regards to yourself and Mr. Alexander and your daughter I am,

Very respectfully and sincerely,

Your friend,

Gardner Brewer

April 18th Gold on Friday (14th) 145 today 146 3/4.

Source

Gardner Brewer Letters

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Brewer, Gardner, 1806-1874. "Gardner Brewer to Alexander". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/699

Creator

Brewer, Gardner, 1806-1874

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 17th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

41 x 27 cm

Full Title

Preston King to Unknown

Description

Preston King, a former U.S. Senator from New York, comments on the shock and grief gripping the nation in the wake of the assassination of President Lincoln. King also expresses his confidence in President Andrew Johnson.

Transcription

Lincoln

Washington April 24 1865.

My Dear Sir

Your letter and the paper are recd, for which accepting thanks. It is difficult to realize that the Horrible crime which has filled the Whole Country with Greif is a fact. I have to say even in the midst of the mourning visible in every face that I fully beleive the confidence so universally expressed in Mr. Johnson is well founded

Yours Truly,

Preston King

Source

Preston King Letter

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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum holds all rights and permissions.

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King, Preston, 1806-1865. "Preston King to Unknown". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/698

Creator

King, Preston, 1806-1865

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 25th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

20 x 25 cm

Full Title

The New York Herald, April 15, 1865

Description

On April 15, 1865, The New York Herald published seven editions about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, including this 10:00 a.m. edition. Details of the plot to assassinate the president emerged in this edition. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton reported the discovery of a letter in John Wilkes Booth’s room at the National Hotel containing details of the conspiracy and implicating accomplices. The borders of the 5th column have heavy black borders [known as mourning rules] to denote the tragic news of Lincoln's death.

Source

HN-1865-011077

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution as follows: Courtesy, Newseum Collection. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Newseum.

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James Gordon Bennett. "The New York Herald, April 15, 1865". James Gordon Bennett. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/697

Creator

James Gordon Bennett

Publisher

James Gordon Bennett

Date

March 23, 2015

Full Title

Dudley Avery to Daniel D. Avery

Description

Dudley Avery, the son of a Louisiana plantation owner and a former Confederate soldier, wrote his father (who had relocated to Texas when Union troops occupied the plantation earlier in the Civil War) to express his thoughts on the Lincoln assassination. He feared that President Andrew Johnson would be much more harsh on Confederates than Lincoln would have been--a fear that later proved unfounded: "My views in regar to the assassination of Lincoln are the same as yours. I think that in the present condition of the Country it is a misfortune to the South. Johnson seems to be a man void of principle and honor and if he is not restrained by the Conservative party at the North, he will out Herod, Herod. Next to our being subjugated I regard his being raised to supreme command our greatest calamity."

Transcription

Petit Anse Island

May 12th 1865

My dear Papa,

The perusal of your kind letter forwarded by Mr. Weeks gave me much pleasure, but I was distressed at the same time to find you had received so few of my letters. Uncle Henshaw returned from New Orleans some three weeks since and immediately wrote you a long letter which I forwarded by way of Shreveport. He brought us the news of Lee's surrender and wrote advising your immediate return home. In a few, short weeks all of our bright hopes for the future of our Country have been blasted: the most gigantic struggle of any people for their independence has proved unsuccessful and our Government has crumbled to the dust, burying in its fall the only remnants of liberty left this distracted country. As a mighty Ship with fair winds, her port almost in sight, her crew filled with hope and expectation, is sent by a squall, to the bottom, with all sails set, so have we gone down. It behooves us to await with patience and hope, whatever the future may bring forth, to bear with fortitude and resignation what God's will may ordain and to battle manfully with the world for a position, and a support. Although the future is dark, it may not be as dark as we anticipate and should the States be allowed to come back with their sovereignty intact, we have much yet to hope for. Uncle Henshaw, with many others, thinks this will be the case. He has been among the Yankees and his judgement is probably more correct than either yours or mine. The Yankees have not recognized the bogus government of Welles and it is probable that the whole people of the state will be allowed to choose their executive officer. My views in regar to the assassination of Lincoln are the same as yours. I think that in the present condition of the Country it is a misfortune to the South. Johnson seems to be a man void of principle and honor and if he is not restrained by the Conservative party at the North, he will out Herod, Herod. Next to our being subjugated I regard his being raised to supreme command our greatest calamity. I hope that dear Mama has returned ere this, if she has not, do you not think advisable for her to return by way of New Orleans. From Havannah she could to Mr Lacy in New Orleans, who would obtain her a pass to go to New Iberia. Ladies come through the lines every day without dificulty. The lines in parts have been opened by the Yankees. I hope however that Ma is now with you and that dear Sister's health was improved by the sea voyage. If you see no prospect of Ma's return to Houston, do you not think it better that you should come home at any rate? Everything here is progressing well under the circumstances as you could wish. If I had more mules at my command I could plant more corn, but at present this is impossible. Make every effort to get that powder here. There will be great demand for salt this summer. It is now selling for six dollars a sack in New Orleans. I deposited all the money I had on hand with Uncle Henshaw. Some think the State Money will be redeemed. This I consider rather doubtful. I endeavoured to sell it here, but was unsuccessful. I am much obliged to you for the flannel and cloth sent over in the trunk. The flannel will make me an excellent summer suit. The coton is unbleached and is too coarse I think for sheeting. Mr. Robinson brought me the axes a few days since. Old Labra has a fine garden and has planted most of the seed you sent over. Mrs. Richardson had previously been kind enough to give me a good many seed. I send you by Mr. Weeks a very handsome pipe that was cared for me by Young Randolph. Please accept it as a very slight token of the love I bear you. I shall look for you home very soon. We have had fish almost every day but I fear the back water from the Mississippi will spoil the fishing. The Grand Levee has broken. Fausse Point and the whole Lafourche Country is under water. The Bayou Teche has been very high since last January and is now almost over its Banks. Louise joins me in much love to Sisters Mary and Minnie, Brother and yourself.

With devoted love,

Your Son,

Dudley

Source

Avery Family Papers, Records of the Antebellum Southern Plantations, Series J, Part 5, Reel 11, Frames 652-655

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This item is published solely for personal research and nonprofit educational use under the terms of fair use. No copyright in the item is asserted or implied by its publication here.

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Dudley Avery. "Dudley Avery to Daniel D. Avery". Published online by W. Caleb McDaniel, Rice University. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/696

Creator

Dudley Avery

Publisher

Published online by W. Caleb McDaniel, Rice University

Date

May 12, 1865

Full Title

Dr. Moses Gage Diary

Description

After calculating the time since he had last written, Dr. Moses Gage, a physician in Bethel, New York, expressed the emotional whiplash many Americans felt at hearing the news of Lincoln's assassination after celebrating the surrender of General Robert E. Lee five days earlier.

Transcription

After a lapse of thirty years, five months & twenty three days I open this book to mark a record more sad and distressing than the one with which I ended so many years ago, then my regrets were for a young friend who passed away in the spring time of life. Yesterday, Friday the 14th Abraham Lincoln President of the U.S. was assassinated in the city of Washington, at the time when we were all congratulating our selves that the slaveholders rebellion was nearly over, and when hope pointed to the bright future, when the glory of this republic was about to be revealed, the man who had did more than all others was stricken down by the hand of the Assassin;--The ways of Providence are inscrutable it may be for the [--] we will hope--The hand of an assassin stabbed Secretary Seward thrice & he too is probably dead before this time.

Source

Vance Gage

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Dr. Moses Gage. "Dr. Moses Gage Diary". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/695

Creator

Dr. Moses Gage

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Franklin Augustus Buck to Mary Sewall Bradley

Source

Buck Papers, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA

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Franklin Augustus Buck. "Franklin Augustus Buck to Mary Sewall Bradley". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/694

Creator

Franklin Augustus Buck

Date

April 22, 1865

Full Title

Abigail Williams May to Eleanor Goddard May

Description

Abigail Williams May reflected on the wider significance of the two days since President Lincoln's assassination, saying, “You will remember, forever, with satisfaction, that you were alive at this time.”

Source

May and Goddard Family Papers, Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

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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.

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Abigail Williams May. "Abigail Williams May to Eleanor Goddard May". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/693

Creator

Abigail Williams May

Date

April 16, 1865

Full Title

Albert Browne to “Dear Ones"

Description

Abolitionist Albert Browne, a U.S. Treasury official at Hilton Head, South Carolina, at the end of the Civil War, wrote home to his family about the events of the few days since the Lincoln assassination. He stated, “O how much I have lived in these few days!”

Source

Browne Family Papers, Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

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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.

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Albert Gallatin Browne. "Albert Browne to “Dear Ones"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/692

Creator

Albert Gallatin Browne

Date

April 18, 1865

Full Title

Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865

Description

Patent examiner Horatio Nelson Taft discussed the events of the previous month, calling April 1865 "the most eventful in the History of our Country."

Transcription

April 30th 1865

This has been a most eventful month. The most eventful in the History of our Country. We have seen during this month the complete crushing out of the “Great rebellion” by a series of masterly Military achievements. The occupation of the Rebel Capitol by our troops. The surrender of Genl Lee with his Army near Richmond, and the surrender of Genl Johnson and his Army in North Carolina, and above all in importance which has occured in the World during this month, The President of the United States has been assassinated. Abraham Lincoln, the good and kind hearted, was Shot while sitting in his Box at Fords Theatre on the night of the 14th Int at about half past ten O'clock. Mr Lincoln had been in the habit of attending the Theatre occasionaly, perhaps once in four or six weeks, as a relaxation from the arduous duties of his position and constant mental exertion. On this occasion he went rather reluctantly. But it had been published in the Bills that Himself and Genl Grant would be present, and Genl Grant having left the City in the evening train for Phila, the President said that he did not “wish the people to be disappointed” and so went with his Lady arriving about ½ past 8. Miss Harris (daughter of Hon Ira Harris) and Maj Rathbone of Albany were also in the same Box, which was a double one, two being thrown into one. This Box was in the 2nd Tier and entered from the Dress circle through a narrow corridor some three feet wide and eight or ten long. There was a door at the dress circle end and at the other end there were two doors, one for each Box but now the two Boxes being thrown into one, one of the doors was closed. The other was open, and all of them unguarded. The assassin J Wilkes Booth had made his arrangements in the most deliberate manner (probably during that day). He had fixed a bar across the door leading into the dress circle and had cut a hole through the closed door leading to the Box, which enabled him to see the exact position of the President and others in the Box without being seen himself. At about ½ past 10, he entered the corridor from the Dress circle, bared the door to prevent any one from entering, examined the position of Mr Lincoln through the hole in the closed door. Then entered the Box behind all who were there (as they were looking toward the stage) and standing within three or four feet of Mr Lincoln, Shot him in the back of the head. The ball entering about two inches from the left ear near the base of the skull and lodging in the brain about two inches back of the right eye. His head was probably inclined forward at the time. The Murderer rushed to the front of the Box with a dagger in his hand. Major Rathbone caught his coat but Booth struck him on the arm with the dagger wounding him severely, which compelled him to let go his hold. Booth vaulted over the front of the Box and as he did so exclaimed “Sic Semper Tyranis” (Thus To Tyrants). As he Jumped from the box his spur cau[gh]t in the flag and as he struck the to see the exact position of the President and others in the Box without being seen himself. At about ½ past 10, he entered the corridor from the Dress circle, bared the door to prevent any one from entering, examined the position of Mr Lincoln through the hole in the closed door. Then entered the Box behind all who were there (as they were looking toward the stage) and standing within three or four feet of Mr Lincoln, Shot him in the back of the head. The ball entering about two inches from the left ear near the base of the skull and lodging in the brain about two inches back of the right eye. His head was probably inclined forward at the time. The Murderer rushed to the front of the Box with a dagger in his hand. Major Rathbone caught his coat but Booth struck him on the arm with the dagger wounding him severely, which compelled him to let go his hold. Booth vaulted over the front of the Box and as he did so exclaimed “Sic Semper Tyranis” (Thus To Tyrants). As he Jumped from the box his spur cau[gh]t in the flag and as he struck the Stage he came to a crouching position from the effect of the concussion, his hands striking the floor but he recovered himself in a moment and flourishing his dagger he strode across the Stage some forty feet in sight of the spectators and past some of the actors, and reaching the back door which opens into a lane, he mounted a fleet horse and escaped. The lane enters F St betwen 9th & 10 Sts. The audience was paralized for some seconds, but rushed on to the Stage. A Surgeon was called for and Charles S Taft a Surgeon being present was lifted up from the Stage to the Box by those present. Before this the bar had been removed by Maj Rathbone and several men had reached the Box. When Chas reached the Box the President was lying upon the floor. Water and stimulants were used immediately but without avail in attempts to revive him. He was taken up and carried from the Theatre to the House opposite in
about fifteen minutes after he was shot. A Dr Leale from Armory Square Hospital was the first Surgeon in the box. But Chas did not know that there was any Surgeon but himself present until the President was removed from the Theatre. Chas had charge of him until Dr Stone (the Presidents family Physician) arrived which was half an hour after he was placed on a bed at the House of Mr Peterson, opposite. When the shot was fired Mrs Lincoln was sitting near her husband with her hand on his knee. She says she saw the flash and heard the report of the pistol, thinking it was in some way connected with the the Play. She leaned forward to see what it was, and then looked to Mr Lincoln to see where he was looking. He was sitting with his head droped down and eyes shut. She was not alarmed at this, he sometimes held his head in that way when in deep thought, but she put her hand on his forehead and he not stirring she put it on the back of his head and feeling it wet she immediately withdrew it covered with blood. She then screamed and that is the last she remembered that took place in the Theatre. She says, as she put her hand on his head she recollects that something suddenly brushed past her and rubbing off her Shawl. It was Booth as he jumped from the Box. The President made no noise, nor attempted to speak, nor Stirred a limb after he was shot, nor was he conscious for one moment from that time until he died. When his skin was touched or his hand was taken, there was a slight quiver or tremor of the muscles, but that was all. Mustard paste was applied nearly all over the body and stimulants were given as long as he could swallow in hopes to revive him but entirely without avail. His pulse ceased to beat at 22 minutes past Seven. Chas had his hand on his heart, he said it fluttered or trilled for 10 seconds longer. It was the opinion of the Surgeons that the wound would have killed most men instantly, or in a very few minutes. But Mr Lincoln had so much vitality that he lived nearly nine hours. There were four Surgeons in immediate or active attendance. Dr Stone, The Surgeon Genl Dr Barnes, The Assistant Surgeon Genl Dr Crane and Charles. Some others were present whose services were not required. Most of the members of the Cabinet were there all night. Chief Justice Chase and other distinguished men. Mr Senator Sumner with Robert Lincoln leaning on his shoulder near the head of the bed. Sec'y Stanton was active in giving directions and writing dispatches all night. Genl Meigs Stood at the door to keep out all who were not wanted or to see that the room was not crowded. The room is at the end of the entrance Hall about 9 feet by 15, with two windows and three doors, one door entering from the Hall, one at the left as you enter, opening to an open porch or piazza, and the other at the farther end of the room, opening into another small room from which stairs decended to to [sic] the Basement. Some few individuals came in to the room through that door clandestinely. Mrs Lincoln occupied a room near by with some of her friends who were there. She went in frequently to see the President with Doct Gurley (The family Pastor) who had been sent for about 3 O'clock. She was not in the room when he died. Robert Lincoln was there and Dr Gurley, the two private Secretaries of the President Nicolay and Hay. Upon one occasion when Mrs L went in and saw her husband she fainted and was carried out insensible. It was thought best for her not to be there when he died. Dr Gurley prayed by the bedside of the President when he first arrived (at 3 o'clock). Then went into the room where Mrs Lincoln was and prayed with her, and remained with her most of the time, accompanying her and supporting her into the room of the dying President when she visited it. After the death Dr Gurley who was standing near Mr Stanton said shall we have any religious exercises here or elsewhere now? Yes said Mr Stanton offer Prayer ________ now and here. For the last half hour before the death, the utmost stillness had prevailed in the room, not a word, not a whisper was heard. The President of the United States dying, surrounded by his Cabinet and many of the first men in the Nation standing like statues around the bed presented a scene for an artist seldom equaled for solemn grandeur. It is to be hoped that it will yet be transfered to Canvass. After the President died Dr Gurley went to Mrs L and told her “the President is dead.” O - why did you not let me know? Why did you not tell me? “Your friends thought it was not best. You must be resigned to the will of God. You must be calm and trust in God and in your friends.” She soon after left, with Dr G for her Home. She was asked during the night if her son “Tad” (Thaddeus) (a boy about twelve years old) should be sent for. “O, my poor “Taddy” what will become of him? O do not send for him, his violent grief would disturb the House.” When they reached the Presidents house “Tad” met them on the Portico. “Where is my Pa? Where is my Pa? He kept repeating the question till they got into the room of Mrs Lincoln. He had heard that his Pa had been shot but evidently expected him when his mother came. He was very much excited and alarmed but had not thought that his Pa could be dead. “Taddy” your Pa is dead” said Dr Gurley. He was not prepared for this. He screamed in an agony of grief “O what shall I do? What shall I do? My Brother is dead. My Father is dead. O what shall I do? What will become of me? O what shall I do? O mother you will not die will you. O don't you die Ma. You wont die will you Mother? If you die I shall be all alone. O dont die Ma.” Dr Gurley said that up to that time he himself had not shed a tear, but he could not witness “Tads” grief unmoved and the Tears flowed freely. He said, when I got back to my own house at about 10 o'clock that morning, “I felt as though I had been engaged all night in a terrible Battle and had but just strength enough left to drag myself off the field.”

Source

Library of Congress, Manuscript Division

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This item is in the public domain and 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

Horatio Nelson Taft. "Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 4, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/691

Creator

Horatio Nelson Taft

Date

April 30, 1865