Full Title

Maria Fassett Harvey Flag

Description

Irish immigrant Maria Fassett Harvey lived at 713 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, in April 1865. When she learned that Abraham Lincoln’s body was to lie in state at Independence Hall, she, like many other Philadelphians, searched for an American flag to hang out of her window. Maria could not find a flag to buy, so she purchased the necessary materials, and made her own. The flag has the appropriate 13 stripes, but features only 28 stars although there were 35 states in the Union. A bulletin from Maria's church, dated February 1901, describes Maria Harvey’s motivations and how she used the flag to mourn the loss of every president since Lincoln’s death.

Source

The Abraham Lincoln Foundation of The Union League of Philadelphia (Object ID: 2003.100.1)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as “Courtesy of The Abraham Lincoln Foundation of The Union League of Philadelphia.” Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact The Abraham Lincoln Foundation.

Tags

Cite this Item

Maria Fassett Harvey. "Maria Fassett Harvey Flag". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/1002

Creator

Maria Fassett Harvey

Date

April 1865

Material

Wool

Dimensions

51 x 71

Full Title

Clara Barton's Diary

Description

Clara Barton, who in 1865 was directing the Missing Soldiers Office answering families' pleas for information on their loved ones, responded with few words to the Lincoln assassination. The Missing Soldiers Office was located three blocks east of Ford's Theatre. In few words, she described the confusion that Washingtonians felt after the event and the anguish that she felt, both over the death of the president as well as the death of her nephew the previous week–sometimes conflating the two.

Transcription

Friday, April 14, 1865

Assassination of President

Lincoln

Was returning from a call at

Mr. Upperman’s when it was

Rumored on the street.



Saturday, April 15, 1865

President Lincoln died at

7- o clock this morning

the whole city in gloom

no one knows what to do



Dr. Sidney came

Vice President Johnson

Inaugurated President



Sunday, April 16, 1865

Assassins not detected.

Known to be J. Wilks Booth,

The attempted murder of Mr.

Seward + family was sup-

posed to be by one Surrat-

I was quiet all day.



Monday, April 17, 1865

Attempted to offer some help

Went to Surg Genl office

Could get no one.

The President embalmed in

Preparation to be laid in state

Tomorrow,

Mailed 100 letters



Tuesday, April 18, 1865

President Lincoln laid in

State—dept went in bodies

To see him. Resolutaions passed

at the Mars rooms in

Honor of the President and

Commemoration of poor Irving

Fannie not returned –

Heard this evening that

The assassination of Mr. Seward[?]

Had been arrested at –

2 o clock this morning

- dressed as a laborer, on HE st –

Borrowed some tables to write on



Wednesday, April 19, 1865

Funeral of President Lincoln

I remained in doors all day.



Thursday, April 20, 1865

President lain in state

At the capital

Sally + Fannie + Vester

Return from Mas.

Poor Bubby is at rest –



Friday, April 21, 1865

President Lincoln remains

taken on to Baltimore

great search for Booth -



[Transcription provided by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum.]

Source

Library of Congress, Clara Barton papers, MSS11973

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Clara Barton. "Clara Barton's Diary". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/997

Creator

Clara Barton

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Broadcloth Fragment from Lincoln's Casket Covering

Description

This cloth fragment may have been cut from the black broadcloth that covered President Lincoln's casket during the funeral procession through Philadelphia in 1865. The train carrying Lincoln's body arrived in Philadelphia on April 22 and the body was open for public viewing at Independence Hall on April 23.

Source

The Abraham Lincoln Foundation of The Union League of Philadelphia (Object ID: 2001.34.1)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as “Courtesy of The Abraham Lincoln Foundation of The Union League of Philadelphia.” Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact The Abraham Lincoln Foundation.

Tags

Cite this Item

Unknown. "Broadcloth Fragment from Lincoln's Casket Covering". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/915

Creator

Unknown

Date

April 22-23 1865

Material

Cloth

Dimensions

5.0 x 8.0

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

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

Harriet Farley. "Handwritten letter to Jane Betts from Harriet Farley, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 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 25, 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

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

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.

Tags

Cite this Item

Abigail Williams May. "Abigail Williams May to Eleanor Goddard May". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/693

Creator

Abigail Williams May

Date

April 16, 1865

Full Title

Mary Henry Diary

Description

Mary Henry, the daughter of the Secretary of the Smithsonian, recorded her thoughts about the death of Lincoln and provided an extensive discussion of the funeral in Washington.

Transcription

[April] 15th. We were awakened this morning by an announcement which almost made our hearts stand still with consternation. The President was shot last night in the Theater. When the morning paper was issued he was still alive although little or no hopes were entertained of his recovery but now the tolling bells tell us he has ceased to breathe. He is dead. Mr. De Bust has just told Hannah he died at ½ 7 o'clock. Deeply must the country mourn this death for although uncouth & ungainly he was true hearted, magnanimous and kind and in the present crisis ready to follow the such a course with the defeated belligerants as would win them back to their allegiance to the Government and subdue the rebellion in their hearts as well as subjugate their aims. The South has lost in him a good & judicious friend. His successor Johnson heartily desires the death of the leaders of the rebellion & is in every way ultra in his views. I have not given the particulars of the disaster. It was announced in the yesterday's papers that the President with Gen Grant would be at Ford's Theater in the evening and a large crowd collected there in consequence. Gen Grant however left the city before night for N.Y. Mrs. Lincoln had not been well & the President went to the place of amusement with reluctance, not wishing to disappoint the audience. He was received with more than usual applause. About 9½ o'clock a shot was heard which was at first supposed to be from the stage and a man leaped from the President's box upon the stage crying, "Sic semper Tyrannis" "I have done it." and making his way to the door mounted a horse & rode off. The shrieks of Madame Lincoln first announced to the petrified audience the catastrophe which had taken place. The President was found to be in a state of insensibility, shot twice through the head. He was immediately conveyed to a house opposite the theatre followed by Mrs. L. escorted by her friends in an almost frantic condition.

At the same time of the accident an attempt was also made upon the life of Sec. Seward. The assasin entered the house upon the plea that he had brought a prescription of Dr. Verde the physician of the Sec. He pushed passed the servant into the room of the sick man & after disabling the attendants inflicted several sabre wounds in his neck & then made his escape. Sec. Stanton it is said was warned of the danger and guarded himself against it. The rain is falling heavily and the bells still toll their melancholy tale.

7 P.M. The sad day of excitement is over. The President's body has been embalmed and lies in state at the White House while the frantic grief of Mrs. Lincoln has settled into an apathetic dejection from which it is impossible to arouse her. The President remained unconcious to the last. The members of the Cabinet, Mrs. & Miss Kinney and Miss Harris surrounded his bed. Dr. Gurley was present & afterwards escorted the bereaved widow to her home. At the request of Mrs. Lincoln, he communicated the mournful intelligence to poor little Tad who was wandering from group to group of the sorrowing attendants endeavoring vainly to find out what was the matter. His cries when he heard that he was Fatherless were exceedingly touching. He has been the most constant companion of the President. Johnson has received the oath of office and seems impressed with the dignity and responsibility of his new office. The assasins have not yet been arrested but the evidence if conclusive that Booth a miserable actor and worthless vagrant, a Son of the great tragedian, committed the deed. That is the murder of the President--the stabbing of Mr. Seward was probably done by an accomplice. Mr. Seward is in a critical position and has not been informed of the death of the President or of the danger of his son, who was so much injured by the assasin that very little hope is entertained of his life. The feeling of resentment at the South as instigating in all probability the murder is deep and I fear will entirely replace the feeling of kindness before entertained for the insurgents. The Southerners if they have countenanced the dreadful deed have fatally mistaken the interest of their cause.

[April] 17th. The sorrow for the President's death is deep and universal as we went to church yesterday we found all the houses draped in black. In front of the studio of Mr. Baumgrass, a large portrait of Mr. Lincoln was suspended surrounded with the marks of mourning. The church was so thronged with stranger we with difficulty made our way into the building and after standing for some time were provided with seats in the isle. The pulpit and gallery was dressed in black and the Presidents pew was closed and clothed with the same emblem. The Dr. in a short introductory address alluded to the terrible calamity which had befallen the Nation and spoke in terms of true affection of the personal qualities of our beloved chief Magistrate. The Assasins have not yet been found. The feeling against the South is exceedingly bitter. Mr. Seward's wounds are not as serious as was at first supposed and he will probably recover. He was informed last night of the death of the President and of the critical condition of his son still remains in a state of insensibility. The funeral ceremonies are expected to take place on Wednesday.

[April] 18th. Have just returned from the Kennedys where I passed the night. I went to see Dr. & Mrs. Gurley yesterday afternoon. The Dr. said he had been called to go to the President about 4 o'clock in the morning. He found him in the house opposite the theatre lying insensible upon a bed with the life blood dripping from the wound in his head upon the clothes on the floor beneath. The several members of the Cabinet & other persons were standing around the deepest sorrow depicted upon their countenances. The Dr. went to the bed side but for a while was too much overcome with his feelings to perform the religious services required of him. He went to Mrs. Lincoln and found her in an almost frantic condition. The President died about 7½ o'clock. Dr. Gurley returned to his bed side a few moments before his decease. He made his way through the sorrowing & silent spectators & found him slowly drawing his breath at long intervals lying as before perfectly motionless. A faint hardly perceptable motion in his throat and all was over. So still was the room that the ticking of the President's watch was distinctly heard. After a solemn & impressive prayer, Dr. Gurley went to break the sad intelligence to Mrs. Lincoln who was in the parlor below. She cried out "Oh why did you not tell me he was dying?" Robert Lincoln showed great self possession & calmness and did all in his power to comfort his sorrow stricken Mother. Dr. Gurley went with her to the White House. Some of her expressions are exceedingly painful. To day remains of the good kind man are deposited in the East Room and from an early hour the streets have been thronged with people going to take their last view of him. Sally & Annie Kennedy asked me to go with them but I thought I would rather remember him as I saw him last at the Capitol at the inaugeration. Carry and I are going out again soon, we feel too restless to remain at home. Father writes that the feeling of resentment against the Southerners in New York is bitter in the extreme. One man for an expression indicating want of sympathy in the general sorrow was thrown over the railing of a ferry boat & instantly crushed by the wheels. We expect Father to night. He heard the news shortly after his arrival in New York on Friday night. Capt. Alexander was here this morning. He says he has no doubt that Boothe is concealed in Baltimore. It will be very difficult to catch him being an actor he is accustomed to assume all disguises. The Capt. is firmly convinced that the assassination and attempted murder of Mr. Seward was a plot to destroy the amicable relations springing up between the North and the South through the humane policy of Mr. Lincoln and by substituting a sterner administration and harsher measures against the rebels with increased bitter feeling to unite the South for further resistance. Seward was Mr. Lincoln's chief supporter in his lenient measures.

The city is in such a state of excitement that the slightest unusual circumstance attracts a crowd immediately. Yesterday afternoon while I was making a call a number of carriages passed the window where I was seated some empty, some filled driving furiously and the street was soon filled with people running eagerly towards N.Y. Ave. not a one of them knowing what was the matter. In a few moments a crowd extending over several squares had collected. After some time it was discovered that two negro women fighting has caused the disturbance. Traces of the assassin have been found and several supposed accomplices in the plot arrested but great fears are entertained that the murderers will escape. A sense of insecurity pervades the community and guards have been placed around the houses of the most prominent citizens.

[April] 19th Wed[nesday]. To day was the funeral of our good kind President. The ceremonies of the White House were conducted by Dr. Gurley, Dr. Hall, Bishop Simpson and one other clergyman whose name I have forgotten, in the East Room. The catafalco was erected in the centre of the appartment graduated semi circular platforms were arranged around this for the accommodation of the invited attendants. The various delegations had each their place assigned. Father was invited to take part with the officers of the Smith. Inst. and I went with him to the Treasury building were he obtained for me a position upon one of the porticos to witness the procession. Only four or five ladies were admitted into the East Room. It was a beautiful day and as the people collected at the corners of the streets, at the windows & upon the roof of the houses, it was difficult to realize we were not preparing for some gala festival instead of the last sad honours to the well beloved dead. The procession left the White House about 2 P.M. We were notified that it had started by the distant booming of guns & the tolling of bells. The sad sweet strains of the funeral march heralded its approach and soon the military escort appeared marching slowly with bent heads & guns reversed. The sad pagent was two hours in passing. The funeral car was heavily draped with black plainly showing the coffin which was adorned with beautiful flowers. The remains were placed in the Capitol & will be open to the view of the public until Friday morning. They are to be conveyed to Springfield.

[April] 26th. The remains of President Lincoln left the city yeste Friday morning. Dr. Gurley has joined the company who escort them. The papers this morning contain a description of the manner in which the cortege has been received. Mrs. Lincoln is quite ill and poor little Tad quite inconsolable. Mercy tempered with a great deal [of] severity is approbated to be the policy of the new President in dealing with the rebels.

Source

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Mary Henry. "Mary Henry Diary". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/551

Creator

Mary Henry

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Mary Sheehan Ronan Memoir

Description

In her memoir, Mary Sheehan Ronan recalled celebrations of the Lincoln assassination among her Confederate-sympathizing friends in Virginia City, Montana, followed by an upbraiding from her father.

Transcription

News, only a little belated, of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln came in by Pony Express. The little girls who were my particular friends and playmates were all the children of Southern parents. They had reawakened in me all the prejudices that were mine because of my Kentucky birth and because of association with my Missouri cousins. It pains me to recall what we did when we were told of Lincoln’s death. The news reached Virginia City in April 1865. It was noon. We girls were in the schoolhouse eating our lunches, which we sometimes carried to school with us. The Southern girls, by far the majority, picked up their ankle-length skirts to their knees and jigged and hippity-hopped around and around the room. They cheered for the downfall of that great, good, simple man whom they had been taught to regard as the archenemy of the South. They believed him the first and last cause of any and every misfortune that had befallen their parents and driven them to seek new fortunes amid the hardships of a far western frontier. When my playmates called, “Come on, Mollie, come on join the dance; you’re from Kentucky; you’re a Southerner!” I did join half-heartedly, with a guilty feeling. At home that evening I told what we had done. My father was shocked. “I am ashamed of you, Mollie,” he said, “I am a Democrat, but I am first, last, and always for the Union and for Lincoln.”

Source

Montana Historical Society Research Center

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 of the Montana Historical Society.

Tags

Cite this Item

Mary Sheehan Ronan, told to Margaret Ronan. "Mary Sheehan Ronan Memoir". Montana Historical Society. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/550

Creator

Mary Sheehan Ronan, told to Margaret Ronan

Publisher

Montana Historical Society

Date

1929

Full Title

Emilie Davis Diary

Description

Emilie Davis, a free African American living in Philadelphia, recorded the events of her life from 1863 to 1865, including the end of the Civil War and the Lincoln assassination.

Transcription

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1865

raining all day in the evening it [...] off [...] i went to mr livelys he did not come to sermon egerton come up here with Ellen

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1865

quite pleasent i have bin very busy all day this evening i was too tired to go to meeting Vincent did not come up this evening

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1865

this has bin quite a stressing week very [...] mrs Jones [...] i have bin with him [...] to get my Dress done

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1865

very Pleasent Miss Janice started for Baltimore this morning in Concequence i did not get to the [...] al lesson spent most of the evening home

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 1865

to day is the day we Celebrate the soldiers Parrade a flag was presented to the reggiment by the [...] very Plesent it every body seemed to have a holidy

SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1865

very sad newes was received this morning of the murder of the President the city is in deep mourning we had a meeting of the association

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 1865

it Decided to PosPone the fare very fine Day everyone seems to Partake of the solemnity of the times Docto Jones spoke for us

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1865

to day was set aPart for a general holiday but seemes to me a day of mourning i went to mr livelys then to school mr ling was not very lively

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1865

nothing special on home to day meeting at night not good meeting after meeting Nell and went to Sarah Shines Vincent invisible

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 1865

to day is a general holiday the churches are open and the day has the apperanece of Sunday the Preisedent is concidered buried today i was out in the afternoon we Did not have church mr gibbs being away Vincent was up a little while

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1865

everything assumes a solem aspect the streets look mournful the people more so i went to mr livelys in the afternoon i did not get far from it rained all the afternoon and evening i spent the evening with Nellie

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1865

cloudy and very dark the funeral Prossion Pass through tomorrow i have not bin out to day i am tired of the st Vincent was up this evening he is so full of business

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 1865

lovely morning to is the day long to be remembered i have bin very busy all morning the President comes in town this afternoon i went out about 3 in the afternoon it was the gravest funeral i ever saw

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1865

the coffin and hearse was beutiful this morning went down to see the President but could not for the crowd mr robinson spoke for us in the afternoon very interesting sermon after church Vincent and i tried to get to see the President

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1865

i got to see him after waiting four hours and a half it was [...] a sight worth seeing very Pelesent i did not to mr lively we went to the concert it was very nice with one exception lizzie [...] sing

TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 1865

miserable the rest done well very good house very fine day i stoped at mr Jonsons a little while Nellie and i went to see Sarah Shim then to meeting very good meeting after meeting went down town

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1865

quite warm to day i have soore throat as a [...] Sunday adventure nothing of intrest to day Nell come up this evening she has not spent an evening with me for some time

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1865

very much like summer today very Plesent i went down to mr livleys in the afternoon Nell i went out shoping i went down to [...] a little while in the evening i spent at home

Source

Historical Society of Pennsylvania (images); Emilie Davis Diaries Project at Villanova University (transcription)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of the images of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Reproduction of the transcription of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission from Villanova University.

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Cite this Item

Emilie Davis. "Emilie Davis Diary". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/549

Creator

Emilie Davis

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Letter signed Althea [Althea Johnson] and Clay, St. Louis, to Parents, April 23, 1865

Description

Discusses the impact of President Lincoln's death on St. Louis.

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

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Cite this Item

Johnson, Althea. "Letter signed Althea [Althea Johnson] and Clay, St. Louis, to Parents, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/323

Creator

Johnson, Althea

Date

April 23, 1865