from Aug. 26, 2015

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith

  • 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 July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/851

from Apr. 23, 1865

Letter to Jane Betts from Harriet Farley, April 23, 1865

  • 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 July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/850

from Apr. 20, 1865

Letter to Elizabeth, April 20, 1865

  • 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.

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  • 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 July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/849

from Aug. 12, 1865

Diary of Qunicy A. Moore, 1865, 1869

  • 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

  • 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

    Moore, Quincy A., d. 1877. "Handwritten Diary of Quincy A. Moore,1866, 1869". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/846

from May. 4, 1865

Edgar Lincoln Letter

  • 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

  • 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.

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  • Cite this Item

    Edgar Lincoln. "Edgar Lincoln Letter". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/845

from Apr. 27, 1865

Joseph Lincoln Letter to Wife

  • 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

  • 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

    Joseph Lincoln. "Joseph Lincoln Letter to Wife". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/844

from May. 4, 1865

Home of Lincoln

  • 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.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Ridgway Glover. "Home of Lincoln". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/836

from Apr. 30, 1865

Hearse at Indianapolis

  • Full Title

    Hearse at Indianapolis

  • Description

    This image shows the hearse used to carry Lincoln's casket in Indianapolis. Soldiers stand around the hearse, while an eagle statue, with its wings spread open adorned the top of the hearse. The hand writing on the left reads "Hearse at Indianapolis."

  • Source

    Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (8)

  • 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.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Ridgway Glover. "Hearse at Indianapolis". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/835

from Apr. 22, 1865

Hearse and Coffin in Philadelphia

  • Full Title

    Hearse and Coffin in Philadelphia

  • Description

    Image title take from heading placed on the left side of the photograph. This picture clearly shows the coffin of President Lincoln and the hearse that carried his body through the streets of Philadelphia. A large crowd gathers around the hearse, as onlookers are visible on the roofs, awnings, and from the windows, as well pressed in all around the hearse. Additionally, this image clearly shows the honor guard that escorted Lincoln's hearse.

  • Source

    Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (1)

  • 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.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Ridgway Glover. "Hearse and Coffin in Philadelphia". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/834

from Apr. 22, 1865

Funeral Passing up Broad St.

  • Full Title

    Funeral Passing up Broad St.

  • Description

    This image shows the funeral procession of Abraham Lincoln as it passed along Broad Street in Philadelphia. In the background American flags fly in the breeze and spectators gathered along rooftops and the balcony of the Union House & Dining Saloon.

  • Source

    Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (5)

  • 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.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Ridgway Glover. "Funeral Passing up Broad St. ". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/833

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