Full Title

The National Grief

Transcription

"The chill that was cast over the public heart on the reception of the news of the death of President Lincoln, has been dissipated by the warm gushing forth of sorrow, and earnest and heartfelt manifestations of deep seated grief. The first feelings of bitter anger and revengeful desires have not been forgotten nor have they been eradicated..."

Source

McLean County Museum of History

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Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA)

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The Pantagraph. "The National Grief". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/722

Creator

The Pantagraph

Date

April 19,1865

Full Title

Appropriate Ceremonies

Transcription

"Cheney's Grove, April 20th, 1865 - Ed. Pantagraph -- According to previous arrangement the people of this community met on yesterday morning at the residence of Willis Rowe for purpose of forming a funeral procession in token of our respect for the memory of Abraham Lincoln. The procession was formed by Lieut. S. R. Riggs assisted by H. P. Lowry and was as follows: 1st, The Goddess of Liberty draped in mourning, represented by Mrs. S. R. Riggs. 2nd, The national flag at half mast also in mourning. 3d, Thirty-five young ladies on horseback dressed in black. 4th, A company of soldiers in uniform. 5th, Martial music. After these was a large number of persons in carriages, wagons, and on horse back. The procession then proceeded to the new Church in Saybrook, where an eloquent and touching discourse was delivered by Rev. C. G. Bradshaw..."

Source

McLean County Museum of History

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Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA)

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The Pantagraph. "Appropriate Ceremonies". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/721

Creator

The Pantagraph

Date

April 25, 1865

Full Title

Funeral Arch in Chicago

Source

McLean County Museum of History

Rights

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA)

Cite this Item

Unknown. "Funeral Arch in Chicago". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/716

Creator

Unknown

Date

May 1, 1865

Full Title

Lincoln Funeral Train- Chicago at Lake Michigan

Description

One of the best accounts of the Chicago-to-Springfield journey comes from Chicago & Alton brakeman William S. Porter, who was part of conductor George Hewitt’s crew. “As I remember the funeral train,” Porter wrote in 1917, “it consisted of one baggage car, several ordinary coaches and the catafalque car (the one carrying Lincoln’s body), which was the second car from the rear end of the train.”

Source

McLean County Museum of History

Rights

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA)

Cite this Item

Unknown. "Lincoln Funeral Train- Chicago at Lake Michigan". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/714

Creator

Unknown

Full Title

Indignation Meeting in Bloomington after Lincoln's Assassination, Illinois, April 16, 1865

Description

This is the only known photograph of the indignation meeting in Bloomington, Illinois. It was likely taken by Bloomington photographer Joe Scibird or his brother, John. This “indignation” meeting (that is, “righteous anger”) was organized by local ministers and held Sunday, April 16, on the courthouse square after the churches let out. An estimated 5,000 to 7,000 area residents gathered at 3 p.m. in a scene replayed throughout the North. “Resolved,” declared Rev. H.J. Eddy to those gathered, “That we recognize this deed as the crowning crime of this great slaveholder’s rebellion — the natural outgrowth of the spirit of treason.”

Source

McLean County Museum of History

Rights

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA)

Cite this Item

Joe or John Scibird. "Indignation Meeting in Bloomington after Lincoln's Assassination, Illinois, April 16, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/712

Creator

Joe or John Scibird

Date

April 16, 1865

Full Title

Edward P. Hudson to James Evans

Description

Captain of Company G, 21st Regiment Veterans Reserve Corps, Edward P. Hudson telegrams Captain James Evans, a provost marshal, to arrest, on orders of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Junius Brutus Booth, the brother of Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

Transcription

The American Telegraph Co.

Baltimore and Cincinnati Division,

Connecting With All Lines In The United States And British Provinces.

Terms and Conditions on which this and all Messages are received by this Company,

In order to guard against and correct as much as possible some of the errors arising from atmospheric and other causes appertaining to telegraphy, every important message should be REPEATED, by being sent back from the station at which it is to be received to the station from which it is originally sent. Half the usual price will be charged for repeating the message; and while this Company in good faith will endeavor to send messages correctly and promptly, it will not be responsible for errors or delays in the transmission or delivery, nor for the non-delivery of REPEATED MESSAGES, beyond TWO HUNDRED times the sum paid for sending the message, unless a special agreement for insurance be made in writing, and the amount of risk specified on this agreement, and paid for at the time of sending the message. Nor will the Company be responsible for any error or delay in the transmission or delivery, or for the non-delivery, of ANY UNREPEATED MESSAGE, beyond the amount paid for sending the same, unless in like manner specially insured, and amount of risk stated hereon, and paid for at the time. No liability is assumed for errors in cipher or obscure messages; nor is any liability assumed by this Company for any error or neglect by any other Company over whose lines this message may be sent to reach its destination, and this Company is hereby made the agent of the sender of this message to forward it over the lines extending beyond those of this Company. No agent or employee is allowed to vary these terms, or make any other or verbal agreement, nor any promise as to the time of performance, and no one but a Superintendent is authorized to make a special agreement for insurance. These terms apply through the whole course of this message on all lines by which it may be transmitted.

Cambridge Livingston, Sec'y. 145 Broadway. E. S. Sandford, Pres't.

From Wheeling Dated Apl 25

Rec'd at ____ 186

To Capt. Jas Evans.

P.M

Confidential. The Secy of war directs that Junius Brutus Booth be arrested and sent to Washington City in irons. You will execute this order is said Junius Brutus Booth Can be found in your district

E. P. Hudson

Capt V R C

Actg apt P.M Shal

35 Sr. 145 Call

Source

Edwin P. Hudson Telegram

Rights

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

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Hudson, Edward P.. "Edward P. Hudson to James Evans". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/706

Creator

Hudson, Edward P.

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 25th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

13 x 20 cm

Full Title

R. E. Brown to M. W. Brown

Description

R. E. Brown writes to his sister from Camp Curtain, Pennsylvania, relating news of Lincoln's assassination. Written on April 15, 1865, Brown had just received the news of President Lincoln's death. Brown also relates the widespread but inaccurate rumor that the assassins killed Secretary of State Seward.

Transcription

Apr. 15,.1865

Camp. Curtain

Sister M.W. Brown

I ebrace this op, writing you few a lines to let you know how we are getting along. I am writing under canvas tent, and the rain is comeing down as usual. Olover came to day and D Cook Tom, M. Treble, and too of Alexanders are here the boys are all first rate we have got al our clothing now. There is a report in carry this morning that the President was assainated last night in his private box in the theater and also Secratary Seward I hear now that Lincolin died this morning at 7 oclock this is bad news for us at this time if So. the reb will make their last efort to fre themselves from the present administration

There is all kinds of rumors afloat in Camp.

Have your heard from John lately and has he he heard from hom yet. We wer going to have a great day to day in honor of the recent victory our Company were to act as battery men and we were all uniformed in stile and had our cannon all out and great preparation were being made to have a great day both in camp and town when the news came of the assaination of our President. There no dowt that the assion was bribed to do so we as not orgaized in to a company yet I dont know where we will be sent as we have not been assiged to regiment yet. we may be here for several days yet. we have got no guns yet and canot for a few days we get a loaf of bread in the morning and coffe, meat and coffe for dinner. a slice of bread and a tin of coffee for Supper this a come down from what was at home I see Bill Miller Sam Henry and Ren Kelly almost every day. . . I you write do so soon and direct to Camp Curtain

Care of Capt P. O. Brown

give my respects to all enquiring friends hoping and believeing that that god who has brought me this far wil guid me saf home again.

from your Brother R. E. Brown

Source

R. E. Brown Letter

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

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Cite this Item

Brown, R. E.. "R. E. Brown to M. W. Brown". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/703

Creator

Brown, R. E.

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 15th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

25 x 20 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

Rights

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

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Cite this Item

Brewer, Gardner, 1806-1874. "Gardner Brewer to Alexander". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 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

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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Cite this Item

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

Creator

James Gordon Bennett

Publisher

James Gordon Bennett

Date

March 23, 2015

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

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

Dr. Moses Gage. "Dr. Moses Gage Diary". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/695

Creator

Dr. Moses Gage

Date

April 15, 1865