Full Title

Our Flag is Half Mast High!

Description

This document is the cover of sheet music published in San Francisco in memory of Abraham Lincoln after his assassination.

Transcription

In Memory of
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
ASSASSINATED APRIL 14, 1865

OUR FLAG IS IS HALF-MAST
HIGH!

Song and Chorus ----Words and Music by
H.W. LUTHER

SAN FRANCISCO:
M.GRAY, 613 CLAY STREET




[Transcription by: Dr. Susan Corbesero, Ellis School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]

Source

Private collection

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Henry W. Luther. "Our Flag is Half Mast High!". Mathias Gray. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/487

Creator

Henry W. Luther

Publisher

Mathias Gray

Date

May 30, 1865

Material

paper

Full Title

Newspaper Article - Secretary Seward and Abraham Lincoln

Description

A short report in the Texas State Gazette about the possible murderers of Mr. Seward and his sons. There is also a brief mention about the autopsy and funeral of Mr. Lincoln, as well as a speech Lincoln gave just days before his assassination.

Transcription

Washington, April 15-No confirmation of the report that the murderers have been caught. The National Intelligencer Ext a says, that from the evidence obtained it is highly probably that the man who stabbed Mr. Seward and his sons, is John Suratt, of Prince George county, Maryland.

The Governor of New York revoked his proclamation appointing a day of thanksgiving.

At Cincinnati the indignation against the secessionists is very great. Junius Brutus Booth, announced to appear Pike’s Opera House, this night, (the 15th) it is understood was compelled to leave the city.

The autopsy of the body of Lincoln was made by Surgeon General Barnes and Dr. Stone, assisted by other leading surgeons. The coffin was made of maghogany covered with black cloth, and lined with satin. The body was embalmed, and several locks of the President’s hair clipped for the use of his family. A sliver plate on the lid of the coffin, immediately over the breast, contained the following inscription:

"Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States. Born July 12 1809; died April 15 1865."

Lincoln is said to have made a liberal conservative speech but a few days before his death. The Cairo Daily Democrat of 16th, an opponent of Lincoln, says that this speech would have met the views of the Southern people as it had the Northern conservatives. The intention was to offer such liberal terms to the South that the people could honorably accept. The Democrat deplores the sad event which has postponed the era of good feeling. Stanton, also, it seems, made a very narrow escape.

From the subjoined correspondence, it will be seen that Mobile has been evacuated and occupied by the enemy:

Mayor’s office, city of Mobile, April 12- Gentlemen; I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, at the hands of Lt. Col. R. G. Laughlin, of the staff of Maj. General Granger, commanding the 13th Army Corps, and Lt. commanding, S. R. Franklin U.S. Navy, staff of Admiral Thatcher, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of this city.

The city has been evacuated by the military authorities and its municipal authority is now under my control. Your demand has been granted and I trust, gentlemen, for the sake of humanity all the safeguards which you can throw around them will be secured to them.

Very respectfully, your obedient serv’t,

(Signed,) R. H. SLOUGH

Source

Austin History Center, Texas State Gazette microfilm

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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. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center. For reproduction information please visit this web page.

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R.H. Slough. "Newspaper Article - Secretary Seward and Abraham Lincoln". Texas State Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/480

Creator

R.H. Slough

Publisher

Texas State Gazette

Date

May 3, 1865

Full Title

The Inauguration of President Johnson

Description

Newspaper article about the inauguration of President Johnson following the death of President Lincoln.

Transcription

On the morning of the 15th, Stanton made known to Andrew Johnson that the death of the President devolved the duties of the Presidential office upon him; that it was necessary that he should be inaugurated as soon as possible, and wished to know the time and place for taking the oath of office. Johnson designated his private rooms at the Kirkwood House that day at eleven o'clock, A.M. At the appointed hour, Chief Justice Chase accompanied by the Heads of Departments and other distinguished dignitaries repaired to the designated rooms and administered the required oath of office.

After the oath was administered Johnson said, the duties of the office are mine, I will perform them, the consequences are with God; gentleman I will lean upon you. I feel that I shall need your support, I am deeply impressed with the solemnity of the duties of the office I am assuming. Stanton reports April 15th, 3 P.M., that the new President met the heads of Departments that day in council, provided for the funeral of the late President, appointed Wm. Hunter Secretary of State, to act until the recovery of Mr. Seward. The new President announced his wish to retain the present heads of departments. All business at the several departments closed for the day, Seward's condition unchanged, said by Stanton to be doing well on the 15th; no improvement in the condition of Fred Seward. Murderers no apprehended.

A dispatch from New York, of the 15th, says Mr. Caussell, Messenger of the State Department, who was in attendance upon Mr. Seward, is dead. Secretary Seward is in precarious condition. Fred Seward is [illegible], and will probably die. His brother's wounds are light. The Governor's throat would have been cut, but he rolled out of bed.

Source

Austin History Center, Texas State Gazette microfilm

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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. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center. For reproduction information please visit this page.

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Texas State Gazette. "The Inauguration of President Johnson". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/479

Creator

Texas State Gazette

Date

May 3, 1865

Full Title

An account of the assassination of Mr. Lincoln

Description

A short account of the assassination of President Lincoln. Details are given as to the sequence of events and the actions of the shooter, who is named as J.W. Booth.

Transcription

We obtain from Quartermaster Meig the following account of the assassination of Mr. Lincoln. About half past ten o'clock a man dressed in a dark suit entered the private box in which Lincoln and his party consisting of Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Harris, daughter of Senator Harris and Captain Rathbone of Albany were seated. Immediately upon opening the door he advanced towards Mr. Lincoln with a six barrel revolver in his right hand and a bowie knife in his left. The President who was intent upon the play did not notice his interruption, and the gentleman who was seated beside him rose to inquire the reason of his entry. Before he had time to ask the assassin what he wanted, he fired on charge from his revolver, which took effect in the back of the President's head. The ball passed through and came out at the right temple. Capt. Rathbone, who was in the box with Mr. Lincoln attempted to arrest the murderer and on doing so received a shot in his arm. The assassin then leapt from the box on the stage. Before he disappeared behind the curtain, he turned and with a [illegible] flourish and tone waved his knife and shouted [si semper tyrannia]. So sudden was the affair that for some moments after its occurring the audience supposed that it was part of the play, and were only [illegible] by the manager announcing rom the stage that the President of the U.S. had been shot. The shock fell upon the audience like a thunderbolt, and loud cries were made to kill or capture the assassin, the murderous [illegible] of the slave power escaped easily and rapidly from the theatre and mounted a horse and rode off. The mass of evidence tonight is that J.W. Booth committed the crime, whoever it is there are reasons for thinking that same bold and bloody hand, attempted the life of Mr. Seward.

War Department

Source

Austin History Center, Texas State Gazette microfilm

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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. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center at ahc_reference@austintexas.gov. For reproduction information please visit http://library.austintexas.gov/ahc/ordering-photos.

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War Department. "An account of the assassination of Mr. Lincoln". Texas State Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/478

Creator

War Department

Publisher

Texas State Gazette

Date

April 26, 1865

Full Title

"Abraham Lincoln died this morning"

Description

Published in the Texas State Gazette on April 26, 1865, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton sent this short account to Major General Dix chronicling the events of the assassination and naming John Wilkes Booth as the shooter.

Transcription

Washington, April 14, 10 a.m.

To Major Gen. Dix:

Abraham Lincoln died this morning at 27 minutes after seven o'clock. Frederick Seward's skull is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut on the head. He is still alive but hopeless. Major Seward's wounds are not dangerous.

It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two suspects were engaged in the horrible crime-Wilkes Booth being the one who shot the President, and the other a [?] of his whose description is so clear that he cannot escape.

It appears from a letter found in Booth's trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of March but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until Richmond could be heard from. Booth and his accomplice were at the livery stable before six o'clock last evening and left there with their horses about 10 o'clock or shortly before that hour. It would seem that they had been seeking their chance, but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore, the other has not been traced since. Secretary Seward is dead. Booth is arrested.

[signed] E.M. Stanton

Source

Austin History Center, Texas State Gazette microfilm

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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. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center at ahc_reference@austintexas.gov. For reproduction information please visit

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E.M. Stanton. ""Abraham Lincoln died this morning"". Texas State Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/471

Creator

E.M. Stanton

Publisher

Texas State Gazette

Date

April 26, 1865

Full Title

Original letter from S.M. Swenson to Elisha M. Pease

Description

Personal letter written by S.M. Swenson to Elisha M. Pease of Austin, TX on June 17, 1865. In the letter, Swenson writes about his "crude ideas of passing events", including the death of Abraham Lincoln (page 3).

Transcription

New Orleans, 17th Juin 1865

My dear Sir!

I have often during the past two years been tempted to write to you or Judge Bell, with a view to give you my crude ideas of passing events, but on reflection, I have always desisted from writing, for fear that the reception of a letter, however innocent might have led to serious trouble with the dominant mob, who have se unfairly, and intolerantly held sway in Austin, You are no doubt, by this time, fully aware of all the important changes which have so rapidly crowded upon us for the last three months, and which have happily broken the power of the military tyranny which for so long a time has been the dread and the bane of the Southern part of the Republic but an equally important part of the close of rebellion still remains to be settled, and in it, I sincerely hope you, and other good and wise men will take a prominent part in Texas. The reconstruction of state Government, I do not think will be so easy or rapid, as seem to be the impression in Texas, if Gov Murrahs acts, is to be taken as an index of opinion there, on this subject I rather think that Texas will for some reasonable time be governed by a military Governor, and aided by the military power now transferred to Texas. Genl Hamilton is the Governor, and I have no doubt will excercise the functions as such, until Civil Government shall be established, He is now at Washington or on his way back and I am informed by letter from thence that be possesses the confidence of the President and Cabinet. I know there is great and bitter prejudices in Texas against him, but I think they are ill founded, except so far as his occasional irregular habits may make him objectionable. He is I am sure kindly disposed to all, even those who persecuted and hunted him, need not apprehend any revengeful acts on his part and I am equally confident that be desires to promote the best interests in Texas. You know him as well, perhaps better than I do. He will need aid and good counsel. I hope you will be his friend and thereby both aid him, and promote the welfare of the state.

I do not know, or clearly understand the policy of President Johnson towards the Southern States, but I feel confidant that it is widely different from that of the late Mr. Lincoln, who was truly a good and a liberal man, perhaps too much so- his martyrdom is a great loss to us- so far as I can judge, (I may be in error, but I prefer to err on the dark side, rather than to hold out any false hope) the Government does not intend to tolerate the perpetuation in power of any officer or other influential person having held office or been conspicuous in the late rebellion, I think also that slave owners generally will be restrained as much as possible from participation in the reconstruction, for fear that they might by state legislation perpetuate slavery though in disguise and hence the serious efforts to make Negroes voters. I think the amnesty proclamation of President Johnson will be the strict rule, by which the qualification for the exercise of political rights will be judged and the reconstruction to be governed pretty much according to his North Carolina prescriptions. I know there is a large class of influential citizens in Texas who yet think that they will govern the state as formerly, but they will no doubt realize the mortification of being mistaken in that respect, but otherwise I think they will have very little to apprehend either to their personal safety or property except those who do not come under the rule of pardon, and such as may hereafter show hostility to the government. It is no doubt that the government will make itself respected by all, and felt by those who may choose to remain offenders .

In commercial relations the Government will undoubtedly be equally just to the South as to the North, restrictions upon commerce is daily disappearing, and the duties upon the products of insurrectionary states are abolished east of the Mississippi river, and I have no doubt, will be extended over the country west of that river in a very short time but on the other band
we must necessarily bear our quota of burden, to which the loyal states have so patiently and liberally submitted during the whole period since the rebellion broke out, this may be inconvenient, but we must do it cheerfully.

The effort at reconstruction in Texas under the auspices of Gov Murrah, I think is decidedly premature, and however well meant by the Governor, I fear will nevertheless be construed as a wish on his part to perpetuate a defunct power, It had better be abandoned at once, I don't think the assembling of a convention on the state legislation will be tolerated by the military power
in Texas, and certainly cannot be countenanced by the Government at Washington. If we forget that we were Rebels but yesterday, the government cannot be so oblivious of that fact. We are not going to come back under impression that by so doing we are bestowing a favor upon the government, but rather ask, this boon as erring and repentant citizens- the government is well able to take care of itself, and of us. that we do no more harm.

As regards the Negroes- they are free and the only question, as yet undecided is whether they shall not immediately be allowed to exercise all political rights this latter concession may be delayed a little while, but it will not be many years before color, or caste, will be no part of the qualification of a voter neither South or North. But I think the government will lend all aid and encouragement in order to make them useful and industrious agriculturists, in fact it is now a question of great solicitude as a subject of political economy apart from humanity or conjointly with it. And to give proper direction to this important element for the well being of Texas, will be one of the most important cares of the governing class. [unlegible] to the Negroes will be disastrous to the planters and the state, if the planters can realize their situation and accommodate themselves to the altered condition of the slaves, they can undoubtedly prosper by raising cotton with paid labor, and I have no doubt realize greater profits from their farms than they ever did under the late labor system. Cotton is high, and will continue so. Texas is now the most prominent state for the production of this staple, and will no doubt remain so under a wise and liberal government, which will enforce justice to the Negro as well as protection to the planters interest. It is no use to try to enact laws, that is not equally applicable to the white, as the black man, and any evasion of as full justice to the Negro as to the white man, will only involve as in embarrassment.

We must also make up our minds to treat as void, all enactments, and state obligations, passed under rebel rule, this involves repudiation of the revolutionary part of the state debt which is very unpalatable to me in principle , but it has to come either now or in a few years, and it had better be done at once, while so many other unpleasant sores have to be healed than to be left a subject of future controversy and discontent, I was in Mobile a few days after that city was captured, and an influential citizen of Ala. remarked to me "We must rub out and begin anew", I believe here was wisdom in his good natured remark.

Up to the time when I left Texas we were very much in error as to the power and endurance, as well as resources of the rebellion, last summer there was a very critical period, in fact many wise men trembled for the safety of the country, not so much perhaps simply en account of the rebellion in the south, but foreign fairs
was a powerful party at the North who favored the election of Genl. McLellan, they were inimical to Mr. Lincoln' s administration, and seemed perfectly willing to acknowledge the peparate existence of the south as a government and so sacrifice the integrity of the country, they failed, and with it the rebellion was doomed to failure also. I was in Washington a couple of months during that period, and it was painful to witness the anxiety of the 1'1al men and equally disgusting to bear northern men as well as from other section, talk treason as publicly and vauntingly as they could have done in Mexico. I was much surprised at the tolerance of the Government, and I yet doubt whether it bad not been a better policy to silence the continual, and undisguised efforts in all the large cities to overthrow the Republic, I spent also some time in Connecticut and called occasionally on Mrs. Niles and Miss Juliet. They were then well, and I think they yet continue to enjoy good health. I occasionally have letters from Mr. Pierson and be always mentions them. In the country all over peace and prosperity, and apparently all were growing rich from the untiring pursuits of industry. And should the finances of the US be well managed hereafter, I think the war has made the north permanently wealthy, at present there is the most unbounded confidence in the Government to pay all its liability and even to extinguish the debt in a comparatively short period the magnitude of the debt is as far above my real comprehension as is the resources of the country to pay it, I think the financiers are right, but it is not reasonable to suppose that a country which has impaired its industry and destroyed one fourth of its resources can be more really prosperous now, than before the war therefore I take for granted that the prosperity is apparent, and that a period not very distant will come, when financial embarrassment will overtake the great masses as well, as the Government but this is really beyond my comprehension and I hope I am wrong in mistrusting the very confident assertions of financiers all over the country. I do not however fear any great depreciation in the Treasury notes because the Government has it in its power to exchange it for interest bearing debt or tax it out of existence . I mean absorb it by taxation what I do fear is depletion of coin, and a want of products for export, to meet the demand for foreign liabilities, I am sorry to see large exports of specie are now being made from New York, and consequent rise in gold, this is a sure test that Govt bonds in Europe are not up to our notions of their value. Bod now is 42%pre and seems to be steadily advancing. Cotton would mend this matter at once but I fear there is not enough of it in the country, and but very little will be produced this year. Be this as
it may, it is true that all who have aided and reposed confidence in the Government must have prospered, and those who have mistrusted the government credit or been disloyal have either been ruined or impared their fortunes as well as their standing in society. I have most bitterly deplored the extreme folly of Texas following in the lead of South Carolina she has accomplish much, or at least not all that they desired. Col Smiths account as given in the Texas papers is strange news to us. I was much pleased to find these gentlemen so well disposed towards the government, and I admired their manliness and devotion to the state. I saw more of Mr. Ballinger than of Col Smith and I shall be much mistaken if he does not accomplish some good for the state although himself excluded from all direct participation in political affairs-I think he is an estimable and trustworthy gentleman and I feel sorry that he should have consented to have held so obnoxious an office which will undoubtedly be embarrassing to his fortune for the balance of his life. In fact all the officers of the late rebel government will be held individually responsible for all acts of depredation upon property.

I had a letter a few days go from Mr. Cave, he is in Havanah, and intends to return to Texas, braving the oioum of having acted with the rebellion, as preferable to perpetual banishment. He says he never changed the sentiments he entertained at the dawn of secession.

I learn Mr. Shaw is alive and in Europe, but I have not had any letters from him since 1863.

Col. Allston and his wife (Ellen Robinson) are here awaiting transportation to So.Car. The Col looks subdued, but can ill dissemble the wounded pride, peculiar to the citizen of that state. I think he is also a sincere mourner of the death of the "divine institution". In this he is not singular, and possible has greater reason than most of us, who have comparatively but little to lose of that property. Ellen looks to be in delicate health.

I also met, the other day, with another Austin girl (Miss Clara Freeman). She is now Mrs. Kent- her husband is a native of this city and appears to be very respectable. It is said Genl Beauregard was arrested on yesterday and sent to Washington. It seems to be the fate of all the prominent Rebels to make involuntary journeys northward, particularly so, with the Governors of insurrectionary states who have held power under usurped authority. Poor Lubbock has been in limbo for some time- this must make Govrs Clark and Murrah feel uncomfortable, as it no doubt is a striking admonishion to them.

I have all the loyal league publications which I procured for the purpose of sending to you or Uncle Swatne, but I never had a safe opportunity to do so and now they are useless literature, I don 't know whether to trouble any one with them I frequently send papers to my wife and I hope she has been neighborly with them. Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Pease, your daughters, Mrs. Ward, Judges Bell and Paschal, Mr. Harris-Hamilton and all other friends and with my best wishes for your health and happiness , I am sincerely your friend and most obedient servant

S M Swenson

Hon EM Pease

Austin

I don't know that I hove done right in writing so long a letter, when I began I did not intend to write more than one sheet at most, but it being Saturday night, and alone at my room, I have rambled away without reflection, I hope there may be some items of news to you. I heard from your brother who lives at Janesville through a Mr Blossom who had seem him recently, he was well.

resp

SMS

Source

Austin History Center, Pease Papers AR.A.001

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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. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center. For reproduction information please visit this web page.

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S.M. Swenson. "Original letter from S.M. Swenson to Elisha M. Pease". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/465

Creator

S.M. Swenson

Date

June 17, 1865

Full Title

Opinion of Military Tribunal - Burlington Free Press

Description

A printing of the Attorney General's opinion on holding a military tribunal for the assassination conspirators. The newspaper agrees with President Johnson's decision, calling the assassination of the President "an act of secret war against the republic."

Transcription

The opinion of Attorney General Speed, given in writing previous to the trial, in response to President Johnson's inquiry whether the conspirators in the plot which resulted in the assassination of President Lincoln should be tried by a civil or military court, has been printed. He maintained that during a time of war a military tribune exists under and according to the constitution ; that is the duty of the military not only to fight the public enemies of the country in open battle, but to pursue, capture, try and execute secret enemies, and that the assassination of the President being an act of secret war against the republic in the reason of its Chief Magistrate, those accused of the crime are clearly amenable to military law.

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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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Burlington Free Press. "Opinion of Military Tribunal - Burlington Free Press". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/456

Creator

Burlington Free Press

Date

August 18, 1865

Full Title

Letter – To Mary from John, Burkesville Junction April 17 pt 1

Description

A commander of a regiment discussing his location and what is currently going on. The author discusses how they received the news the night before of the assassination of the President. He talks about what a best friend Lincoln was to the soldiers and how much sorrow they are feeling in the wake of his death.

Transcription

Head Quarters 9th

Near Burksville Junction Ver.

April 17th 1865.


My own dear Mary.

Good afternoon: Yes it is a beautiful afternoon just such an one as I should enjoy to spend in New Hampshire with those I love. I hope it will not be very long before I shall be able to do that same thing. For it really looks as though they would not want any of us much longer. Well all I have to say about it is the quicker Uncle Samuel turns me off the better it will suit me. But if he should conclude to keep me till my time is out it will not be but with short time now less than four months. So short a time will pass by quickly. Then I will go home. Settle down and be a steady journey man once more. And then won't we enjoy ourselves: I guess we will don't you?


We are now (this is our regiment) very presently location. In a splendid grove of hard wood. The trees are pretty well leaved our making is very pleasant.

Our houses are not quite equal to those that we occupied all winter, but it is getting to be quite warm so we get along very comfortably.

I expect I shall be relieved of the command of the regiment now in a few days. By our Major for he is on his way now I expect to join us. Well I am really glad of it for I had neither command my own company alone than to command both the regiment and my Co. I expect Captain Allen will be here this evening if nothing happens to delay him.

We received the very sad news last night of the assassination of the President. It fills the heart of every soldier with – sorrow. For they considered him an honest man, and the soldiers best friend. If he was assassinated at the instagation of the rebel leaders, I think they have made a great mistake. For I think he was their best friend. I hope it will turn out for the best, but it seems mighty hard.

What do the people of the North think of it? I suppose the copperheads feel mighty good over it don't they. Well let them feel good when they can for things are working mighty bad, just now, for their Southern brethren.

It is rumored here this afternoon that Genl Johnson has surrendered his army to General Sherman. I hardly think it is so, but still I don't see what he can hope to do by holding on, for his is the only army of any account this side of the Mississippi river. And I should think the sooner he gave up the better it would be for himself and men. I have just now received a dispatch saying that Secretary Seward and his son were improving and that there was hopes that both would recover.

I suppose Lieut Nessleton has arrived at the front, but his regiment is stationed about thirty miles from here,so I have not seen him yet. I reckon as how he will cut a big swath among small folks, but let him go in.

I wish you would send me fifty cents worth of postage stamps besides those I sent for a few days ago. If you can I wish you would send me by mail about half a dozen pairs white Colton gloves, I forget to send by Allen for them, if he has not started you can send them by him. I don't know whether there is any in either my trunks or not. Have them rolled up in as small a compress as possible and when you direct them leave of the Captain. I will close please write often and accept this from

Your affectionate husband

John .
[

Source

Tucker Collection care of Museum of the Grand Prairie

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission please contact Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

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Cite this Item

John. "Letter – To Mary from John, Burkesville Junction April 17 pt 1". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/438

Creator

John

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

Letter – To Frank Sunday April 23 1865 pt 1

Description

Personal letter discussing the happenings in the author’s life at the time of Lincoln's assassination. The letter discusses news of Abraham Lincoln’s death reaching large towns and the reaction to the news.

Transcription

1865
Sunday April 23

Dear Frank
This evening finds me seated in the house of Tom Curt of Cass Co Ill
I left Mothers April the 7 came to Edinburg.
Staid [stayed] Saturday night at phillipses
went to your Fathers Sunday
Staid till Tuesday the 18 had a very fine time
the two boys and Miriam enjoyed themselves the best I ever saw
Childre Amity Miriam and me went to Joes
they sent the horse and buggy for us
we staid all night
went home in the buggy
kept the horse and John went with us to Edinburg
I asked Father to go with us to youngstown
he said he would if he had money to pay his pasage [passage] their [there] and back as his feet are so sore he could not walk
I toald [told] him I would give him the money if he would go and help us to the cars
we started from Edinburg at nine tuesday night
staid on the street till morning
the cars left at six in the morning
got to Cleavland [Cleveland] at ten
Staid till four
got to toledo at ten at night
left at four in the morning
got to Jacksonvill at nine at night
went to the manchion house
had to wait till friday evening
came to Ashland found two letters from you
was glad to hear you are well
Mr Hunter said we could not get across the prairie on foot and that their [there] was wagons sticking in the mud that could not be got out untill the mud would dry up
I did not know what to do
John Jackson was at the store
he said he would take me to auld Samey St Clairs
then he said I would be two miles from Toms
I told him to get my trunk and of we started
it was raining and very cold
it soon comenced [commenced] to snow
we had a great time
the horses could hardley make the trip
the mud is truley awfull
they tell me this is the wettest Spring that ever was
we staid all night at Sameys
in the morning he got his mules hiched [hitched] to the wagon
we came as far as we could by the roads
got in to the field
came as far as we could for the post fence
unloaded the trunk
set it over the fence
he went home
we walked to toms [Tom's] which was half a mile then Tom and his hand went and carried the trunk here
So you see we have made the trip at last
we had a very gloomey journey
it was more like Sunday than aneything else
no buisness [business] going on
Everything your eyes would rest on wore the Emblems of a nations grief
when the word came to the large towns that the president was dead the n---s droped [dropped] on their faces in the streets crying
we have lost our best friend
well it is allmost [almost] dark and I have not got this letter finished
I wrote to Father and to mother to let them know I have got home
Mr tubs was here a short time ago
he is well
Monday morning before breakfast I have a chance to send this and I will do so
I will rite [write] to you shortley and tell you the rest
have to go
good by
I will send you one dollar this time
write soon
S B H F Brian No of letters 1 of

[Transcription by: Mary Cotterman]

Source

Tucker Collection care of Museum of the Grand Prairie

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission please contact Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

Tags

Cite this Item

SBHF Brian. "Letter – To Frank Sunday April 23 1865 pt 1". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/437

Creator

SBHF Brian

Date

April 23, 1865

Full Title

Letter To Brother David from Rufus

Description

A personal letter, recounting the illumination of the city the night before the assassination of Lincoln. The letter goes on to detail that the author heard that “President Lincoln, Seward, Capt Robert Lincoln, and Secretary Seward’s son were all murdered last night”. The author states they can “hardly believe it but still it may be so”.

Transcription

Martinsburg Va

Apr 14th 1865
Brother David
I received your leter [letter] last night and was going to answer it but had to go to town on a grand review
I tell you you ought to have sean [seen] us
we went through all of the principal streets of the town.
the was a grand illumination last night
the whole force was out on review.
first came our Regt [Regiment] then the first Vet. [Veteran] Md. Infantry then a batery of 32 lb parot [Parrott] guns.
then a brigade of cavalry.
it all passed of in good order
after the perade [parade] was over we went to camp
left our arms and went back to town to have a good time with the rest
I went to call on an aquaintance [acquaintance] of mine.
found him at home and his niece was there
his wife wanted him to go out on the street to the speakers stand with her and the house was all of a blaze with spermacitie candles
so it was not proper to leave it alone.
so you see that someone must be be left in charge and after a while I was prevailed on to stay with the niece and keep everything strate [straight] and in place.
wel by the way the lady was young and hansom [handsome]
her name is Ann Snyder.
she is nineteen years of age and can and does help her mother do the housework
she can get as good meal of victuals as any of our New England girls and can play Yankey doodle Star Spangled baner Hail Columbia and any other tune to perfection.
Apr 15th we herd [heard] this morning that President Lincoln Seward Capt Robert Lincoln and Secretary Sewards son was all murdered last night
we dont [don't] hardly believe it but still it may be so.
we shall hear for sertin [certain] this afternoon.
well now about the cymbols we dont want any
Anderson the man that wanted them herd that a n----r had som that he stowl [stole] from a rebel band so he went to see them and bought them for five dolars [dollars]
they ar [are] the best ones I ever saw
they are 14 inch and cost not less than fifty dolars.
wel [well] cant [can't] think of anything more so I will close
write soon
from your Brother
Rufus Merryan

[Transcription by: Mary Cotterman]

Source

Tucker Collection care of Museum of the Grand Prairie

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission please contact Museum of the Grand Prairie, Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

Tags

Cite this Item

Rufus Merryan. "Letter To Brother David from Rufus". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/436

Creator

Rufus Merryan

Date

April 15, 1865