Full Title

Helen Augusta Bratt DuBarry to Ann A. Lamoureaux Bratt

Description

In the wake of Lincoln's assassination, Helen DuBarry writes her mother about witnessing Lincoln's funeral procession in Washington, D.C.

Transcription

Teusday

Washington - D. C.

April 25th/65

My dear Mother

Your letter did not arrive until this morning and I began to think you were waiting for me to answer your last as I wrote before recieving it. Joe paid us a short visit last Wednesday. He came to make arrangements for the President's remains to be carried over his road. We found him here on our return from witnessing the procession. I went with Mrs Foster & the family she is boarding with who had engaged a room with three windows in the fourth story of a house on the Avenue. Beck & the Col. had to take part in the procession. We had a splendid view of it and it was the largest one I had ever seen. It was two hours passing us. I suppose W. Y. will do better than that today. Did father go to the City? You might go over to Garrison's as the train passes. The car which carries the remains was first finished & intended for his use living.

I did not go to the White House to see him. Beck did not want to go & I would not go in such a Crowd alone. I am very sorry I did not go. perhaps it is for the best as I have been so nervous since that awful night that I feel almost prostrated in health and any more excitement of the kind would not benefit me much. They say the scene in the house that day were terribly solemn. the house so dark with black. the stillness of death. and the four Generals as sentinels by the Corpse looking solemn & sad. all made the people realize more forcibly what a dreadful thing had happened. Poor Mrs Lincoln has not left her bed since he died & they had to close the doors a half hour before the appointed time as the steady tramp tramp of the people was making her wild so that she did not recognize he own son. To think that his wife's presence did not stay the murderers hand. It is thought by a few who pretend to know that Booth is surely Caught and the Authority do'nt wish it known. There is a great deal known that is not allowed to be published

There is a family of Greenes under arrest for having kept him all night on Friday. They are a good family here & live by the Potomac

Joe staid all night with us and left early the next morning. I have not heard from Carrie in some time. There is an advertised letter for me in the P. O. which they say they are not ready to deliver yet. It is very funny. they must be examining letters. Has Mrs De Janon got to W. P. yet? I see Lou Florishing about here with Officers. I saw her with one at Church Sunday. We think of going next Sunday to Alexandria to attend the church that Genl Washington attended. It will be an interesting trip. Col. Foster gave us two bonds of the Confederate loan which he brought us from Charleston. I have finished my green dress and it looks good as new. I am in the pink plaid pineapple. putting a lining in the skirt & flouncing it. I am rather glad the trunk holds off as there is enough work here to keep me busy. You need not send the claret silk as I shall not need it before Fall. If you write as soon as you get this it will bring the letters all right again. I had a letter from Maggie last week I suppose she is home - I have not heard a word from Gmma since that letter she wrote. I wonder how they get along If Maggie goes down perhaps she would go to see her to enquire - tell her to go & see the baby - give them all much love & kisses to Adile from papa & Mama

yours aff

Helen

Source

Helen A. Bratt DuBarry Letters

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

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Cite this Item

DuBarry, Helen Augusta Bratt, 1839-1925. "Helen Augusta Bratt DuBarry to Ann A. Lamoureaux Bratt". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/701

Creator

DuBarry, Helen Augusta Bratt, 1839-1925

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 25th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

26 x 22 cm

Full Title

Hugh McCulloch to the Employees of the Treasury Department

Description

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

Transcription

Treasury Department.

Washington, April 17, 1865.

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

H McCulloch

Secretary of the Treasury

Source

Hugh McCulloch Letter

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

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Cite this Item

McCulloch, Hugh, 1808-1895. "Hugh McCulloch to the Employees of the Treasury Department". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/700

Creator

McCulloch, Hugh, 1808-1895

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 17th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

19 x 23 cm

Full Title

Gardner Brewer to Alexander

Description

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

Transcription

Boston, M. S. April 17, 1865.

Dear Mrs. Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very respectfully and sincerely,

Your friend,

Gardner Brewer

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

Source

Gardner Brewer Letters

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 April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/699

Creator

Brewer, Gardner, 1806-1874

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 17th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

41 x 27 cm

Full Title

Preston King to Unknown

Description

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

Transcription

Lincoln

Washington April 24 1865.

My Dear Sir

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

Yours Truly,

Preston King

Source

Preston King Letter

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

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Cite this Item

King, Preston, 1806-1865. "Preston King to Unknown". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/698

Creator

King, Preston, 1806-1865

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

April 25th, 1865

Material

paper and ink

Dimensions

20 x 25 cm

Full Title

Dudley Avery to Daniel D. Avery

Description

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

Transcription

Petit Anse Island

May 12th 1865

My dear Papa,

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

With devoted love,

Your Son,

Dudley

Source

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

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

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Dudley Avery. "Dudley Avery to Daniel D. Avery". Published online by W. Caleb McDaniel, Rice University. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/696

Creator

Dudley Avery

Publisher

Published online by W. Caleb McDaniel, Rice University

Date

May 12, 1865

Full Title

Franklin Augustus Buck to Mary Sewall Bradley

Source

Buck Papers, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA

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This item is in the public domain and may be reproduced and used for any purpose, including research, teaching, private study, publication, broadcast or commercial use, with proper citation and attribution.

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Cite this Item

Franklin Augustus Buck. "Franklin Augustus Buck to Mary Sewall Bradley". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/694

Creator

Franklin Augustus Buck

Date

April 22, 1865

Full Title

Abigail Williams May to Eleanor Goddard May

Description

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

Source

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

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Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission.

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Abigail Williams May. "Abigail Williams May to Eleanor Goddard May". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/693

Creator

Abigail Williams May

Date

April 16, 1865

Full Title

Albert Browne to “Dear Ones"

Description

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

Source

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

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Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission.

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Albert Gallatin Browne. "Albert Browne to “Dear Ones"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/692

Creator

Albert Gallatin Browne

Date

April 18, 1865

Full Title

Letter signed W.A. Nichols, Washington, to Hon. M.B. Field, Asst. Sec., April 17, 1865

Description

States, "The Hon. Mr. Harrington [George Harrington] directed the publishing of the order of the Funeral Ceremonies. If he is in the Dept. please ask him to cause the names of Messrs. George Ashman & Simon Cameron to be inserted with the names of the Pall bearers. . . ." Regarding plans for Abraham Lincoln's funeral.

Transcription

Washington
Monday night
April 17/65

Sir,
The Hon. Mr Harrington directed the publishing of the order of the Funeral Ceremonies. If he is in the Dept. please ask him to cause the names of Messrs. George Ashman and Simon Cameron to be inserted with the names of the Pall bearers. If not in, please request the Chronicle and Intelligence to insert their names on the order under the caption of “Civilians.” -Very Respectfully
Hon. M. B. Field W. A. Nichols
Asst Sec.

[Transcription by: Evan Laugen, Chandra Manning's class, Georgetown University].

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This item is in the public domain.

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Nichols, W. A.. "Letter signed W.A. Nichols, Washington, to Hon. M.B. Field, Asst. Sec., April 17, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/679

Creator

Nichols, W. A.

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

Unsigned Note to George Harrington, April 1865

Description

Suggests that as few carriages as possible be allowed in the funeral procession of Abraham Lincoln so that more persons may follow the President to his grave.

Transcription

Hon. Geo Harrington
Sir:
Pardon me for suggesting that as few carriages as possible ought to be allowed in the funeral cortege of the President.

There are one hundred thousand aching hearts, that will follow his remains to the grave. This cannot be done if long lines of vehicles occupy the space, without adding to the volume of humanity desirous of participating.

Unless care be taken in this respect, the remains will [arrive] at the place of burial or deposite before the people move from the White House.

Affection

[Transcription by: Daniel Kynaston]

Source

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Please contact the Missouri History Museum at photo@mohistory.org for permission to publish this resource.

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anonymous. "Unsigned Note to George Harrington, April 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/678

Creator

anonymous

Date

April 1865