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

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Cite this Item

Harriet Farley. "Handwritten letter to Jane Betts from Harriet Farley, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/850

Creator

Harriet Farley

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

10x15.5 inches

Full Title

Photocopy of handwritten, unsigned letter to Friend Elizabeth, April 20, 1865

Description

Photocopy of a handwritten, unsigned letter from a Union soldier in Harper Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, April 20, 1865 to Friend Elizabeth [perhaps the widow Lib (Mrs. Levi) Smith]. The writer enjoyed her letter and hopes she is well. He is sympathetic over the loss of both her cousin and husband. The writer may have served or been hospitalized with both of these men. He heard from home that the president was killed. He notes that some people rejoiced over the news and two soldiers were fined a month's pay each and jailed because they rejoiced. He hopes the war will soon end as drafting and enlisting has stopped. He wants out of the hospital, either to return home or to his unit. He notes several who are ill. He writes that both his father and brother are in service. He concludes the letter because his hand shakes so he cannot hold his pen and asks her to write soon. The letter is part of the Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903. Levi Smith (1832-March 10, 1865) was the first husband of Elizabeth "Lib". He moved to Elba Township (Lapeer County, Mich.) from Ohio. Together they had a daughter. Levi enlisted in Company I, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics on December 23, 1862 as an artificer. He died of disease in Detroit on March 10, 1865. She then married another man, also with the surname of Smith, and had three more children.

Transcription

Page One
Harper Hospital
Detroit, Mich.
April 20, 1865
Friend Elizabeth
It is with great pleasure that i
now sit down to answer your
kind letter which which [sic] i received
yesterday it found me well as
usual and hoping these few lines
Will find you well. It is very
Warm to day [sic] it must been hard to
lose your Cousin but it was harder
to part with your husband so kind
and good. There was bad news home
that our president was killed.
There was some that rejoiced [sp?] over
his death. There was ttow [sic] soldiers here
that rejoyced [sic] over his death and
they put them in the guard house
and they took two [crossed out] one month's pay
Page Two
From your [sp?] friend Zachary [sp?] Bigelow
away from them i don't think that
this war will last long then we
all can go home to our friends,.
They have stoped [sic] drafting and
they have stoped [sic] enlisting. i think
that we will get our discharge. i have
put in for an examination. i hope they
Will give me my discharge or send
me to my regiment. i get sick
of hospital life. There is 5 [?] that
is in a bed now. There have but one
that is dangerously sick. Holister is
sick. he has been sick about a week.
I got a letter from home mother
had put her ankle out of joint she
will have it pretty hard till some
of us gets home. Father is in the
service and my Brother is two [sic]. i haven't
Heard from father since the last furlough [sp?]
i will have to close for this time my hand
Trembles so that i can't hold my pen still.
Excuse me for this short letter. Write soon

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903

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unknown, part of Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903. "Photocopy of handwritten, unsigned letter to Friend Elizabeth, April 20, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/849

Creator

unknown, part of Levi Smith Family Papers, 1851, 1903

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

original was 4.5x7 inches, the photocopy is 8.5x11 inches

Full Title

Handwritten Letter to Dear Parents from J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865

Description

Letter to his Dear (Unidentified) Parents from their son, J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865. McClure was in Memphis (Tenn.) setting up a business. He may have been from Iowa originally. McClure writes at first about moving to Memphis and having a tour of the town. Then he abruptly and emotionally transitions to having heard about the assassinations of President Lincoln, Seward, and Son that day from the boat coming from Cairo. He writes of the flags in town being at half-mast and draped in mourning [bunting]. McClure refers to the Secessionists as demons who will be destroyed by God. He then returns to the story of his tour of town, trying to help a lady find her husband at an unknown address, viewing the strong fortifications, battery, and garrison with lots of Union soldiers, the warm temperature and advanced state of growth in the trees and vegetables compared to those in the North, and how at present he has little business.

Transcription

Page One
Memphis, Tenn.
April 16th, 1865
Dear Parents:
I am here in the
beautiful city of Memphis in
the far flung South. I have
just got into the hotel from
a walk through the city
with a gentleman lawyer from
Michigan who has come
here to practice his profession.
Being acquainted he showed
many points of interest through
town. But Oh! Horror to
think of the awful calamnity [sic]
that has befallen our city[crossed out]
beloved country. In the assass-
ination of Lincoln Seward
and Son! The cold chills would
course my blood when first the
sad news reached my ears.
Page Two
2
The news first reached here this
morning on the boat from
Cairo. The news flew like
magic throughout the place
and the flags of the city were
hung at half mast, and
draped in mourning. What
horror to think our nation’s loss,
to see our Star Spangled banner
draped in mourning! “Whom
God will destroy he first maketh
mad”, and these demons, [of secession-inserted] are
surely sufficiently mad for
distruction [sic]. If possible I
will drive these thoughts away
for the present and write some-thing else. I got a carriage
this morning for Mrs. Billings
of Keohrels [sp?] who came down on
the same boat to visit her
husband. We rode for one hour
but did not succeed in finding
Page Three
3
as we had neither the name of
the street nor its number. But
we did see many most magnificent
business houses, Churches and residen-
ces. True I have not seen all
of the place by a considerable in
my hours ride, and two hours
walk. I have had a faint view
of the fortifications as I can have
now from my window. Yet,
Pickering is so situated as to
deal out distruction [sic] at a tremen-
dous rate to any foe the might
dare to approach from below or
above on the river, and it could
turn its mighty power from the
city to its utter demolition and
very hasty too. I see the large
guns standing upon the battery
ready at a single moments
warning, with its garrison of
over 3,000 soldiers within its
walls.
Page Four
Then how different the atmos-
phere here; the Sun is almost at
its meridian high to shining
forth its [genial-inserted] rays of warmth and
gladness. It is as warm here
as in June there, yet it is neither
sultry nor hot, but as I enhale [sic]
the atmosphere it seems cool
and embracing, much like we
sometimes have North just ater [sic]
a shower in a sultry hot
August day or the purer are [air-sic]
while the dew is rising in a
summers morning.
Then again how different
vegetation here; when I left
there was scarsely [sic] any of the
tees were putting forth their leaves
or buds, but before we reached this
point the peach and apple trees
had fruit put forth their blooms and
had fallen off. And to-day
the leaves on the oak and other
trees are almost full ground
and the gardens and yards are
green with grass and vegetables.
Page Four
But with all this I can’t tell
how I shall like the place.
I may not like the climate, the
the [sic] city, the practice to be had,
the people, nor the manner
of living. I do not know that
I have any occasion to be
discouraged unless it may be
from the high price of living.
It is Sunday and the most of
business is closed of course and
I am doing [sic] nothing in the way
of business. It will brobably [sic]
be one or two or perhaps three
weeks before I shall know
what to do. In the mean time
I shall enquire and remain
as contented as possible.
I guess it is dinner time.
I will write again when I
get more settled in business.
Your Affectionate son, J. D. McClure

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, J. D. McClure Correspondence, 1865

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McClure, J. D.. "Handwritten Letter to Dear Parents from J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/848

Creator

McClure, J. D.

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

8x9.5 inches

Full Title

"Terrible Work of Blood!"

Description

This broadside printed in Madison, Indiana announces Lincoln's death, reprints Edwin Stanton's reports and mistakenly says that Seward is dying.

Source

Library of Congress, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana, portfolio 7, no. 60

Rights

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

anonymous. ""Terrible Work of Blood!"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/754

Creator

anonymous

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

James S. Knox to his Father

Description

James S. Knox, a witness to the assassination, writes a detailed letter to his father describing the event, as well as the attacks at the Seward home, and the national feeling, saying that "the nation is aroused and terrible will be its vengeance."

Transcription

Ac 9360
Washington, DC
April 15, 1865
Dear Father,
It is with sad feeling that I take up my pen to address you. Last Friday night at 10 oclock, I witnessed the saddest tragedy ever was had in this country. Notwithstanding my promise to you not to visit the theatre, I cannot resist the temptation to see General Grant and the President, and when the curtain at Ford’s rose on the play of Our American Cousin my room mate and I were seated on the second row of the orchestra seats, just beneath the President’s box. The President entered the theatre at 8 ½ o’ck, amid deafening cheers and the rising of all. Everything was cheerful, and never was our magistrate more enthusiastically welcomed. Or more happy. Many pleasant allusions were made to him in the play, to which the audience gave deafening responses, while Mr. Lincoln laughed heartily and beamed frequently to the gratified people. Just after the 3rd Act, and before the scenes were shifted, a muffled pistol shot was heard, and a man sprang wildly from the national box, partially tearing down the flag, then shouting “ ‘sic semper tyrannis’, the south is avenged “ with brandished dagger, rushed across the stage and disappeared. The whole theatre was paralyzed. But two men sprang for the stage, a Mr. Stewart and myself. Both of us were familiar with the play, and suspected the fearful tragedy. We rushed after the murderer, and Mr. Stewart being familiar with the passages, reached the rear door in time to see him spring on his horse and ride off – I became lost amid the scenery and was obliged to return. My roommate had followed me and secured the murderer’s hat. The shrill cry of murder from Mrs. Lincoln first roused the horrified audience, and in an instant the uproar was terrible. The silence of death was broken by shouts of “kill him”, “hang him” and strong men wept and cursed, and tore the seats in the impotence of their anger, while Mrs. Lincoln, on her knees uttered shriek after shriek at the feet of the dying President. Finally the theatre was cleared and the President removed. Still greater was the excitement in the city. Rumors of the murder of Sec’y Seward and his son reached us as we gained the street – Mounted patrols dashed everywhere, bells tolled the alarm, and excited crowds rushed about the avenues, Despair was on every countenance, and black horror brooded over the city. Until long after midnight I was detained at Police Hd.Qrs., giving my evidence, and when I sought my room, in a distant part of the city – dark clouds had gathered in the heavens, and soldiers sternly paced their patrol. May I never see another such night. I could not sleep. I could only think, (but?) thought was weary, and in despair thought again.
Yesterday morning the President died. At 8 ½ ock, the kindest, noblest, truest heart ceased to beat, and Abraham Lincoln was dead. Let no man ever speak to me again about Southern Chivalry, or talk in sympathy with traitors. The events of last night can never be forgotten and while there is strength in my arm, I never can, never will, endure it – nor am I alone – the nation is aroused and terrible will be its new glower, Treason, pardoned, forgiven, patiently dealt with by our president, viper like, has stung the breast, that kindly treated it, and the traitor South has slain its bravest, noblest friend. Bitter, bitter will be the tears of repentance. But I cannot write of it – Andrew Johnson has been sworn, His speech was simple, “The duties now are mine, the results are God’s”. I trust he may perform his task faithfully, but, oh, for the Confidence, and the hope that we had in Lincoln, like a ship without a rudder is the nation tossed. Outwardly are we quiet, but in each heart, what horror, misgivings and despair-
But I must cease – (Lolita?) & Will R – left here Friday night. I presume by this time they are with you. By them you can learn of me better than I can write. Love to all.
Your affect son
James Knox
[Transcription by Dale Anderson.]

Source

Library of Congress

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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

James S. Knox. "James S. Knox to his Father". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/753

Creator

James S. Knox

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

"Awful Tidings! The President Assassinated!"

Description

The Buffalo Commercial Advertisement recounts the assassination and reprints a report sent by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

Source

Library of Congress, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana, portfolio 5

Rights

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

Buffalo Commercial Advertisement. ""Awful Tidings! The President Assassinated!"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/752

Creator

Buffalo Commercial Advertisement

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Foreign Minister Earl Russell to Minister Charles Francis Adams

Description

A letter from Earl Russell, Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, to Charles Francis Adams, U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom, acknowledging receipt of the official news of Lincoln's assassination and expressing his government's condolences.

Transcription

“Foreign Minister Earl Russell to Minister Charles Francis Adams”
Read. 2^[[d]] May, 1865.
Foreign Office
May 1. 1865.

Sir,
I have had the honour to receive
your note of this day’s date, officially
communicating to me the mealancholy
intelligence of the death, by the
hand of an assassin, of the Late
President of the United States.

When the first intelligence of
this had calamity reached this
country I [[convade]] to you by letter
and in person the deep impression
of horror and indignation which

Thanks Francis Adams Log
so atrocious a crime on the [[person]]
of the President of the United States
had made upon me and on the [[general]]
members of Her Majesty’s Government;
And it only [[remains]] for me now,
[[by]] acknowledging your letter, &
[[acquaint]] you that, by the command
of the Queen, I have directed Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington
to [[conoly]] to the government of the of the
United States the appearance that
Her Majesty sincerely condoles with
the family of the late President, and
that Her
Her Majesty’s Government and the
British Parliament and the British
Nation are affected by an unanimous
feeling of abhorrence of the
criminal guilty of this cowardly
and atrocious assassination, and
of their sympathy with the
Government and People of the
United States under the [[freak]]
calamity which has befallen them.
I have the honor to be with the
[[highest]] [[consideration]],
Sir,
Your [[British]] President,
Humble Servant,

Russell

[Transcription by: Alexis Ennis, Rachel Engl’s class, Lehigh University.]

Source

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, FOTH 3369, and National Archives, Record Group 84

Rights

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

John Russell, First Earl Russell. "Foreign Minister Earl Russell to Minister Charles Francis Adams". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/747

Creator

John Russell, First Earl Russell

Date

May 1, 1865

Full Title

Embassy Despatch 936: Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward

Description

Official dispatch from Charles Francis Adams, U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom, to William H. Seward, Secretary of State, acknowledging receipt of the news of the attacks upon Seward and President Abraham Lincoln, and discussing reaction in London.

Transcription

Aug 13, my [[Lincoln]]
[[tchfy1408]] [[Abe]]
No. 936.

Legation of the United States
London, 28 April, 1865

Sir:
I had the grief to receive the
day before yesterday the telegraphic
Despatches from Mr. Stanton, the
Secretary of War, and from Mr.
Hunter, the Chief Clerk of your
Department, announcing the af-
flicting event of the 14th, Instant
which has thrown our whole
people into such deep distress.
They also give a narrative of the
simultaneously savage onslaught
upon yourself in your sick room
and upon your son, the assistant
Secretary, which had not at the
latest date, and which I yet
permit myself to hope, will not
prove
The Hon: William H. Seward
Secretary of State.
Washington, D.C.

(Next Page)

prove fatal to either you.

I immediately took the
requisite measures to communicate
the intelligence to the different
legislators on the Continent.

It is but consistency that
a rebellion began in
perjury, treachery and fraud
should close with private
assassination.

The whole of the day was
one of the greatest excitements.
Few events of the present century
have created such general
consternation and indignation.
Many people called personally
at the legation to express their
deep sympathy and many more
sent me notes of the same tenor.

The notice taken by the
press are almost all of them
of a most honorable character.

(A. Hancock)

I transmit copies of the
leading newspapers. There
seems at last to be a general
testimony borne to the north noble
qualities

(Next Page)

qualities of the president and
the friendly disposition of the
Secretary of State.

Of all this eulogy he found
mingled with the alloy of
unworthy aspersions of the vice
President who succeeds, he has
abundant consolation in the
reflection that, when his predecessor
began, he was not a whit better
treated. It is a weakness of the
press and the people of this country
not to value some men properly
until they are lost. The cause of
the late Prince Consort is a
unremarkable instance.

The proceedings in the two
Houses of Parliament last evening
mark out the line proposed to
be adopted by the government
on this occasion.

I have the honor to be Sir,
your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams

[Transcription Team: Carli G., Summer D., Joslyn P., Tyler R.]
[New Hampton Middle School, New Hampton, Iowa]

Source

Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State and National Archives, Record Group 84

Rights

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

Charles Francis Adams. "Embassy Despatch 936: Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/745

Creator

Charles Francis Adams

Date

April 28, 1865

Full Title

State Department Instruction 1352: William Hunter to Charles Francis Adams

Description

Official dispatch from William H. Hunter to Charles Francis Adams, U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom, informing him of Lincoln's assassination and the attempt on Secretary of State William H. Seward's life. Hunter notes that William and Frederick Seward are both expected to recover, but that, in the meanwhile, Hunter is serving as Acting Secretary of State. Because the Transatlantic telegraph cable was no longer functioning, Adams received this dispatch on April 30.

Transcription

Read. 30 Apr. 65.
Circular
No. 1352
Department of state.
Washington. 17th April 1865

Sir:

The melancholy duty devolves
upon me officially to apprise
You of the assassination of the
president at Ford’s theatre in this
city in the evening of the 14th instant.
He died the next morning from
the effects of the wound.

About the same time an
attempt was made to assassinate
the Secretary of State in his own
house where he was in bed &
Suffering from the effects of the
late accident. The attempt failed, but Mr. Seward was
severely cut, on the face especially
it is supposed with a bowie knife.
Mr J; H, Seward was felled by a
blow or blows on the head, from
the assassin, and for some time
afterwards was apparently
Unconscious

Charles Francis Adam, Esquire,

Next page

Unconscious. Both the Secretary
and assistant Secretary are better
especially the former.
Andrew Johnson has formally
entered upon the duties of
President.
I have been authorized
temporarily to act as Ssecretary
of State.

[[?]], Sir
Your obedient servant
W.J. Hunter
Acting Secretary


[Transcription Team: Joshua H., Caleb D., Conner R., Carson B.]
[New Hampton Middle School, New Hampton, Iowa]

Source

Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State and National Archives, Record Group 84

Rights

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.

Tags

Cite this Item

William Hunter. "State Department Instruction 1352: William Hunter to Charles Francis Adams". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/744

Creator

William Hunter

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

"Horrible News! Culmination of Southern Fanaticism and Barbarism"

Description

April 16, 1865 edition of the Dubuque Daily Times from Dubuque, Iowa announcing the assassination and denouncing the act.

Source

Library of Congress, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana portfolio 8

Rights

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

Tags

Cite this Item

Dubuque Daily Times. ""Horrible News! Culmination of Southern Fanaticism and Barbarism"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/741

Creator

Dubuque Daily Times

Date

April 16, 1865