Full Title

"The Last of the Earth. The Greatest Demonstration Ever Made on the Pacific Coast"

Description

April 20, 1865 edition of San Francisco's Daily Alta in which the article describes the funeral obsequies performed for Lincoln.

Source

Library of Congress Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana, portfolio 6, no. 4

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Daily Alta. ""The Last of the Earth. The Greatest Demonstration Ever Made on the Pacific Coast"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/742

Creator

Daily Alta

Date

April 20, 1865

Full Title

Order of Exercises, Occasion of the Funeral of Abraham Lincoln

Description

Order of exercises for Lincoln's funeral. Published by Wm. H. Huse & Co., Printers, Newburyport, Massachusetts, April 19, 1865

Source

Library of Congress, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana portfolio 16, no. 33

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

Wm. H. Huse & Co., Printers, Newburyport, Massachusetts. "Order of Exercises, Occasion of the Funeral of Abraham Lincoln". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/737

Creator

Wm. H. Huse & Co., Printers, Newburyport, Massachusetts

Date

April 19, 1865

Full Title

Willie Clark to Ida Clark

Description

Willie Clark, the Petersen House boarder who lived in the room in which President Lincoln died, wrote to his sister four days after Lincoln's death. He described the scene in Washington, including funeral preparations, the hunt for the killers, and, most notably, souvenir hunters who daily came into his room. Clark himself kept some souvenirs, and sent others to his sister.

Transcription

Washington, DC

Wednesday Monday April 19, 1865



Dear Sister Ida.

To day the funeral of Mr. Lincoln takes place, the streets are being crowded at this early hour. (9 A M) and the procession will probably not move for 3 hours. We are moved back into the old building (Cor. 15 1/2.) It having been repaired. Ladies are thronging in here now, I have moved my desk close to my window to secure its use for myself and friends.



The past few days have been of intense excitement. Arrests are numerously made, of any party heard to utter secesh sentiments. The time has come when people cannot say what they please, the people are awfully indignant. Leinency is no longer to be thought of. A new code must be adopted.



They talk of the tyranical administration of Mr. Lincoln, but we have a man now for a president who will teach the south a lesson they will know well how to appreciate.



Since the death of our president hundreds daily call at the house to gain admission into my room.



I was engaged nearly all of Sunday with one of Frank Leslies Special Artist aiding him viz making a correct drawing of the last moments of Mr. Lincoln, as I knew the position of every one present he succeeded in executing a fine sketch, which will appear in their paper the last of this week. He intends, from this same drawing to have some fine large steel engravings executed. He also took a sketch of nearly every article in my room which will appear in their paper. He wished to mention the names of all in the room particularly the pothographs of yourself, Clara and Nannie, but I told him he must not do that, as they were members of my family and I did not wish them to be made so public. He also urged me to give him my picture or at least to allow him to take my sketch, but I could not see that. either.



Everybody has a great desire to obtain some memento from my room so that whoever comes in has to be closely watched for fear they will steal something.



I have a lock of his hair which I have had neatly framed, also a piece of linen with a portion of his brain, the pillow and case upon which he lay when he died and nearly all his wearing apparel but the latter I intend to send to Robt Lincoln as soon as the funeral is over, as I consider him the one most justly entitled to them.



The same matrass is on my bed, and the same coverlit covers me nightly that covered him while dying.



Enclosed you will find a piece of lace that Mrs. Lincoln wore on her head during the evening and was dropped by her while entering my room to see her dying husband It is worth keeping for its historical value.


The cap worked by Clara and the cushion by you, you little dreamed would be so historically connected with such an event.



I received your letter but before I answer it I must see what I can do. With that exception I have not received any letters although you blame me for not writing when to my knowledge I have written four, and you must be aware I am very anxious to hear about mothers health which in your letter you did not mention.



I wrote auntie a letter about a week ago and enclosed a love letter to Ella promising to marry her when I get to be 21.

Remember me to Henry Littlefield. Tell him I shall write him soon. Remember to Mrs . Little and family and all enquiring friends.



Love to father mother

and Clara, and dont forget you have a brother and send me a longer note soon.



I will write again soon.



Your affe. Brother

Willie



Please not give away any of this lace, out of our own family.



Envelope addressed to Miss Ida F. Clark, No. 7 Warren Street,

Boston Mass.

Source

National Park Service, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site; transcription by Richard Sloan, Surratt Courier, April 1991

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

William Clark. "Willie Clark to Ida Clark". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/707

Creator

William Clark

Date

April 19, 1865

Full Title

Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865

Description

Patent examiner Horatio Nelson Taft discussed the events of the previous month, calling April 1865 "the most eventful in the History of our Country."

Transcription

April 30th 1865

This has been a most eventful month. The most eventful in the History of our Country. We have seen during this month the complete crushing out of the “Great rebellion” by a series of masterly Military achievements. The occupation of the Rebel Capitol by our troops. The surrender of Genl Lee with his Army near Richmond, and the surrender of Genl Johnson and his Army in North Carolina, and above all in importance which has occured in the World during this month, The President of the United States has been assassinated. Abraham Lincoln, the good and kind hearted, was Shot while sitting in his Box at Fords Theatre on the night of the 14th Int at about half past ten O'clock. Mr Lincoln had been in the habit of attending the Theatre occasionaly, perhaps once in four or six weeks, as a relaxation from the arduous duties of his position and constant mental exertion. On this occasion he went rather reluctantly. But it had been published in the Bills that Himself and Genl Grant would be present, and Genl Grant having left the City in the evening train for Phila, the President said that he did not “wish the people to be disappointed” and so went with his Lady arriving about ½ past 8. Miss Harris (daughter of Hon Ira Harris) and Maj Rathbone of Albany were also in the same Box, which was a double one, two being thrown into one. This Box was in the 2nd Tier and entered from the Dress circle through a narrow corridor some three feet wide and eight or ten long. There was a door at the dress circle end and at the other end there were two doors, one for each Box but now the two Boxes being thrown into one, one of the doors was closed. The other was open, and all of them unguarded. The assassin J Wilkes Booth had made his arrangements in the most deliberate manner (probably during that day). He had fixed a bar across the door leading into the dress circle and had cut a hole through the closed door leading to the Box, which enabled him to see the exact position of the President and others in the Box without being seen himself. At about ½ past 10, he entered the corridor from the Dress circle, bared the door to prevent any one from entering, examined the position of Mr Lincoln through the hole in the closed door. Then entered the Box behind all who were there (as they were looking toward the stage) and standing within three or four feet of Mr Lincoln, Shot him in the back of the head. The ball entering about two inches from the left ear near the base of the skull and lodging in the brain about two inches back of the right eye. His head was probably inclined forward at the time. The Murderer rushed to the front of the Box with a dagger in his hand. Major Rathbone caught his coat but Booth struck him on the arm with the dagger wounding him severely, which compelled him to let go his hold. Booth vaulted over the front of the Box and as he did so exclaimed “Sic Semper Tyranis” (Thus To Tyrants). As he Jumped from the box his spur cau[gh]t in the flag and as he struck the to see the exact position of the President and others in the Box without being seen himself. At about ½ past 10, he entered the corridor from the Dress circle, bared the door to prevent any one from entering, examined the position of Mr Lincoln through the hole in the closed door. Then entered the Box behind all who were there (as they were looking toward the stage) and standing within three or four feet of Mr Lincoln, Shot him in the back of the head. The ball entering about two inches from the left ear near the base of the skull and lodging in the brain about two inches back of the right eye. His head was probably inclined forward at the time. The Murderer rushed to the front of the Box with a dagger in his hand. Major Rathbone caught his coat but Booth struck him on the arm with the dagger wounding him severely, which compelled him to let go his hold. Booth vaulted over the front of the Box and as he did so exclaimed “Sic Semper Tyranis” (Thus To Tyrants). As he Jumped from the box his spur cau[gh]t in the flag and as he struck the Stage he came to a crouching position from the effect of the concussion, his hands striking the floor but he recovered himself in a moment and flourishing his dagger he strode across the Stage some forty feet in sight of the spectators and past some of the actors, and reaching the back door which opens into a lane, he mounted a fleet horse and escaped. The lane enters F St betwen 9th & 10 Sts. The audience was paralized for some seconds, but rushed on to the Stage. A Surgeon was called for and Charles S Taft a Surgeon being present was lifted up from the Stage to the Box by those present. Before this the bar had been removed by Maj Rathbone and several men had reached the Box. When Chas reached the Box the President was lying upon the floor. Water and stimulants were used immediately but without avail in attempts to revive him. He was taken up and carried from the Theatre to the House opposite in
about fifteen minutes after he was shot. A Dr Leale from Armory Square Hospital was the first Surgeon in the box. But Chas did not know that there was any Surgeon but himself present until the President was removed from the Theatre. Chas had charge of him until Dr Stone (the Presidents family Physician) arrived which was half an hour after he was placed on a bed at the House of Mr Peterson, opposite. When the shot was fired Mrs Lincoln was sitting near her husband with her hand on his knee. She says she saw the flash and heard the report of the pistol, thinking it was in some way connected with the the Play. She leaned forward to see what it was, and then looked to Mr Lincoln to see where he was looking. He was sitting with his head droped down and eyes shut. She was not alarmed at this, he sometimes held his head in that way when in deep thought, but she put her hand on his forehead and he not stirring she put it on the back of his head and feeling it wet she immediately withdrew it covered with blood. She then screamed and that is the last she remembered that took place in the Theatre. She says, as she put her hand on his head she recollects that something suddenly brushed past her and rubbing off her Shawl. It was Booth as he jumped from the Box. The President made no noise, nor attempted to speak, nor Stirred a limb after he was shot, nor was he conscious for one moment from that time until he died. When his skin was touched or his hand was taken, there was a slight quiver or tremor of the muscles, but that was all. Mustard paste was applied nearly all over the body and stimulants were given as long as he could swallow in hopes to revive him but entirely without avail. His pulse ceased to beat at 22 minutes past Seven. Chas had his hand on his heart, he said it fluttered or trilled for 10 seconds longer. It was the opinion of the Surgeons that the wound would have killed most men instantly, or in a very few minutes. But Mr Lincoln had so much vitality that he lived nearly nine hours. There were four Surgeons in immediate or active attendance. Dr Stone, The Surgeon Genl Dr Barnes, The Assistant Surgeon Genl Dr Crane and Charles. Some others were present whose services were not required. Most of the members of the Cabinet were there all night. Chief Justice Chase and other distinguished men. Mr Senator Sumner with Robert Lincoln leaning on his shoulder near the head of the bed. Sec'y Stanton was active in giving directions and writing dispatches all night. Genl Meigs Stood at the door to keep out all who were not wanted or to see that the room was not crowded. The room is at the end of the entrance Hall about 9 feet by 15, with two windows and three doors, one door entering from the Hall, one at the left as you enter, opening to an open porch or piazza, and the other at the farther end of the room, opening into another small room from which stairs decended to to [sic] the Basement. Some few individuals came in to the room through that door clandestinely. Mrs Lincoln occupied a room near by with some of her friends who were there. She went in frequently to see the President with Doct Gurley (The family Pastor) who had been sent for about 3 O'clock. She was not in the room when he died. Robert Lincoln was there and Dr Gurley, the two private Secretaries of the President Nicolay and Hay. Upon one occasion when Mrs L went in and saw her husband she fainted and was carried out insensible. It was thought best for her not to be there when he died. Dr Gurley prayed by the bedside of the President when he first arrived (at 3 o'clock). Then went into the room where Mrs Lincoln was and prayed with her, and remained with her most of the time, accompanying her and supporting her into the room of the dying President when she visited it. After the death Dr Gurley who was standing near Mr Stanton said shall we have any religious exercises here or elsewhere now? Yes said Mr Stanton offer Prayer ________ now and here. For the last half hour before the death, the utmost stillness had prevailed in the room, not a word, not a whisper was heard. The President of the United States dying, surrounded by his Cabinet and many of the first men in the Nation standing like statues around the bed presented a scene for an artist seldom equaled for solemn grandeur. It is to be hoped that it will yet be transfered to Canvass. After the President died Dr Gurley went to Mrs L and told her “the President is dead.” O - why did you not let me know? Why did you not tell me? “Your friends thought it was not best. You must be resigned to the will of God. You must be calm and trust in God and in your friends.” She soon after left, with Dr G for her Home. She was asked during the night if her son “Tad” (Thaddeus) (a boy about twelve years old) should be sent for. “O, my poor “Taddy” what will become of him? O do not send for him, his violent grief would disturb the House.” When they reached the Presidents house “Tad” met them on the Portico. “Where is my Pa? Where is my Pa? He kept repeating the question till they got into the room of Mrs Lincoln. He had heard that his Pa had been shot but evidently expected him when his mother came. He was very much excited and alarmed but had not thought that his Pa could be dead. “Taddy” your Pa is dead” said Dr Gurley. He was not prepared for this. He screamed in an agony of grief “O what shall I do? What shall I do? My Brother is dead. My Father is dead. O what shall I do? What will become of me? O what shall I do? O mother you will not die will you. O don't you die Ma. You wont die will you Mother? If you die I shall be all alone. O dont die Ma.” Dr Gurley said that up to that time he himself had not shed a tear, but he could not witness “Tads” grief unmoved and the Tears flowed freely. He said, when I got back to my own house at about 10 o'clock that morning, “I felt as though I had been engaged all night in a terrible Battle and had but just strength enough left to drag myself off the field.”

Source

Library of Congress, Manuscript Division

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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

Horatio Nelson Taft. "Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/691

Creator

Horatio Nelson Taft

Date

April 30, 1865

Full Title

U.S. Military Telegraph of Gideon Welles, Secretary Navy, to Comdt. Navy Yard [J.B. Montgomery], May 4, 1865

Description

States, "Have Guns fired every half hour from noon till Sunday closing with a national Salute, in honor of the late President whose funeral is now taking place in Springfield, Illinois. . . ."

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This item is in the public domain.

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Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878. "U.S. Military Telegraph of Gideon Welles, Secretary Navy, to Comdt. Navy Yard [J.B. Montgomery], May 4, 1865". . Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/671

Creator

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Publisher

Date

May 4, 1865

Material

Full Title

United States Military Telegraph of F.A. Parker to A.J. Kane, New York, [April 29], 1865

Description

States, "You can remain until after the funeral. . . ." Additional instructions in pencil state, "The Com. wishes the Bulletin of the war news to-day - also any further particulars in regard to the taking of Booth [John Wilkes Booth]."

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This item is in the public domain.

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Parker, F. A.. "United States Military Telegraph of F.A. Parker to A.J. Kane, New York, [April 29], 1865". . Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/668

Creator

Parker, F. A.

Publisher

Date

April 29, 1865

Material

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

Rights

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

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Cite this Item

anonymous. "Unsigned Note to George Harrington, April 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/678

Creator

anonymous

Date

April 1865

Full Title

List of the Diplomatic Corps entitled to attend the funeral ceremonies of Abraham Lincoln, [April] 1865

Description

Lists diplomats and other dignitaries from various countries who were invited to attend the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln.

Transcription

List of the Diplomatic Corps

1865

Entitled to attend the Funeral Ceremonies

[Page 2]

Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary

Portugal. The Commander J.C. de Figaniere e Morao
Charlestown, Md

Prussia. Baron von Gerolt
Washington

Guatemala. Senor [Señor] Don Antonio José de Yrisarri [Irisarri]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Spain. Senor Don Gabriel Garcia y Tassara
Corcorans Row. I. St.

Russia. Mr. Eduard de Stoeckle [Stoeckl]
Cor. I. & Connecticut Avenue

Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Honduras Senor [Señor] Don Luis Molina
F. st. bet: 20th & 21st sts.

Great Britain. Sir Frederick Bruce
245 H Street

Belgium. Mr. Alfred Berghuans.
Washington.

[Page 3]

Netherlands. Mr Roest van Limburg
N.Y.

Mexico. Senor Don Matias Romero.
h. 263 G Street.

Denmark. Mr. W.R. Raasloff [Raasløff]
29 Fifth Avenue
h. 46 Clinton Place, N.Y.

Italy. The Commander Joseph Butinatti.
At Mrs. Mackall’s, 7 Buildings.

Venezuela. Senor [Señor] Blas Bruzual
h. 35. West 35th 33rd Street, N. York

United States of Columbia [Colombia]. Genl. Eustorgio Salgar
Gramercy Park Hotel New York.

Sweden and Norway. Baron N.G. de Wetterstedt.
Washington

[Page 4]
Ministers Resident
Hanseatic Republics

Austria. Count Wydenbruck.
Washington.

[Page 5]
Chargés d’ Affaires

Chili [Chile]. Senor [Señor] Don F. Asta Buruaga.
Corcoran’s Row, I St.

Hayti [Haiti]. Mr. W. D. Bruno.

France. Mr. de Geofroy.
310. H. Street.

Liberia. John B. Pinney
New York

Peru. Senor José Antonio Garcia y Garcia.
Gramercy House, New York.

Hanseatic Republics. Dr. Johannes Rosing.
Corner 6th and D. streets.

Brazil. Senhor Ignacio de Avellar Barbosa [Barloza] de [da] Silva
Washington.

Hawaii. S.W. F. Odell.

Great Britain. J. Hurne Burnley
245. H. St.

Belgium. Mr. Alfred Berghmans.
Washington

[Page 6]

First Secretaries

Prussia. Baron Guido von Grabow, Georgetown.

Russia. Mr. Waldemar de Bodisco. do [Georgetown]

Italy. Mr. Henry Cora. Washington

Peru. Don Emilio Bonifaz. Gramercy Park Hotel N. York.

Mexico. Señor Don Ignacio Mariscal.

Spain. Señor Don Mariano de Potestad Wash.

Brazil. Senhor Luis Auguste de Padua Fleury.

Venezuela. Señor Florencio Ribas.

United States of Columbia [Colombia]. Señor Felipe Zapata.

Netherlands. Mr. A.P.C. Van Karnbeck [Karnebeek].

[Page 7]

Second Secretaries

Spain. Senor Don Luis de Potestad. Wash.

Russia. Mr. Alexander Davydov “

Great Britain. Francis Ottiwell Adams, Esq. “
Frederick Autrobus, Esq. “

France. Mr le Comte de Faverney “
M. de Minogues “

Mexico. Senor [Señor] Francisco D. Macin. “

Third Secretaries

Great Britain. R.T. G Kirkpatrick “
Edwin Constantine Henry Phipps “
Arthur Henry Seymour “
H. B. Smyth “
[Page 8]

Attaches

Portugal. Senhor G. J. de Fejaniere, Charlestown Md.

Spain. Señor Don Miguel de Bertodano, Washington

France. M. le Comte Grande Colbert “
M. Arthur de Pont “

Great Britain. The Hon. Thomas George Grosvenor “

Italy. Mr. R. Cantagalli

Venezuela. Commander José J. Roldan N. York
Senor Abraham I. Dorale “

United States of Columbia [Colombia]. Senor [Señor] Francisco Párraga “
Senor [Señor] Gustave F. Gonzales “

Chancellors

France. Mr Paul Dejardin Wash

--
[Transcription by: Patrick J. Lynch]

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This item is in the public domain.

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Cite this Item

Harrington, George, 1815-1892. "List of the Diplomatic Corps entitled to attend the funeral ceremonies of Abraham Lincoln, [April] 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/675

Creator

Harrington, George, 1815-1892

Date

April 1865

Material

Full Title

Unsigned note to Hon. E.M. Stanton, [April 1865]

Description

States, "The running of cars upon the street railroads, between 17th street and the Congressional Cemetery, should cease to-morrow between 11 A.M., and to P.M. The rolling of cars, and the jingle of bells will contrast strangely with the solemnity of those several hours. . . ." Instructions for the day of Abraham Lincoln's funeral.

Transcription

[*4-1865*]
Missouri
Historical Society
Saint Louis
Bixby Collection

Hon E M Stanton
Sec of War
Sir
The running of cars
upon the street railroads, between
17th Street and the Congressional
Cemetery, should cease to-morrow
between 11 A M and 2 P M.
The rolling of cars, and the jingle
of bills will contrast strangely
with the solemnity of those sacred
hours.
Affection.

PRESENTED TO
MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BY W. K. BIXBY

[Transcription by Henry R.]

Source

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This item is in the public domain.

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anonymous. "Unsigned note to Hon. E.M. Stanton, [April 1865]". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/680

Creator

anonymous

Date

April 18, 1865

Full Title

Admission Ticket to the White House

Description

A black-bordered admission ticket to call at the White House during the official mourning period.

Transcription

EAST.

Admit the Bearer to the
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
On WEDNESDAY, the 19th of April, 1865




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

Source

Rights

This item is in the Public Domain.

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United States Government. "Admission Ticket to the White House". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed May 25, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/682

Creator

United States Government

Date

April 19, 1865

Material

Paper