Full Title

Handwritten letter to Joseph Medill from Schuyler Colfax

Description

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Schuyler Colfax's response to Chicago Tribune newspaper editor and owner Joseph Medill's April 14, 1865 letter to Abraham Lincoln. Colfax describes the immediate aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.

Transcription

Page one

National Hotel, Wash.

April 17, 1865

My dear Medill:

Alas! Alas! Your letter was “too late”. I have scarcely any hart to write to anybody or about anything; but I asked Mr. Lincoln about Chicago, on the mourning of the day he died and he said he would go if he could. The whole policy of the Gov’t was settled at a unanimous cabinet meeting on that fatal day. If I can possibly get over to see you any day next week, from S. B. and spend a few hours (my time is very scarce) I will do so, and tell you many things. There will probably be no extra session. The inevitable resolutions about England, France & Portugal that would pass under

Page two

the P. I. and embarrass the Gov’t will prevent it. Besides the certain intestine controversies about Reconstruction. Johnson & Stanton were to have been murdered too. There were 6 conspirators in all. They supped together at 7 ½ p.m. at the Greenback restaurant near Fads bid each other good bye. Not for publication, if not published are ere you receive this. In room above Johnson’s, hdkf. with Booth’s name, sword and bowie knife between the beds were found. Asteroth was to kill Johnson. The N.Y. detective are exploring every clue. All private this.

The knife of Booth was doubtless intended for Grant. He has been hanging around the national all winter and is said to know me. Had I gone with the President to the theater I suppose I would have had it. But that is little compared to the President.

Page three

Much obliged for what you tell me about a young lady I think really a great deal of. But I ought not to know what you say. Mrs. M. may tell me of her opinion of me. The shadow of the past is over yet, when alone, more than ever; and I have no more idea and ought not to have as to matrimony than you have today. I should be very exacting as to affection & I ought not to think of changing my situation unless I feel that I could give as much as I should demand. I generally pass by these things as Mrs. M. knows, buy I have given you a glimpse into a heart that has ceased to sorrow for what God took from me forever.

With earnest regards to Mrs. M.

Yours ever

Schuyler Colfax

I yet expect to the plains in May.

Source

Robert R. McCormick Research Center, III-10 Joseph Medill Archives, 1840-1899

Rights

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

Tags

Cite this Item

Colfax, Schuyler, 1823-1885. "Handwritten letter to Joseph Medill from Schuyler Colfax". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/268

Creator

Colfax, Schuyler, 1823-1885

Date

April 17, 1865

Material

Letter

Full Title

"A French Criticism on the Bancroft Oration."

Description

Excerpts from a French newspaper, criticizing the memorial address delivered by George Bancroft on the birthday of the late President Lincoln. Published in the Montgomery Daily Mail on February 22, 1866.

Source

Excerpt from the Montgomery Daily Mail, item number ADVCOL42. Catalog record for this title is available here.

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as defined here. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Tags

Cite this Item

Montgomery Daily Mail. ""A French Criticism on the Bancroft Oration."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/234

Creator

Montgomery Daily Mail

Date

February 22, 1866

Full Title

"Further Particulars of the Washington Tragedy."

Description

Dispatches reporting events after the assassination of President Lincoln. They give details about the attacks on the presidents and Secretary of State Seward; Lincoln's death and Seward's recovery; the inauguration of President Johnson; the surrender of Confederate forces to General Sherman; and the capture of John Wilkes Booth. The reports were reprinted in the Montgomery Daily Mail on May 1, 1865.

Source

Excerpt from the Montgomery Daily Mail, book number ADVCOL39. Catalog record for this title is available here.

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as defined here. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Tags

Cite this Item

Montgomery Daily Mail. ""Further Particulars of the Washington Tragedy."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/210

Creator

Montgomery Daily Mail

Date

May 1, 1865

Full Title

"Meeting of Chaplains."

Description

Article reporting the organization of a new association for U.S. Army chaplains in Montgomery, Alabama. The group formed committees to arrange mourning services and adopt resolutions regarding the assassination of the president. The resolutions (included in the text) praise Lincoln; pledge a commitment to the principles he stood for; support the new president; denounce the murder (and "the bitter spirit of hatred and malice out of which it grew"); and promote a spirit of patience and kindness when dealing with the former rebels. Published in the Montgomery Daily Mail on May 6, 1865.

Source

Excerpt from the Montgomery Daily Mail, book number ADVCOL39. Catalog record for this title is available here.

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as defined here. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Tags

Cite this Item

Montgomery Daily Mail. ""Meeting of Chaplains."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/206

Creator

Montgomery Daily Mail

Date

May 6, 1865

Full Title

"Citizens' Meeting at Odd Fellows' Hall."

Description

Article reporting a meeting in Mobile, Alabama, at which "the oldest and most prominent citizens" decried the assassination of President Lincoln: "All differences of political opinion were, for the nonce buried, and with one accord the people denounced in unmeasured terms the murderer - the dastardly assassin, of the President of the United States." The men issued resolutions to this effect and also one "of thanks to the army generally." Published in the Mobile Daily News on April 22, 1865.

Source

Excerpt from the Mobile Daily News, item number LN.1515. Catalog record for this title is available here.

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as defined here. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Tags

Cite this Item

Mobile Daily News. ""Citizens' Meeting at Odd Fellows' Hall."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/205

Creator

Mobile Daily News

Date

April 22, 1865

Full Title

"A Proclamation by the President."

Description

Proclamation issued by President Johnson, declaring May 25, 1865, as a national day of mourning: "...to be observed, wherever in the United States the flag of the country may be respected...recommending my fellow-citizens then to assemble in their respective places of worship, there to unite in solemn service to Almighty God in memory of the good man who has been removed, so that all shall be occupied at the same time in contemplation of his virtues and sorrow for his sudden and violent end." Published in the Montgomery Daily Mail on May 8.

Source

Excerpt from the Montgomery Daily Mail, item number LN.1507. Catalog record for this title is available here.

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as defined here. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Tags

Cite this Item

Montgomery Daily Mail. ""A Proclamation by the President."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/201

Creator

Montgomery Daily Mail

Date

May 8, 1865

Full Title

Note from Joseph A. Wheelock to his wife, Kate French Wheelock, upon hearing news of Lincoln's death

Description

A short, personal note from Joseph Albert Wheelock, a journalist in Saint Paul, to his wife Kate French Wheelock, commenting on the assassination of President Lincoln. It reads: "My darling, If you have tears prepare to shed them now Weep - Weep - Weep for the Slain of the daughters of my people." The envelope with it is just as interesting: "Father's note to Mother when Lincoln was assassinated. Mr. Colgrave told me that he was with Father when the news came - and that he staggered across the room sank down and burst into tears."

Transcription

My darling, If you have tears prepare to shed them now Weep - Weep - Weep for the Slain of the daughters of my people.

Source

Joseph A. Wheelock and Family Papers, 1719, 1756, 1803 - 1906. P334, box 4, Minnesota Historical Society

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as Joseph A. Wheelock and family papers, Minnesota Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please see this web page: http://bit.ly/1ml2lCd

Tags

Cite this Item

Joseph Albert Wheelock. "Note from Joseph A. Wheelock to his wife, Kate French Wheelock, upon hearing news of Lincoln's death". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/189

Creator

Joseph Albert Wheelock

Date

April 15, 1865

Material

paper