Full Title

Circular from Veterans of the National Guard (New York City)

Description

An April 29th, 1865 circular regarding the death of Abraham Lincoln by the National Guard. The National Guard pledges support to the Union and evokes the image of Abraham Lincoln as a martyr to human liberty who fought to uphold the government. Praises Andrew Johnson as the next Executive of State for his attributes of patriotism and loyalty to the Union.

Source

Ms 101035

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Connecticut Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires permission. For permission, please contact the Connecticut Historical Society. chs.org/research/digital-reproduction.

Tags

Cite this Item

Head quarters of the 7th Regiment Armory, National Guard (New York). "Circular from Veterans of the National Guard (New York City)". Francis & Loutrel (45 Mainden Lane, N.Y.). Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/867

Creator

Head quarters of the 7th Regiment Armory, National Guard (New York)

Publisher

Francis & Loutrel (45 Mainden Lane, N.Y.)

Date

April 29, 1865

Material

type on paper

Dimensions

27cm x 21cm

Full Title

Roland G.Smith to Cousin Nettie

Description

Roland G. Smith, a resident of Burlington, CT, served in the 12th Connecticut Regiment during the Civil War. Over the course of the spring of 1865, Roland wrote several letters to his cousin Nettie from Savannah, Georgia and Summit Point, Virginia. Smith mentions the impact of Lincoln's death on the camp and general public.

Transcription

[Page 1]
Summit Point V.A.
April 17th 1865

Dear Cousin I received your kind letter the 14th and was glad to here from you once more and glad to here that you was well. there has been a good deal of exciting news since I wrote to you before and I have been in quite a martch to of about 80 miles. I sopose you don’t think 80 miles is very far but if you should come to walk it with a Gun and equipment to carry and a napsack on your back you would think it was a long walk. we left here the 4th went up the Valley about 40 miles to stop Genl. Lee from coming down the Valley case he should try to with what troop had left after leaving Richmond but after we

[Page 2]
Had got up the Valley about 40 miles we heard that Lee had surrendered to Grant with his whol Army so we turned back and are now at Summit Point again but I think we will move from here again soon but do not know. from the 2nd of this month up to the evening of the 19th we had Glorious news but the evening of the 14th we had very sad news you know what I mean of corse for you must of heard it and every body els in the United States. the murder of our President and Secretary Seward and Son seriously wounded we have not got the particulars of the news yet here but will tonight when the papers come I sopose you know more about it than I do, but I tell you it makes for sad times here all the Bands playing solemn airs and the flags at half mast and so I hope the scoundrels that done it will be cached and hanged at the first Tree they come too …

I have cached an awful cold and it has settled in to my eyes. and my right eye is swelled so I can not see out of it and I haf to keep it done up so you see I have not got but one eye to see to write with and that one is sore and it makes it ache to write so I guess this wont be a very long letter and it is wrotd so poor I guess you wont care but a short is better than none perhaps I am in hopes this war will soon be over so I can come and see you instead of having to write so much I think I shall be to home by fall if I live until that time every thing looks favorable now I think for a speedy Peace and I guess every body is longing to see it Sitzens as well as Soldiers…

I dont feel so as I could write much more this time pleas write to me after give me best respects to Uncle Chauncy and Aunt Caroline and Frankie and I send my best. Love to you so good bye for this time this from your Affectionate
Cousin
Roland G Smith
PS) pleas direct the same as before

[Page 3]
Savannah G.A.
June 22nd 1865

Dear Cousin I
received your kind ltr [letter] last night, I was glad to here [hear] from you once more and glad to here that you was well. I have not had a letter before since I left Washington 22 days ago until last night I got 3 last night one from you and one from Marie and one from a friend of mine in P.A. I have not heard from home yet since I left W. but I expect I shall soon when I wrote to you before I thought I should soon be home but the heacting of this letter dont look much like it nor

[Page 4]
does it the last day of May we thought we should be home in a few days and the first day of June we got orders to go to Savannah which nocked all our Home thoughts in the head June 1st in the after noon we got orders to pack up and be ready to move we got ready and started left our camp near Brightwood and matched down threw [through] the City to the Steamboat dock when we got Aboard of Steamer A. Harder and went to Alexandria there we got transfered [transferred] to an Ocean Steamer the Matanzas and started from Alexandria at daylight the 2nd got in to the Savannah River in the forenoon of the 5st and there we got transfered from the Mantanzas in to a River Steamer the U.S. Grant the Mantanzas drawing too much water to run up the River after we got on to the U.S. Grant we started go to Savannah at 6 Oclock [o’clock] P.M. the 5th got of [off] from the Steamer and matched threw [through] the City and went in to camp just out side of the City where the Regiment shift gunner’s but I dont remain there with them I am Fasining it the 9th of this month I was detailed as a safe guard out about a mile from camp most in a farmers place to keep the Soldiers from destroying his property he is a real nice man and good to the Soldiers to if they come and ask him to any thing he give it to them so they dont try to steal from him they dont bother me a tall I dont have any thing to do unless I am a ?nnd to any time I wan [want] to go to the City I can take his Horse and buggie [buggy] and go and if I am hungry I can get something to eat and that that is good to they live life tof here I tell you I shoudt [shouldn’t] complain of my duty here while I am in Savannah if I have the same duty all the while that I have got

[Page 5]
nice but still I had rather be discharged and to home than here after all but I dont think we shall get home nor ride away I think we are good for 6 months here in Savannah if not more it is a very prety [pretty] place here by prety sickley [sickly] we can get most any thing we want here Vegetables of all kinds most are in there prime now. and also Blackberry and Whistleberry are ripe now and a plenty of them at that so you see there is a plenty of every thing here now I dont know as I have got much more news to write this time pleas [please] write to me again soon for I like to here from you after I am well and hope this will find you and all your folks the same give my best Love to Uncle Channey and Aunt Caroline and Frankie and all enquiring friends and I send best Love to you so good bye for this time pleas accept these few lines from your affectionate Cousin
Roland G Smith

[Page 6]
Summit Point V.A.
March 25th 1865

Dear Cousin Nettie
I received your kind letter the 14th of this month and I should have answered it before but I have been on duty so much lately that I have not had much time to write. I was glad to here [hear] from you once more and glad to here that you was well and all the rest of your folks. have you heard from Father yet if you have let me know when you write again I have wrote three letters to him but have not got an answer from any of them if you have not

[Page 7]
heard from him lately I will write to his Captain and see what has become of him he may be a Prisoner as you say I guess he is if there aint [ain’t] any body heard from him lately for I am shure he would answer write to some one if he was not you said that you heard that Ida Hough was dead and wanted to know if I knew whether it was so I do not know whether it is or not but one of his Sons tents with me and he has not heard of it and if it was so I should thought he would heard of it. I havent [haven’t] got much news to write this time there is nothing new here the same thing left over and over day after day first Picket then Camp guard the Police and so on but I dont think we will hafto [have to] do a Soldiers duty much longer for I think this war is about over every thing looks like it was any way the South is whiped [whipped] now and they know it all the Private soldiers of the South say so and say there is no use of fighting any longer and they are deserting and coming in to our lines now as fast as they can there is a few leading men in the South that wanto [want to] hold out as long as they can now they know they are whiped but I dont think that can be very long now. but I am afraid that before or by the time that peace is declared between North and South that the United States will be at war with Foreign Naitions but I hope not but if it does we will hafto [have to] take it the best we can I suppose. the Bible says that all Naitions [Nations] shall be at war with each other and I think some times that this is the beginning of that war but I hope and Trust not though I hope the time will soon come when peace is restored

[Page 8]
To our land and that we Soldiers may go home once more and see our Friends and relatives and I trust God it will I dont [don’t] know as I have got much more to write this time please write to me again soon for I like to here from you often give my Love to Uncle Channey and Aunt Caroline and Frankie and all enquiring Friends and I send my best Love to you so good bye for this time this from your
Affectionate Cousin
Roland G Smith
PS) Please started the same as before

[Transcription by McCaela Michas]

Source

Ms 101789

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Connecticut Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires permission. For permission, please contact the Connecticut Historical Society. chs.org/research/digital-reproductions.

Tags

Cite this Item

Roland G. Smith . "Roland G.Smith to Cousin Nettie ". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/866

Creator

Roland G. Smith

Date

March 1865

Material

ink on paper

Dimensions

16.5cm x 10.5cm (folded)

Full Title

Draft of resolutions adopted by the Union League of Hartford

Description

Draft of resolutions adopted in April, 1865 by the Union League of Hartford regarding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Resolutions condemn the assassination and the individual who carried it out, along with avowing to support the republic and its endeavors.

Source

Union League of Hartford

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution to the Connecticut Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires permission. For permission, please contact the Connecticut Historical Society at chs.org/research/digital-reproductions.

Tags

Cite this Item

Union League of Hartford. "Draft of resolutions adopted by the Union League of Hartford". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/862

Creator

Union League of Hartford

Date

April, 1865

Material

paper

Dimensions

32cm X 19.5cm

Full Title

Dunks Family Correspondence

Description

Near the end of the second page, Julius Dunks begins to briefly describe the funeral for Abraham Lincoln in Union City, a village in Southern Michigan that served as an important juncture in the Underground Railroad. He notes that the townspeople intended to hold a procession, but a hard rain forced them to cancel.

Transcription

JSDunks

Apr 23 / 65

Union City April 23, 1865

Brother Oliver.

Your kind & wel
comed letter was rec - last
Friday. was kind a glad to
hear from thee. We have been
pretty busy the past week
monday & Tues forenoon I plowed
Thursday forenoon have about
another days work to do yet
it has rained conciderable,
this week and been very cold
Wensday morn. Father & I
went up to Mr Coats and
Bought a tree for stakes and
gave him 1.00 then he gave
us six other cuts so we
have about six hundred
stakes in all they are all
split but one. yesterday fore
noon I sharpened Stakes and

in the after noon I drew them
home & spread them arround
we have got about half of them
home. Father is going to sharpen
the rest of them & split that
out tomorrow. Coats also gave
us annother tree that was dead
for rails it is alittle rotten on
the out side but guess that
it is sound at the heart It
is a large Black Ash, we are
going to use it for rails we
have also bought the timber for
one thousand rails for 5.00 we
are to cut & Split ourselfs.
Mary has got over the measles.
and is pretty well. Mat has also
got well Ed [Burten?] was taken
but has not been very sick
Lucy Leigh is pretty sick with
them now. they had quite a time
here last wensday they held Mr
Lincoln Funeral that day the

church was crouded as full as
it could be. the church was
all draped in mourning.
just about they same as they did
there. they were intending to
have a procession but it rained
very hard. William received
that package last night. they look
very well I have not tried any
of them. I am going to take a lode
of Read Wheat out out to
Coldwater to morrow & Wm
is going with me. We heard to
day that uncle Georges Baby was
Just alive. [illegible in original] [music?] looks pretty
well. We sold 26 Bushels of corn
last week pert of it - 1.00 1.25- ,80
we have about ten Bush. left
the Sheep all look well we have
not got any lambs yet but guess
that they will be gin to come
the last of this week.

Who did Lib Dunks merey

has She had those photograph
yet I think that her foot mus be
well by this time. where is she
going to live, I have had quite
a time with my arm it worked
first rate I only Stopped work
one day It Swelled up pretty
big how does yours get allong
mother wants you to send
the scab home in a letter
so that she can vaxinate
Mary & Wm what is there
about [illegible in original] Bills that
you do not under stand then
would be a tiptop place.

Pleas write Soon

Yours J S Dunks

___________________________________
April 25 dear Brother I will try & fill the
sheat I am going to [start?] on my expedition
tomorrow morn ing Think I shall be gone
about 2 weeks the first time I am very
much pleased with the Pens. Who did [herb?]
Dunks marry that is what is his name
& what is his Business you did not
tell what those ties cost apiece

You Brother W C Dunks

Source

c.00123 - Dunks Family Correspondence

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Tags

Cite this Item

Julius S. Dunks. "Dunks Family Correspondence". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/861

Creator

Julius S. Dunks

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

April 23, 1865

Material

Ink and Paper

Dimensions

5" x 8"

Full Title

Dunks Family Correspondence

Description

Oliver Dunks tells his brother, Tom, that he just attended the eulogy of President Lincoln at the Congregational Church in Detroit (most likely the church located at the corner of Fort St. and Wayne St.). He briefly describes the visual displays of mourning in the church and the city and concludes by observing that the country seems to be just as, if not more sorrowful for the death of Lincoln than they were for that of President George Washington.

Transcription

Detroit Apl 19 / 65

Dear Brother Tom

Your welcome
letter of the 17th just recd glad
to hear from you The loss
that you refer to that our
Nation has suffered is irreparable
shocking to think of but it
showes how he posesed the affections
of the hearts of the people I have
just been over to his funeral
at or eulogy at the Congrega
-tional Church the regular
funeral is to be next Tuesday
th City is draped in mourn
ing and has been from
the the time of hearing the
inteligence our Church was
draped clear around also and
all the front of the pulpet
I think that our country
mourned no more for
Washington than they have &
will for Father Abraham
I sent those pens this morn
and will enclose Bill
cost $66. you can sell them
in any shape that you can
holders or pens Chas had no
medium. Pens with Silver Holders
but will soon Sib is to be
married tomorrow morning
at Nine oClock I am invited
there is to be only the family
Henry has got back I have
just noticed that you say
that you will not go to
Coldwater until Monday
well all right I believe that
I would try awhile in
Coldwater I have not found
a Situation yet Please write soon

Your Brother

Oliver. S. Dunks

Source

c.00123 - Dunks Family Correspondence

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Tags

Cite this Item

Oliver S. Dunks. "Dunks Family Correspondence ". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/860

Creator

Oliver S. Dunks

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

April 19, 1865

Material

Ink and Paper

Dimensions

5" x 8"

Full Title

Grand Rapids Herald Articles

Description

In a retrospective, the Grand Rapids Herald sought the perspectives of local residents who remembered the day Lincoln was assassinated. Harvey J. Hollister recalled the intense grief felt by many in Grand Rapids and the ways in which they practiced collective, public mourning. Next, the article quoted extensively from two editorials by the Grand Rapids Eagle, one on the day the war ended on April 8, 1865, and one immediately after the assassination on the 15th. These were included to be representative of the broader shift in Northern public opinion from optimism to disillusionment in this short span of time. In the subsequent article, Big Rapids, Michigan, resident J. P. Huling described his memories of being an audience member at Ford’s Theater the night of the assassination. Furthermore, he remembered details of Lincoln’s funeral as well as the two times he saw Lincoln before the president’s death.

Transcription

[penciled in at top of page] [1899] The Grand Rapids H[cut off]

Was a Day of Great Sorrow

----------

The Assassination of
President Lincoln
Thirty-Four Years
Ago Still Fresh in
the Mind of the
People—How the
News of the Trag-
edy Was Received
in Grand Rapids,
April 15, 1865.

It was just 34 years ago yesterday that
the sad news swept over the country that
“Honest Old Abe,” the martyr president,
had died by the assassin’s knife. Doubly
sad was it because of the frame of mind
in which it found the people. The tidings
of the surrender of Lee’s entire army and
the probably downfall of the confederacy
had but the week before thrown the cou-
try into an ecstacy of joy, and the cele-
brations of that glad news were still go-
ing on and on the faces of all the smile of
great joy reflected the feeling of every
heart. Then like the bolt from the clear
sky fell the news that Lincoln had after
years of toil in behalf of his loved coun-
try at last made the supreme sacrifice
and had crossed the river to enter into
the welcome that surely awaited him on
the other side.

To those who were living at that time
the recollection of that dark 15th of April
is still as fresh as if the happening had
been but yesterday.

Harvey J. Hollister was at the time liv-
ing in the city and recalls most vividly
the scenes of what he terms the saddest
and strangest day he ever spent.

Said Mr. Hollister in describing how
the news was received here: “My wife
and I were walking down to the bank to-
gether about 9 o’clock in the morning
and the first thing which attracted our
attention was the strange actions of the
people on the street. On the face of
every one we met we notice a look of
the most abject sorrow. So remarkable
was it that we became most anxious to
know the reason. It was but a week be-
fore that we had helped to celebrate
when the news of Lee’s surrender reach-
ed us, and we thought that the war was
over and now the people looked more
somber than after the greatest defeats

[illustration of Ford’s Theater]

[Caption] [FORD’S THEATER, WASHINGTON]

which we had suffered. Men would stop
and look into each other’s faces and then
as they shook hands, tears would begin
to roll down their cheeks and they would
separate without a word.

“At last we reached the telegraph of-
fice and found it crowded with a lot of
silent men. Leaving my wife outside, I
crowded in and soon learned the sad
news. It is impossible to describe the
utter feeling of bewilderment which pos-
sessed us all. I felt as if the very
ground had been cut from under me. We
had by that time come to know and ap-
preciate the magnificent qualities and in-
finite wisdom of the president and each
man that morning wept as though he had
lost a dear friend or some member of his
own household.

“The grief at that time was different
from that which I ever saw before or
since in its personal character. The com-
on people had come to have implicit
confidence and trust in the wisdom of
the president and when the news reached
us that he was gone it was as though
we had suddenly been told that our last
and only hope had failed.

---------

“Business was stopped at once and all
places were closed and the mayor issued
a proclamation that all flags be hung at
half mast and that all business cease for
the day. The people crowded into the
streets and meetings were held which
were all pervaded by the same spirit of
absolute grief which was reflected in the
face of every passerby. Monroe street
was one mass of black from head to foot
and the residence portion of the city was
all draped: everything of a black color
being utilized to express in this only
available way the intense sorrow which
was in every one’s heart. The next day
which was Sunday, the services in every
church were of a memorial character
and Lincoln’s greatness was eulogized by
men who struggled with their emotions
and who utterly failed to find the words to
express the sorrow they felt. At first it
was thought that the work was that of
emissaries of the confederacy and the
wrath of the people found vent in the im-
precations against a power that would
avail its unholy purposes.

“I recall exactly the words which one
man said when he turned from the office
after hearing the news. They were:
‘Well, the south has lost the best friend
she ever had,’ and as he spoke the tears
ran down his cheeks in torrents.”

---------

Two editorials clipped from the Grand
Rapids Eagle of the issues of April 8 and
9 show the strong revulsion of feeling


which passed over the populace at the
time when the news of the death of the
president reached here. On April 8 the
editor wrote of Lee’s surrender thus:

[written in smaller font] [The end has come. The morning is so far
advanced that the sun of peace shows his edge
above the horizon, presaging a cloudless day—
a day that shall not go down again until time
shall be no more—a day that shall glow with
universal freedom and blossom with progress.

Last night the nation lay down divided, dis-
tracted, bleeding—a giant in battle-harness
matched against his brother. This morning we
wake, still in battle-harness, the greatest.
grandest, freest, most powerful nation on earth.
Today our kindly, generous, wise, great-hearted
president, Abraham Lincoln (whom nations at-
tempted to sneer down but yesterday), stands
the central figure of the nineteenth century.
“Honest Old Abe” stands at least one hundred
feet taller than any other ruler in Christen-
dom today.

There is but one fleet in all of the world
whose flag had been floated and been tried in
actual battle; and Vice Admiral Farragut
waits the order of President Lincoln wither to
direct its thunders.

There is but one army of veterans in the
world—privates and generals—and Lieutenant
General Grant directs that, with Sherman and
Sheridan, Thomas and Meade as his lieuten-
ants, and with Robert E. Lee and his host as
their captives.

And over this ruin and this triumph, this fall
and this glory, brothers strike hands again,
and the states unite in the old but grander fam-
ily circle as one nation, under one flag, with
one president. And freedom seals the compact
for all. The Declaration of Independence be-
longs now to all the states, and the souls of
the martyrs of liberty are marching on with
John Brown’s.

Let the bells ring, then, and the cannon
thunder. Let all our citizens join in the dem-
onstration of joy. Let us hold one grand, uni-
versal, enthusiastic joy meeting this evening at
some suitable place, either within or without
doors, and congratulate each other. Let every
building in the city blaze with light this even-
ing.]

How different sounds the words of the
same writer in the next issue, on the
15th:

[written in smaller font] [“Vale!” “Vale!”

The wine of life is spilled; the royal cup of
fine gold is broken. Domestic faction, with
horrible instruction, has taught the nation the
utter malignity of secession. Treason has done
its worst, and on our noblest. The bloody dag-
ger’s point has reached the nation’s soul, with
poison in its wound, to carry grief, horror and
consternation through our veins; and as the
numbness of the shock wears off, and the heal-
ing begins, it will wake a fever of fury whose
end and effect none can foretell.

The times are dark again. Sudden and dis-
astrous eclipse has rushed upon the morning
of peace and returning fraternity, but a mo-
ment since without a cloud upon its glory, or
a chill in its breath of balm.

All is again uncertainty; state policy and
chance, government and faction, law and an-
archy, freedom and slavery, battle and truce,
revenge and mercy, order and chaos, jostle each
other in the dark, and no man can see whther
the majestic ship of state (whose cable has
been cut in the night by the assassin’s knife,)
is drifting; whether out of this event shall
come evil or good to the nation and the world;
whether we shall again moor in the haven of
peace and union, or have but opened the har-
bor to be mocked with out last glimpse of na-
tional brotherhood.

The president is dead—the greatest, purest,
kindest soul Heaven and man ever conspired
to crowd with public honors—the surest, saf-
est, truest friend, leader and reflex of the peo-
ple. Great beyond his times, he was at once
the greatest, grandest hero of history and the
kindest and commonest of the crowd of men.
his last act was a benediction. Rather than
disappoint the populace who expected his pres-
ence at the theater, he went to his death,
though both he and his wife were ill; thus fall-
ing a sacrifice in this little, this homely, this
common and natural act, which his death has

[illustration of John Wilkes Booth]

[Caption] [J. WILKES BOOTH]

guilded with immortality. He was of the peo-
ple; he died in a sense for the common peo-
ple. He was the pattern of the common peo-
ple and the ripe fruit of American democracy;
at the same time the unchallenged peer of his-
tory, and the certain master of living great-
ness. Heaven’s evident and commissioned in-
strument he was crowned with success and
with immortality in the same week.

Secretary Seward dies with his master and
his friend. So two great souls—the greatest, in
all, that the world held in all its bounds—step
into glory abreast, both crowned with all that
makes life honorable, and both clothed with
that raiment that makes death glorious. Such
a pair, so matched and sustained in all good
graces, so loved and mourned, have never in
one hour knocked at the pearly gate nor met
such glorious welcomed within.]

Such was the spirit of the people ad-
mirably reflected in the columns of the
paper of the day which was heralded abroad
that the assassin had been run down and
shot the people only regretted that he
met with such an easy fate.

WAS PRESENT AT FORD’S THEATER.

---------------------

Big Rapids Merchant Talks of the National Horror

Enacted 34 Years Ago at Washington.

[written in smaller font] [Special to Grand Rapids Herald.]

Big Rapids, Mich., April 15.—J. P. Hul-
ing, one of our leading merchants, was
present at Ford’s theater, in Washington,
the evening that has since gone into his-
tory as marking one of the greatest trag-
edies of modern times. President Lincoln
was assassinated by J. Wilkes Booth,
April 14, 1865, 34 years ago today, and
Mr. Huling, in response to a request, told
his personal experience substantially as
follows:

“I served during the rebellion in Com-
pany C, Seventeenth United States in-
fantry, and after receiving my discharge,
I visited the city of Washington on bus-
iness, arriving there April 14, and that
evening, by invitation of James T. Hale,


the representative in congress from my
district, the Eighteenth Pennsylvania,
accompanied him to Ford’s theater, where
we expected to pass a pleasant hour or
two. As we strolled down to the theater,
we little thought that in a short time the
whole nation would be bowed in grief at
a tragedy which was to be enacted in
our presence. We passed to our seats and
soon the curtain rose and the play pro-
ceded. After Booth had committed his
shocking crime and leaped from the booth
to the stage, my friend and myself, who
were both familiar with the play, were
saying that we could not recall anything
like that when seeing the play at other
times. Then there was quite a stir
among the audience, and two or three
men leaped upon the stage and from
there into the president’s box, and in a


short time we knew what had happened.
The audience was all excitement at once,
and we didn’t know but what the plot
was to include part of these who sat in
the body of the house, for there were lots
of southern sympathizers in Washington
at the time.

[boldface] [Saw Lincoln Only Twice.]

The retails of that sad affair are fa-
miliar to everyone, and need not be re-
peated now. I saw Abraham Lincoln but
twice in my life; when he was on his
way to Washington to be inaugurated,
and once as he was driving down Penn-
Sylvania avenue. I did not see him at
Ford’s theater, as the curtains of the
box where he sat were drawn. A few
days after he was assassinated, from the
roof of a building, I watched the process-
sion as they escorted his remains to the
capitol. I looked upon his noble face for
the last time as he lay in state in the
great rotunda of the capitol. When Pres-
ident Lincoln was on his way to Wash-
ing he stopped at the Jones house, which
is now called the Commonwealth hotel,
in the city of Harrisburg, and which at
that time was run by my uncle, Wells
Coverly, and I was there the day that
Abraham Lincoln stopped there. I was
recently reading an article in one of the
magazines which seems to convey the
idea that when he left this hotel he went
out the back door and got into a hack.
The facts are that in order to avoid the
great crowd that had gathered in front
of the hotel to catch a glimpse of him,
he was taken from the hotel through a
hall to the private residence of my uncle
and from there took the hack. I stood on
the sidewalk when he came out, and saw
the people down the street watching for
him at the hotel entrance, and a great
many of them saw him when he got
into the hack, but none recognized him
and he was aboard cars and speeding
away before the crowd found that he had
gone.

Since that April night in Washington I
have traveled over this country of ours
a great deal, and although there was a
large crowd at the theater, I have never
met, to my knowledge, a single person
that was there. I had witnessed many
sad and exciting scenes on the battle-
fields in the war that was then going on,
but nothing that I ever experienced gave
me more of a shock than did that tragedy
when we realized what had happened.
That night, and the days immediately fol-
owing, were the most exciting times I
ever saw. Little did I think at that time
that I should live to see our people, who
were divided and embittered, reunited,
and the federal and confederate soldier
fighting side by side under the stars and
stripes.”

Source

c.00130 - John Edison Papers

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

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Cite this Item

Grand Rapids Herald. "Grand Rapids Herald Articles". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/859

Creator

Grand Rapids Herald

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

April 16, 1899

Material

Newspaper

Dimensions

6.75" x 22.25"

Full Title

8th Illinois Cavalry Letter in Reaction to Lincoln's Death - "The general reaction in this heart of the army is that of revenge."

Description

Letter from Dr. Abner Hard, a doctor in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, describing his reaction to the Lincoln assassination.

Transcription

Fairfax C.H. VA.

April 17th, 1865

Dear Ann,

Our joy is turned into sorrow at the awful and barbarous assassination of President Lincoln. The general reaction in this heart of the army is that of revenge.
He was too good a man to deal with such a set of traitors. They have sown the wind and will reap the whirlwind. I go with this Brigade to attend his funeral. We leave in an hour. I expect to take some of my family along. Love to you all, in health.

Your Rev. A Hard

Source

Milwaukee County Historical Society, Hard Family Collection.

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

Dr. Abner Hard. "8th Illinois Cavalry Letter in Reaction to Lincoln's Death - "The general reaction in this heart of the army is that of revenge."". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/857

Creator

Dr. Abner Hard

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith

Description

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith was a Methodist preacher appointed to the Girard, Illinois, circuit at the time of Lincoln's death. He traveled to Lincoln's hometown of Springfield, Illinois, two days after the assassination and observed the collective mourning. Smith also held a service in his church the day Lincoln's ceremonial burial service was held in Washington D.C. In his diary, Smith recalls these events and comments on the progress of the hunt for Lincoln's killer and the person who attempted to murder Secretary of State, William H. Seward.

Transcription

April 1865

[continued from previous page] W R Constant & Christian Commission Annual Report. Another dona-
tion. 2 dresses for wife 7.85. J C Drake donator. Prayer meeting.
Lovely day for the first in sometime. Things are growing some.

Friday 14 This is Good Friday & tenaciously observed by some
as the time for planting potatoes & other roots to have a good
crop. This is the day the redeemer was led to Cavalry & suffered
in our stead. The just for the unjust that he might bring us to
God. Sure such an event is fraught with great importance to us &
should make a deep impression on our minds & consciences. Am free
to confess it does not today have that regard it was worthy of.
Pardon me, O Lord. Busied myself in writing & reading today. Took
some shoulder & potatoes to W Morris. It is now raining.

Satruday 15 Sat night & I am yet alive. Have performed most of
the duties of the day & evening. Attended Masonic Lodge. Felt de-
pressed on account of the sad news reached us of the death of
Abraham Lincoln & Secy Seward. Lincoln attended a theatre last
night & was shot through the head & died this morning. Seward was
murdered in his bed. It was the secessionist work. They are dirty
devils. What a suddn unsuspected affair. Sold 1 bush. and a half
of potatoes to Aylsworth & Kendalls. Bot sugar $1. Sent letter to
Father in law. Paid out to treas. of Lodge 95¢. Rained today.

Sunday 16 Easter Sunday. Christ the first fruits of them that
slept arose from the dead. A pledge of our Resurrection. Though the
skeptic & materialist may deny the resurrection of the dead, etc.
yet the testimony of the Apostles & his appearances at different
times is sufficient evidence of his being resurrected. Over 47 at
S S this a.m. in Wmsville. Recd of Mother Aylsworth 35¢ on papers.
35 of Keagle for Golden Chain; 35 of Drakes for Chain. Covers &
J Constants each dr for Chain. Let Schliffe at Bices have Chain &
Quest. Book 15¢. Broughtons, Chain 35. Hickmans, G T, dr to Chain
35. Coll. at Wmsville 5.75. Bices S H large turn out. Recd one into
church, Mary Waters. Miss. Anniversary. Raised 6.05. Joanna Ramey,
Mary Miller & Eli Blue went to Bices with me. Lovely day indeed.

Monday 17 Visited Springfield this day. Most all the stores &
businesses as well as many private residences were draped in
mourning. The people everywhere are speaking of the great loss, &
the people are nearly as a whole sad at the loss of so great a man
as Abraham Lincoln. He sleeps in death. Secy Seward who was re-
ported dead is still alive & probably will recover. Bot Journal
with all the particulars 10¢. Bot at Kimbers me a hat 3.25. Corsets,
gaiters, trimming etc. hoop skirts, veil, -----& comb amounting in
all to 24.70. Paid Kimber 2.50 owed before . Bot halter stem 75¢.
Fare on R R 1.80. Bot envelopes & stamps for Lodge. Sent summons
to Cantrell, Thompson, Canterbury, McLeod, Mitter, Lawrence & Winn.
Ramey brought us bag of flour 20lbs. Oranges 60¢. Lovely day.
Windy. Rain at night. Home in the rain & mud.

474

April 1865

Thursday 18 Lincoln, brave, honest & great. Abraham Lincoln is
dead. He died a martyr. Yea he lived to set menfree. He rests from
labor. His body will shortly be buried. His memory will be cher-
ished through the future ages. He was the country’s friend. Has
fallen. The wretch is not as yet captured. Vengeance will yet over-
take him. Good news. Mobile is ours. Johnston negotiating. Recd
dispatch from Elkhart inviting me to officiate tomorrow. Signed
D L Dana. Letter from Jesse K. Sent letter to George Smith, Rev
Simms, P Cartwright. Recd 75¢ of C Brest & $2 quarterage, Sister
Purce;$10 donation of Wm. Mount. Beans of Council. Paper 10¢.
Planted beans & potatoes. Quite warm. Rain 8:30.

Wednesday 19 Today the citizens of the town & country assembled
in our church to commemorate the burial of Abraham Lincoln at
Washington. Services were opened by reading from 2 Sam 1:17 and
Psa 46. Then singing & prayer, then sketch of his life, the speech
by Jacob Beck, then singing, then Bro Todd spoke. Took text. Then
I read his Farewell Address at Springfield. Then a little talk &
resolutions which were adopted by all save a few Copperheads.
Church was draped in mourning. Recd sub. to Central, Fletcher
Council, & 2$ through Bro Laucke. Had some eggs etc. exchanged.
Set a hen. Paid Olsen $5 which pays till June 26. Recd letter etc
Planted some corn. Quite summer like. Peaches are out in blossom.

Thursday 20 The supposed assassin of Seward caught. Should be
hanged up till dead, dead. Sent letter to Capt J B Jenkins, Baton
Rouge. Indebted to Lodge 72.00 & 61/2 yrs interest. Bot stamps 25¢.
Sent letter to Mason, Bloomington. Recd one from Kittie Lowe & $10
in it. Were aroused at 3 a.m. by neighbors. Pickerell Bices store
& two dwelling were burned by some incendiaries. Planted corn,
beets, squashes, butter beans, cymblings [cabbage sprouts] and
transplanted some hemp. Prayer meeting. Dr Winn joined on Prob.
& Langley & wife by letter. Rained by spells some today.

Friday 21 Fasting primitively was regarded by the Saviour as
essential to the casting out of stubborn devils or dumb spirits.
The directions for fasting were important. Examples worthy of
notice in reference to fasting are given us. The blessed Master &
his Disciples & Apostles fasted often. We do not fast as often now
since we do not have such humble views of ourselves as we ought to
have. Since we are not as holy nor as useful. Letter from Rev
Gooding. His babe died. Circular Syrian Lodge No 333. Bought sugar
(white) 4 lbs $1. Coal oil 1. per gal. Recd 35¢ for Chain. Bot
Tribune 10¢. Put some cucumber seed in the ground. Heard opening
sermon at the Presbytery. Rev Marcus, Micah 7:7. Bro Bishop Haller
supped with us. Rained by times all day.

Saturday 22 Lamentations 3:26: It is good for man – Dr Cartwright
preached at 11 a.m. from that text to small assembly at Yocums S H
Dined at Wm Yocums. Quarterly Conf. Recd of Wmsville this quarter
$28, 4. already allowed; of Fancy Creek 37. quarterage & 5.00
Donation; & $11 for potatoes; of Yocums 9.00; of Wolfe Creek

475

Source

HC.00190 - Reverend Leonard Smith Diaries Collection

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Tags

Cite this Item

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith. "Reverend Leonard Francis Smith ". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/851

Creator

Reverend Leonard Francis Smith

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

April 15, 1865

Material

Typed on Paper

Dimensions

8" x 10"

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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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.

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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 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/850

Creator

Harriet Farley

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

10x15.5 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

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

McClure, J. D.. "Handwritten Letter to Dear Parents from J. D. McClure, April 16, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/848

Creator

McClure, J. D.

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

8x9.5 inches