Full Title

Handwritten Letter to John Yarick from his brother, Reuben Yarick, April 23, 1865

Description

Handwritten letter from Reuben Yarick, at Washington, D.C., to his brother, John Yarick, in Suffield, Portage County, Ohio. The letter describes Reuben's fears and feelings about the assassination of President Lincoln and visiting his body in the White House. This letter is part of Papers of John Yarick, 1854-1864. Reuben enlisted in Company G, 1st Michigan Infantry as a Sergeant on July 2, 1861 at Jackson (Mich.) age 25. He was wounded in action in 1864 and hospitalized at the U.S. Hospital, Hampton, Virginia. He was discharged from Company B, 24th VRC at Washington, D.C., on July 28, 1865. (This information is from Reuben's service record.)

Transcription

Page One
Washington, D. C., Aprl 23, 1865
Ever Dear Brother
Yours of the 16th is before
me and I am happy indeed to hear that
you are getting well again and your
family is recovering from its affliction
John I wrote a letter to you I think [inserted: two weeks ago]
that you have received it before this
time but I will write you a short
letter this evening yes John President
Lincoln is dead and you and [crossed out illegible words]
his remains are on it[sic] way to its last
resting place in the far west Springfield
Illinois they left here at eight -oclock
this [crossed out] yesterday morning I seen his
boddy [sic] at the White House last tuesday
or Wedensday [sic] it was conveyed to the
Capital the crowd of People was great the
procession was large and on thurday [sic]
his boddy [sic] lay in State at the Capital [sic]
and an emence [sic] swarm of People was
Page Two
their [sic] all day to get a last glimpse
of the once famous ruler of these
United States and our unhappy country
I went on Guard yesterday morning
at the old capital Prison and came
off this morning in the Prison nothing
but Rebel Prisoners of war are
confined and mostley [sic] all Rebell [sic]
officers from Second Lieutenant
to Generals and what little
opportunity that I had to speak to
them they all felt sorry and sayed [sic]
that to their opinion that the best
man for peace had gone and
did not think that the so called
Confederate Government had eneything [sic]
to do with the assassination and
was afraid that we would use them
pretty ruff [sic] we have allays [sic] used
prisoners of war well and I thing [sic]
that we allways [sic] will as long as they
will behave themselves two hundred
of these was sent off this morning
Page Three
for Johnson Island Ohio one Gen
was with the lot Gen Payn was
his name those two hundred was
all Officers.
Well John I don't know that i have
much more to write this time
their [sic] is a rumor now that the
V.R.C. will be mustard [sic] out soon
and if they do I will get out of the
Service but if the war continues
I will get in the Cavlrey [sic] if I can
I have one good arm yet and I can
fight it out had thought to quit
when I got out but this last cowardly
murder is enough to arouse evrey [sic]
Patriot's heart and fight as long as
he can raise an arm
Hoping that this will finde [sic] you
all well as it leaves me I will close
for this time my health is good at
present Remain as ever your
Devoted Brother
Sergt. Reuben Yarick

Source

Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, John Yarick Papers, 1854-1864

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

Yarick, Reuben. "Handwritten Letter to John Yarick from his brother, Reuben Yarick, April 23, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/847

Creator

Yarick, Reuben

Date

1865

Material

Letter

Dimensions

8x10 inches

Full Title

New York Herald 1865

Description

New York Herald newspaper regarding the Lincoln assassination and identifying John Wilkes Booth as the shooter.

Transcription

"IMPORTANT. ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. The President Shot at the Theatre Last Evening. SECRETARY SEWARD DAGGERED IN HIS BED, BUT NOT MORTALLY WOUNDED. Clarence and Frederick Seward Badly Hurt. ESCAPE OF THE ASSASSINS. Intense Excitement in Washington. Scene at the Deathbed of Mr. Lincoln. J. Wilkes Booth, the Actor, the Alleged Assassin of the President."

"Major General Dix, New York:-
This evening at about 9:30 P.M., at Ford's Theatre, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Harris and Major Rathburn, was shot by an assassin, who suddenly entered the box and approached behind the President. The assassin then leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape in the roar of the theatre. The pistol ball entered the back of the President's bead and penetrated nearly through the head. The wound is mortal. The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying. About the same hour an assassin, wheahter the same or not, entered Mr. Seward's apartments, and under pretense of having a prescription, was shown to the Secretary's sick chamber. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed and inflicted two or three stabs on the throat and two on the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My _______ is that they will prove fatal. ___a nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and he hastened to the door of his father's room, when he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful. It is not probable that the President will live through the night. General Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theatre this evening, but he started to Burlington at six o'clock this evening. At a Cabinet meeting, at which General Grant was present, the subject of the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace were discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, and spoke very kindly of General Lee and others of the confederacy, and of the establishment of government in Virginia. All the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Seward, are now in attendance upon the President. I have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious.- Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"POSTSCRIPT. DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT!! Condition of Secretary Seward. Ten Thousand Dollars Reward Offered for the Arrest of the Assassins. J. Wilkes Booth Identified as the Murderer of the President."

"To Major General Dix:-
The President continues insensible and is sinking. Secretary Seward remains without change. Fredrick Seward's skill is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut upon the head. The attendant is still alive but hopeless. Major Seward's wounds not dangerous. It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime, Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President, and the other a companion of his whose name is not known, but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. It appears from a letter found in Booth's trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of March, but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until "Richmond could be heard from." Booth and his accomplice were at the livery ____ at six o'clock last evening, and left there with their horses about ten o'clock, or shortly before that hour. It would appear that they had for several days been seeking their chance,but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore-the other has not yet been traced.---Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"To Major General Dix, New York:-
Abraham Lincoln died this morning at twenty-two minutes after seven o'clock.---Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War."

"Our Special Washington Despatch. Washington, April 15-8 A.M.
The President died at half-past seven o'clock this morning. The bells throughout the city are tolling. The public departments and most of the places of business are closed. Secretary Seward is pretty comfortable this morning, the wounds inflicted upon him not being dangerous in themselves, but serious for his advanced age and previously weak-condition. Mr. Frederick Seward is very dangerously wounded, his skull having been fractured by a blow from the butt of a pistol in the hand of the assassin. The most profound sensation prevails here and the deepest realization of the irreparable loss which the nation has sustained pervades the minds of the people."

Source

Montgomery County Historical Society

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation. Reproduction of the item requires our written permission for publication, broadcast or commercial use. Request for such must be made in writing, outlining in detail the items to be reproduced and requested use of the reproduction. For permission, please contact Victoria Johnston at vjohnston@lane-mchs.org.

Tags

Cite this Item

U.S. Department of War, Washington D.C.. "New York Herald 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/839

Creator

U.S. Department of War, Washington D.C.

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Home of Lincoln

Description

A photograph of Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois. The home of the President was draped in black mourning cloth. On the left side of the image is a printed description of the image.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (10)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

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Ridgway Glover. "Home of Lincoln". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/836

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)

Full Title

Hearse and Coffin in Philadelphia

Description

Image title take from heading placed on the left side of the photograph. This picture clearly shows the coffin of President Lincoln and the hearse that carried his body through the streets of Philadelphia. A large crowd gathers around the hearse, as onlookers are visible on the roofs, awnings, and from the windows, as well pressed in all around the hearse. Additionally, this image clearly shows the honor guard that escorted Lincoln's hearse.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (1)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

Tags

Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Hearse and Coffin in Philadelphia". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/834

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

April 1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)

Full Title

Funeral Passing up Broad St.

Description

This image shows the funeral procession of Abraham Lincoln as it passed along Broad Street in Philadelphia. In the background American flags fly in the breeze and spectators gathered along rooftops and the balcony of the Union House & Dining Saloon.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (5)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

Tags

Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Funeral Passing up Broad St. ". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/833

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

April 1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)

Full Title

Funeral of Abraham Lincoln at the Vault

Description

This black and white photograph shows the end journey of Lincoln's funeral procession at Oak Ridge Cemetery. There is a large crowd gather directly in front and on top of the tomb.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (19)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

Tags

Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Funeral of Abraham Lincoln at the Vault". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/832

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

1865-05-04

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)

Full Title

Crowd passing into the State House to view the body

Description

This image depicts a crowd of spectators heading into the State House in Philadelphia. Lincoln's casket has been removed into the building for people to process by and mourn the loss of the slain President. Photo taken by Ridgway Glover in black and white.

Source

Huntington Digital History Library, photST Glover (3)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

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Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Crowd passing into the State House to view the body". Screiber & Glover. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/831

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Publisher

Screiber & Glover

Date

1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.)

Full Title

Crowd 6th and Chestnut

Description

A black and white photo of Lincoln's hearse as it makes it way through Philadelphia as part of its multi-city tour. A large crowd gathers all around the hearse, draped in black and white and with an opening that revealed the President's casket.

Source

Huntington Digital Library, photST Glover (2)

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact Huntington Digital Library, San Marino, Ca.

Tags

Cite this Item

Ridgway Glover. "Crowd 6th and Chestnut". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/830

Creator

Ridgway Glover

Date

1865

Dimensions

8.3 x 17 cm (3 1/4 x 6 3/4 in)

Full Title

Currier & Ives framed print of Lincoln lying in state

Description

Framed lithographic print by Currier & Ives of President Lincoln lying in state in his casket on April 24th and 25th, 1865 in City Hall in New York. Frame is walnut trimmed and the inner edge is lined in gold.

Transcription

"The Body of Martyr President, Abraham Lincoln. Lying in state at the City Hall, NY April 24th & 25th, 1865."

Source

Montgomery County Historical Society

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation. Reproduction of the item requires our written permission for publication, broadcast or commercial use. Request for such must be made in writing, outlining in detail the items to be reproduced and requested use of the reproduction. For permission, please contact Victoria Johnston at vjohnston@lane-mchs.org.

Tags

Cite this Item

Currier & Ives. "Currier & Ives framed print of Lincoln lying in state". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/829

Creator

Currier & Ives

Full Title

Joanna Lane's original "Lincoln Memories" letter

Description

Page three of the original, handwritten "Lincoln Memories" letter by Mrs. Henry S. Lane Feb 1909

Transcription

Many unjust criticisms have been cast upon Mrs. Lincoln while in the White House. She made a great mistake soon after going there when the newspapers reported she was to give a large ball in the East room - but Secretary Seward and other judicious advisers persuaded her to omit the dancing and have only the ordinary reception. This was early in the war and the public conscience was shocked with this appearance of levity and indifference to the weeping and wailing all around us. Mrs. Lincoln was born in Ky and had succession relatives there but she was true to her husband and country loyal to the country but unhappily could not attach women to her, was cold and unresponsive in temperament.

Source

Montgomery County Historical Society

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation. Reproduction of the item requires our written permission for publication, broadcast or commercial use. Request for such must be made in writing, outlining in detail the items to be reproduced and requested use of the reproduction. For permission, please contact Victoria Johnston at vjohnston@lane-mchs.org.

Tags

Cite this Item

Joanna Lane. "Joanna Lane's original "Lincoln Memories" letter". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/828

Creator

Joanna Lane