Full Title

Letter from William H. White to his sister, May 11, 1865

Description

Letter written by William H. White from Camp of the Old Grand, Washington, D.C, to his sister in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, describing the reaction of the soldiers to the assassination of President Lincoln.

Transcription

[Page 1]

Camp of the Old Grand
Washington DC
May 11th 1865

{P.S. This is a perfectly lovely, warm, May day, and the gorse[?] hangs about- 16 ft- high at this writing}

Dear Sister

If I should follow suit, your letter would not be answered for a thousand years hence but as I am not inclined to take pattern from your negligent style in relation to answering letters, perhaps yours dated Apr. 18th & mailed May 8th stands a slim chance to be answered sometime during the present year. Although the job is commenced at this early date, it may not be completed before the year 1901. . . Well I perceive that you & J.G. are into it big as ever, (Dont [sic] know as you are ever out of it) By the way you spoke about J. T. K. & M. L. K.

[Page 2]

now I cant [sic] believe that M. L. K. was married to the one armed Jack, if she married him, ‘tis quite evident that she has got him to support for I very well know that J. T. K. cannot support a fly. However, if she is satisfied, it is all right, it is nothing to me who she marries. Reckon I can find something shaped like a feminine [sic] (or at least something that wears crinolines) in course of time! I dare not venture a letter to charming M. C.— think it would be running too much risk, I have no less than 20 lady correspondents in New England –most of them however are total strangers, cant [sic] tell but what some of them are blacker than the Ace of Hades. I dont [sic] intend to correspond with so many hereafter, 2 or 3 right pretty ones is enough for me.

[Page 3]

The Rebellion is supposed to be (if not quite) played out. Suppose some of the volunteers will be discharged soon, I havet [sic] think that Hancocks rect’s [recruits] will stand much show to get out of the service before their year expires. I have something less than 8 months yet to serve to complete my year. My Reg D left Winchester VA last week Thursday, & marched to Washington via Thoroughfare Gap---(distance 100 miles— took us 5 days to make the trip.—Expect to be to the Grand Reaiew Review which is expected to come off one of these days. . .

Our President has been assassinated yes, & the Nation mouurns the loss of it’s [sic] greatest Statesman & Ruler & the people both North & South mourns loss of their Truest, best friend. President Lincoln was like

[Page 4]

a Father & Brother to us all, & the Nation mournings is sincere, & heartfelt, Booth has been is caught, & has paid with his life, for the foul deed. The South have lost their best friend. They will be likely to find in Johnson a hard master to deal with . . . . Our Country is safe. Freedom shall live in America.

I must now begin to taper off a little else get another sheet—the latter will not pay for I havent much of anything more to pawn this time. You must try & answer this right off. Remember now, right off. Let me know about family affairs, etc. etc.

Address as before

Co. B 1st N.J. Nat.-Vol. Inf
Hancocks Corps
Washington D.C.

Yours in great haste

W. H. White

P.S. Regards to all inquiring friends.

Source

Samuel White Papers, 1862-1865. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Rights

This item is in the public domain. As a service to other researchers, we request that users credit the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries as the source.

Tags

Cite this Item

White, William. "Letter from William H. White to his sister, May 11, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/937

Creator

White, William

Date

May 11, 1865

Full Title

Abraham Lincoln Gefallen durch Mörderhand (Abraham Lincoln Fallen at/by the hand of an Assassin)

Description

This weekly Milwaukee German newspaper’s article recounts the events surrounding Lincoln’s Assassination and reflects on Lincoln’s legacy. The article strongly praises Lincoln saying he was a martyr for his country, equality, and freedom. Written in the folds of the flag above the headline is written Union and freedom forever which is showing of how Germans viewed the war. The article also expresses that people believe that President Johnson will get revenge for Lincoln’s assassination when it says that Johnson would hang Jeff Davis. The article continually comes back to praising Lincoln for his actions as leader of the country saying he was a true servant and leader of the people and portrays Lincoln in a very positive manner. The article is still being fully translated.

Rights

The article is on microfilm at the Milwaukee Public Library 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

Milwaukee Herald. "Abraham Lincoln Gefallen durch Mörderhand (Abraham Lincoln Fallen at/by the hand of an Assassin)". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/935

Creator

Milwaukee Herald

Date

1865

Full Title

Treason's Masterpiece

Description

Broadside printed with ballad in tribute to Lincoln.

Transcription

Treason's Masterpiece.

To be recited Wed Aug 26th.
Treason’s Masterpiece
Treason has done his worst!
A hand accurst
Has made the Nation orphan by a blow:
Has turned its hymns of joy to wail and woe,
As for a Father lost, a Saviour slain-
And blood, and toil, and anguish spent in vain!
Half his great work was done,
By victory won
O’er recreant chiefs and rebels in the field,
Compelled to bow the knee and homage yield;
And his calm breast, from war and vengeance turned,
With generous pity tow’rds the vanquished yearned.
Deep joy was in his soul
As o’er it roll
Sweet thoughts of peace and magnanimity,
Wounds healed, wrath quelled, his country free,
Foes turned to friends, the bitter past forgiven;
Such thoughts as earthly power make like to heaven.
While all suspicion slept,
The assassin crept
Into the circle where, in guardless state,
The simple chief in friendly converse sate,
And in an instant, ere a hand could rise,
The Nation’s Hope a slaughtered Martyr lies!
In peace, great Martyr, sleep!
Thy people weep,
But stop their tears to swear upon thy grave,
The cause thou died’st for they but live to save;
And the great Bond, cemented by thy blood,
Shall stand unbroken, as it still hath stood!
The traitor’s fiendlike act
By stern compact
Binds us still closer ‘gainst the murderous band
That fain with blood would deluge all the land,
But, vanquished by the sword, for mercy kneel,
And pay it, granted, with the assassin’s steel.
O, for this heelish deed
Thousands shall bleed,
That else had lived to bless thy gentle name
By mercy wreathed with an immortal fame;
And traitors, from a Nation’s wrath, shall learn
That outraged Pity’s tears to drops of vengeance turn.
Geo. Vandenhoff.
New York, 17, April , 1865.

[Transcription by Alicia B., Ford’s Theatre Society.]

Source

MSS027_02_02

Rights

The Providence Public Library encourages the use of all items in the Providence Public Library digital collections for fair use purposes such as teaching, research, and private study. It is solely the patron's obligation to determine and ensure that use of material fully complies with copyright law and other possible restrictions on use.

Tags

Cite this Item

Unknown. "Treason's Masterpiece". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/932

Creator

Unknown

Date

1865

Full Title

Lincoln Lies Sleeping

Description

A handwritten ballad in tribute to Lincoln.

Transcription

Lincoln lies Sleeping.

Up, from the homes of the land, a cry
Comes from a nation bewailing;
Lincoln the merciful, doomed to die!
Ah! merciful e'en to a failing.
Chorus
Strike, strike the traitor down!
Cry a sad people, while seeping:
Crown, crown the martyr, crown
Weep o'er the grove where he's sleeping

Lower the flag of the glory of the nation now
Drape the proud banner in sorrow:
Sleeping to-day is that marble brow. -
He'll waken in Heaven to-morrow!
Chorus
Peace, peace, in Heaven peace!
Hos earnest earned. while living;
Peace, peace, in Heave peace!
Never a heart so forgiving!

Tearfully, sadly, gaze on the dead,
While ev'ry bosom is swelling:
Tenderly place him in his last bed.
And shroud in deep ev'ry dwelling.
Chorus
Peace, peace in Heaven peace!
Sing a sad people, while weeping;
Peace, peace, in Heaven peace!
Jesus that while soul is keeping!

Tenderly, sadly, we lay him down,
Mourning his murder so gory -
Heaven will find him a golden crown;
He;s gone from Glory to Glory!
Chorus
Live, live, the Union live!
Sing a firm people, while weeping
Lord! Lord! the crime forgive -
The prayers of him who is sleeping!

Source

MSS027_02_01_AB

Rights

The Providence Public Library encourages the use of all items in the Providence Public Library digital collections for fair use purposes such as teaching, research, and private study. It is solely the patron's obligation to determine and ensure that use of material fully complies with copyright law and other possible restrictions on use.

Tags

Cite this Item

Unknown. "Lincoln Lies Sleeping ". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/931

Creator

Unknown

Date

1865

Full Title

Janesville Gazette

Description

On the morning of April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln died from a gunshot wound to the head from the previous night. The City of Janesville, Wisconsin received word that Lincoln was killed the day after he died. This newspaper was printed two days after his death. The paper states that the death of Lincoln caused profound sorrow among all classes. Janesville was in support of Lincoln and his views throughout the war. The entire town participated in the mourning by draping emblems of mourning in front of home and businesses. The town was struck with “paralysis.” The paper finishes with a plea to God that this may never happened again

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

Thomson & Roberts, Prop'rs. "Janesville Gazette". The Janesville Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/930

Creator

Thomson & Roberts, Prop'rs

Publisher

The Janesville Gazette

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

"The Burial of President Lincoln"

Description

On May 19th, 1865 the Madison Wisconsin State Journal wrote an article “The Burial of President Lincoln”. Half way down the article, the writer starts to shift topics towards the widow Mary Todd Lincoln. The author discusses the reaction of the local postal service do to the numerous amounts of letters addressed to Mary Todd. The company uses words like “chaotic” and “understandable.” This shows that many families in the Madison area wanted to show their respect towards the Lincoln family. Unfortunately the author did not discuss the reaction of Mary Todd on this topic but the article assumes that she was grateful. -Andre Doucette

Source

Newspaper Archive

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

Madison (Wisconsin) State Journal . ""The Burial of President Lincoln"". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/929

Creator

Madison (Wisconsin) State Journal

Date

May 19, 1865

Full Title

The Governor of Wisconsin's Proclamation

Description

Among the various articles on the surrender of Confederate armies, Jefferson Davis, and reactions from around the country on the death of President Lincoln, there is one in particular that stands out. In the top right corner, Governor James T. Lewis makes known the people of Wisconsin of how they should respond in the wake of Lincoln's death. The people of Wisconsin, in accord with Lincoln's family, should remain in a state of mourning for a hundred days. This meant that local businesses and public buildings should be adorned in black, as well as a proclamation for a day of fasting and prayer on April 19, 1865. In remembrance of Lincoln, Lewis declares that all funerals and ceremonies should include full military honors. The short article ends with a showing of Union pride, as Lewis calls for the full backing of President Johnson's administration.

Source

Gale Group: 19th Century U.S. Newspapers Database

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

Governor James T. Lewis. "The Governor of Wisconsin's Proclamation ". Milwaukee Daily Sentinel. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/928

Creator

Governor James T. Lewis

Publisher

Milwaukee Daily Sentinel

Date

1865

Full Title

Janesville Weekly Gazette

Description

This article talks about Lincoln's assassination not only affected the United States, but the entire world. His death caused widespread sorrow throughout the world. This article states that no other death in history caused more pain than Lincoln's assassination.

Source

Newspaper Archive Academic Library Edition

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

R.W. Emerson. "Janesville Weekly Gazette". Janesville Weekly Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/926

Creator

R.W. Emerson

Publisher

Janesville Weekly Gazette

Date

May 11, 1865

Full Title

Trail of the Murderers

Description

This newspaper article from May 10, 1865, contains reactions from Racine, Wisconsin's point of view. This article contains excerpts about the escape route of John Wilkes Booth, and the plans he had, as well as the actions that he took on his journey. It also contains, a account from both Mrs. Lincoln, and Vice President Andrew Johnson. In these two excerpts both Johnson and Mrs. Lincoln explain there reactions. Johnson's reaction was placing a proclamation in action that gave a reward to those who captured the killers. Mrs. Lincoln reacted through shock as she fought through the mourning of her husbands death. Finally, there is an excerpt about the funeral ceremony that explains how long and widely attended Lincoln's procession was.

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

Racine Journal. "Trail of the Murderers". Racine Journal. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/925

Creator

Racine Journal

Publisher

Racine Journal

Date

May 10, 1865

Full Title

Racine, Wisconsin Reaction: Wisconsin Daily News

Description

A report from the Wisconsin Daily News published on April 16, 1865, regarding the reaction to President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in Racine, Wisconsin. The whole city was in shock, except two men who publicly rejoiced over his death. An angry mob ensued and the two men had to be rescued by the sheriff.

Source

Milwaukee Public Library

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

Daily Wisconsin News. "Racine, Wisconsin Reaction: Wisconsin Daily News". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed June 15, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/923

Creator

Daily Wisconsin News

Date

April 16, 1865

Material

Microfilm