Boston, U. S., April 17, 1865
Dear Mrs. Alexander:
I had this pleasure a week ago, when everything appeared bright and promising and all were in bouyant, exultant spirits, but in a moment everything has been changed. Thinking that you and Mr. Alexander might at first feel apprehensive and despondent, I write to endeavor to persuade you to take a more cheerful view of our prospects; not that I am the less appalled or grieved by the shocking calamity which has deprived the nation of the Services of a true and honest patriot at a moment when he was so much needed. I participate with almost all in the feeling of rage at this most atrocious act; but the nation does not depend upon the life of any one man or set of men and I think you will be convinced upon reflection that we shall proceed equally prosperously under the new administration as we should under the old. The effect of this murder will be, not only greater union throughout the North, which was not needed, but it will intensify the resolution for energetic action and will cause the new administration to be sustained in carrying out and vindicating the supremacy of the Laws. Perhaps good Mr. Lincoln had too much of the milk of human Kindness, and many fear that in pardoning indiscriminately nearly or quite all the leaders and participants in the rebellion, he would have done much toward encouraging another attempt at some future day when we might be engaged in a foreign war, and at the moment of our greatest need. Numerous acts of clemency which did not appear in the newspapers were circulated in private and commented upon, and while all respected the kindness of heart manifested they could not but have grave doubts of their expediency and fears for the results. There is no cause for appre-
hensions that Johnson will err in exercising too much clemency. He will doubtless punish the leaders of the rebellion, and for one I sincerely hope he will. I consider it mistaken mercy on the part of Gen. Grant to have permitted that cold, calculating traitor Lee to escape so easily when he was in his power.
You have doubtless shared in the mortification occasioned by the manner in which Johnson disgraced himself and the Country on the 4th of March. That was a terribly unfortunate accident but it certainly was an accident. I have the best authority for saying that he is not a drunkard. During the last two or three years his troubles and anxieties have been great, and he has taken stimulants, but not to excess. He has now signed the pledge and made a solemn oath that if he is ever intoxicated again he will immediately afterwards resign his position. I have no fears, therefore, of his habits. He is a man of great strength of mind and of course possesses great natural ability, or he never could have obtained his present position. He is much esteemed and respected by those who have been with him a long time in the Senate, and they have no fears so far as his habits are concerned. I admit that it is possible he may err in too great severity, but he will have able advisers in Mr. Seward (if his life is spared as I think it will be,) and others, and I do not believe he will commit any rash or imprudent act, but that on the contrary our affairs, both foreign and domestic, will be conducted with the greatest prudence and skill. You will see the newspapers and therefore I will not comment upon the feeling which universally pervades the Community; but there is one remarkable feature---the most bitter opponents of Mr. Lincoln now deplore his loss even more, if possible, than his friends. Even Mr. Hillard, formerly one of the Editors of the Courier,
who was hissed and not permitted to speak last Monday because he advocated clemency especially for Lee, could not restrain his tears when conversing with my brother on Saturday. To be sure he always was and is a kind hearted man, but it is so universally; the most bitter Copperheads feel as badly as the most staunch Republicans.
You will perceive that, as I predicted last week, Mobile has fallen. Perhaps before you read this, the telegraph will announce to you that Johnson's army has surrendered. At all events this is sure to occur.
The confidence of the community in the change in the head of the Executive is shown by the absence of any change in the unerring thermometer, the gold market.
It will be difficult for you to realize the manifestations of grief. Almost every place of business and dwelling house, no matter how humble, has some emblem of mourning, and the stores and houses of the more wealthy vie with each other in the elaborateness of the display. The only limit seems to be obtaining sufficient black material which is nearly exhausted.
I enclose newspaper slips which I thought you would find interesting supposing you may receive them before newspapers come to hand. Some of which may not meet your eye. I would call your attention particularly to "Corletons" account of the surrender of Lee, and I hope the places named may be found upon your maps.
Your kind note sent through Mr. Wales was received a few days since and he very kindly permitted me to read your exceedingly interesting letter to him. Mrs. Brewer, Carrie and myself feel very grateful for your kind sympathy. You can hardly imagine how deep was our anxiety when it seemed as though we had scarcely any ground for hope. You perhaps may judge how critical the case was when I tell you that Dr Warren visited Mrs. B three
times a day and Dr Holmes every other day in consultation, he having attended her mother and sister as well as his own wife Mrs. Brewer's niece all of whom died of different internal maladies; and Dr Holmes especially took the gloomiest possible view. He not only gave me no encouragement, but so far as it was possible to gain an opinion it was decidedly that he had no hope. Dr Warren on the contrary, in the outset stated his theory, which he always adhered to, and which in the end proved correct, qualifying it however by saying that it was impossible for human sagacity to determine positively the cause. She is now so well as to be able to walk into the next room and sit up three or four hours every day. The first mild pleasant day she is to be carried down stairs to take a short drive. We leave for Newport the middle of June and we hope that by passing a very quiet Summer her health may be perfectly restored.
You may expect a great rush of travellers from this side. Almost every one is going. Nearly all the state rooms in the Steamers are engaged for two or three months. But I must conclude; and with kindest regards to yourself and Mr. Alexander and your daughter I am
Very respectfully and sincerely, Your friend, Gardner Brewer
April 18th Gold on Friday (14th) 145 today 146 3/4
April 15, 1865, Camp./Curtain
Sister M. W. Brown
I ebrace this op. writing you few a lines to let you know how we are getting along. I am writing under canvas tent, and the rain is comeing down as usual. Olover came to day and D look Tom M Treble and too of Alexanders are here the boys are all first rate we have got al our clothing now. There is a report in carry this morning that the President was assainated last night in his private box in the theater and also Secratary Seward I hear now that Lincolin died this morning at 7 oclock This is bad news for us at this time if So. The reb will make their last efort to fre themselves from the present administration
There is all kinds of rumors afloat in Camp.
Have your heard from John lately and has he he heard from hom yet. We wer going to have a great day to day in honor of the recent victory our Company were to act as battery men and we were all uniformed in stile and had our cannon all out and great preparation were being made to have a great day both in camp and town when the news came of the assaination of our President. There no dowt that the assion was bribed to do so we as not orgaized in to a company yet I dont know where we will be sent as we have not been assiged to regiment yet. we
may be here for several days yet. we have got no guns yet and canot for a few days we get a loaf of bread in the morning and coffe, meat and coffe for dinner. a Slice of bread and a tin of coffee for Supper This a come down from what was at home I see Bill Miller Sam Henry and Ren Kelly almost every day. . . I you write do so soon and direct to Camp Curtain
Care of Capt D. O. Brown
give my respects to all enquiring friends hoping and believeing that that God who has brought me thus far wil guid me saf home again.
from your Brother R. E. Brown
Washington. D.C.
April 16th/65
My dear Mother
Beck has not come from the Office yet and I have not received your letter but as I have a good deal to write I will begin now - I suppose by tomorrow the mail will go out from Washin No train left yesterday - What I have to write is with reference to the great Tragedy which has caused a nation to mourn - I had the misfortune to be at Ford's Theatre on Friday evening & to hear the shot which deprived us of a President.
It was given out during the day that Mrs Lincoln had engaged a "Box" for the President & Genl Grant and having a desire not only to see them but to see the "American Cousin" performed,
we determined to go - Before we went Beck knew that the Genl would not be there as he was to leave for his home in the evening - We went a few moments before the time & waited some time for the President to arrive & as he did not come until late the performances commenced & we thought we were to be disappointed in not seeing him - In the midst of the 2nd scene there was a great applause & cheering and our attention was directed from the stage to the Dress Circle - close to the wall walked Miss Harris -Mrs Lincoln - Major Rathburn - a gentleman the President & another gentleman behind him These two gentlemen were watchmen in citizens dress who have always accompanied the President since the war commenced We followed him with our eyes until he entered the Box little
thinking we were looking for the last time at him. He sat looking on the stage his back to us and out of our sight behind the flags except occasionally when he would lean forward - Mrs Lincoln was in front of him and we only saw her occasionally. We saw her smile & turn towards him several times - It was while every one's attention was fastened upon the stage that a pistol shot was heard causing every one to jump (as an unexpected shot will) & look up at the President's Box merely because that was the direction of the sound and supposing it to be part of the performance we all looked again on the stage when a man suddenly vaulted over the railing of the box - turned back & then leaped to the stage - striking on his heels & falling backward
but recovered himself in an instant and started across the stage to behind the scenes flourishing a knife - the blade of which appeared in the reflection of the bright lights to be half as long as a man's arm - and making use of the expressions you have seen in the Papers - He had nearly disappeared before we could understand what it was or what had happened - We first thought it was a crazy man - when he jumped on to the stage we all jumped to our feet & stood spell bound - as he crossed the stage some few started toward the stage crying - our President! our President is shot! catch him - hang him! Miss Harris was seen to lean over the railing for water & that was all that broke the stillness in that box - If those watch had called out as soon
as the man jumped to give us an idea of what had happened he could have been caught as he stopped to recover himself after the fall - There was not a soul to be seen in the Box and perfect stillness there which all added to our bewilderment- one man got up on a chair on hearing that the man was caught & said "take out the ladies & hang him here on the spot" Beck fearing a mob hurried me out - leaving the audience still standing awed & speechless. We waited outside until a young man came out & said "He is dead - no doubt about it!"
Before we got out of the door some one said "It was J. Wilkes Booth" and before I got out, the idea that our Chief was gone - almost our sole dependence - overcame me & I could not control myself & sobbed aloud
We met several outside the door first coming in asking "For God's sake tell me is it true? as if they had heard already rumors of the great tragedy - The reason that we could not suddenly realize what has occurred was because we could not anticipate that an assassin could be in the Box with the President - His only danger seemed to be from a shot fired by one of the audience
Booth entered the front door and asked some one there if Genl Grant was there that night - Then went along to the door of the Box - just where we had seen the President enter - knocked at the door & to the watch who opened it, said he wished to speak to the President, that he had a communication for him showing an Official envelope & giving him a card with the name of a Senator written on it - The
watch stepped aside & the assassin entered & fired immediately while Mr Lincoln was looking at the stage
The excitement that night was intense & a mob of about 2000 went to the Old Capitol Prison to burn it & they called upon the people to come out & see the rebels burn - The Police & troops were out & put a stop to it or it would have been done - The assassin at Sewards first stabbed the nurse through the lungs & killed him I believe - knocked in the skull of Fred Seward with a butt of a pistol & stabbed another son - all had opposed his entrance and the old man hearing the scuffle at the door & thinking it was some one after him. rolled out of bed on to the floor and the assassin had to lean over the bed to stab him so he only
had two cuts - on his neck & face - which will not prove serious if he has strength after his former sickness - There is no doubt that it was Booth who killed the President - Laura Keene says she can testify that it was him
The secessionists here have all draped their houses in crape - and acknowledged that it was the worst thing for the South that ever happened - their best friend is gone & Andy J - will be more severe than ever Lincoln was - Andy Johnson joined the Temperance Society after the Inaugaration and every one who saw him at his own Inaugaration were much pleased with his manner as he seemed impressed with the responsibility before him -
There are rumored changes to be made in the Cabinet already
9. There was a strange coincidence at the Theatre Friday evening - In the play the American Cousin won the prize at Archery and on receiving the medal was congratulated - He said he "had'nt done nothing - all it required was a steady hand a clear eye to pull the trigger & the mark was hit" as he said it he looked right up at the President
That was in the play & he looked there merely because he was the principal person present but afterwards it struck everyone as a strange coincidence
On Friday Beck received a letter from Duane who is a prisoner at Point Lookout begging him to forget the Past & to find out for him if he would be allowed to take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. that he
was sick enough of the Confederacy and very sorry he had ever had any thing to do with it - That afternoon Beck went to the Comd Genl of prisoners but he was out and of course after the awful tragedy Beck did not feel like interceeding for a rebel I do not know what he will do now - he may go to Genl Grant if Hoffman won't do anything - Don't say anything about it -
I suppose you have read all I have told you, in the Papers but being there myself I supposed you would like to hear it over just as I saw it - The authorities think that there is no chance for the assassin to escape but I think it is like hunting for a needle in a haystack - Your letter did not come today and when
ever it does not come by Sunday it is because you have left it to tell the latest news of adile and when you wrote last she was a little troubled with her throat - I had a letter from Maggie today
I will send this letter today before getting your's - If you send me word how much cloth it takes for adile's sacque I can buy it here & make it if I had the pattern - I have forgotten how wide the material was that Mrs Foster bought - but if I know the length of her sacque & the width of the half at the bottom I can tell how much it would take when I see Mrs Foster about the width of the material - We are well & send love - with kisses to adile -
Your aff Daughter
Helen DuB.
Tuesday, Washington, D.C., April 25th/65
My dear Mother
Your letter did not arrive until this morning and I began to think you were waiting for me to answer your last as I wrote before receiving it. Joe paid us a short visit last Wednesday. He came to make arrangements for the President's remains to be carried over his road. We found him here on our return from witnessing the procession.
I went with Mrs Foster & the family she is boarding with who had engaged a room with three windows in the fourth Story of a house on the Avenue. Beck & the Col. had to take part in the procession. We had a splendid view of it and
it was the largest one I had ever seen. It was two hours passing us. I suppose N. Y. will do better than that today. Did Father go to the city? You might go over to Garrison's as the train passes. The car which carries the remains was just finished & intended for his use-living. I did not go to the White House to see him. Beck did not want to go & I would not go in such a crowd alone. I am very sorry I did not go. perhaps it is for the best as I have been as nervous since that awful night that I feel almost prostrated in health and any more excitement of the kind would not benefit me much. They say the scene in the house that day were terribly solemn. The house so dark with black. The stillness of death---and the four Generals as sentinels by the corpse looking
solemn & sad---all made the people realize more forcibly what a dreadful thing had happened. Poor Mrs Lincoln has not left her bed since he died & they had to close the doors a half hour before the appointed time as the steady tramp tramp of the people was making her wild so that she did not recognize her own son. To think that his wife's presence did not stay the murderers hand. It is thought by a few who pretend to know that Booth is surely caught and the Authority don't wish it known. There is a great deal known that is not allowed to be published. There is a family of Greenes under arrest for having kept him all night on Friday. They are a good family here & live by the Potomac.
Joe staid all night with us and left early the next morning. I have not heard from Carrie in
some time. There is an advertised letter for me in the P. O---which they say they are not ready to deliver yet. It is very funny. They must be examining letters. Has Mrs De Janon got to W. P. yet? I see Lou florishing about here with Officers. I saw her with one at church Sunday. We think of going next Sunday to Alexandria to attend the church that Genl Washington attended. It will be an interesting trip. Col Foster gave up two bonds of the Confederate loan which he brought up from Charleston. I have finished my green dress and it looks good as new. I am on the pink plaid pineapple---putting a lining in the skirt & flouncing it. I am rather glad the trunk holds off as there is enough work here to keep me busy. You need not send the claret silk as I shall not need it before Fall. If you write as soon as you get this it will bring the letters all right again. I had a letter from
[on first page written vertically]
Maggie last week. I suppose she is home. I have not heard a word from Emma since that letter he wrote. I wonder how they got along. If Maggie goes down perhaps she would go to see her to enquire. tell her to go & see the baby. give them all much love & kisses to Adile from papa & Mama.
Yours Aff, Helen
Lincoln Assassination
talked with A Johnson
Quartermaster General's Office, Washington, D.C. April 24th 1864.
My dear Docter.
Will you do me the favor to give me a note or letter to your old friend Seward, that will secure me a personal interview sometime should he recover, as all the indications are now that he will?
I have thought for the past three years that whenever the war closed, I would like to go out of the country either as Consul or connected with some one of our Foreign Legations. You will understand what I want and what kind of letter would facilitate my object.
We have measurably recovered here in the Capitol from the terrible shock of the murder of the President, and the nearly successful attempt upon the life of Sec, Seward: but it will be a long while before the city will present all the evidences of hilarity, and pleasure that it did
previous to that sad event. Years will not banish from the memory the vivid recollection of the night in Washington of April 14. 1865. The entry of the Rebel Army into the Capitol and all the Public Buildings in flames would not have created half the consternation among the people that the announcement that the President and his Cabinet had been assassinated did. The murder of the President was so public and witnessed by so many, that for several hours no one would believe, but that Seward and the rest of the Cabinet had shared the same fate. I venture that so many anxious hearts seldom if ever, so longed for the coming of day as the residents of this city did upon that occasion. But the darkness of the terrible deed did not disappear with the darkness of the night. It was considered a crime without a parallel and perhaps will continue to remain so in all coming time.
Johnson seems to start well. moves cautiously as though feeling his way. Confidence
in him is increasing among the public men of the government and the people generally and the cloud is gradually lifting I think Johnson is determined to fully recover himself with the country and I believe he will succeed. I saw him and conversed with him half an hour the evening of the day upon which he was inaugurated. I liked his spirit his humility - and above all his dependence upon God and his earnest desire that the Christian part of the country would give him the same support, that they gave Mr Lincoln.
There is at least one point in his policy that is more than indicated. this country will be made exceedingly unhealthy for leading traitors. The crime of treason, will, under his administration, be made more odious to the people of this county than it would under Mr Lincolns policy.
But I am unintentionally writing a long letter Can I serve you any way - in any capacity here? If so, intimate to me how.
I have seen two notices of your last Book in the Advocate, but the Book I have not seen. The excitement here has been so intense and constant for a month past that nearly everything else has been overlooked
What can I do in regard to it?
As ever
Truly Yours
B.B. Emory
I sent two Confederate Bonds, taken from the Treasury Dept in Richmond, the day our troops entered They are genuine and were brought direct to me by my friend Rev J. K. Vincent of Chicago Ill
If any of your Copperhead friends are in a speculating mood I advise you to sell if they will give the face of the Bonds, The Coupons on one as you see was already signed
Seward is much better,- quite out of danger. but his son is still in a critical condition
E
April 25, 65
5 OClock. P.M
The American Telegraph Co.
Baltimore and Cincinnati Division,
Connecting With All Lines In The United States And British Provinces.
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In order to guard against and correct as much as possible some of the errors arising from atmospheric and other causes appertaining to telegraphy, every important message should be REPEATED, by being sent back from the station at which it is to be received to the station from which it is originally sent. Half the usual price will be charged for repeating the message; and while this Company in good faith will endeavor to send messages correctly and promptly, it will not be responsible for errors or delays in the transmission or delivery, nor for the non-delivery of REPEATED MESSAGES, beyond TWO HUNDRED times the sum paid for sending the message, unless a special agreement for insurance be made in writing, and the amount of risk specified on this agreement, and paid for at the time of sending the message. Nor will the Company be responsible for any error or delay in the transmission or delivery, or for the non-delivery, of ANY UNREPEATED MESSAGE, beyond the amount paid for sending the same, unless in like manner specially insured, and amount of risk stated hereon, and paid for at the time. No liability is assumed for errors in cipher or obscure messages; nor is any liability assumed by this Company for any error or neglect by any other Company over whose lines this message may be sent to reach its destination, and this Company is hereby made the agent of the sender of this message to forward it over the lines extending beyond those of this Company. No agent or employee is allowed to vary these terms, or make any other or verbal agreement, nor any promise as to the time of performance, and no one but a Superintendent is authorized to make a special agreement for insurance. These terms apply through the whole course of this message on all lines by which it may be transmitted.
Cambridge Livingston, Sec'y. 145 Broadway. E. S. Sandford, Pres't.
From Wheeling Dated Apl 25
Rec'd at ____ 186
To Capt. Jas Evans.
P.M
Confidential. The Secy of war directs that Junius Brutus Booth be arrested and sent to Washington City in irons. You will execute this order if said Junius
Brutus Booth Can be found in your district
E. P. Hudson
Capt V R C
Actg asst P. Marshal 35 Sr. 145 Coll
Lincoln
Washington April 24 1865
My Dear Sir
Your letter and the paper are recd for which accept my thanks - It is difficult to realize that the Horrible crime which has filled the who Country with Grief is a fact - I have to say even in the midst of mourning visible in every face that I fully believe the confidence so universally expressed in Mr Johnson is well founded
Yours Truly
Preston King
Treasury Department
Washington, April 17, 1865.
It is hereby ordered that, in honor of the memory of our late illustrious Chief Magistrate, all officers and others subject to the orders of the Secretary of the Treasury, wear crape upon the left arm for the period of six months.
H. McCulloch
Secretary of the Treasury.
Richmond April 17th 1865.
My dear brother---Your very kind & welcome letter by Dr. Fisher, reached me yesterday. in the midst of the gloom caused by that act of atrocious crime & folly that has thrilled a continent with horror. No words can depict the grief & consternation that this foul murder has produced here. We were beginning to hope for Speedy tranquillity, & Know that in Mr. Lincoln we had a man whose policy wd. certainly secure it, & all classes seemed ready to bow, & many to welcome his authority with joy. We felt that in him we had a wise, true & humane ruler, whom we cd trust. And now in the mysterious providence of God he is Struck down by the hand of the assassin. Oh it is unspeakably sad & fearful, & we can only gaze in silence on this new act of sorrow & mystery that opens up. I believe that at no time for two years past wd. the assassination of Davis have caused
a hundredth part of the grief here that this has done, for he has long been losing the love & confidence of the people which Mr. Lincoln was with unexampled rapidity gaining it. What the effect will be on this awful struggle, God only Knows. Perhaps as a martyr to his principles it may Canonise them & induce the Continuance of his policy, by wh. tranquillity wd. so soon have been restored, perhaps it may be otherwise, & then who can fortell the end. Oh it is a time for good men to pray as they never prayed before. May God have mercy on our poor, distracted country.
I wish very much I cd. see you, & have a long talk with you. Can't you come down & see me? I had the most sanguine hopes of a Speedy Settlement until this sad event happened, & will still Cherish them. Most of the people of Va. I think regarded the war as ended with Lee's surrender, & wanted peace
& were willing to come back on Mr. Lincoln's terms. I hope still that the policy will be such as to Keep up this feeling, & make Va. once more a loyal state. But that is yet to be seen. For myself I am sick & weary of war, secession & tumult, & long for some quiet Spot where I can live & work in peace. Whether I Can remain here is doubtful, as my Congregation is beggared by the fire, & I fear Cannot support me. I will, if permitted, stay as long as I can, & share their struggles. In a few years all will be restored again, but in the interim there must be much suffering. The money I referred to was this. I have been for several years in the habit of doing what I cd. for the U. S. prisoners here, giving & loaning them money, amounting in the aggregate to between 5 & 6000 dollars (Confed.) I took from officers an obligation
to refund, at their Convenience, in different ways. Some few have done it. I loaned some to a [Josh?]. Kloppenburg, 1 Lieut, 4th N. Y. Cavalry, a Dane, who said he was on Sheridan's staff. I told him to refund to you. I know not why he has not, nor do I care much. I did these acts not as Speculation, but as a [illegible] believing that my Master wd repay me, if the prisoners did not, & I dont Expect to lose in the long run, for the Cup of Cold Water has its reward.
Mrs. Rutcliffe has gone to Washn. & will tell you about us all. Judge Scarborough is in Halifax Co. I think. Judge Campell & family here. [Baretor?] I reckon has gone with the govt. D. H. Wood I reckon is in Albemarle with his friends. His family are in Larkville S. C. Pugh was with the army, but had gone home on a visit, & may be there still. Dr. Leyburn goes to Washington to-morrow & I may send this by him. Give my Kindest remembrances to Mrs. Gurley & your daughter if with you. I hope soon to see you here. I live in the same place (Leigh b. 4th & 5th) & if you come come right here, & we will find a place for you, with a hearty welcome. Rev. Dr. [Gurly?] Very truly yours T. V. Moore