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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