<Archive Obituary> Abraham Lincoln (April 15th 1865)
Bill Schenley
OUR GREAT LOSS
Death of President Lincoln.
The Songs of Victory Drowned in Sorrow.
LOSING SCENES OF A NOBLE LIFE.
The Great Sorrow of an Afflicted Nation.
Party Differences Forgotten in Public Grief.
Vice-President Johnson Inaugurated as Chief Executive.
MR. SEWARD WILL RECOVER.
John Wilkes Booth Believed to be the Assassin.
Manifestations of the People Throughout the Country.
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
Photo:
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/lincoln-resolutions/images/lincoln-portrait.gif
FROM: The New York Times (April 16th 1865) ~
By Telegraph Dispatches
War Department, Washington, April 15 - 4:10 A.M.
To Major-Gen. Dix:
The President continues insensible and is sinking.
Secretary Seward remains without change.
Frederick Seward's skull is fractured in two places, besides
a severe cut upon the head.
The attendant is still alive, but hopeless. Maj. Seward's
wound is not dangerous.
It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two
assassins were engaged in this horrible crime, Wilkes Booth
being the one that shot the President, and the other 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 stable at six o'clock last evening,
and there left with their horses about ten o'clock, or shortly
before that hour.
It would seem 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.
War Department, Washington, April 15.
Major Gen. Dix:
Abraham Lincoln died this morning at twenty-two minutes after
seven o'clock.
Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War.
War Department, Washington, April 15 - 3 P.M.
Major Gen. Dix, New-York:
Official notice of the death of the late President, Abraham
Lincoln, was given by the heads of departments this morning to
Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, upon whom the constitution
devolved the office of President. Mr. Johnson, upon receiving
this notice, appeared before the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Chief
Justice of the United States, and took the oath of office, as
President of the United States, assumed its duties and functions.
At 12 o'clock the President met the heads of departments in
cabinet meeting, at the Treasury Building, and among other
business the following was transacted:
First - The arrangements for the funeral of the late President
were referred to the several Secretaries, as far as relates to their
respective departments.
Second - William Hunter, Esq., was appointed Acting Secretary
of State during the disability of Mr. Seward, and his son
Frederick Seward, the Assistant Secretary.
Third - The President formally announced that he desired to retain
the present Secretaries of departments of his Cabinet, and they
would go on and discharge their respective duties in the same
manner as before the deplorable event that had changed the head
of the government.
All business in the departments was suspended during the day.
The surgeons report that the condition of Mr. Seward remains
unchanged. He is doing well.
No improvement in Mr. Frederick Seward.
The murderers have not yet been apprehended.
Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War.
THE ASSASSINATION.
Additional Details of the Lamentable Event.
Washington, Saturday, April 15
The assassin of President Lincoln left behind him his hat and a
spur.
The hat was picked up in the President's box and has been
identified by parties to whom it has been shown as the one
belonging to the suspected man, and accurately described as the
one belonging to the suspected man by other parties, not
allowed to see it before describing it.
The spur was dropped upon the stage, and that also has been
identified as the one procured at a stable where the same man
hired a horse in the evening.
Two gentlemen who went to the Secretary of War to apprize
him of the attack on Mr. Lincoln met at the residence of the
former a man muffled in a cloak, who, when accosted by them,
hastened away.
It had been Mr. Stanton's intention to accompany Mr. Lincoln to
the theatre, and occupy the same box, but the press of business
prevented.
It therefore seems evident that the aim of the plotters was to
paralyze the country by at once striking down the head, the heart
and the arm of the country.
As soon as the dreadful events were announced in the streets,
Superintendent Richards, and his assistants, were at work to
discover the assassin.
In a few moments the telegraph had aroused the whole police
force of the city.
Maj. Wallach and several members of the City Government
were soon on the spot and every precaution was taken to
preserve order and quiet in the city.
Every street in Washington was patrolled at the request of Mr.
Richards.
Gen. Augur sent horses to mount the police.
Every road leading out of Washington was strongly picketed
and every possible avenue of escape was thoroughly guarded.
Steamboats about to depart down the Potomac were stopped.
The Daily Chronicle says:
"As it is suspected that this conspiracy originated in Maryland,
the telegraph flashed the mournful news to Baltimore and all the
cavalry was Immediately put upon active duty. Every road was
picketed and every precaution taken to prevent the escape of
the assassin. A preliminary examination was made by Messrs.
Richards and his assistants. Several persons were called to
testify and the evidence as elicited before an informal tribunal,
and not under oath, was conclusive to this point. The murderer
of President Lincoln was John Wilkes Booth. His hat was found
in the private box, and identified by several persons who had
seen him within the last two days, and the spur which he
dropped by accident, after he jumped to the stage, was
identified as one of those which he had obtained from the stable
where he hired his horse.
This man Booth has played more than once at Ford's Theatre,
and is, of course, acquainted with its exits and entrances, and
the facility with which he escaped behind the scenes is well
understood.
The person who assassinated Secretary Seward left behind him
a slouched hat and an old rusty navy revolver. The chambers
were broken low from the barrel, as if done by striking. The loads
were drawn from the chambers, one being but a rough piece of
lead, and the other being smaller than the chambers, wrapped in
paper, as if to keep them from falling out.
CLOSING SCENES.
Particulars of His Last Moments
Record of His Condition Before Death
His Death
Washington, Saturday, April 15 - 11 o'clock A.M.
The Star extra says:
"At 7:20 o'clock the President breathed his last, closing his
eyes as if falling to sleep, and his countenance assuming an
expression of perfect serenity. There were no indications of
pain and it was not known that he was dead until the
gradually decreasing respiration ceased altogether.
Rev. Dr. Gurley, of the New-York avenue Presbyterian
Church, immediately on it being ascertained that life was
extinct, knelt at the bedside and offered an impressive prayer,
which was responded to by all present.
Dr. Gurley then proceeded to the front parlor, where Mrs.
Lincoln, Capt. Robert Lincoln, Mrs. John Hay, the Private
Secretary, and others, were waiting, where he again offered a
prayer for the consolation of the family.
The following minutes, taken by Dr. Abbott, show the condition
of the late President throughout the night.
11 o'clock -- Pulse 44.
11:05 o'clock -- Pulse 45, and growing weaker.
11:10 o'clock -- Pulse 45.
11:15 o'clock -- Pulse 42.
11:20 o'clock -- Pulse 45; respiration 27 to 29.
11:26 o'clock -- Pulse 42.
11:32 o'clock -- Pulse 48 and full.
11:40 o'clock -- Pulse 45.
11:45 o'clock -- Pulse 45; respiration 22.
12 o'clock -- Pulse 48; respiration 22.
12:16 o'clock -- Pulse 48; respiration 21 -- echmot. both eyes.
12:30 o'clock -- Pulse 45.
12:32 o'clock -- Pulse 60.
12:35 o'clock -- Pulse 66.1.
12:40 o'clock -- Pulse 69;right eye much swollen and
echmoses.
12:45 o'clock -- Pulse 70.
12:55 o'clock -- Pulse 80; struggling motion of arms.
1 o'clock -- Pulse 86; respiration 30.
1:30 o'clock -- Pulse 95; appearing easier.
1:45 o'clock -- Pulse 86 -- very quiet, respiration irregular.
Mrs. Lincoln present.
2:10 o'clock -- Mrs. Lincoln retired with Robert Lincoln to
adjoining rooms.
2:30 o'clock -- President very quiet -- pulse 54 -- respiration
28.
2:52 o'clock -- Pulse 48 -- respiration 30.
3 o'clock -- Visited again by Mrs. Lincoln.
3:25 o'clock -- Respiration 24 and regular.
3:35 o'clock -- Prayer by Rev. Dr. Gurley.
4 o'clock -- Respiration 26 and regular.
4:15 o'clock -- Pulse 60 -- respiration 25.
5:50 o'clock -- Respiration 28 -- regular -- sleeping.
6 o'clock -- Pulse failing -- respiration 28.
6:30 o'clock -- Still failing and labored breathing.
7 o'clock -- Symptoms of immediate dissolution.
7:22 o'clock -- Death.
Surrounding the death bed of the President were Secretaries
Stanton, Welles, Usher, Attorney-General Speed,
Postmaster-General Dennison, M.B. Field, Assistant Secretary
of the Treasury; Judge Otto, Assistant Secretary of the Interior;
Gen. Halleck, Gen. Meigs, Senator Sumner, R.F. Andrews, of
New-York; Gen. Todd, of Dacotah; John Hay, Private
Secretary; Gov. Oglesby, of Illinois; Gen Farnsworth, Mr. and
Miss Kenney, Miss Harris, Capt. Robert Lincoln, son of the
President, and Doctors E.W. Abbott, R.K. Stone, C.D. Gatch,
Neal Hall, and Mr. Lieberman. Secretary McCulloch remained
with the President until about 5 o'clock, and Chief Justice Chase,
after several hours' attendance during the night, returned early
this morning.
Immediately after the President's death a Cabinet meeting was
called by Secretary Stanton, and held in the room in which the
corpse lay. Secretaries Stanton, Welles and Usher,
Postmaster-General Dennison, and Attorney-General Speed,
were present. The results of the conference are as yet unknown.
Removal of the Remains to the Executive Mansion -- Feeling in
the City.
Washington, Saturday, April 15.
The President's body was removed from the private residence
opposite Ford's Theatre to the executive mansion this morning at
9:30 o'clock. in a hearse, and wrapped in the American flag.
It was escorted by a small guard of cavalry, Gen. Augur and
other military officers following on foot.
A dense crowd accompanied the remains to the White House,
where a military guard excluded the crowd, allowing none but
persons of the household and personal friends of the deceased
to enter the premises,
Senator Yates and Representative Farnsworth being among the
number admitted.
The body is being embalmed, with a view to its removal to Illinois.
Flags over the department and throughout the city are at half-mast.
Scarcely any business is being transacted anywhere either on
private or public account.
Our citizens, without any preconcert whatever, are draping their
premises with festoons of mourning.
The bells are tolling mournfully. All is the deepest gloom and
sadness. Strong men weep in the streets. The grief is
wide-spread and deep in strange contrast to the joy so lately
manifested over our recent military victories.
This is indeed a day of gloom.
Reports that Mr. Frederick W. Seward, who was kindly
assisting the nursing of Secretary Seward, received a stab in the
back. The shoulder blade prevented the knife or dagger from
penetrating into his body. The prospects are that he will recover.
A report is circulated, repeated by almost everybody, that
Booth was captured fifteen miles this side of Baltimore. If it be
true, as asserted, that the War Department has received such
information, it will doubtless be officially promulgated.
The government departments are closed by order, and will be
draped with the usual emblems of mourning.
The roads leading to and from the city are guarded by the
military, and the utmost circumspection is observed as to all
attempting to enter or leave the city.
AUTOPSY UPON THE BODY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Washington, Saturday, April 15.
An autopsy was held this afternoon over the body of President
Lincoln by Surgeon-General Barnes and Dr. Stone, assisted by
other eminent medical men.
The coffin is of mahogany, is covered with black cloth, and lined
with lead, the latter also being covered white satin.
A silver plate upon the coffin over the breast bears the following
inscription:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Born July 12, 1809,
Died April 15, 1865.
The remains have been embalmed.
A few locks of hair were removed from the President's head
for the family previous to the remains being placed in the coffin.
THE ASSASSINS.
Circumstances Tending to the Inculpate G.H. Booth -
Description of his Confederate in the Crime.
Washington, Saturday, April 15.
There is no confirmation of the report that the murderer of the
President has been arrested.
Among the circumstances tending to fix a participation in the
crime on Booth, were letters found in his trunk, one of which,
apparently from a lady, supplicated him to desist from the
perilous undertaking in which he was about to embark, as the
time was inauspicious, the mine not yet being ready to be
sprung.
The Extra Intelligencer says: "From the evidence obtained it is
rendered highly probable that the man who stabbed Mr.
Seward and his sons, is John Surratt, of Prince George
County, Maryland. The horse he rode was hired at Naylor's
stable, on Fourteenth-street. Surratt is a young man, with light
hair and goatee. His father is said to have been postmaster of
Prince George County."
About 11 o'clock last night two men crossed the Anacostia
Bridge, one of whom gave his name as Booth, and the other
as Smith. The latter is believed to be John Surratt.
Last night a riderless horse was found, which has been
identified by the proprietor of one of the stables previously
mentioned as having been hired from his establishment.
Accounts are conflicting as to whether Booth crossed the
bridge on horseback or on foot; but as it is believed that he
rode across it, it is presumed that he had exchanged his horse.
From information in the possession of the authorities it is
evident that the scope of the plot was intended to be much
more comprehensive.
The Vice-President and other prominent members of the
Administration were particularly inquired for by suspected
parties, and their precise localities accurately obtained; but
providentially, in their cases, the scheme miscarried.
A boat was at once sent down the Potomac to notify the
gunboats on the river of the awful crime, in order that all
possible means should be taken for the arrest of the
perpetrators.
The most ample precautions have been taken, and it is not
believed the culprits will long succeed in evading the
overtaking of justice.
The second extra of the Evening Star says:
"Col. Ingraham, Provost-Marshal of the defence north of the
Potomac, is engaged in taking testimony to-day, all of which
fixes the assassination upon H. Wilkes Booth.
Judge Olin, of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia,
and Justice Miller, are also engaged to-day, at the Police
Headquarters, on Tenth-street, in taking the testimony of a
large number of witnesses.
Lieut. Tyrell, of Col. Ingraham's staff, last night proceeded
to the National Hotel, where Booth had been stopping, and
took possession of his trunk, in which was found a Colonel's
military dress-coat, two pairs of handcuffs, two boxes of
cartridges and a package of letters, all of which are now in the
possession of the military authorities.
One of these letters, bearing the date of Hookstown, Md.,
seems to implicate Booth. The writer speaks of "the
mysterious affair in which you are engaged," and urges Booth
to proceed to Richmond, and ascertain the views of the
authorities there upon the subject. The writer of the letter
endeavors to persuade Booth from carrying his designs into
execution at that time, for the reason, as the writer alleges,
that the government had its suspicions aroused. The writer of
the letter seems to have been implicated with Booth in "the
mysterious affair" referred to, as he informs Booth in the letter
that he would prefer to express his views verbally; and then
goes on to say that he was out of money, had no clothes, and
would be compelled to leave home, as his family were
desirous that he should dissolve his connection with Booth.
This letter is written on note paper, in a small, neat hand, and
simply bears the signature of "Sam."
At the Cabinet meeting yesterday, which lasted over two
hours, the future policy of the government toward Virginia
was discussed, the best feeling prevailed. It is stated that it
was, determined to adopt a very liberal policy, as was
recommended by the President. It is said that this meeting
was the most harmonious held for over two years, the
President exhibiting throughout that magnanimity and kindness
of heart which has ever characterized his treatment of the
rebellious States, and which has been so littly requited on their
part.
One of the members of the Cabinet remarked to a friend he
met at the door, that "The government was to-day stronger
than it had been for three years past."
Washington, Saturday, April 15 - 3:30 P.M.
To-day no one is allowed to leave the city by rail conveyance,
or on foot, and the issuing of passes from the Headquarters of
the Department of Washington has been suspended by Gen.
Augur.
THE SUCCESSION.
Mr. Johnson Inaugurated as President.
The Oath Administered by Secretary Chase.
He Will Perform His Duties Trusting in God.
Washington, Saturday, April 15 - 12 A.M.
Andrew Johnson was sworn into office as President of the
United States by Chief-Justice Chase, to-day, at eleven
o'clock.
Secretary McCullough and Attorney-General Speed, and
others were present.
He remarked:
"The duties are mine. I will perform them, trusting in God.
SECOND DISPATCH
Washington, Saturday, April 15.
At an early hour this morning, Hon. Edwin M. Stanton,
Secretary of War, sent an official communication to Hon.
Andrew Johnson, Vice-President of the United States, that,
in consequence of the sudden and unexpected death of the
Chief Magistrate, his inauguration should take place as soon
as possible, and requesting him to state the place and hour at
which the ceremony should be performed.
Mr. Johnson immediately replied that it would be agreeable to
him to have the proceedings take place at his rooms in the
Kirkwood House as soon as the arrangements could be
perfected.
Chief Justice Chase was informed of the fact and repaired to
the appointed place in company with Secretary McCullough,
of the Treasury Department, Attorney-General Speed,
J.P. Blair, Sr., Hon. Montgomery Blair, Senators Foot of
Vermont, Ramsay, of Minnesota, Yates, of Illinois, Stewart,
of Nevada, Hale, of New-Hampshirre, and Gen. Farnsworth,
of Illinois.
At eleven o'clock the oath of office was administered by the
Chief Justice of the United States, in his usual solemn and
impressive manner.
Mr. Johnson received the kind expressions of the gentlemen
by whom he was surrounded in a manner which showed his
earnest sense of the great responsibilities so suddenly
devolved upon him, and made a brief speech, in which he
said:
"The duties of the office are mine. I will perform them. The
consequences are with God. Gentlemen, I shall lean upon you.
I feel that I shall need your support. I am deeply impressed with
the solemnity of the occasion and the responsibility of the duties
of the office I am assuming.
Mr. Johnson appeared to be in remarkably good health, and
has a high and realizing sense of the hopes that are centered
upon him. His manner was solemn and dignified, and his whole
bearing produced a most gratifying impression upon those who
participated in the ceremonies.
It is probable that during the day President Johnson will issue his
first proclamation to the American People.
It is expected, though nothing has been definitely determined
upon, that the funeral of the late President Lincoln will take place
on or about Thursday next. It is supposed that his remains will be
temporarily deposited in the Congressional Cemetery.
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Portraits:
http://utopia.utexas.edu/project/portraits/lincoln.jpg
http://tomroeser.com/blog/img/f22221/abe%20lincoln.jpg