Description:

Abraham Lincoln
New York, NY, April 25, 1865
An Account of Lincoln's Funeral in NY: "Our dear lamented President sleeps in Death in our midst."
ALS

Letter describing Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession in New York City. 4pp., 4.5" x 7"; New York; April 25, 1865. Signed with initials "S.P.B." the letter is written by a woman serving as "Directress" of the Industrial School describing the "solemnities" of the observances of President's Lincoln funeral, held that very day. Expected mail folds; with bright paper and highly legible writing.

In part:

"What a memorable day this has been, & I wish you were here to join in its solemnities. Our dear lamented President sleeps in Death in our midst. I witnessed his reception, and saw the hearse which contained all that is mortal of him. We mourn, to-morrow will long be remembered for the honors which will be bestowed by the people. I will not attempt a description of the emblems of…displayed by all loyal citizens, and I fear some disloyal ones…How unkind to themselves the South has been, ‘killing mercy and sacrifying [sic] love'. But Mr. Lincoln has accomplished his work, and God in this here providence, uses a sterner hand to build up a lasting peace."

Funeral observances for Abraham Lincoln in New York City took place on April 25, 1865, the very day this letter was written. After lying in state at City Hall, Lincoln's coffin was borne in a grand procession up Broadway to Union Square, passing through streets draped in mourning. The event drew an immense outpouring of public grief, with more than 500,000 people lining the route.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7" x 4.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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