Description:

Three Lincoln Assassination Letters "spread a gloom over the whole country"

A group of three Civil War letters discussing the tragic assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the end of the war. Dating from April 16 to April 30, 1865, the letters reveal the sadness, anxiety, and rage that many felt after Lincoln's death. All have flattened mail folds, with varying degrees of light toning and soiling throughout. Very good overall.

Highlights from the letters include:

April 16, 1865, Army of the Potomac Office, Chief Quartermaster - S.E. Corson to his Cousin Daniel: "…We have rec. the terrible news of the murder of Abraham Lincoln & it seems to spread a gloom over the whole country. It seems too hard that he should be murdered at the end of the war. The murderer has not been caught, but there is a just God in Heaven & He will not allow such wrongs to go unavenged…We were sorry to hear that David was drafted but the late order of Sec. Stanton will release him as all drafted men are set free & no more recruits are wanted. The war is over…"

April 24, 1865, Blooming Grove, New York - Luther Halsey to grandson, L.H. Smith: "…Grandma's somewhat less in pain, though very feeble. She is greatly worried about George, & though we wrote last, have not received a line from him since the army of Grant moved from Petersburgh. And your letter gives us no relief. Please to inform us of the dear fellow on your earliest intelligence. It will be of special help to Grandma, who, since the murderer of the President, finds her nerves much shattered…We put in early claim for your summer furlough. We rejoice with you in the prospect of speedy peace & the triumph of the old flag. We mourn the loss of the President, but confident it will durn out for the best. He had nobly finished the work to which he was called, & now the Nation sees & feels the meanness & cruelty engendered by American slavery…" [with a postscript by Smith's grandmother].

April 30, 1865, Penn Yaw - E.B. S. to Frank A. March Esq. [With an envelope]: "…What do they think of the murder of Lincoln where you are? We had a big celebration when Richmond was taken and the very next day news came that the Pres. Was killed and the day of the funeral we had another great day. We had a regular funeral we had a very long procession had the Hearses beautifully draped in mourning and drawn by four white horses and the Bands and Fire departments were out and all together made a very fine appearance…"

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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September 6, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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