Lincoln in His own Words Large Print in His Own... · 2017-06-19 · 1 Abraham Lincoln In His Own Words An intimate view of our greatest president More has been written about Abraham

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Abraham Lincoln In His Own Words An intimate view of our greatest president

More has been written about Abraham Lincoln than any other American, yet our view of him is dominated by a series of iconic images: the self-taught son of an illiterate farmer; the bearded man in the stovepipe hat; the savior of the Union; the Great Emancipator; the martyred leader. But what made Lincoln such a great man? His words are the key. His letters and manuscripts allow us to connect with history and discover Lincoln and his principles in his own words. From the draft of his famous “House Divided” speech to his private letter about the fall of Richmond, these documents encourage us to see Lincoln at pivotal moments struggling to prevent the dissolution of the country and pursuing his vision of a new birth of freedom. Selected Documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection, with Sculpture from the Collections of the New-York Historical Society.

Race for the Senate, 1858

By 1850, the extension of slavery into new territories won during the Mexican War of 1846–48 provided a testing ground for competing visions of America. The passage of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 sparked a firestorm in Kansas and made slavery a central issue across the country. These events moved Lincoln to reenter political life and to speak out publicly against pro-slavery factions. The Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision in 1857 ruled that no African American could be a U.S. citizen. It ignited jubilation in the South and fierce protests in the North, and marked the end of compromise between the opposing groups. As a result, abolitionists,

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Republicans, and moderates in the North— previously divided—began to find more common ground. Speeches in Lincoln’s handwriting from the 1858 U.S. Senate race against Stephen Douglas are very rare. Most were lost or destroyed. The manuscripts here are two of only a handful that survive in Lincoln’s handwriting from that campaign. Even these pieces of paper, which Lincoln might have carried in his pocket or tucked inside his hat, are fragments of longer speeches. The Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865 Fall of Richmond Legacy “House divided” speech fragment c. December 1857 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In this draft of a speech from 1857, Lincoln identifies slavery as a moral and political issue that threatens the survival of the United States. Invoking the famous biblical words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he declared, “I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave, and half free.”

Transcript:

Why, Kansas is neither the whole, nor a tithe of the real question.

“A house divided against itself can not stand” I believe this government can not endure permanently,

half slave, and half free – I expressed this belief a year ago; and subsequent

developements have but confirmed me. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not

expect the house to fall; but I do expect it will cease to be divided – It will become all one thing, or all the other – Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it,

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and put it in course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the states, old, as well as new – Do you doubt it? Study the Dred Scott decision, and then see, how little, even now, remains to be done –

That decision may be reduced to three points – The first is, that a negro can not be a citizen – That point is made in order to deprive the negro in every possible event, of the benefit of that provision of the U. S Constitution which declares that: “The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all previleges and immunities of citizens in the several States”

The second point is, that the U. S. constitution protects slavery, as property, in all the U. S. territories, and that neither Congress, nor the peoples of the territories, nor any other power, can prohibit it, at any time prior to the formation of State constitutions –

This point is made, in order that the territories may safely be filled up with slaves, before the formation of State constitutions, and thereby to embarrass the free state [sentiment, and enhance the chances of slave constitutions being adopted.] [The third point decided is that the voluntary bringing of Dred Scott into Illinois by his master, and holding him here a long time as a slave, did not operate his emancipation – did not make him free.] Notes on Lincoln’s opposition to slavery c. 1857–1858 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In this fragment Lincoln articulates two principles that informed his vision. First, that slavery, no matter how legal according to Southern statutes, was a violation of natural law, and thus morally wrong. Second, that

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the real purpose of law was to help people toward self-improvement by creating equality of opportunity. Looking back to the Declaration of Independence, he envisioned an America where all are entitled to the fruits of their labor.

Transcript: …dent truth. Made so plain by our good Father in Heaven, that all feel and understand it, even down to brutes and creeping insects. The ant, who has toiled and dragged a crumb to his nest, will furiously defend the fruit of his labor, against whatever robber assails him. So plain, that the most dumb and stupid slave that ever toiled for a master, does constantly know that he is wronged. So plain that no one, high or low, ever does mistake it, except in a plainly selfish way; for although volume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, we never hear of the man who wishes to take the good of it, by being a slave himself. Most governments have been based, practically, on the denial of the equal rights of men, as I have, in part, stated them; ours began, by affirming those rights. They said, some men are too ignorant, and vicious, to share in government. Possibly so, said we; and, by your system, you would always keep them ignorant and vicious. We proposed to give all a chance; and we expected the weak to grow stronger, the ignorant, wiser; and all better, and happier together. We made the experiment; and the fruit is before us. Look at it-- Think of it-- Look at it, in its aggregate grandeur, of extent of country, and numbers of population, of ship, and steamboat, and rail…

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Lincoln’s Character

Letter to George C. Latham July 22, 1860 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In the midst of the 1860 presidential campaign, Lincoln’s son Robert told his father that a good friend, George C. Latham, had failed to pass the entrance exam required for admission to Harvard. Lincoln wrote this letter of encouragement to the young man insisting: “It is a certain truth that you can enter and graduate in Harvard University.” This letter provides rare insight into Lincoln’s character and illustrates the determination that propelled him from humble beginnings to the presidency of the United States. Latham ended up going to Yale.

Transcript: Springfield, Ills. July 22, 1860. My dear George I have scarcely felt greater pain in my life than on learning yesterday from Bob’s letter, that you had failed to enter Harvard University. And yet there is very little in it, if you will allow no feeling of discouragement to seize, and prey upon you. It is a certain truth, that you can enter, and graduate in, Harvard University; and having made the attempt, you must succeed in it. “Must” is the word. I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not. The President of the institution, can scarcely be other than a kind man; [2] and doubtless he would grant you an

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interview, and point out the readiest way to remove, or overcome, the obstacles which have thwarted you. In your temporary failure there is no evidence that you may not yet be a better scholar, and a more successful man in the great struggle of life, than many others, who have entered college more easily. Again I say let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed. With more than a common interest I subscribe myself Very truly your friend. A. Lincoln. Letter to Major John Dix June 24, 1863 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society This 1863 letter, written on mourning stationery (note the black border) shows Lincoln’s extraordinary perseverance in his own life. Still mindful of his son Willie’s death the previous year but determined to carry on despite his personal tragedy, Lincoln discusses military strategy with John Dix.

Transcript:

905 PM Washington

June 24. 1863 [9 P.M.]

Major Genl. Dix

YorkTown, Va

We have a despatch [sic] from Gen. Grant of the 19th. Dont [sic] think Kirby Smith took Miliken's [sic] Bend since, allowing time to get the news to Joe Johnston & from him to Richmond. But it is not absolutely impossible-- Also have

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news from Banks to the 16th I think-- He had [inserted above: not] run away then, nor thought of it. A. Lincoln Photograph of Abraham Lincoln June 1860, reprinted 1881 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Letter to Secretary of War Simon Cameron March 29, 1861 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Lincoln believed that there was time to resolve the crisis peacefully. During his first day as President, however, he received a letter from Major Robert Anderson, commander of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Anderson informed the President that Fort Sumter’s supplies would be exhausted within a month and it would take 20,000 troops to defend the fort. In this letter, Lincoln orders Secretary of War Cameron to send troops and supplies to reinforce Fort Sumter, an act that precipitated the Civil War.

Transcript: Executive Mansion March 29. 1861 Honorable Secretary of War: Sir – I desire that an expedition, to move by sea, be got ready to sail as early as the 6th of April next, the whole according to memorandum attached, and that you co-operate with the Secretary of the Navy for that object. Your obedient Servant A. Lincoln

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CHARLESTON MERCURY EXTRA December 20, 1860 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society The election of Lincoln in November 1860 convinced Southern states that the new president would take action against slavery. This broadside was printed in Charleston, South Carolina, on December 20, 1860, when South Carolina voted to secede from the Union. The Confederate Constitution would take as its cornerstone the unrestricted right to hold slaves. Back of Charleston Mercury Extra: The notes written on the back of this broadside reveal a nation and a society torn apart by war. “We are out of the Union and once more independent. I rejoice in it. Love to all Yours Teddie.” Teddie forwarded this document to a friend who added an interesting post-war comment. “This was sent me by my old school friend Teddie Harleston of Charleston. I visited him after the the [sic] war but he had no kick to make at the result. This has served it purpose and may be destroyed” Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address March 4, 1861 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In his First Inaugural, Lincoln appealed to the “mystic chords of memory” and to “the better angels of our nature” to hold the nation together. He pledged not to interfere with slavery in the South and pleaded with the Confederate states to reconcile with the North. Twenty times he used the word “Union.” But he also sent a clear signal that he would not, peacefully, allow the Union to be dissolved.

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Abraham Lincoln, 1860 Leonard Volk (1828–1895) Bronze Gift of Mrs. John V. Irwin to the New-York Historical Society, 1939.583 In the spring of 1860, sculptor Leonard Volk captured Lincoln’s famous image in a life mask, which he later used to create a bust and a fulllength statue for the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. This hauntingly realistic bronze cast was made in 1886 from the original plaster mask. Right Hand of Abraham Lincoln, 1886 Leonard Volk (1828–1895) Bronze Gift of Mrs. John V. Irwin, 1939.584 In the spring of 1860, sculptor Leonard Volk captured Lincoln’s famous image in a life mask, which he later used to create a bust and a full-length statue for the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. This hauntingly realistic bronze cast was made in 1886 from the original plaster mask. Later that year Volk made casts of Lincoln’s hands; a bronze of the right one is seen here. Lincoln held a portion of a broom to allow Volk to depict him grasping a rolled document in the finished statue. Volk noted that Lincoln’s right hand was severely swollen from constant handshaking on the campaign trail.

Commander in Chief

Acknowledging his limited military training, Lincoln studied books on military history and worked hard to learn from them. He spent several hours a day at the War Department reading telegrams from the battlefields. These letters suggest the active role President Lincoln played in monitoring events and forging a military strategy for the Union Army. Lincoln’s handwritten telegram to Admiral Andrew H. Foote January 23, 1862 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In early 1862,

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newly appointed General Ulysses S. Grant was preparing a campaign against Confederate Forts Henry and Donnellson in Tennessee. When Lincoln impatiently composed this telegram to Admiral Foote, Grant’s troops were delayed by lack of naval support. Prompted by Lincoln’s terse missive, Foote immediately dispatched the needed ships. Grant took the forts on February 6, capturing a large number of prisoners and achieving the first major Union victory of the war.

Transcript:

The President wishes the rafts with their 13 inch mortars and all appointments to be ready for use at the earliest possible moment. What can we do here to advance this? What is lacking? What is being done so far as you know? Telegraph us every day, showing the progress, or lack of progress in this matter.

Telegraphic dispatch written by President Lincoln for Flag officer Foote and sent by

|23 Jan. 1862 H.A. Wise. |3.15 P.M. U.S.N. Printed letter from Lincoln to General George B. McClellan April 9, 1862 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Union General George B. McClellan was one of the most difficult leaders in the army because of his constant demand for more troops, his inability to move in a timely manner, and his lack of respect for President Lincoln. In this letter, almost immediately leaked to the press, Lincoln pressures General McClellan, Commander of the Army of the Potomac, to act.

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Despite his frustration, Lincoln was forced to leave McClellan in command for the time being, due to his widespread support within the Union army. Photograph of Lincoln and General George B. McClellan at Antietam c. September 1862 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Lincoln’s handwritten telegram to General Ulysses S. Grant June 15, 1864 (facsimile, original temporarily on loan) Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Lincoln frequently expressed frustration at the lack of aggression and tenacity of his generals. The Army of the Potomac went through seven commanding generals in just three years, and none had shown the tenacity and fortitude that Lincoln and the Union needed. In early 1864, Lincoln promoted General Grant to a new position in command of all Union armies. May and June of 1864 brought some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, yet Grant kept fighting and advancing. Lincoln had finally found his general. In this wonderfully succinct and prophetic letter, Lincoln expresses his faith in Grant’s ability to end the war.

Transcript: Time Received ________ United States Military Telegraph, War Department. Washington, June 15, 1864 Lieut. Gen. Grant Head Qrs. A. P.

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Have just read your despatch of 1 P.M. yesterday. I begin to see it. You will succeed. God bless you all. A. Lincoln Letter to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton October 22, 1864 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society At the beginning of the war, citizens lost their right to vote when they travelled out of their home states. Although by 1864 nineteen states allowed absentee ballots, many soldiers were still disenfranchised. Lincoln had an interest in ensuring that soldiers, whose votes he hoped to obtain, were permitted to go home at election time. Absentee ballots confirm that seventy eight percent of Union soldiers voted for Lincoln. Their votes helped carry Lincoln to victory in the close 1864 race.

Sec. of War, please see Mr. Dole & others, about the first colored regiment. Please do the best for them you can. May 12. 1863 A. Lincoln

Lincoln on Civil Liberties

Throughout the Civil War, Lincoln’s treatment of civil liberties, such as habeas corpus and free speech, aroused intensely mixed responses. The preservation and compromise of Civil Liberties have stirred public concern with every wartime president in American History. Lincoln Suspends the writ of Habeas Corpus September 24, 1862 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-

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York Historical Society Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the right of detained persons to civil trial, is one of the most controversial decisions of his presidency. Though the Constitution gave the government the power to suspend the writ “in Cases of Rebellion,” many of Lincoln’s critics insisted that only Congress had this power. Lincoln concluded that suspending the writ would safeguard the movement of troops, quell rioting, and prevent obstruction of the draft. Military supports Lincoln’s decision to suspend Habeas Corpus September 25, 1862 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Only one day after Lincoln suspended Habeas Corpus, Assistant Adjutant General E.D. Townsend issued the president’s order to the army. “That the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in respect to all persons arrested, or who are now, or hereafter during the rebellion shall be imprisoned in any fort, camp, arsenal, military prison, or other place of confinement by any military authority or by the sentence of any court martial or military commission.” Letter to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton June 4, 1863 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society At other moments, Lincoln protected civil liberties against overreaching actions by his generals. Here Lincoln orders Stanton to revoke the closure of the Chicago Times, which had been shut down by General Ambrose Burnside on May 5, 1863 for protesting his prosecution of peace Democrat, Clement Vallandigham for sedition. Clearly Lincoln thought Burnside had gone too far in suppressing freedom of speech.

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Transcript:

Hon. Sec. of War.

My dear Sir

I have received additional despatches which, with former ones, induce me to believe we should revoke or suspend the order, suspending the "Chicago Times," and, if you concur in opinion, please have it done.

Yours truly A. Lincoln

Legacy

Frederick Douglass’s Tribute to Lincoln 1880 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Fifteen years after Lincoln’s death, Douglass remembers him as “one of the noblest wisest and best men I ever knew.” This stirring tribute to Lincoln was later published in Osborn H. Oldroyd’s The Lincoln Memorial: Album-Immortelles.

A great man: Tender of heart, strong of nerve, Of boundless patience and broadest sympathies, with no motive apart from his country. He could recieve [sic] counsel from a child and give counsel to a sage. The simple [struck: could] approached him with ease, and the learned approached him with deference. Take him for all in all Abraham Lincoln was one of the noblest wisest and best men I ever knew.

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Fredk. Douglass 1880 Abraham Lincoln, 1916–1922 Daniel Chester French, 1850–1931 Painted plaster Gift of Mrs. William Penn Cresson (Margaret French) to the New-York Historical Society, 1954.164 This statuette is the model for arguably the most important monument, the Lincoln Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Created by the famous sculptor Daniel Chester French, it was scaled up to the heroic size of 20 feet. The statue for the memorial was completed in 1919, installed in 1920, and dedicated on May 30, 1922. Frederick Douglass consoles Mary Todd Lincoln August 17, 1865 (facsimile, original temporarily on loan) Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Full of sadness, this document brings together two people who in their different ways suffered most profoundly with Lincoln’s death. Here Frederick Douglass writes to thank Mary Lincoln for the gift of one of Lincoln’s walking sticks as a memento of the great man. To the grieving widow he remembers Lincoln for “not merely [for] the kind consideration in which I have reason to know that the President was pleased to hold me personally, but as an indication of his humane interest [in the] welfare of my whole race.”

Transcript: Rochester N.Y. August 17, 1865.

Mrs. Abraham Lincoln:

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Dear Madam: Allow me to thank you, as I certainly do

thank you most sincerely for your thoughtful kindness in making me the owner of a cane which was formerly the property and the favorite walking staff of your late lamented husband the honored and venerated President of the United States.

I assure you, that this inestimable memento of his Excellency will be retained in my possession while I live - an object of sacred interest - a token not merely of the kind consideration in which I have reason to know that [inserted: the] President was pleased to hold me personally, but [struck: of] as an indication of [struck: the] [inserted: his] humane [illegible strikeout] interest [in the] welfare of my whole race. With every proper sentiment of Respect and Esteem I am, Dear Madam, your Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t. Frederick Douglass. Civil Rights for African Americans Print by James Beard, 1870 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society The kinds of civil rights Lincoln had begun to publicly discuss before his assassination found their full expression and implantation in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments. Appropriately, an image of Lincoln is included in this broadside celebrating the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment on May 19, 1870.

Thirteenth Amendment

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Lincoln supported the constitutional amendment to end slavery when it was first proposed to Congress in 1863 and managed to persuade eight House Democrats to change their votes to support it. Eventually, he had the opportunity to sign the proposed amendment before it was sent to the states for ratification. Abraham Lincoln’s signed copy of the Thirteenth Amendment Resolution February 1, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society This document is one of seven copies of the Thirteenth Amendment signed by Lincoln and members of Congress. Because presidents normally did not sign amendments, Lincoln’s signature here underscores his antipathy toward slavery and perhaps his pride at having helped bring it to an end.

Transcript:

Thirty-Eighth Congress

of the United States of America at the second session begun and held at the City of Washington, on Monday, the fifth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four

A Resolution

submitting to the legislatures of the several states a proposition to amend the Constitution of the United States.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, (two thirds of both Houses concurring.) That the following article be proposed to the legislatures of the several States as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which,

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when ratified by three-fourths of said legislatures, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as a part of the said Constitution, namely:

Article XIII.

Sec. 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

I certify that this Resolution originated in the Senate. J. W. Forney, Secretary

Schuyler Colfax Speaker of the House of Representatives

H. Hamlin Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate

Attest. E. McPherson Clerk of the House of Representatives

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Approved February 1 A.D.

1865.

Abraham Lincoln

In the House of Representatives January 31. 1865.

Schuyler Colfax

Henry G. Worthington

Thaddeus Stevens

Alex. H. Rice

Isaac N. Henry C. E. R. Eckley Justin S. Amasa Cobb

1. S. C. Pomeroy

11. Lyman Trumbull

2. W. T. Willey

12. L. F. S. Foster

In the Senate April 8. 1864

3. H. S. Lane

13. Solomon Foot

21. J. Collamer

28. Edgar Cowan

36. Timy. O Howe

4. L. M. Morrill

14. Jn C. Ten Eyck

22. B. F. Wade

29. John P. Hale

37. James W. Grimes

5. J. W. Nesmith

15. James Dixon

23. J. B. Henderson

30. B. Gratz Brown

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6. J. R. Doolittle

16. J. H. Lane

24. Ira Harris

31. J. M. Howard

7. Reverdy Johnson

17. Alex. Ramsey

25.Wm Sprague

32. H. B. Anthony

8. P. C. Van Winkle

18. Jas. Harlan

26.Charles Sumner

33. John Conness

9. M. S. Wilkinson

19. E. D Morgan

27.L. M. Morrill

34. Henry Wilson

10. Z. Chandler

20. Daniel Clark

35. John Sherman

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Arnold Deming Morrill

J. F. Driggs Fredck E. Woodbridge

Wm. Higby N. B. Smithers

J. M. Broomall

Luc. Anderson

Cornelius Cole

D. W. Gooch Theodore M. Pomeroy

C. T. Hulburd N.Y.

J. M. Marvin John D. Baldwin

Portus Baxter

W. B. Washburn

R. B. Van Valkenburgh

J. A. Garfield

Wm. B. Allison

F. W. Kellogg

A. W. Hubbard

Francis Thomas

Oakes Ames Mass.

E Dumont Rufus P. Spalding

Chas. O'Neill

J.W. Patterson N. H.

H. Price Geo. S. Boutwell

Jesse O. Norton

H. W. Tracy John A. Kasson

E. C. Ingersoll

S. Hooper John B. Steele

Jno. W. Longyear

E. C. Washburne Ill.

H. L. Dawes M. Russell Thayer

Thomas D. Eliot

James T. Hale

Sidney Perham

John H. Rice

A. Myers Pa.

Wm. D. Kelley

D. Morris N.Y.

Wm. G. Brown W. Va.

F. C. Beaman

J. M Ashley D. C. Littlejohn

John H. Hubbard

J. F. Farnsworth

Sempronius H. Boyd

T. A. Jenckes

Nathan F. Dixon R. I.

A. C. Wilder Kan.

S. F. Miller N.Y.

James F. Wilson

I. C. Sloan Orlando S. Kellogg

Chas. Upson

Henry T. Blow

F. Clarke J. W. McClurg

Leonard Myers

John A. Griswold

Thos. T. Davis N. Y.

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Jno R. McBride

Thom Williams Pa.

Edwin H. Webster

Aug. C. Baldwin

Wm. Windom

James E. English

Ignatius Donnelly

A. McAllister Godlove S. Orth

W. H. Randall

Augustus Frank

Fred A Pike

Giles W. Hotchkiss

E. H. Rollins K. V. Whaley

Samuel Knox

Benjn. F. Loan Mo.

T. B. Shannon

M. F. Odell Anson Herrick N.Y.

John B Alley Ma

Geo. H. Yeaman

J. G. Blaine G. W. Scofield

A. H. Coffroth

Augustus Brandegee

J. B. Grinnell Iowa

W. A. Hutchins

Ezra Wheeler

Jacob B. Blair

G. Clay Smith

J. K. Moorhead Pa.

H. A. Nelson H. Winter Davis

Austin A. King

Joseph Baily

Rbt C. Schenck

Eyewitness account of the dying Lincoln April 14, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society As John Stonehouse, an off duty Union officer, was going to bed on the night of April 14th, a man rushed into his hotel shouting that Secretary of State Seward had been murdered and he had to find the President to tell him. Stonehouse wrote to his family in New York about what happened next: “We followed him to the door and there met people rushing from the Theatre saying “the President is shot—” “the President is murdered.” Such a time I never

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before beheld and never want to again. At first no one seemed to believe it but it soon became certain that it was all true. Just as I got to Fords Theatre they were carrying the President to a house across the street. he did not move or speak after he was shot—”

Transcript: Washington April 16,1865 Dear Johnny Since I have been here this time the most exciting times that this Country ever saw have taken place Thursday evening Washington was crazy with joy over the surrender of Lee. every one of the Public Buildings was illuminated, and every private house was blazing with candles from top to bottom. the people were wild with excitement. Men women & children [2] [struck: were] were all out of doors. The next evening a grand performance was advertised to be given at Fords Theatre and it was announced that the President & ladies and Genl Grant and wife were to be present. Just as I was going to bed a man ran in breathless and pale enquiring which of the Theatres the President was attending – he said he must find him at once as Mr. Seward had been murdered in his bed – We followed him to the door and there met people [3] rushing from the Theatre saying the “President is shot,” “the President is murdered” such a [struck: scene] time I never before beheld and never want to again At first no one seemed to believe it but it soon became certain that it was all true

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Just as I got to Fords Theatre they were carrying the President to a house across the street. he did not move or speak after he was shot – You have seen in the papers a full account of it I have no doubt I was at Secretary Sewards house several [4] times yesterday. I saw the knife the assassin stabbed Mr. Seward with and the Pistol with [struck: wich] which he broke Mr Frederick Sewards skull There is blood and hair sticking to it still neither of the men have as yet been caught

I am as well as usual & glad to hear you are the same. I have been instructed to remain here until further orders – Love to Mamma Matey and yourself Your affectionate father JB Stonehouse “Fall of Richmond, Va. on the night of April 2nd 1865” Print by Currier and Ives, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society The President is Dead April 15, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society As New Yorkers left their homes on Saturday, April 15th, they found broadsides like this one posted across the city announcing the terrible news from Washington. Abraham Lincoln, 1911 Daniel Chester French (1850–1931) Painted plaster Gift of Mrs. William Penn Cresson (Margaret French) to the New-York Historical Society, 1953.11 This plaster sculpture is the model for Daniel Chester French’s

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standing bronze figure of the sixteenth president made for the west entrance of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. French chose to depict Lincoln in contemplation, with head bowed and hands clasped, moments before delivering the Gettysburg Address. A letter from Lincoln to his wife April 2, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society Eager to share the good news that Grant’s forces were overwhelming the Confederate defenses, Lincoln penned this jubilant letter just hours before Richmond fell. With the Confederate capitol in Union hands, Lee’s surrender at Appomattox would soon follow. This is the last letter Lincoln ever wrote to his wife.

Transcript: Head Quarters Armies of the United States

City. Point, April 2. 7~45[am]1865

Mrs A. Lincoln, Washington, D.C. Last night Gen. Grant telegraphed that Sheridan with his Calvary and the 5th Corps have captured three brigades of Infantry, a train of weapons, and several batteries, prisoners amounting to several thousands - This morning Gen. Grant [inserted: having ordered an attack along the whole line] telegraphed as follows

“Both Wright and Parks got through the enemies lines - The battle now rages furiously. Sheridan with his Cavalry, the 5th Corps, & Miles Division of the 2nd Corps, which was sent to him since 1. this A.M. is now sweeping down from the

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West. All now looks highly favorable. Ord is engaged, but I have not yet heard the result in his front”

Robert yesterday wrote a little [inserted: chaefe] note to Capt. Penrow, which is all I have heard of him since you left. Copy to Secretary of War

A Lincoln Lincoln on Reconstruction December 6, 1864 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society These pieces of manuscript survived because government printer John Defrees realized when Lincoln was assassinated, that the late President’s handwriting had sacred value. He distributed the fragments to his friends. These few lines hint at Lincoln’s relatively lenient plan for Reconstruction, but the Radical Republicans in Congress wanted to punish the South and eventually passed harsher legislation. At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitution [inserted: abolishing slavery throughout the United States,] passed the Senate, but failed for lack of the requisite two thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress, and nearly the same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session.

Transcript: [docket:] This is a portion of the last message of Mr. Lincoln in his own hand writing.

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To be given to Anthony [struck: Colfey] [inserted: Corwin] Defrees. [inserted: Mr D Defrees [illegible]bt Pub. Printing] – I put the name of Corwin instead of [inserted: J. L. L.] Coffey because [struck: Co] Thomas Corwin of Ohio was an honest man – and the other a little trickster with trouble & cold-blooded and selfish. Jno[illegible] Lincoln’s Second Inaugural March 4, 1865 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In this printing of the Second Inaugural, the blue ink is the most significant detail. After the assassination, all copies were printed in black ink appropriate to a national mood of mourning. In the days before Lincoln’s assassination, readers were focused primarily on the tone of reconciliation that on March 4th had moved his audience to tears. Broadside celebrating the end of slavery in Maryland November 1, 1864 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In celebration of Maryland’s abolition of slavery, the federal recruiting building in Philadelphia displayed a large, artistic banner depicting the benefits of freedom. Reproduced here, the images tie Lincoln (lower left), who had supported emancipation in Maryland, with the African Americans who were being encouraged to enlist in the Union army. Photograph of Slaves escaping to the Union lines by crossing the Rappahannock River in Virginia c. 1864 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society

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Letter to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton May 12, 1863 Gilder Lehrman Collection, on deposit at the New-York Historical Society In this personal note, President Lincoln asks Stanton to help William Dole, who was trying to form the first regiment of African American soldiers in Washington, D.C. Dole, a commissioner of Indian affairs, encouraged Lincoln to allow Native Americans and African Americans to fight for the Union cause. Coincidentally, the Massachusetts 54th was mustered in on the following day, May 13, and officially became the first colored regiment in the Union army.

Transcript:

Sec. of War, please see Mr. Dole & others, about the first colored regiment. Please do the best for them you can. May 12. 1863 A. Lincoln

Emancipation

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was shaped both by pragmatic concerns and by his long held hatred of slavery. Lincoln was keenly aware that as President, he had no constitutional authority to abolish slavery. His best tool was to emancipate slaves under his war powers as commander in chief. Though still grieving for his recently deceased son Willie, Lincoln drafted the Proclamation in the spring and summer of 1862. To avoid the appearance of desperation, he waited for the Union victory at the battle of Antietam in September to issue the Proclamation that would take effect on January 1, 1863.

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Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln June 1864 This copy of the Emancipation Proclamation is one of only twenty four signed by Lincoln known to exist. It originally sold for $10 at the Great Central Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia, one of a series of fundraisers the proceeds of which went to care for sick and wounded soldiers. The Philadelphia fair at which this document was sold in June 1864 was the only event of its kind that President Lincoln actually attended. The emotional response of his audience that day persuaded his advisors it would be too dangerous for Lincoln to attend another.