3 original Civil War Letters from a Wife to her soldier husband informing him on people’s reactions to Lincoln’s Assassination including a letter saying “best news he had heard in 4 years”.
One letter discusses: ••..Yesterday the city was thrown into gloom & mourning by the sad news of the death of the President the death of Lincoln. I couldn't believe it at first. After the news came Friday night the bells tolled till morning & yesterday the city was draped in black & white, with flags flying at half mast.
Bells tolled through the day & a meeting at Mechanic Hall. A more sorrowful sight I never saw. The hall was packed everywhere a foot could stand & most all in tears while prayers were offered. The church was trimmed in flags & mourning. I never saw the house so full. Every seat, and everywhere anyone could stand was filled even into the entry. Mr. R. gave a very feeling and touching address. It was a sad time and I could not keep the tears back.....
•..•.Adieu with love
Followed by a letter: Friday the 19th, little did we think then what a shock this nation would receive before another sunrise. It is almost impossible for me to get any papers, or I would send you more. Everybody is eager for the news. I surround the newsroom before the papers come • I cant go in such a crowd of men. Mr C. will get them for me sometime. Last night I was too tired to write, too tired to sleep. I went to bed about dark but drempt horrible dreams all night. Booth was before me half the night.
The third and final letter: The people
talk of little else but the death of the President. Mr. R. gave us a grand sermon yesterday on National Affairs. One man has been banished from the city for saying 'the President's death was the best news he had heard for 4 years. He worked in Court Mills. He was the one they were going to tar & feather.