Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
A rare account regarding Lincoln's death and the end of the war as seen through the eyes of Pvt. George S. Youngs' mother, Effie S. Youngs, 4pp. 4to., Waterloo, [N. Y.], April 16, 1865, to her soldier son, in part: "…we have been anxiously looking for…one word from you since…your letter of the 30th of March. We cannot imagine why it is. We heard through the papers that the Second Corps went in pursuit of Lee…several have received letters from their friends at Richmond since the capture of that place. Phebe Beadles has not heard from George since 31st of last month…he was then near Hatcher's Run and we supposed the Corps he belonged to went with the 2nd…monday morning news came that Richmond had fallen. Last Monday morning another dispatch came that Lee had surrendered both of which caused great joy thought the north, but yesterday morning when the sad intelligence, almost with lightening speed came that our Beloved President was dead Oh what an indescribable gloom it cast all over our land. It seemed as tho the sun was valid in darkness as it has not shone much since the intelligence was received. Last evening there was a report that Secretary Seward and son were both dead which later in the evening was contradicted and I do hope they are still living and may through the providence of God recover. I suppose you had heard the injured he received by being thrown from his carriage and it is feared he would not live, but it was said that he was better and it dose seem so strange that a man should go to his sick room an stab him. We have heard various reports about the manner in which our President was shot…[April 19th]…this has been a day of deep solemnity throughout our Nation. An eventful period indeed in its history. Funeral services was held in the M. E. Church at Twelve o'clock, the hour appointed for the funeral of our Beloved President. The pulpit was draped in Black, a breadth of white and another of Black cloth were looped together over the gas burners over the pulpit. The desk and the table in the alter were covered with black…a strange sensation came over me as I entered the church. Brother Tuttle preached a sermon on the occasion last Sunday…altho he said more about the President on Sunday…it appeared more like a funeral today and we have had two good discourses on the occasion of his death. I should like to have been at Washington…[April 21]…I suppose you have heard…that the day of appointed to hoist the flag over Sumter was set apart as a day of Thanksgiving throughout the north on account of the recent victories and it being good friday…it was changed and yesterday was to be Thanksgiving day set apart by the Governor of this state but how changed the scene it was turned into a day of sorrow and mourning instead of rejoicing. We went to hear Mr. Gridley. He did not preach on the day of the President's funeral but delivered his discourse yesterday…your affectionate mother, Effie G. Youngs…". Minor tinning, else VG
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