Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
A great group of four (4) war-date letters from a certain "Susie", totaling approximately 17pp. 8vo., each with stamped transmittal cover, addressed to: "Lieut. Arlon S. Atherton, 3d Regt. N. H. Vols., 2d Brigade, 1st Div. 24th Corps, Wilmington, North Carolina.", concerning Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Susie, a resident of Warwick, Rhode Island gives a detailed account of her feelings over the murder, the grand funeral services that followed, selecting a spot to erect a monument to soldiers of Warwick who died in defense of the country during the war and other interesting insights into the Nation's newly achieved peace. Reading, in very small part: "…[April 16, 1865]…Oh! what dreadful news has come…after all good news we have been receiving for sometime past. Can it be possible that Abraham Lincoln, our great and good President has been shot and is now dead? Doubtless you will have heard of hid murder and also the particulars concerning it…thank god that base wretch who committed such a dreadful crime is reported to be arrested…I hope they will not show him much mercy for…he does not deserve much. It is reported that Laura Keene the actress says although he was disguised she knows it was Booth the actor; what a heartless creature he must be to commit such a cold blooded murder. What a day of sadness and mourning all over the nation. Every true and loyal heart feels and mourns the loss of our beloved President for I believe he was beloved by all such hearts and especially…the negroes mourn his loss…almost any other man could be spared better than he at this present time but…Mr. Blandard instead of preaching a sermon, made some very interesting…remarks about our departed Pres. It does not seem as though a theatre is just the right place for such a man as he to frequent. if you only were in Alexandria now you would have a chance to attend his funeral…I saw a photograph of Lieut. Griswold…he looks a great deal better in that than in the one taken with the members of the Court Martial. He looks like a real good fellow…[April 19]…this is the day for the President's funeral; Pres. Johnson has requested that all the people in the land meet at their respective places of worship to solemnize the occasion at twelve o'clock…that is the time set for the funeral. There will be services at the Unitarian church at that hour. I will send you a paper…containing the particulars of the President's death…we had quite a demonstration here a week ago…the people of W. met at the Unitarian church and listened to a very interesting address from Hon. Wm. Windom…the band were in attendance…several patriotic songs were sung…about a dozen veterans occupied the front seats…[they] did most of the cheering…with a right good will. Mr. Windom said he could not find words to express his feelings of joyousness and gratification…I attended the [funeral] service…the church was draped inside with mourning, the arch back of the pulpit was hung with black and at the top was a wreath of everlasting and laurel, inside of that was a motto, "No Cross, No Crown." The pulpit was also covered with black and in front was hung a portrait of the President, the frame of which was also draped. The wall under the singers seats were hung with black and in the center was a "Facsimile of the President's Emancipation Proclamation." The procession was…formed in front of the church, headed by the band, then came the bears, next the veterans as mourners, then the clergy and citizens…they marched out to the common and then into the church and took their seats. Mr. Hatch opened the services with prayer. Then the band played…after the services the procession formed again and marched up to the new cemetery…a spot was chosen where to erect a monument in memory of the Warwick soldiers who have died in this war…the people joined in singing America which concluded the services…[April 23]…I have been to meeting all day and have just returned from the Union prayer meeting…she sent us a 'photo' of Pres. Lincoln, also one of his assassin-J. Wilkes Booth…[April 30]…Gracie still insists upon calling you her cousin. She says all the soldiers are her cousins…Nellie recd. a letter from Warren…he had heard of the assassination of the President. She says to ask you if the ladies of Wilmington have 'Benevolent circles'?…[Pvt. Edwin] Amos Taylor says he thinks most of the soldiers will be sent home before the first of July…how good it will seem to have this war closed up and enjoy peace once more. He says his Regt. [38th Mass. Vols.] were all taken prisoners [Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864] and have been paroled and gone home…Susie M. C." Overall VG to near fine. (4 letters with covers).
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