Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
Diary kept by Isaac B. Hedden, Clinton New Jersey. Hard cover, 13pp of writing., From January 1, 1862 - May 17, 1862. Then writes again starting April 11, 1865 - July 1, 1865. Measures 5 ¾" x 8 ¾", wear to spine, solid. The writing in 1862 is light, the 1865 entries are dard and bold. Hedden seemed to be part of the war effort, as he writes on January 11, 1862...."I lost a half day on order to meet for military business....". He continues on Janury 25, 1862...."I have been at work in the shop all this week with good prospects that it will come Monday evening the 20th at a meeting of Company C Second Regt. Essex Brigade. It was resolved to form a uniform company which was done & Thomas Hays, Charles Hicks & H. Earl 1st & 2nd Lieutenants. The company to be called the Jefferson Guards.Thursday evening we met at the shop of Mr. Laforg on the road to Elizabeth & elected four Sergeants....". February 8, 1862...."there was a meeting of the Jefferson Guard last Thursday evening....". The historic part of the diary starts on April 15, 1865...."Today will be long to be remembered. The country was this moring startled by the announcement that President Lincoln was last night shot at Ford's Theater, Washington. I don't remember when I have felt much worse it is to us a very strange dispensation of Providence but has no doubt been presented for some wise purpose. The news came that the President died this morning at half past seven o'clock. Secretary Seward is reported to be very low, his son Frederick is reported dead. There is also a report that the murderer of the President has been caught. Andrew Johnson was today sworn into office as the President of the United States". April 19, 1865 "Today there has been no work at the factory on account of the funeral ceremonies of the late President of the United States. I think the procession was the largest I ever witnessed. We had remarks from our pastor....Our President is indeed mourned. I do not suppose there was ever a President since the days of Washington so universaly loved as Mr. Lincoln". April 24, 1865 "I have been at work at the factory today. This morning the remains of President Lincoln came through Newark. There was a great many people gathered on the line of the rail road from Chesnut street to Market street standing with uncovered heads as the train passed through. The body to lie in state this afternoon & tomorrow in New York when it will proceed on its way to Illinois". April 29, 1865 ...."Thursday the news came that Booth this murderer of President Lincoln was shot & his companion Harold captured alive. This evenings paper reports the surrender of Johnson's army to Genl Grant....". June 1, 1865...."There will be no work in the factory. It will be the day set apart for services in connection with the late President's death....". June 17, 1865...."There was a parade Thursday afeternoon. The firemen & Ex Volunteer & Invalid Corps. participated in it". From the April 19th entry it seems Isaac went to Washington, DC to witness that funeral before going back to New Jersey see the trainpass through on its way to New York City on April 24th. Excellent content!
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