Ninian W. & Elizabeth Todd Edwards: Gravesite

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Springfield, Illinois

At Rest

Ninian W. Edwards

Born Apr. 15, 1809

Died Sep. 2, 1889

Asleep In Jesus

Elizabeth Todd

Wife of

Ninian W. Edwards

Born Nov. 13, 1813

Died Feb. 22, 1888

EDWARDS

The President’s Visit to the French Frigate

Saturday last was quite a gala day at the Washington Navy Yard. The appearance for the first time of a French vessel of war in the “Eastern Branch,” with the tri-colored flag floating in the breeze, attracted unusual observation, and awakened in many minds reminiscences of that early friend to American independence, the Marquis de Lafayette, and subsequent stirring events well calculated to quicken patriotic ardor and admiration. In compliment to our visitor, the “Star Spangled Banner” was handsomely displayed on every steam and other vessel moored at the Navy Yard, and early in the afternoon various quiet preparations indicated that ceremonies of a more extensive character were about to take place.

The full Marine Band, and the fine body of men composing the Navy Yard guard, paraded in their new and elegant uniform. The heavy ordnance of the station was charged for salute – everything was in readiness for the highest honors. About three o’clock the President of the United States, accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln and her sister (Mrs. Edwards), arrived. In a few moments arrived the carriage in which were seated the Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, F. W. Seward, Esq., Assistant Secretary; and Mrs. F. W. Seward. Next came the Count Mercier, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of France, and suite. The distinguished visitors drove immediately through the principal avenue of the station to the piers, where the President and his friends were handsomely received by Capt. Dahlgren.

The arrival of the gallant Admiral Reynaud, of the French Navy, on Saturday, without any previous knowledge of his visit, was especially gratifying to all, and he promptly availed himself of the opportunity to renew the evidences of his high regard for the American nation and the American President, with his Minister of State.

Mrs. Lincoln and her sister, still depressed by the recent domestic affliction, preferred remain in their carriage during the ceremony.

The distinguished party, accompanied by Capt. Dahlgren, proceeded to the French vessel of war Gassendi, Capt. Gautier. On reaching her side, President Lincoln was received and welcomed in elegant and enthusiastic style by Admiral Reynaud, when these courtesies were extended to the Hon. Secretary of State and other visitors. The yards of the Gassendi were manned by her gallant tars. The American ensign was thrown to the evening breeze “from the main,” the post of honor, and a salute of twenty-one guns from the steamer’s cannon reverberated through the length and breadth of the national capital, whilst bands of music poured fourth national airs.

The salute from the broadside of the Gassendi was quickly responded to by the Navy Yard batteries. The French commander had spared no pains to render the ceremonies on his part equal to those observed on any similar occasion to their own Emperor.

The interview was of the most gratifying character. During the conversation, one of the French officers remarked that this was the first visit of a French war vessel since America was a nation, and the first visit of an American President to a foreign flag.

After some time had passed in conversation and the visitors were about to retire, the honor of a salute was repeated and again responded to.

President Lincoln availed himself of the opportunity to accompany Capt. Dahlgren on a little sail in the “cutter” round the iron-clad target now being constructed near the Yard. – The Navy Yard looked very fine; seventeen hundred mechanics remain in employ. – National Intelligencer

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 3