Accidental Death to a Member of the Rebel President’s Family.

(From the Richmond Examiner, May 2.)

The President and his family have just met with a great affliction in the sudden and violent death of Joseph E. Davis, second son of the President, about four years old. He fell from the east portico on Saturday afternoon, between three and four o’clock, a distance of fifteen feet, fracturing his hip and injuring his head. Mr. Davis and his wife were absent from the mansion at the time of the accident, and some minutes must have elapsed before the facts of the accident and the discovery of the condition of the child were made known by the servant. The sufferer was taken into the nursery, and a messenger despatched in haste for the President and his lady. Drs. Peticolas, Conway and Garnett, the family physicians successively came in and applied their skill without avail. The child was insensible when picked up and never recovered consciousness, dying in about three quarters of an hour later been taken up by the servant and carried into the house. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at five o’clock from St. Paul’s church, the Rev. Dr. Minnegerode officiating. The occasion called forth a large throng of sympathizing friends, and the service were of the most affecting character. The interment took place at Hollywood, where the President’s family have a vault.

SOURCE: “Accidental Death to a Member of the Rebel President’s Family,” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, Thursday Morning, May 12, 1864, p. 1, col. 8

The Funeral of Little Joseph.

The accident which has brought mourning to the hearthstone of President Davis is sad indeed, and the afflicted family will have the sincere sympathy of the entire people. This blow, added to his responsible position, must weigh heavily upon Mr. Davis, but he will doubtless be consoled by the reflection that little Joseph has been transplanted to a fairer and better clime, where wars and strifes are unknown, and where anthems of praise ever ascend to the Great Source of all perfection. The earthly “mansion” may be clothed in the habiliments of mourning and each member of the family circle will feel an aching void whenever the little prattler is missed from the group, but Joseph has a mansion “not built with hands eternal in the heavens.”

Of the death and funeral of this interesting little boy the Enquirer says:

“The afflicting dispensation of Providence which removed from this world a beautiful child of President Davis, has created a void never to be filled, but the deep sympathy of a whole country with the afflicted family may in some measure mitigate their grief. The funeral of little JOSEPH DAVIS on Sunday last, from St. Paul’s Church, was attended by one of the largest gatherings of the citizens of Richmond that any of the events of the last three years have called together. It was a tender and silent expression of the sympathy and regard of a large community for the President and his family. The whole country will join in condoling with the distressed family.”

SOURCE: “The Funeral of Little Joseph,” The Daily Progress, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, May 4, 1864, p. 2, Col. 3

The Telegraph announced a few days since . . .

. . . the afflicting dispensation of Providence which removed from this world a beautiful child of President Davis. It has created a void never to be filled, but the deep sympathy of a whole country with the afflicted family may in some measure mitigate their grief. We learn from the Richmond papers that the funeral of little Joseph Davis on Sunday last, from St. Paul’s church, was attended by one of the largest gathering of the citizens of Richmond that any of the events of the last three years have called together.—It was a tender and silent expression of the sympathy and regard of a large community for the President and his family. The whole country will join in condoling with the distressed family.

SOURCE: “The Telegraph announced a few days since . . .,” The Daily Confederate, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, May 4, 1864, p. 2, col. 2

Fatal Accident—A Son of President Davis Killed by a Fall

A most distressing accident occurred at the President’s Mansion on Saturday afternoon last. About 5 o’clock Joseph E. Davis, about four years old, son of President Davis, who had been playing about the yard during the earlier part of the evening, was missed, when search was instituted, and in a short time he was found lying in an insensible condition on the brick area below the east portico of the residence, with his left thigh broken and a severe contusion on his forehead. When discovered, an elder son of the President, named Jefferson, was kneeling by, endeavoring in the most affectionate manner to make him speak, but apparently not realizing the reason which prevented his brother from doing so. As soon as possible Drs. Wellford, Haxall, Conway, and Peticolas, were in attendance; but all their efforts proved ineffectual, and the little fellow, after an hour’s suffering, during which time he was perfectly insensible, breathed his last. The exact cause of the unfortunate accident is not known; but as there was a step-ladder leading from the area in the yard to the porch above, a distance of from fifteen to twenty feet, it is conjectured that he was standing near its top, and losing his balance, fell over into the yard below. The funeral took place at five o’clock yesterday afternoon, from St. Paul’s Church. A large crowd of sympathizing friends were in attendance, and the ceremonies of the occasion were of the most impressive.

SOURCE: “Fatal Accident,” Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, Monday Morning, May 2, 1864, p. 1, col. 6

Diary of Gideon Welles, Sunday, July 13, 1862

On Sunday, the 13th of July, 1862, President Lincoln invited me to accompany him in his carriage to the funeral of an infant child of Mr. Stanton. Secretary Seward and Mrs. Frederick Seward were also in the carriage. Mr. Stanton occupied at that time for a summer residence the house of a naval officer, I think Hazard, some two or three miles west, or northwest, of Georgetown. It was on this occasion and on this ride that he first mentioned to Mr. Seward and myself the subject of emancipating the slaves by proclamation in case the Rebels did not cease to persist in their war on the Government and the Union, of which he saw no evidence. He dwelt earnestly on the gravity, importance, and delicacy of the movement, said he had given it much thought and had about come to the conclusion that it was a military necessity absolutely essential for the salvation of the Union, that we must free the slaves or be ourselves subdued, etc., etc.

This was, he said, the first occasion when he had mentioned the subject to any one, and wished us to frankly state how the proposition struck us. Mr. Seward said the subject involved consequences so vast and momentous that he should wish to bestow on it mature reflection before giving a decisive answer, but his present opinion inclined to the measure as justifiable, and perhaps he might say expedient and necessary. These were also my views. Two or three times on that ride the subject, which was of course an absorbing one for each and all, was adverted to, and before separating the President desired us to give the question special and deliberate attention, for he was earnest in the conviction that something must be done. It was a new departure for the President, for until this time, in all our previous interviews, whenever the question of emancipation or the mitigation of slavery had been in any way alluded to, he had been prompt and emphatic in denouncing any interference by the General Government with the subject. This was, I think, the sentiment of every member of the Cabinet, all of whom, including the President, considered it a local, domestic question appertaining to the States respectively, who had never parted with their authority over it. But the reverses before Richmond, and the formidable power and dimensions of the insurrection, which extended through all the Slave States, and had combined most of them in a confederacy to destroy the Union, impelled the Administration to adopt extraordinary measures to preserve the national existence. The slaves, if not armed and disciplined, were in the service of those who were, not only as field laborers and producers, but thousands of them were in attendance upon the armies in the field, employed as waiters and teamsters, and the fortifications and intrenchments were constructed by them.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 70-1

Diary of Edward Bates, Monday, February 24, 1862

Late last night, Mr. Newton⁴ came in to tell me that the Prest had just reed, a telegram to the effect that Columbus was evacuated.⁵ This morning the story is contradicted by another telegram. And now Gen McDowell⁶ tells me that Com[modor]e. Foote⁷ has made a reconnoisance [sic] in one of his boats, and finds a very strong fort there. Still, McDowell says that our affairs look bright and well — No certain news today from Nashville⁸ or Savanna[h] .⁹

I am anxious about Norfolk. The rumor is that we are about to attack Craney Island¹⁰ — may be so, but I think if the attack is made at all, it will be a feint, to draw attention while we assail Suffolk.¹¹ Possibly it may be good policy to risk something in assailing Norfolk before the Merrimack is ready to make a desperate effort to escape.

This afternoon, tho' very unwell, attended the funeral of Willie Lincoln — Note. The Depts. closed today on a/c of the funeral.

The morning was gusty, with several rain storms — cleared off in the afternoon, with very high wind. Note. Stepping out of my own door to speak to Klopfer,¹² with my loose gown on, I was laterally, blown away! Seised by the gust, I had to run before it, for fear of falling, till I caught hold of the boxing of a tree — then came my servant Tom¹³ and helped me in.

_______________

⁴ See supra, Jan. 5, 1862, note 12.

⁵ Columbus, Kentucky, was a Confederate stronghold and railroad terminus on the Mississippi, twelve miles below Cairo. The capture of Fort Henry on February 6 and of Fort Donelson on February 16 forced the evacuation of Columbus.

⁶ Supra, Nov. 16, 1861, note 53.

⁷ Supra, Feb. 17, 1862, note 77.

⁸ Nashville fell February 26, 1862.

⁹ Supra, Feb. 17, 1862, note 83.

¹⁰ Near the mouth of the James River.

¹¹ A town «about eighteen miles southwest of Norfolk on the Nansemond River. It controlled Norfolk's rail connections with the Confederacy.

¹² Henry A. Klopfer, head messenger in the Attorney-General's Office.

¹³ Tom Hare who had come from Missouri with Mr. Bates.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 236

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Monday, February 24, 1862

The funeral of the Presidents son took place today at 2 P M in the East Room-Rev Dr Gurley officiating

After the services the body was taken to the cemetery at Georgetown to be deposited in Mr Carroll's vault, and left, for the time being, in the little chapel in the cemetary The President, his son Robert, Senator Trumbull & myself rode out in the Presidents carriage After return from Cemetery I brought Emma home to Mrs Carters to dinner—Found Mrs Col Symington of Pittsburgh there. After tea I returned to the Presidents and Mrs B & I sat up with Tad till after 2 O'clock in the morning.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 531

The Death of Willie Lincoln.

The deceased son of President LINCOLN was a boy of unusual intelligence, and was a favorite with all who visited the White House. Some weeks since he was taken sick with an intermittent fever, which soon assumed a typhoid character, and since that time he has been gradually sinking. Much of the time his mind his mind has been wandering. His condition has been very critical for more than a week, and last Monday his case was considered almost hopeless. Since Wednesday he has sunk rapidly, and yesterday it was seen that he was dying, by he lingered until 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when his spirit was released.

Drs. STONE and HALL have attended the deceased and his younger brother since their illness. He was a fine looking boy, and his intelligence and vivacity made him a favorite with old and young. He was a faithful attended of Sabbath School, and the last day he was present there told his tutor that when he attained to manhood he wanted to be a school teacher or preacher of the gospel. WILLIAM WALLACE LINCOLN was the second son of the President and was named after the brother-in-law of Mr. LINCOLN. He was born on the twenty first day of December, 1850, and was consequently eleven years and two months old.

This morning the members of the Cabinet with their families called on the President and Mrs. LINCOLN, to tender their condolence. No others were admitted to the Presidential mansion. The foreign Ministers, Senators, and other leading citizens sent cards and letters of condolence. Senator BROWNING has entire chare of the funeral arrangements and the body will be embalmed and conveyed to Springfield.

SOURCE: “The Death of Willie Lincoln” The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 1, col. 1

The Funeral of the President’s Son.

The funeral of Willie Lincoln took place at two o’clock this afternoon.

The President’s youngest son continues very ill.

SOURCE: “The Funeral of the President’s Son,” New York Daily Herald, New York, New York, Tuesday, February 25, 1862

Willie Lincoln.

It is stated that the embalmed remains of the President’s son would leave for Springfield, after the funeral at the White House.

SOURCE: “Willie Lincoln,” Daily Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, Tuesday Morning, February, 25, 1862, p. 3, col. 1

The Death of the President’s Son.

Amid the general joy excited by the success of the Union cause, a black shadow has fallen upon the Presidential mansion, and all who were personally acquainted with the family of the President share in the deep grief occasioned by the death of little Willie Lincoln. He was a boy of such promise that all who became acquainted with him had predicted for him a career of no ordinary character. Young as he was, he impressed every one who came in contact with him as a youth who was destined to become a ban of rank.

The body of Willie Lincoln was embalmed today by Drs. Brown an Alexander assisted by Dr. Wood, in the presence of the attending physicians, Doctors Stone and Hall, Senator Browning and Isaac Newton. The method of Sagnet, of Paris, was used, and the result was entirely satisfactory to the attendant friends of the family.

Thaddeus [sic], the youngest son of the President is still dangerously ill. Fears are entertained that his disease will assume the type which proved fatal to his brother.

SOURCE: “The Death of the President’s Son,” Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, Tuesday Morning, February 25, 1862, p. 1, col. 7

Funeral of Willie Lincoln.

The funeral of Master William W. Lincoln occurred yesterday at the White House, at two o’clock, p.m. His friends and acquaintances were previously allowed the sad pleasure of a last look, in the Green Room, where lay his remains, clothed in accustomed pants and Jacket, with white collar and wristbands turned over the dark cloth of the Jacket. On his breast rested a wreath of flowers; another lay near his feet, while a beautiful bouquet was held in his hand—the flowers composing wreaths and boquet [sic] being the queenly camellias, with azalias [sic] and sprigs of mignonette, and ivy leaves and other evergreens interspersed in the wreaths. White azalias and sprigs of mignonette were disposed about the body. The beautiful boquet in his hand was reserved for his sorrowing mother.

A plain metallic case, of imitation rosewood, was inscribed, William Wallace Lincoln. Born December 21st, 1850. Died February 20th, 1862.”

The frames of the mirrors, and the East and Green Rooms, were covered with black crape, and the glass with white crape. The funeral service was conducted by the pastor of the President, Dr. Gurley, in a very impressive manner. There were present, members of the Cabinet, foreign ministers, members of Congress, army and navy officers, and many citizens and ladies. After the service, the body was placed in a vault in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown.

SOURCE: “Funeral of Willie Lincoln,” National Republican, Washington, D. C., Tuesday, February 25, 1862, p. 2, col. 1

The Funeral of Willie Lincoln.

The Departments were all closed to-day in consequence of the arrangements for the funeral of William Wallace, second son of President Lincoln. His remains were placed in the Green room at the Executive mansion, where this morning a great many friends of the family called to take a last look at the little favorite, who had endeared himself to all the guests of the family. The body was clothed in the usual every-day attire of youths of his age, consisting of pants and Jacket, with white stockings and low shoes—the white collar and wristbands being turned over the black cloth of the Jacket. The countenance wore a natural and placid look, the only signs of death being a slight discoloration of the features.

The body lay in the lower section of a metallic case, the sides of which were covered by the winding sheet of white crape. The deceased held in the right hand a bouquet composed of a superb camellia, around which were grouped azalias and sprigs of mignionette. This, when the case is closed, is to be reserved for the bereaved mother. On the breast of the deceased, was a beautiful wreath of flowers, already named, interspersed with ivy leaves and other evergreens; near the feet was another wreath of the same kind, while azalias and sprigs of mignionette were disposed about the body.

The metallic case is very plain, and is an imitation of rosewood. On the upper section is square silver plate, bearing, in plain characters, the simple inscription:

WILLIAM WALLACE LINCOLN.

Born December 21st, 1850.

Died February 20th, 1862.

The mirrors in the East room, in the Green room (where the body was laid) and in the other reception rooms, were covered with mourning drapery—the frames being covered with black and the glass with white crape.

In accordance with the wish of the family, the body was not removed, but remained in the Green room during the funeral service, which was conducted by Rev. Dr. Gurley, in the East Room.

The occasion was a most impressive one, and the large crowd present seemed to be deeply affected by its solemnity. Among those present were the members of the Cabinet, foreign ministers, members of Congress, army and navy officers, and many distinguished persons in civil life. After the performance of the funeral service, the body was followed to the vault, in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, by most of those present.

SOURCE: “The Funeral of Willie Lincoln,” Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Monday, February 24, 1862, p. 3 col. 5

Funeral of Willie Lincoln.

The funeral of WILLIE WALLACE LINCOLN, second son of the President, whose death occurred on Thursday evening, will take place at two o’clock to-morrow (Monday) afternoon. The funeral will be attended by the friends and relatives of the family.

The body of Willie Lincoln has been embalmed by Drs. Brown and Alexander, assisted by Dr. Charles A. Wood and in presence of the family physicians, Drs. Hall and Stone, Senator Browning, Isaac Newton, Esq. and others. The embalmment was a complete success, and gave great satisfaction to all present. The body will be deposited in a vault to-morrow, (Monday,) and will be eventually removed to Illinois, to be deposited in the family burying ground of the President.

On Friday morning the members of the Cabinet, with their families, called on the President and Mrs. Lincoln to tender their condolence. No others were admitted to the Presidential mansion. The Foreign Ministers, Senators, and other leading citizens sent cards and letters of condolence. Senator Browning has entire charge of the funeral arrangements.—Sunday Chronicle.

SOURCE: “Funeral of Willie Lincoln,” Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C., Monday, February 24, 1862, p. 3, col. 3

Diary of Corporal Lawrence Van Alstyne: November 10, 1862

Two more deaths last night. As I have nothing better to do I will describe what I saw of a military funeral. It was an artilleryman in a plain pine box over which the U. S. flag was thrown. His comrades with guns reversed went first. Then came the gun-carriage with the coffin strapped on and six horses hitched to it. After a prayer by the chaplain the procession started in order as follows: First, the fife and drum, playing the dead march. Then an escort of guards, after which the body, followed by the horse the man had ridden, led by a soldier. He was saddled and bridled and his dead master's boots were strapped in the stirrups heels foremost, with his sword hanging from the pommel of the saddle. A corporal was in charge of the whole. At the grave, three volleys were fired across the open grave after the body was lowered, and then the procession marched back in reverse order, the fife and drum playing a lively march. The soldiers' graves are as close to each other as possible and a pine board giving the man's name and that of the command to which he belonged is placed at the head of each.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 59

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, June 2, 1866

There was no Cabinet-meeting yesterday, and labor in the Department was suspended on account of the funeral of Lieutenant-General Scott.

Seward sends me a note in pencil, signed by his initials, with a telegraph from Dart, District Attorney of Western New York, stating that Captain Bryson wanted two tugs to assist him in guarding the river. Seward says, in pencil, that the President thinks I had better charter the steamers. He sent his clerk, Mr. Chew, with this note. The whole thing was one of those low, intriguing, petty, contemptible proceedings, shunning responsibility, to which Seward sometimes resorts. I am sorry to write so of one in his position and an associate, but I expressed the matter to Chew without hard words, showing Seward's weakness, [and saying] that this is a war on the Irish in which he, Stanton, and Grant fear to do their duty, but wish me to assume it.

I called on the President and spoke of the management of this Fenian movement a little earnestly, and a little freely. Reminded him that I had some weeks ago, when the subject was brought forward in Cabinet, suggested that the Irish population was an element in our politics, and, therefore, it seemed proper that there should be unity in the Cabinet and among high officials. I consequently proposed that General Grant, who was stationing the military forces on the frontiers West and South, should make a formal communication in accord with the Secretary of War, which all could approve and with which we should all be identified. Stanton was alarmed, I saw; did not think it necessary to take such steps; and from that time the subject has been dropped. I remarked to the President that the proceedings had been singular; that this Fenian movement had appeared to me to be a great bubble, nevertheless there was no denying the fact that large numbers were engaged in it; that they had large supplies of arms; that along our frontier from Eastport to Detroit there had been gatherings of armed men threatening to cross into Canada; that we had sent a naval force by request to Eastport; that our only gunboat on the Lakes had been detained by special request at Buffalo; and now the Secretary of State was calling on me to charter steamers and arm them; chartering vessels for military purposes belonged properly to the Army or War Department. By treaty stipulation we are to have but one naval vessel on the Lakes. Where, I asked him, were the revenue cutters which performed police duty? In all this time the War Department has done nothing. No proclamation has been issued. How and by what authority are we to capture or interfere with prisoners?

The President said it would be well to communicate with Commander Bryson, of the naval steamer Michigan, and ascertain whether additional vessels were wanted. I said that we had revenue cutters on the Lakes, but none were at Buffalo, where they were most wanted; that the Michigan had been detained there now some weeks awaiting a cutter. He thought I had better see the Secretaries of Treasury and State.

McCulloch was confident there were cutters at Buffalo, but on sending for the clerk in charge he found he was mistaken. He said he had turned the whole subject of Fenianism over to Attorney-General Speed, who is devoted to Stanton and Seward.

Seward was in a fog. Did not want to issue a proclamation. I asked what the naval vessels were to do, what authority I had to charter steamers if there was not a state of war. If it was police duty, he or the Treasury should attend to it. I inquired about the military. He said Stanton wanted to keep clear of this question. I well knew this, and he wants me to do duties which belong to him and thus enlist the Irish element against the Administration.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 518-20

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, September 27, 1862

On Thursday last, we performed our first public duty, after drilling in the loadings and firings, in which we excelled, after firing "higher" several times. Six companies, of which "E" was one, under command of Lieut.-Col. Cabot, started for Jamaica Plain, by the Providence Railroad, to attend the funeral of Lieut.-Col. Dwight, of the 2nd Mass Vols., who died of wounds on the 13th [sic] of September. We performed escort duty to the grave where we fired three very creditable volleys, considering our practice. When we arrived at camp that afternoon "E" was decidedly cross, and we well remember the sight, as we marched to our quarters, we could not imagine what could be the matter, great piles of what looked to us like rubbish in front and rear of the barracks, proved to be our all. In fact every blessed thing but our government clothes and blankets were to go by the board. All the extra comforts, the fancy signs on our bunks, even Miller lost his chicken, and accused one of the innocents, who was left at the camp to help to clean up, with taking it. The unfortunate man will be known always as Chicken Hayes among the few evil-minded men of the company, who really think Hayes fraudulently reached for that chicken. We were a sorry set, but wondered if the despoliation was as thorough in the officers' tents. We never found out, for we visited there very seldom, and were there only upon business of more importance. It was called a sanitary improvement to rob us of all these little things. The boys did not cater for such improvements at all.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 10

Diary of Benjamin F. Pearson, August 7, 1862

10 Oc Brother Orr left & Brother Bunker & I went out 3 miles west of town to help work on camp ground afternoon returned evening attended prayer meeting Rev Mr Fischers child died age 2 months. Night Mr. Lane came to get me to preach the funeral of his grandson tomorrow.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 86

Diary of Benjamin F. Pearson, August 8, 1862

2 Oc I preached the funeral of T I Stantons son 5 months old in the M. E Church.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 86

Diary of Gideon Welles: Thursday, March 29, 1866

Attended, with the rest of the Cabinet, the President to the Capitol, — the funeral of Senator Foot. Great interest was felt. He was pater senatus and much loved and respected. Had been twenty-three years in Congress.

He was on the Naval Committee in the first years of my administration and always a firm friend of the Department. This brought him intimate with me and somewhat in collision with J. P. Hale, who was Chairman of the Naval Committee and an opponent and faultfinder, ending with the retirement of Foot from the Committee, much to my regret, for, next to Grimes, he interested himself more in naval matters than any of his associates on the Senate Committee. Although indisposed to complain and always avoiding censorious remarks, he in apologizing for his course in retiring from the Committee stated that the association with the Chairman was unpleasant.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 466