Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

We regret to announce that this forenoon while Mrs. Lincoln was riding from the Soldier’s Home in her carriage, the pole was accidently broken, the horses took fright and ran away, smashing the vehicle badly and throwing Mrs. Lincoln out with great violence. She was quickly attended and conveyed to the Soldiers Home, when the President and Dr. Stone were sent for. We do not learn the extend of the injury received by Mrs. Lincoln at the moment of going to press, but are glad to learn that no bones are broken. We shall be able to give further details in our next edition.

P. S.—Since the above was in type, we learn that Mrs. Lincoln escaped with a slight cut upon the forehead. When she discovered that the horses had become unmanageable she coolly leaped from the carriage and was thrown upon her face, inflicting the wound described. We are truly glad it was no worse.

SOURCE: “Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily National Republican, Thursday Evening, July 2, 1862, p. 2, col. 1

General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, June 26, 1887

NEW YORK, FIFTH AVENUE, June 26, 1887.

Dear Brother: I have just returned from Saratoga and Lake George, and am now arranging for Providence, R.I., where on the Fourth of July there is to be inaugurated an equestrian statue of General Burnside. I was always one of Burnside's personal friends, but after the battle of Chattanooga or Missionary Ridge, and after I had forced my Army of the Tennessee to march by land 450 miles in October, November, 1863, from Memphis to Chattanooga, General Grant, finding the Fourth Corps General Gordon Granger — moving too slow, called on me to go to his relief at Knoxville, which I did effectually and conclusively. Burnside in Knoxville reporting to Mr. Lincoln direct, treated his siege as a question of supplies, viz., that his supplies would be exhausted about December 3d, when want would compel him to surrender. I was therefore forced to march my already weary Army of the Tennessee near 136 miles in four days, or be held responsible for the terrible consequences of his surrender. I forced my men at twenty-six miles a day, and when I got to Knoxville I found inside a fine pen of cattle, and was invited to dine with Burnside at a dinner with a roast turkey, tablecloth, knives, forks, and spoons, which I had not seen for years. My Memoirs described the literal truth, but Burnside's friends thought it hard on him, and now I shall go to the dedication of his monument to apologize for telling the truth. Others may orate, I will not. I will simply assert a personal friendship. Burnside was not a combative man. He was kind, good, and patriotic, as you saw him in the Senate, but he did not come up to the occasion. In war we must use all forces, and now when we look back we recognize the qualities of each. Burnside was a good man, but he was not a war soldier.

The New York papers make out that you and I differ. Of course, we all differ. I stand by the authorities. . . . Mr. Cleveland is President, so recognized by Congress, Supreme Court, and the world. Now, by the Fifth Article of War, made the law before you were born, every officer of the Army of the United States who speaks disrespectfully of the President of the United States becomes a felon the same as one who has committed murder, felony, forgery, treason, or any crime, and could be punished at the discretion of a court-martial. I am still an officer of the army, and cannot violate this law. Of course I know Drum, the Adjutant-General. He has no sympathy with the army which fought. He was a non-combatant. He never captured a flag, and values it only at its commercial value. He did not think of the blood and torture of battle; nor can Endicott, the Secretary of War, or Mr. Cleveland. . . . Still, in Republics majorities govern, and since only one in sixteen go to war, non-combatants always govern. The soldier who fights must take a back seat and apologize for his vehemence in action. Grant had to apologize, Sheridan to shelter himself behind his most proper orders to devastate the Valley of the Shenandoah, and Sherman to be abused and assailed for the accidental burning of Columbia in the day of Republican rule. . . . In 1861-65 we fought for union and right. The soldiers restored to Congress full power, and returned to their civil vocations. Congress surrendered the country to the non-combatants, and now it is questionable whether Lincoln or Jeff Davis was the Union man. Jeff now says he never meant war. He thought that they would be allowed to do as they pleased without war. Lincoln was the assailant, Davis only on the "defensive-offensive."

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 374-6

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, Thursday, February 20, 1862

This day, at 5. p. m. the Prest's son Wm. Wallace Lincoln died. A fine boy of 11 yrs., too much idolized by his parents.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 235

Joaquim César De Figaniere e Morao* to John G. Nicolay, February 25, 1862

Portuguese Legation

US, Charlestown, Md

Feby 25th 1862

Dear Sir,

I learn by the public prints, that the President & Mrs Lincoln have suffered a painful domestic bereavement, — the premature death of one of their Children.

As it will be some time ere I shall be able to return to Washington, may I avail of your kindness to convey to Mr & Mrs Lincoln my own & Madme. de Figaniere's condolence: as parents ourselves, we can sympathise — as we sincerely do — in their feelings, upon so distressing an occasion.

I am, very respectfully
        dear Sir

Your Obt St

de Figaniere e Morao

_______________

* Figaniere e Morao was the Portuguese minister to the U. S.

SOURCE: Lincoln, Abraham. Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 2. General Correspondence. 1858 to 1864: J. C. De Figaniere e Morao to John G. Nicolay, Tuesday,Death of Willie Lincoln. 1862. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/mal4222300/.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, February 21, 1862

It has been pleasant today, it was frozen up this morning. I have been in the office as usual. Willie Taft spent part of the day with me at the office while his Ma & the other boys went to the Presidents. The illumination will not take place tomorrow night in consequence of the Presidents affliction. The news from Tennessee is favorable for our cause, Nashville is probably in our possession. I have not been out tonight. Julia interested us for an hour reciting poetry from different authors. She quite surprised me with the accuracy of her reading (or rendering) Schillers Battle piece, E A Poe^s “Bells” &c. She recited whole pages from memory. “Bengen on the Rhine” was finely done, also “our Flag.” Near 11 o'clock. Julia and the boys were abed long ago. I have been Drafting some. Wife is frying doughnuts in the Kitchen.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, February 22, 1862

This has been kept as a Holy day in the City. The public offices have all been closed. Salutes have been fired from almost every direction. We all went to the Capitol to see and hear. The Hall of the House of Representatives was more than crowded. It was expected that the Rebel flags which have been taken would be presented to Congress, it was so published in the programme, but after organizeing, the House very properly refused by resolution to receive them or recognize them. John W Forney, clerk of the Senate, read Washingtons farewell address after a prayer by the Chaplin Rev Mr Stockton. The Floor was filled by the two Houses, the Diplomatic corps, the high officers of the Army & Navy, and other notables. I counted forty two Generals & Comodores on the floor. The Cabinet was there. The President was not there. The illumination of the public buildings did not take place. A few Stores & private buildings were illuminated. More rain this evening. I went down to the Ave.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Thursday, February 20, 1862

President Lincoln's son William died at 5 P. M. They sent their carriage for us and Mrs B and I went there & staid all night

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 530

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Friday, February 21, 1862

The Presidents youngest Son is very ill, and they would not consent for Mrs Browning to leave them this morning I remained till 12 Oclock—then came to the Capitol leaving Mrs Browning there *Returned at night and sat up part of night

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 530

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 weather is pleasant here today . . .

 . . . and the town is full of lively rumors of battles and successes. It is reported that Secretary Stanton is steadily improving. The president’s boy, Willie Lincoln, is very sick of fever, and was so sick yesterday that his father could not be seen. Mr. Lincoln is one of the most warm-hearted men in the country, and the dangerous illness of any member of his family at once unfits him for the ordinary duties of life. His anxiety does him honor, for no one would like to see the president so much of an executive that he would suppress the feelings of the father.

VAN.

SOURCE: Springfield Weekly Republican, Springfield, Illinois, Saturday February 15. 1862, p. 4, col. 5

The United States Senate and House of Representatives . . .

. . . adjourned yesterday, as a mark of respect and sympathy for the President in his recent affliction. The news of the death of WILLIE LINCOLN has been received with sorrow throughout the country. The inmates of the Presidential mansion receive the heartfelt sympathy of every loyal citizen. As an additional mark of respect, the projected illumination in Washington will not take place.

SOURCE: “The United States Senate and House of Representatives …,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 4, col. 1

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

Death of the President’s Son William.

Little Willie Lincoln is dead. His protracted illness terminated in death about five o’clock this afternoon. He was the pride and pet of the household, which has been plunged in deepest grief at this untimely loss.

The President’s son was ten or eleven years of age. His disease was pneumonia. The other child is recovering.

SOURCE: “Death of the President’s Son William,” The New York Daily Herald, New York, New York, Friday, February 21, 1862, p. 4, col. 6

Death of the President’s Son.

Willie Lincoln, son of the President, died at the [sic] 5 o’clock on Thursday afternoon, of typhoid fever, at the White House. He was the darling of the household. He died at the age of twelve. While the nation rejoices over a series of victories, Willies’ father and mother mourn over their cherished boy. Those, therefore, most entitled to enjoy our glorious successes are now bowed in agony at the coffin of their son. The second son of President Lincoln lies stricken of typhoid fever, and his father watches his disease even as he mourns for his dead brother. Ex-Governor Newell, of New Jersey, eminent alike as a physician and a statesman, assister Drs. Hall and Stone in watching over poor Willie Lincoln. Gov. Newell has been unremitting in his attentions. Of course the President will not be present at the great celebration of the 22d in the capital.

SOURCE: “Death of the President’s Son,” Daily Evening Express, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Friday, February 21, 1862, p. 2 col. 2

Death of Willie Lincoln.

The pubic rejoicings at the recent successes of the Union arms will be clouded by the intelligence of the death of the second son of the President, and the country will sympathize with the bereaved parents in such a heavy affliction. Willie 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 the little sufferer had been gradually sinking. Much of the time his mind has been wandering, and only these parents who have seen a beloved child a prey to fever and delirium can imagine the anguish of the father and mother as they watched the progress of the disease, without the power to alleviate his sufferings. His condition has been very critical for more than a week, and last Monday his condition was considered almost helpless. Since Wednesday he has sunk rapidly, and yesterday it was seen that he was dying. He lingered until 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when he spirit was released.

Drs. Stone and Hall have attended the deceased and his younger brother since their illness. The latter is yet ill, but it is hoped not dangerously so. The President has, with Mrs. Lincoln, watched by the side of suffering children for ten days past, and in all that time has had scarcely and rest, as in the mist of his domestic affliction the cares of State were pressing upon him.

Willie was a fine looking boy, and his intelligence and vivacity made him a favorite with old and young. He was a faithful attendant of Sabbath school at Dr. Gurley’s church, 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 a preacher of the gospel. His exercises in literary composition were very creditable for a youth of his age, and he seemed to take great pride in them.

SOURCE: “Death of Willie Lincoln,” Evening Star, Washington, D. C., Friday, February 21, 1862, p. 2, col. 1

Death of the President’s Son.

On Thursday last, Willie Lincoln, son of President Lincoln, died at the White House. He was a fine looking boy, eleven years and two months old, and his intelligence and vivacity made him a favorite with old and young. He was the second son of the President. He died of typhoid fever. This sad event has plunged the parents into great distress—as the President was dotingly fond of his children. Both Houses of Congress adjourned on Friday as a mark of respect and sympathy for the President. 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. The body was embalmed and would be sent to Springfield, Ill. The illumination of public buildings in Washington, which was to have taken place on the evening of the 22d, was dispensed with on acct of the death of the son of the President.

SOURCE: “Death of the President’s Son,” The Adams Sentinel and General Advertizer, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, February 26, 1862, p. 2, col. 4

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

Death of the President’s Son.

Willie Lincoln, the next to the youngest son of the President, aged over eleven years, died on Thursday afternoon, of pneumonia, after an illness of several weeks. He is said to have been a bright little fellow, and the favorite of the household of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation. The illumination intended for the evening of the 22nd was omitted on the count of the sad affliction at the White House.

The body of Willie Lincoln was embalmed by Drs. Brown and 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, 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: “Death of the President’s Son,” The York Gazette, York, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1862, p. 2, col. 3