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

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

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

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

Major General Edward O. C. Ord to Abraham Lincoln, April 13, 1865

RICHMOND, VA., April 13, 1865.

His Excellency A. LINCOLN,
        President of the United States:

Copy of order to be published in the city paper to-morrow, April 14: Owing to recent events the call for the reassembling of the gentlemen recently acting as the legislature of Virginia is rescinded. Should any of the gentlemen come to the city under the notice of the reassembling, already published, they will be furnished with passports to return to their homes.

E. O. C. ORD,        

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 735

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 5, 1865

Bright and pleasant.

Stayed with my next door neighbors at their request last night—all females. It was quiet; and so far the United States pickets and guards have preserved perfect order.

The cheers that greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes and Federals comprising the great mass of humanity. The white citizens felt annoyed that the city should be held mostly by negro troops. If this measure were not unavoidable, it was impolitic if conciliation be the purpose.

Mr. Lincoln, after driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis, Confederate States President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to the fleet at Rocketts.

This morning thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging the public officers for provisions. I do not observe any getting them, and their faces begin to express disappointment.

It is said all the negro men, not entering the army, will be put to work, rebuilding bridges, repairing railroads, etc.

I have seen a New York Herald of the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st and 2d inst. from Mr. Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress of the battle. He sums up with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured, and 50 guns.

The rumor of a success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited. Per contra, it is reported that President Davis is not only a captive, but will soon be exhibited in Capitol Square.

The Rev. Mr. Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and believed that 6000 South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that a large number of Mississippians deserted giving such information to the enemy as betrayed our weak points, etc.

Three P.M. I feel that this Diary is near its end.

The burnt district includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal speculators and extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!

Four P.M. The Square is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told me they intended to put them in the army in a few days, and that the Northern people did not really like negro equality any better than we did.

Two rumors prevail: that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee has capitulated, with 35,000 men.

The policy of the conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and occupies the attention of Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 471-2

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 7, 1865

Slight showers.

Wm. Ira Smith, tailor, and part owner of the Whig, has continued the publication as a Union paper.

I visited the awful crater of the magazine. One current or stream of fire and bricks knocked down the east wall of the cemetery, and swept away many head and foot stones, demolishing trees, plants, etc.

It is said President Lincoln is still in the city. Dr. Ellison informed me to-day of the prospect of Judge Campbell's conference with Mr. Lincoln. It appears that the judge had prepared statistics of our resources in men and materials, showing them to be utterly inadequate for a prolongation of the contest, and these he exhibited to certain prominent citizens, whom he wished to accompany him. Whether they were designed also for the eye of President Lincoln, or whether he saw them, I did not learn. But one citizen accompanied him—GUSTAVUS A. MYERS, the little old lawyer, who has certainly cultivated the most friendly relations with all the members of President Davis's cabinet, and it is supposed he prosecuted a lucrative business procuring substitutes, obtaining discharges, getting passports, etc.

The ultimatum of President Lincoln was Union, emancipation, disbandment of the Confederate States armies. Then no oath of allegiance would be required, no confiscation exacted, or other penalty; and the Governor and Legislature to assemble and readjust the affairs of Virginia without molestation of any character.

Negotiations are in progress by the clergymen, who are directed to open the churches on Sunday, and it was intimated to the Episcopalians that they should pray for the President of the United States. To this they demur, being ordered by the Convention to pray for the President of the Confederate States. They are willing to omit the prayer altogether, and await the decision of the military authority on that proposition.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 472-3

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 11, 1865

Cloudy and misty. It is reported that Gen. Johnston has surrendered his army in North Carolina, following the example of Gen. Lee. But no salutes have been fired in honor of the event. The President (Davis) is supposed to be flying toward the Mississippi River, but this is merely conjectural. Undoubtedly the war is at an end, and the Confederate States Government will be immediately extinct—its members fugitives. From the tone of leading Northern papers, we have reason to believe President Lincoln will call Congress together, and proclaim an amnesty, etc.

Judge Campbell said to Mr. Hart (clerk in the Confederate States War Department) yesterday that there would be no arrests, and no oath would be required. Yet ex-Captain Warner was arrested yesterday, charged with ill treating Federal prisoners, with registering a false name, and as a dangerous character. I know the contrary of all this; for he has been persecuted by the Confederate States authorities for a year, and forced to resign his commission.

My application to Gen. Shepley for permission to remove my family to the Eastern Shore, where they have relatives and friends, and may find subsistence, still hangs fire. Every day I am told to call the next day, as it has not been acted upon.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 474-5

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 12, 1865

Warm and cloudy.

Gen. Weitzel publishes an order to-day, requiring all ministers who have prayed for the President of the Confederate States to pray hereafter for the President of the United States. He will not allow them to omit the prayer.

In answer to my application for permission to take my family to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where among their relations and friends shelter and food may be had, Brevet Brig.-Gen. Ludlow indorsed: "Disallowed-as none but loyal people, who have taken the oath, are permitted to reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia." This paper I left at Judge Campbell's residence (he was out) for his inspection, being contrary in spirit to the terms he is represented to have said would be imposed on us.

At 1 P.M. Another 100 guns were fired in Capitol Square, in honor, I suppose, of the surrender of JOHNSTON's army. I must go and see.

Captain Warner is still in prison, and no one is allowed to visit him, I learn.

Three P.M. Saw Judge Campbell, who will lay my paper before the military authorities for reconsideration to-morrow. He thinks they have acted unwisely. I said to him that a gentleman's word was better than an enforced oath—and that if persecution and confiscation are to follow, instead of organized armies we shall have bands of assassins everywhere in the field, and the stiletto and the torch will take the place of the sword and the musket-and there can be no solid reconstruction, etc. He says he told the Confederate States authorities months ago that the cause had failed, but they would not listen. He said he had telegraphed something to Lieut.-Gen. Grant to-day.

The salute some say was in honor of Johnston's surrender—others say it was for Lee's—and others of Clay's birthday.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 475-6

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 17, 1865

Bright and clear.

I add a few lines to my Diary. It was whispered, yesterday, that President Lincoln had been assassinated! I met Gen. Duff Green, in the afternoon, who assured me there could be no doubt of it. Still, supposing it might be an April hoax, I inquired at the headquarters of Gen. Ord, and was told it was true. I cautioned those I met to manifest no feeling, as the occurrence might be a calamity for the South; and possibly the Federal soldiers, supposing the deed to have been done by a Southern man, might become uncontrollable and perpetrate deeds of horror on the unarmed people.

After agreeing to meet Gen. Green this morning at the Provost Marshal's office, and unite with him in an attempt to procure the liberation of Capt. Warner, I returned home; and saw, on the way, Gen. Ord and his staff riding out toward Camp Lee, with no manifestations of excitement or grief on their countenances.

Upon going down town this morning, every one was speaking of the death of Lincoln, and the Whig was in mourning.

President Lincoln was killed by Booth (Jno. Wilkes), an actor. I suppose his purpose is to live in history as the slayer of a tyrant; thinking to make the leading character in a tragedy, and have his performance acted by others on the stage.

I see no grief on the faces of either officers or men of the Federal army.

R. A. Pryor and Judge W. T. Joynes have called a meeting in Petersburg, to lament the calamity entailed by the assassination.

I got passports to-day for myself and family to the Eastern Shore, taking no oath. We know not when we shall leave.

I never swore allegiance to the Confederate States Government, but was true to it.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 479-80

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 19, 1865

Yesterday windy, to-day bright and calm.

It appears that the day of the death of President Lincoln was appointed for illuminations and rejoicings on the surrender of Lee. There is no intelligence of the death of Mr. Seward or his son. It was a dastardly deed—surely the act of a madman.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 480

Diary of Lucy Larcom, November 10, 1860

I have actually forgotten to write for months in this book. I fear me, "my heart is nae here." I have lived a good deal in the past week, and the world has been doing a great business, our country in particular. The Prince has turned the heads of our democratic people, and Republicans have chosen a President at last. That is glorious! Freedom takes long strides in these better days. The millennium is not so far off as we feared. While there is so much to be lived outside, who cares for the little self-life of a journal? But I never meant it to be a "subjective" one, and when it has been so, it has been so because I was living below my ideal. Yet this shall be just the book my thoughts shape from their various moods; when the thought is for myself, I will write it, and when it is for another, I will write it too.

"Whose window opened towards the rising sun.”

So the happy pilgrim rested, knowing that as soon as there was light anywhere, he should have the first ray. Strange, that every Christian sojourner should not seek a room with windows opening to the dawn! Some of them seem afraid of the sun; they choose a chamber having only a black, northerly outlook, and lie down saying, "What a dreary, miserable world!" And what wonder that they should grow thin and sickly-plants of the shade must ever be so; the soul, as well as the body, needs large draughts of sunshine for vigorous life.

SOURCE: Daniel Dulany Addison, Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary, p. 77-8