1 Carl Schurz, 1829-1906. The famous German-American
leader and major general in the Civil War.
SOURCE: The Diary of
Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 528-9
Continued the Bright
case. He delivered a written speech very much modified in tone from one he made
last week. Upon examing the Globe for the speech of last week in
which he declared he would now repeat the act under the same circumstances, and
that he was, as he always had been, opposed to all coercive measures by the
Government to put down the rebellion, I could not find it, and was told by the
man connected with the Globe that he, Bright, had suppressed it. At the
conclusion of the speaking a vote was taken and he expelled 32 for 14
against
At night I attended
a party at the Presidents—a very large and very brilliant one. Did not get home
till 2 Oclock in the morning
SOURCE: The Diary of
Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 529
At Presidents. War
Department, 2nd Auditors, Comms Genl. Surgeon Genls, Post Office—Got back at 2½
and wrote letters till dinner
SOURCE: The Diary of
Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 529
In Senate until
late. After tea went with Sheffield to the Presidents—Genl. McClellan came in
whilst there. He said but little. Does not seem to me big enough for his
position
SOURCE: The Diary of
Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 529
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 Poes “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.
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
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
At 1 O'clock P. M. the Senate proceeded to the Hall of the House, where Washingtons Farewell address was read in the presence of both Houses by Col. Forney, Secy of the Senate. *The Senate then returned to its chamber, and was in session till 4. P. M.
At night I returned to the Presidents and again sat up part of the night with his little son
SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 531
Came to my lodgings after breakfast, and took Emma to the Presidents with me where she remained all day & night.
In P. M. took the Presidents Carriage and drove out to Georgetown with Mr Carroll to examine his vault which he had offered for the use of the Presidents Son, who is to be deposited there tomorrow.
SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 531
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
Breakfasted at the Presidents—then came to Senate.
*After dinner returned to the Presidents and remained all night At 6-7 & 9 P M went in Prests carriage to Rail Road depot to meet Mrs Edwards of Springfield, Illinois—She was on the 9 Oclock train
SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 531
Left the Presidents and came to Mrs Carters to breakfast Mrs. Browning returned in the afternoon In Senate all day
SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 531
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
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
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
. . . was buried yesterday and Washington, from the Presidential mansion. The dear little boy, once the flower of the household, is now its most poignant grief. He died of typhoid fever on Thursday, at the interesting age of twelve years.
SOURCE: “Little Willie Lincoln…,” Delaware State Journal and Statesman, Wilmington, Delaware, Tuesday, February 25, 1862, p. 2 col. 1
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
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 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
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
