Diary of Gideon Welles, Monday, June 25, 1866

For two or three days I have been prostrated by a severe attack of indigestion, yet against the remonstrance of Dr. H. I went to the President's Saturday evening. What took place and subsequent reflection while prostrated on my lounge have disquieted and greatly disturbed me. It is a lost opportunity. The President fails to comprehend the true condition of affairs and the schemes of prominent men around him, or hesitates to grapple with them. In either case he is deceived and fatally wrong. He must, and evidently expects to, rely on the Democrats to overcome the Radicals who are conspiring against him and the Constitution. But the Democrats have no confidence in Seward and will not fellowship with him. Seward knows that, if the President does not. This call for a national Union convention which has been gotten up is perverted into a Seward call; the party is to be Seward's party, and it cannot, therefore, be Democratic. The President is, consequently, purchasing or retaining Seward and his followers at too high a price, too great a sacrifice. Enough Republicans may rally with this call to defeat the Radicals, but cannot themselves become a formidable and distinct power. If, however, the movement defeats the reckless plans of the Radicals, it will accomplish a great good. I have my doubts if the flimsy expedient will do much good.

Our President has been too forbearing, has wasted his strength and opportunities, and without some thorough changes will find himself, I apprehend, the victim of his own yielding policy in this regard. I do not see how it is possible to sustain himself with Seward on his shoulders.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 540-1

Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

Mrs. LINCOLN met with an accident this forenoon. Her horses took fright and ran away as she was riding from the Soldier’s Home to the city. Seeing her imminent danger she leaped from the carriage, and was stunned and severely bruised, but no bones were broken. Surgeons from Mount Pleasant Hospital were promptly in attendance. She soon recovered sufficiently to be taken to the White House.

SOURCE: “Our Special Washington Dispatches. Washington, Wednesday, July 2,” The New York Times, Friday, July 3, 1863 p. 5, col. 2

The horses attached to the carriage . . .

. . . in which Mrs. Lincoln was coming into the city this morning from the Soldiers’ Home ran off in consequence of fright, arising from the driver falling to the ground by the breaking of his seat. Mrs. L. leaped out and was considerably bruised, and also received a cut on the back of the head, which bled freely. Surgeons from the Mt. Pleasant Hospital promptly attended Mrs. L., and the injuries fortunately not being serious, she was put into a passing carriage, and came on to the White House.

SOURCE: “Correspondence of The Baltimore Sun. Washington, July 2,” The Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, Friday Morning, July 3, 1863,  p. 4, col. 1

Sad Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

We regret to learn that a painful accident occurred to Mrs. Lincoln yesterday morning, about ten o’clock near the Mount Pleasant Hospital. It appears that Mrs. L. was passing across the lot near the hospital in her carriage, when the driver’s seat became detached from the carriage in some way, precipitating the driver to the ground. At this the spirited horses became frightened and dashed off at the top of their speed.

Mrs. L. was alone in the carriage at the time, but observing the great danger she was in, quietly and quickly spring from the carriage, her presence of mind and courage not deserting her for a single instant. Although the horses were running at full speed at the time, Mrs. L. fortunately received no more serious injuries from the fall than several severe bruises, which stunned her for a moment. The most severe of these wounds is upon the back part of her head, but we are glad to learn it is not at all dangerous.

Several surgeons from the Carver Hospital were soon upon the spot, and Mrs. L. was taken to the hospital, where the wounds were dressed by Dr. Judson, the efficient surgeon in charge. It was soon ascertained that no bones were broken, and it was thought that she could be conveyed to the White House without too much risk. Dr. Judson quickly had his carriage in waiting, and Mrs. Lincoln was placed in it and driven home. The escape of the lady was almost miraculous considering the circumstances, and we learn that she has entirely recovered from her fright. The injuries are not of a serious character and we hope to see Mrs. Lincoln about in a few days.

SOURCE: “Sad Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily Morning Chronicle,Washington, D. C., Friday, July 3, 1863, p. 2, col. 7

Serious Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

This morning, at about ten o’clock, as Mrs. Lincoln was passing in her carriage across the open lot near the Mount Pleasant Hospital, the driver’s seat suddenly became detached from the rest of the carriage, and the coachman was precipitated to the ground. At this accident the spirited horses immediately took fright, and dashed along with fearful velocity.

Mrs. Lincoln was quite alone in the carriage at the time, but, seeing the imminent danger she was in, with courage and presence of mind remarkable at so critical a moment, sprang quickly from the carriage, while the horses were running at full speed. Though for the moment stunned, she most fortunately received no more than serious injury from her fall than several severe bruises. From the most severe of these—one on the back of the head—the blood flowed freely.

Several surgeons from the Mount Pleasant Hospital were instantly upon the spot, and administered promptly to her injuries. So soon as it was ascertained that the injuries, though painful, were not a serious character, and that no bones were broken, it was decided that she could be safely transported to the White House. The original design, therefore, of conveying her to the Mount Pleasant Hospital was abandoned. A carriage passing at the time was taken possession of, and Mrs. Lincoln, now quite recovered from her fright was placed in it.

SOURCE: “Serious Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Evening Star, Washington, D. C., Thursday, July 2, 1863, p. 2, col. 1

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, February 4, 1862

Engaged on Brights case—I made a speech against followed by Foster & others on same side—Willey of Va. for him—Sumner agt him *At night at the Presidents with Carl Schurtz¹ & Col Boswell of Mississippi

_______________

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Wednesday, February 5, 1862

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Saturday, February 8, 1862

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, February 11, 1862

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

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 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, Saturday, February 22, 1862

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, February 23, 1862

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

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, February 25, 1862

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

Diary of Senator Orville Hickman Browning, Wednesday, February 26, 1862

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 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.

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