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 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

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, February 12, 1862

Great excitement in the City today at the news of the Battle of Roanoke Island. No great particulars yet, but it must have been a desperate fight. “Secesh” is now receiving nothing but hard knocks, many more are in reserved [sic] for her. Norfolk will soon be taken, it is expected. The boys called upon Mrs M^cClellan today, the Gen^l was out. Mrs M said tha[t] he could hardly help from swinging his hat in the Street he was so elated at the war news. I wrote to Co^l Mirrick today in reference to the apples &c which he sent me. I have not been out tonight. Willie has a bad cold. I have made him a little box tonight for his “Man and ass.” The head turns on a pivot in the box. One side of the head is is [sic] a mans face, the other is the asses face. Tad Lincoln gave it to him. This has been a delightful day.

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, Thursday, February 13, 1862

A bright pleasant day. No particular news, but many rumors of fighting West. I have been in the office, am there every day filling out Patents or Deeds & recording them. Julia has Miss Hartly and two of the Miss Middletons here tonight. I have been down to the National. Called at Cha^s on my return from the Av^e —. Mr Hartly called for Mat[ty] at ½ past 9. Willie coughs a good deal. Bud & Holly went to the Capitol today.

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.

 

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, Monday, February 24, 1862

The public offices have been closed again today in consequence of the funeral of Willie Lincoln. A great many hundreds went to the house, but a small number were admited, as the friends of the family only were invited to attend. Myself and Wife were admited and rode to the Cemetery at Georgetown “Oakhill.” The other Boy is quite low. I fear he will not recover. Today we rc^d the B^ll of fruit &c sent by Col Mirrick, the green apples had been frozen & were [dredged or damaged?].

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, 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

Severe Illness of the President’s Son.

Willie Lincoln, the son of the President, who has been very ill for several days is much improved.

SOURCE: “Severe Illness of the President’s Son,” The New York Daily Herald, Wednesday, February 12, 1862, p. 5, col. 4

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

Little Willie Lincoln . . .

 . . . 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

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