An eyewitness to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination recounts what happens that day. Samuel J. Seymour was only a small boy when he went to the Ford’s Theater and witnessed history. John Wilkes Booth shot the President and then jumped on the stage. Seymour says he was most concerned ab out Wilkes … Continue reading
Proclamation of Thanksgiving This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America’s national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders similar to this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving. Sarah Josepha Hale, a 74-year-old … Continue reading
“Intense grief was on every countenance when I replied that the President could survive but a short time. The colored people especially-and there were at this time more of them, perhaps, than of whites – were overwhelmed with grief.” Gideon Welles served under President Lincoln as Secretary of the Navy. … Continue reading
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 13, 1863 Major General Grant My dear General, I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When you … Continue reading
On April 24, 1865, Lieutenant Edward Doherty sits on a bench across from the White House conversing with another officer. The arrival of a messenger interrupts the conversation. The messenger carries orders directing Doherty to lead a squad of cavalry to Virginia to search for Booth and Herold. Scouring the … Continue reading
Major Henry Rathbone, sat with the Lincolns in their theater box and later testified at the official inquiry into the assassination. We join his story as he and his fiancé accompany the Lincolns to the theater: On the evening of the 14th of April last, at about twenty minutes past … Continue reading
Amazing video of Samuel Seymour, the last survivor to have witnessed President Abraham Lincoln being shot by John Wilkes Booth. Continue reading
John Hay, one of President Lincoln's private secretaries, described the scene as the presidential party arrives in Gettysburg. Continue reading
Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is considered one of America's greatest speeches and is memorable for its message of equality and human rights. Continue reading
