Details
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION] COLFAX, Schuyler (1823-1885), Vice- President. Autograph letter signed ("Schuyler Colfax"), to "Dear Madam," South Bend, Indiana, 26 April 1865. 3 pages, 8vo, embossed. Fine.
HOUSE SPEAKER COLFAX ON THE LINCOLN ASSASSINATION
Colfax, accompanying the President's funeral train from Washington to Springfield, writes dramatically of the events of 14 April: "The terrible national calamity at Washn. has saddened me so that I have no heart to write to any one. The fact that I was with our beloved President the last hour he spent in the White House, & had the last grasp of his hand on earth, brings the affliction so close to me that I cannot keep it out of my thoughts. I deeply regret that I did not go with him, as he urged me to do, to the Theatre. My habit of looking about constantly in public places, might have saved his precious life to the Nation." He continues: "I spoke here Monday to a very large crowd in regard to Mr. Lincoln...I am telegraphed to repeat it at Chicago Sunday & I go on for there with the remains of our murdered President to Springfield."
Following his assassination, Lincoln's body lay in state in 14 different cities, and the journey from Washington to his home town of Springfield lasted two and a half weeks. Colfax had helped organize the Republican party in Indiana and served in Congress from 1855 until 1869, the last six years as Speaker. Vice-President under Grant, he was implicated in the Credit Mobilier scandals and was dumped from the ticket in 1872.
HOUSE SPEAKER COLFAX ON THE LINCOLN ASSASSINATION
Colfax, accompanying the President's funeral train from Washington to Springfield, writes dramatically of the events of 14 April: "The terrible national calamity at Washn. has saddened me so that I have no heart to write to any one. The fact that I was with our beloved President the last hour he spent in the White House, & had the last grasp of his hand on earth, brings the affliction so close to me that I cannot keep it out of my thoughts. I deeply regret that I did not go with him, as he urged me to do, to the Theatre. My habit of looking about constantly in public places, might have saved his precious life to the Nation." He continues: "I spoke here Monday to a very large crowd in regard to Mr. Lincoln...I am telegraphed to repeat it at Chicago Sunday & I go on for there with the remains of our murdered President to Springfield."
Following his assassination, Lincoln's body lay in state in 14 different cities, and the journey from Washington to his home town of Springfield lasted two and a half weeks. Colfax had helped organize the Republican party in Indiana and served in Congress from 1855 until 1869, the last six years as Speaker. Vice-President under Grant, he was implicated in the Credit Mobilier scandals and was dumped from the ticket in 1872.