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THE SORROWFUL DAY

Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln

Watertown Democrat, 04 27 1865

On Saturday morning, the 15^th of April, 1865, the first reports of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, reached this city. All were startled and shocked beyond expression at the unexpected intelligence, and as the unwelcome and alarming news spread, the excitement became more intense and general. Business pursuits ceased at once, and the greatest anxiety was it to learn the whole truth concerning the terrible tragedy – many hoping that the statements were exaggerated, and the results not so bad as the rumors represented. But a series of telegraphic dispatches soon confirmed the worst apprehensions, and added to the prevailing consternation by the details of the brutal attempt made on the life of William H. Seward, the Secretary of State.

A kindred sentiment seemed to pervade the entire community. Sadness and sorrow for the great and sudden national loss were written visible on every countenance. Indignation and abhorrence of the savage crimes that had been committed, were the emotions and feelings that agitated all minds.

On Tuesday, the 18^th, the Mayor issued a proclamation, recommending the observance of Wednesday, when the funeral ceremonies in honor of the late President were to take place at Washington, as a day of public mourning – a request which was cheerfully complied with by all classes and denominations.

On Wednesday, the 19^th, all business was suspended, and the whole city clothed in all the dark habiliments of sorrow. The various churches were shrouded with the sad emblems of the nation’s woe. Every private residence and public house was draped with the weeds of mourning. The stores were closed, and all displayed tokens of grief for the common loss the country had just sustained. Never was such a scene witnessed here before. All joined in paying the last tributes of respect to the goodness and greatness that the grave was about to receive in the person of Abraham Lincoln.

At St. Bernard’s (Catholic) Church, Rev. Dr. Norris delivered an eloquent and appropriate discourse to a large and crowded audience.

At St. Paul’s (Episcopal) Church, Rev. Wm. Dafter preached a sermon suggested by the occasion, which we have heard spoken of as highly impressive and finished effort.

At the Methodist Church, Rev. L. Searles made a short and affecting address, and was followed by Hiram Barber, Jr., and J. A. Lovely, who spoke with sincerity and earnestness that well harmonized with the feelings of their audience.

At the Congregational Church, the services were deeply interesting and appropriate. The Masonic fraternity were present in a body, having first assembled at their Lodge Room, formed a possession under the direction of J. J. Enos, as Marshal, and marched to the Church. Rev. C. Boynton delivered a brief and earnest discourse, founded on the events which called the assembly together. He was followed by Mr. D. Hall and Mr. M. B. Williams, who both spoke in a manner befitting the theme that was uppermost in every mind, and engaged the thoughts of all. At the request of several of our citizens, we have solicited Mr. Hall to furnish us with a copy of his remarks for publication. We cannot better conclude this imperfect sketch of the proceedings of the melancholy day, than in his well chosen and heartfelt words.