Today in History:

773 Series I Volume XLVI-III Serial 97 - Appomattox Campaign Part III

Page 773 Chapter LVIII.K CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 15, 1865.

Major WAITE,
Fairfax Station:

An attempt has been made to assassinate the President and Secretary of State. Order General Gamble to allow no one to pass his lines. To arrest every one who attempts. To cover the country with patrols between Fairfax and the river. No one arrested to be released until further orders.

By command of Major-General Augur:

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS DE RUSSY'D DIVISION, April 15, 1865-5 a. m.

Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,
Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: The communication of the 14th instant, received at 12.30 a. m. this day, requiring that "the garrisons should be put under arms, and that no one should be permitted to pass into Virginia," has been carried out, and those instructions will remain in force until otherwise ordered from department headquarters.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. A. DE RUSSY,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 15,1 865-12. 20 a. m.

AGENT MILITARY RAILROAD, ALEXANDRIA:

It is reported that the assassin of the President has gone out hence to Alexandria, thence on train to Fairfax. Stop all trains in that direction. Apply to military commander at Alexandria for guard to arrest all persons on train or on the road not known.

By order of the Secretary of War:

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Brevet Brigadier-General.

BALTIMORE, April 15, 1865.

B. B. HOUGH,

Saint Inigoes:

The President murdered; Mr. Seward and son nearly so. One of the murders, J. Wilkes Booth, actor, prayed at Holliday Street a year ago. Twenty-five years old, five feet eight inches high, dark hair and mustache. He took the direction from Washington toward Saint Mary's and Calvert Counties. Use all efforts to secure him.

J. L. McPHALL,

Provost-Marshal-General.


Page 773 Chapter LVIII.K CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.