Today in History:

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

Page 781 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC-UNION.

Mr. Seward has rallied, and it is hoped he may live. Frederick Seward's condition is very critical. The attendant who was present was stabbed through the lungs, and is not expected to live. The wounds of Major Seward are not serious. Investigation strongly indicates J. Wilkes Booth as the assassin of the President. Whether it was the same or a different person that attempted to murder Mr. Seward remains in doubt. Chief Justice Carter is engaged in taking the evidence. Every exertion has been made to prevent the escape of the murdered. His exertion has been made to prevent the escape of the murderer. His horse has been found on the road, near Washington.

EDWIN M. STATION,

Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON CITY, Numbers 458, Tenth Street, April 15, 1865-4.10 a. m. (Sent 4.44 a. m.)

Major-General DIX:

The President continues insensible and is sinking. Secretary Seward remain without change. Frederick Seward's skull is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut upon the head. The attendant is still alive, but hopeless. Major Seward's wounds are not dangerous. It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime, Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President, the other a companion of his whose name is not known, but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. It appears from a letter found in Booth's trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of March, but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until "Richmond could be heard form." Booth and his accomplice were at the livery stable at 6 this evening, and left there with their horses about 10 o'clock, or shortly before that hour. It would seem that they had for several days been seeking their chance, but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore, the other has not yet been traced.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON CITY, April 15, 1865.

Major-General DIX,

New York:

Abraham Lincoln died this morning at 22 minutes after 7 o'clock.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, April 15, 1865-3 p. m.

Major-General DIX:

Official notice of the detach of the late President Abraham Lincoln was given by the heads of Department this morning to Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, upon whom the Constitution devolved the office of President. Mr. Johnson upon receiving this notice appeared before the Honorable Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, and took the oath of office as President of the United States, and assumed its duties


Page 781 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC-UNION.