Lot #270

[Abraham Lincoln]

Description

"We have indeed suffered a severe loss in our Beloved President so good a man to be basely shot in the back by a cowardly assassin"

Civil War-dated ALS signed “William M. Cooper,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, April 25, 1865. Letter by a Union hospital worker to his mother, written from "Point of Rocks Hospital, Va.," deploring the death of President Abraham Lincoln. In part: "We have indeed suffered a severe loss in our Beloved President so good a man to be basely shot in the Back by a cowardly assassin. Pity that God had not struck his Base Arm with paralysis ere it had been raised against the life of 'Uncle Abe.' I hope he may be caught and turned over to the Soldiers for punishment. I mean Boothe. I think that Andy Johnson will bring these Rebs to their right senses. At all events he talks as though he would. We are having delightful weather at present…We have all sorts of rumors here about going Home but I can't say how soon they will be realities. I hope very soon it would not make me mad if I was mustered out of Service tomorrow but as long as there are any sick or wounded soldiers at Point of Rocks although every one else went home I would be willing to stay and take care of them. I should like to see them all comfortable at their homes again soon but while they are here I shall do my share towards relieving their pains and distress." In fine condition. Booth was tracked down and killed the next day in Port Royal, Virginia, about sixty miles north of Point of Rocks.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: August
• Dates: #527 - Ended May 09, 2018