Civil War-dated ALS by Surgeon Aaron S. Oberly, signed "A—," four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, April 20, 1865. Written from aboard the "U.S. St'r 'Santiago de Cuba,'" Oberly describes events related to the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. In part: "Everything wears a gloomy aspect—never in my life did I see so great a display in mourning. The minute guns that were fired from forts & vessels previous to the president's burial have now ceased—though flags continue to wave at half mast…Today the late president's remains are laying in state in the rotunda of the Capitol so as to afford an opportunity to all who have come at a great distance of witnessing his corpse. Mr. Farquhan has been on duty watching the body the whole of last Tuesday and to day: and I have no doubt he will be rejoiced when the remains are removed to some other city…We were obliged to attend the funeral procession yesterday…Today we were invited to come ashore and go in procession to the White House to pay our respects to President Johnson." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
