Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-04-29

OF the uYlnR TTcSlUGlb DODGfb 1iHCOill was
reclining himself upon his arm. Senator
Sumner and members of the Cabinet we're
standing at the side of the bed-Secretary
Stanton on the left of Mr.. Andrews, and Mr..
Andrews near Mr.. Lincoln's head. Next to
him was Mr.. Dennison, and others ranged
along at the left. The surgeons were sitting
upon the side and foot of the bed, holding
the Presidents hands and with their watches
observing the slow declension of the pulse.
Such was the solemn stiffness for the space OF
| fveaminutes that the ticking of the watches
could be heard in the room.
cat % minutes past seven his muscles re-
Taxed, and the spirit of Abraham Lincoln few
from its earthly tabernacle. to that undiscov-
cred country from whose bourne no traveller
returns The countenance of the President
was beaming with that characteristic smile
which only those who have seen him in his
happiest moments can appreciate, and, ex-
cept the blackness of his eyes, his face ap-
I peared perfectly natural. He died without a
/ struggle, without even a perceptible motion
| of limb. Calm and silent the great and
good man passed away. The morning was
| calm, and rain was dropping gently upon the
| roofs of the humble apartment where they
laid him down to die. Guards had been sta
toned to keep the people from the house,
| and no noise could be heard in the streets
save the footsteps of the sentry pacing to and
| fro as he guarded all that remained of Abra
ham Lincoln. All present felt the awful SOL
emnity of the occasion, and no man could
have witnessed the touching scene without
melting into tears. Even Secretary Stanton,
whose GOODNESS and selfpossesson were re-
markabe, could not keep back the silent
monitors of inward sorrow which rolled out
| from his eyes down his cheeks.
"Mrs. Lincoln remained but a short time
when she was assisted into her carriage, and
with her son Robert, and other friends, was
| driven to the house which, but last evening,
she left for the last time with her husband"
The following incidents of the last day of
the Presidents life, and other matters, have
been obtained from several sources
His son, Captain Robert Lincoln, break
| tasted with him on Friday morning, having
just returned from the capitulation of Lee
and the President passed happy hour listen
| ing to all the details. While at breakfast he
heard that Speaker Colfax was in the house,
| and sent word that he wished to see him inn
mediately. He conversed with him nearly
an hour about his future policy as to the re
bellion, which he was about to submit to the
| Cabinet. Afterwards he had an interview
with Mr.. Hale, Minister to Spain, and sever
| al Senators and Representatives. At IL
| O'clock the Cabinet and General Grant met
| with him, and, in one of the most satisfactory
and important Cabinet meetings held since
| his first Inauguration, the future policy of
| the Administration was tremendously and un-
| animously agreed on. When il adjourned,
| Secretary Stanton said he thought that the
| Government was stronger than at any previ-
Gus period since the rebellion commenced.-
In the afternoon Mr.. Lincoln had long call
from and pleasant interview with Governor
nr,iaohv SanofOp Xatac and oth 10 -
liens of his State.
In the evening Mr.. Colfax called again at
his request, and Mr.. Ashmun, of Massachu-
sets, who presided over the Chicago Con-
vention of 1860, was present. To them he
spoke of his visit to Richmond, and when it
was stated that much uneasiness prevailed at
the North when he was at the rebel capital
for fear that some traitor might shoot him, he
replied, jocularly, that he would have been
alarmed himself if any other person had been
President aud gone there, but that he did not
feel any danger whatever. Conversing on a
matter of business with Mr. Ashmun, he made
a remark that he saw Mir. Ashmun was sur
prised at, and Immediately, with his we'll
known kindness of heart, said, You did not
understand me, Ashmun. l did not mean
what you inferred, and will take it all back
and apologize for it." He afterwards gave
Ashmun a card to admit himself and friend
early next morning, to converse further
about it.
Turning to Mr.. Colfax, he said, "You are
going with Mrs Lincoln and Inc to the thea
! tire, hope?" But Mr.. Colfax had other en-
gagements, expecting to leave the city the
next morning. He then said to Mr.. Colfax,
&" Mr.. Sumner has the gaYel of the Confede-
sato Consross, which he got at Richmond, to
hand to the Secretary of War; but | insisted
that that he must give it to you, and you tell
him for me to hand it over" Mr.. Ashmun
| alluded to the gavel which he still had, and
which he had used at the Chicago Conven-
| ton. The President and Mrs. Lincoln, who
was also in the parlor, rose to go the theatre.
| 1t was half an hour after the time that they
| mad intended to start, and they spoke of
waiting halt an hour longer, for the Presi-
dent went with reluctance but Gen. Grant
had gone North, and he did not wish the
people to be disappointed, as they had both
| been advertised to be there. AT the door
he stopped and said, "Colfax, do not forget
TO tell the people in the mining regions, as
| you pass through them, what told you this
morning about the developments when
peace comes; and l will telegraph you at
| san Francisco" He then shook hands with
both gentlemen, gave them pleasant Good
| bye" and left the Executive Mansion never
to return alive.
The Washington Star says that at the Cabi-
net meeting Friday, which lasted over two
hours, the future policy of the Government
towards Virginia was discussed, the best feel
| ing prevailing. 1t is stated that it was deter
mined to adopt very liberal policy, as was
recommended by the President. 1t is said
that this meeting was the most harmonious
held for two years, the President exhibiting
throughout that magnaninity and kindness Of
| heart which have ever characterized his treat
ment of the rebellious States, and which have
been so lily requited on their part One of
the members OF the Cabinet remarked to
| friend that he met at the door, 1.-THE Gov
eminent is to-day stronger than it has be an
| for three years past"
IL is learned from gentleman who was in
| innate at the Executive Mansion that Mr..
Lincoln never feared assassination. He only
had cavalry guard during the summer time,
when he lived out of town at the Soldiers
Home, at the express desire of his friends.
| During the last fail and winter, sentries were
| placed around the house by order of the
military authorities. The President used to
walk to the War Department, through the
grounds, unattended, at all hours of the
night. On the night of the last Presidential
election, however, there were certain init
nations that the President might be attacked
coming home late from the War Department.
On that occasion he was accompanied by two
gentlemen thoroughly armed.
Geo. +. Robinson, soldier and nurse, who
was in attendance on Secretary Seward ON