The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-05-12
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Letter ffeA eur Special Correspondent.
f8f sPRmaFH1D, III, Maya 1866.
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1arrived here this morning at daylight, in
company with John A. Peckham, Col <. c.
Belote and Henry L. Moss. This city is rapidly
filing up with people from oil parts Of the coun.
try, to pay the last tribute of respect to the
Lamented Chief Magistrate of this Country.
The day openes beautifully, the sun shines out
from clear sky, all nature 10 rejoicing, every
tree and shrub has put on their spring robe of
loviiness. The birds are carolling their sweet
anthems of praises as they flip f~-:n lash to
tree. The fruit trees are in tL.i bloom. In
sad and solumn contrast to this the tens of
thousands of persons here each ware some token
OF mourning, and with sad disturbed coun-
tenances, 60 about the streets mourning for
their departed friend and fellow citizen. Every
house IN the city is more or less robed in the
habiliments of mourning, many elaborately
and beautifully. The State House where now
lies in State the body of Abraham Lincoln, is
decorated inside and ont in very good tatse.
Soon after my arrival, fell into that mourn.
full procession which is continually passing be.
tween file Of soldiers, leading through the
North gate into the pleasant grounds surround
ing the State House, thence up the green isles,
up the steps, thence up one fight of stairs into
the room containing all that remains of the
nlustrious dead. looked for the first and last
time into that marble face of our dead Presi-
dent. The coffin was surrounded by six or
eight military men In high command. The
lights were still burning in the room. To me
the moment was most solumn and impressive
one. would have gladly fingered around the
coffin, and while gazing into that face for few
moments, endeavored to Icall up the scenes. of
the past four years, so intimately connected
with this man, and also to have penetrated in
to the future, to have pushed aside the veil and
to have summoned before me after centuries
have passed away, the ultimate of this mys.
FERROUS dispensation.
To me there is no doubt but Mr.. Lincoln
had accomplished the great work designed by
Him who governs all things, and it would be
sad reflection that this great nation was de-
pendent for its success and prosperity upon
the foresight and direction of any man or set
of men however illustrious. There is Q God
whose right it is to guide US poor mortals
here, as well as purer spirits in better land.
When good and great men pass away, we
mourn in the hour of affection, and it is well
for Us If our faith takes frmer hold on God.
/ visited the house where Mr.. Lincoln lived,
and from whence four years ago he went to
take upon himself, as he said, greater respon-
abilities than ever fell on man since the days
of Washington. The building is q plain two
story one, substantial, and in its day was prob
ably considered elegant. The lot Is small and
plainly ornamented. The whole place looks
as though the occupant was in moderate cir
cunastances, or that the owner had very little
taste or care for Improvement The building
h handsomely decorated. From this plain
home Of Mr.. Lincoln, in company with Mr..
Moore, of the Press, and Mr.. Moss, I called at
Gov. Ogglesbys house, where we found Gov
Miller. This home Of the Governor of I'LL.
nois is beautifully located in the centre of the
city on piece Of ground slightly elevated and
ample. The grounds are artistically laid out,
and everywhere bloomi ng in the freshness of
spring. We had the pleasure of an introduc-
ton to the Governor, who on looking out
upon the beauties of the morning, his pleas
ant home, the trees all in blossom sending
out their sweet fragrance, expressed himself
much gratified at being Governor of this great
State of Illinois, and well he might.
The hour of forming the procession having
arrived (somewhat delayed for want of proper
organization of the marshal and assistants)
the bells of the city commence their mourn.
full notes. We step to the solemn strains of
the band who are short distance in advance of
the Minnesota delegation. The procession
marched eight deep and according to the best
account I can get, was mile and half long.
On either side Of the streets through which
the procession passed were packed men, women
be seen of their lamented neighbor. The pro.
cession moves slowly but grandly along, while
bands are playing and minute guns firing. No
man was ever buried with 90 great honors as
Abraham Lincoln, and probably he has been
seen BY more persons than ever looked upon
the dead face of any other man.
The vault is made at the foot of q parcel of
ground stretching out and gradually rising in
the form of an amphitheatre. There is small
stream running near the vault The grounds
are shaded by forest trees. Near the vault q
stand was erected for the speakers, and oppo-
site was one for the choir. Funeral dirges
were sung, the scriptures read, prayer offered
and an Grafton delivered by Bishop Simpson.
1t is not necessary for me to speak of these
exercises. They were solemn and appropriate
No pen can do justice to the Grafton of the
gifted speaker. The vast audience on hillside
and valley that surrounded the speaker was
hushed into the stiffness of night broken by
an occasional amen. Mournful and impressive
- occasion was the speaker was
chs several times, as he unfolded to
view the poOminent acts of the lamented dead.
But an end to all things must come. The
bodies of our loved ones we commit to the
tomb and their souls 60 to that Judge who do.
eth righteously and loves mercy It Il appointed
unto all men once to die and after death both