The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-04-26
The Funeral in Washington-Secre-
tary Seward and Son Continue to
Improve.

assembled during the forenoon.
None could enter the mansion without
tickets, space having been provided for
six hundred persons only, upon raised
platform or steps on the east, north and
south sides of the room. The corpse lay
about the center, space being reserved all
around the catafalque, with chairs. for
the occupation of the family of the de-
ceased.
1t was here, in the East Room, that the
bodies of President Harrison and TAYLOR
lay in state, but the arrangements on
those occasions were far inferior to the
present:
At IL o'clock the guests began to ar
rive, body of about sixty clergymen be-
ing the first to enter; then the Heads of
Bureaus, Governors of States, members
of municipal governments, prominent of
dcers of the army and navy, the diplo-
matte corps, &c. .,-.,,.--..
At noon, the President of the United
States, in company with his Cabinet, (ex-
cept Secretary Seward), approached the
catafalque and took last but brief look
at his illustrious predecessor, and then
retired to position Immediately on the
east, and in full view of the eofined re-
mains.
At 10 minutes past II, amid profound
silence, the Rev. DR.. Gurley, approach
ing the head of the catafalque, announced
the order of religious, when DR.. Hall
(EpiscopaD read portion of the Scrip
lures, according to the form of that
church. The opening prayer was made
by Bishop Simpson, Methodist Episcopal
who, in the course of it, said: In the
hands of God we're the issues of life and
death. Our sins had called for his wrath
to descend upon US as individuals for the
sake of our blessed Redeemer.
/ Thanks were also returned that his arm
was strengthened, and wisdom and firm
ness given his heart, to pen a declaration
of emancipation by which were broker
the chains of millions of the human race.
God be thanked that the assassin who
struck the Chief Magistrate had not the
hand to again bind the suffering and op-
pressed. The name Of the beloved dead
would ever be identified with all that Is
great and glorious with humanity on
earth. May the spirit of rebellion soon
pass away. God grant that the sun may
shine on free people from the Atlantic
to the Pacific; and from the lakes to the
gulf. May he not only safely lead us
through the struggle, but give us peace
with all nations of the earth. God bless
the weeping widow, as in her broken
heartedness she bows under sad stroke
more than she can bear. Encircle her in
thy arms. God be gracious with the chill
dren left behind. Endow the SON with
wisdom, we pray thee.
He concluded by repeating the Lords
Prayer.
The Rev. DIR. Gr:dley then delivered a
sermon, standing on the steps near the
head of the coffin. He commenced by
saying:
1--WE recognize and adore the sover-
eighty of Almighty God. His throne is
in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth
over all. It was cruel hand, the dark
hand of the assassin that smote our hon.
ored, wise and noble President, and filled
the land with mourning. But above this
hand there was another which we must see
and acknowledge. In the midst of our
rejoicings we needed this stroke, this dis
| cipline, and therefore God has sent it.
Our attiiction has not come forth from the
dus. nor from the ground"
The corpse was then removed to the
hearse in front of the door of the Exec
utive mansion, and at 2 o'clock the pro.
Pennsylvania Avenue. The rooms. por.
ticoes, windows and all elevated points
were occupied by interested spectators
| As the procession started. minute gun.
were fred near St. Johns Church, the
City Hall and the Capitol, and all TIL,
bells were tolled.
First in the order of procession was
detachment of colored troops; then fol
lowed white regiments of infantry an,
bodies of artillery and cavalry; the navy
maries, army officers on foot, and pail
bearers in carriages followed next.
/ The hearse was drawn by six whit
horses. The coffin was prominent to ey
cry beholder. The floor on which i
rested was strewn with evergreens an,
white flowers.
Then followed the President and Cabi
net, the Diplomatic Corps, members Q
i Congress, Governors of States, the dele
i cations from various States, fire compa
nies, civic associations, clerks of depart
ments and others, together with man
public and private carriages, closing u
} with large number of .olored men,
The body was conveyed to and deposite
, in the rotunda of the Capitol.
This was the largest and most imposin
funeral procession ever in Washington
An hour and half was occupied i
t passing given point.
t The nearest relatives of the late Pres
dent, now here, are the two sons of tI
, deceased, Captain Robert and Thadde,
Lincoln, N w. Edward and G. N. Smitl
J. of Springfield, brothers-in-law of Il
J, late President; DIR. Lyman B. Todd,
9 Lexington, KY, and General and j.
/ Todd, of Dacotah, cousins of Mrs. Lii
coin.
:. Mrs. Lincoln was not present at IL
If funeral. It is said she has not even Sc,
d her husbands corpse since the mornil
af hic doofb