The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-04-29
How the People at Hilton Head received
our Presidents Death.

r ,g9H BEAUFORT, April 20, 1865.
| To the Editor Of the Press:
Perhaps II viii be interesting TO some Of
your readers. especially to those who have
friends in the South, to know how the people
here received the mournfal tidings which have
caused pang Of sorrow to every loyal heart.
The sad intelligence had just been received
and borne on the wings Of the morning pa
pers TO the unexpected sharers OF the prevI-
GUS days rejoicing, while the Fulton was pre-
pairing to leave the wharf for Hilton Head
We started at ten minutes past eleven, A. NJ.
leaving New York scene Of unmingled grief
Stores were being closed and draped in the
nantes OF mourning, and the flags which
had foated from every flagstaff In all the
triumph Of victory the past few days, NOW
lowered at halfmast, while look Of deer
sadness marked the features of every one we
met; each one seemed to share the common
sorrow which was resting on US ALL A friend
remarked 20 me as we passed down Broadway
that he had not seen smile on persons
face during the morning. Never, perhaps, did
amore hesrtstrichen company leave the bar
Dor Of New York, bearing tidings which
should fall With such heavy weight upon the
hearts Of those to whom they were sent -
Our voyage was prosperous-nothing Of in
terest occurring during the passage, which
vas one day shorter than usual. But we were
received with no joyous greeting BY the
frightened people at Hilton Head, as we sailed
slowly toward the harbor, our flags all raised
halfmast 2 The people here had just received
the news Of Lees surrender, and were look
ing anxiously for the next steamer to bring
them more particulars. Usually large crowd
assemblies az the wharf, but the mourniul ap-
pearance which our ship presented kept the
people back. Never shall L forget how eau
tiously the soldiers and citizens approached
us; even the officers came with less firm
tread than I ever saw before; for they knew
something dreadful had happened. Ali we
could not have brought them more unwel-
come message, and instantly the stars and
stripes were lowered from the high position
In, which they had welcomed us to the shore
Leaving the Fulton we were soon on board
the little steamer Neptune, which was to con-
yey us to Beaufort s. c. When we arrived
there they had already received the news
from Hilton Head, and were preparing to
close the stores, which remained closed oil
day yesterday, while the bells were tolled I'M
til late hour last evening.
The colored people here at Beaufort SEEM
ed almost overwhelmed with grief, as they
collected together, sadly and sorrowfully talk
ing about the event. 80! what will become
of us now?" This is the darkest hour Of the
warp are EXPLANATIONS which meet US on ev-
cry hand; even those citizens who are enc
mics to the North land there are some of that
class still here) express their sorrow in terms
which are almost unexpected. One who was
known to be rank secessionist, said he wish
ed he could get hold of the assassin, he would
make mince-meat of him.
Such hold had Abraham Lincoln upon the
hearts oil the people generally, that there ia
vacancy felt In every heart that heats for the
welfare Of our nation. 1t is q loss which car,
never be repaired-the mournful circumstanc.
es of which time may strive In vain to efface.
Perhaps we had loved him too we'll. and God
saw fit to remove The malone idol, that all the
glory might be given to him alone. Yet we
had placed our confidence ia one who was ey
cry way worthy of our highest regard. And
may our Father in Heaven sanctify this be-
reavement to truly afflicted people in the
loss OF their brave and Christian ruler. -
80. CARRIE A. HAMBLIN.