facts and events I have changed those opinions, and now my firm belief is, that they would stop at no act, if necessary to accomplish their dear, cherished Confederation. The offer, five thousand dollars, is a good one, and there is to be found plenty who would gladly catch at it. You cannot for one moment have the slightest idea of their feelings towards the North, and it increases as their struggle becomes more desperate. The heads here are in daily consultation, and what is there discussed I have no means of ascertaining. It was Cooper who told me of these two men going out on their diabolical mission, or I perhaps should never have heard of the matter at all, and I considered it my duty to convey to you the facts as I got them, at once, so that, if possible, their designs might be thwarted, and every precaution taken that was necessary; for I repeat again what I have already done to you before: they are bent on destruction, and will not stop at any object, even to the taking of life, so as to attain their ends-and mark me, Mr. Seward is not the only one they will assassinate. I have heard some fearful oaths, and it's war to the teeth with them. I feel confident that there is some secret understanding between them and the Emperor of this Government; at least I am given to understand so. The death of the Duke de Morny has deprived them of an interview with the Emperor, which was to have taken place, if I am rightly informed, on Sunday last. My sickness has prevented me from being fully posted to all recent movements, but I am in hopes that my health will in a short time be fully re-established, and after my return from Bordeaux, I shall be in possession of all movements. I have written at some length, but required, as you requested a full explanation of the foregoing facts. Be kind enough to see that my name is not used at Washington, for there are plenty on the sharp lookout there, and it would be heralded back here, and it might prove fatal for me. I believe I cannot add any thing more at present. You did not send me all I requested; please send it at once to Bordeaux by return of mail. I leave for Bordeaux to-night, and will do as you request. Believe me truly yours, B. D. REPORTS, DISPATCHES, AND PROCLAMATIONS RELATING TO THE ASSASSINATION. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 1.30 A. M. Major-General Dix, New York: This evening, at about 9.30 P. M., at Ford's Theatre, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Harris, and Major Rathburn, was shot by an assassin, who suddenly entered the box and approached behind the President. The assassin then leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape in the rear of the theatre. The pistol-ball entered the back of the President's head and penetrated nearly through the head. The wound is mortal. The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying. About the same hour an assassin, whether the same or not, entered Mr. Seward's apartments, and, under pretence of having a prescription, was shown to the Secretary's sick chamber. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed and inflicted two or three stabs on the throat and two on the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My apprehension is that they will prove fatal. The nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and he hastened to the door of his father's room, when he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful. It is not probable that the President will live through the night. General Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theatre this evening, but he started to Burlington at six o'clock this evening. At a Cabinet meeting, at which General Grant was present, the subject of the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace were discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, and spoke very kindly of General Lee and others of the Confederacy, and of the establishment of government in Virginia. All the members of the Cabinet, except Mr. Seward, are now in attendance upon the President. I have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Major-General Dix, New York: WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 3 A. M. The President still breathes, but is quite insensible, as he has been ever since he was shot. He evidently did not see the person who shot him, but was looking on the stage, as he was approached from behind. Mr. Seward has rallied, and it is hoped he may live. Frederick Seward's condition is very critical. The attendant who was present was shot through the lungs, and is not expected to live. The wounds of Major Seward are not serious. Investigation strongly indicates J. Wilkes Booth as the assassin of the President. Whether it was the same or a different person that attempted to murder Mr. Seward remains in doubt. Chief-Justice Carter is engaged in taking the evidence. Every exertion has been made to prevent the escape of the murderer. His horse has been found on the road near Washington. Major-General Dix: EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 4.10 A. M. The President continues insensible, and is sinking. Frederick Seward's skull is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut upon the head. The attendant is still alive, but hopeless. Major Seward's wounds are not dangerous. It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime-Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President, and the other a companion of his, whose name is not known, but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. It appears, from a letter found in Booth's trunk, that the murder was planned before the 4th of March, but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until "Richmond could be heard from." Booth and his accomplice were at the livery-stable at six o'clock last evening, and left there with their horses about ten o'clock, or shortly before that hour. It would appear that they had for several days been seeking their chance, but for some unknown reason it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore; the other has not yet been traced. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 1865. To Major-General Dix, New York: Abraham Lincoln died this morning at twenty-two minutes after seven o'clock. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. THE DEATH-BED. Unofficial Account of the last Moments of the President. At twenty minutes past seven o'clock the President breathed his last, closing his eyes as if falling to sleep, and his countenance assuming an expression of perfect serenity. There were no indications of pain, and it was not known that he was dead until the gradually decreasing respiration ceased altogether. The Rev. Dr. Gurley, of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, immediately on its being ascertained that life was extinct, knelt at the bedside and offered an impressive prayer, which was responded to by all present. Dr. Gurley then proceeded to the front parlor, where Mrs. Lincoln, Captain Robert Lincoln, Mr. John Hay, the Private Secretary, and others were waiting, where he again offered a prayer for the consolation of the family. The following minutes, taken by Dr. Abbott, show the condition of the late President throughout the night: 11 o'clock, pulse 44. 11.05 o'clock, pulse 45, and growing weaker. 11.10 o'clock, pulse 45. 11.15 o'clock, pulse 42. 11.20 o'clock, pulse 45, respiration 27 to 29. 11.25 o'clock, pulse 42. 11.32 o'clock, pulse 48 and full. 11.40 o'clock, pulse 45. 11.45 o'clock, pulse 45, respiration 22. 12 o'clock, pulse 48, respiration 22. 12.15 o'clock, pulse 48, respiration 21. Ecchymosis both eyes. 12.30 o'clock, pulse 45. 12.32 o'clock, pulse 60. 12.35 o'clock, pulse 66. 12.40 o'clock, pulse 69, right eye much swollen, and ecchymosis 12.45 o'clock, pulse 70. 12.55 o'clock, pulse 80, struggling motion of arms. 1 o'clock, pulse 86, respiration 30. 1.30 o'clock, pulse 95, appearing easier. 1.45 o'clock, pulse 86, very quiet, respiration irregular, Mrs. Lincoln present. 2.10 o'clock, Mrs. Lincoln retired with Robert Lincoln to an adjoining room. 2.30 o'clock, President very quiet, pulse 54, respiration 28. 2.52 o'clock, pulse 48, respiration 30. 3 o'clock, visited again by Mrs. Lincoln. 3.25 o'clock, respiration 24, and regular. 3.35 o'clock, prayer by Rev. Dr. Gurley. 4 o'clock, respiration 26, and regular. 4.15 o'clock, pulse 60, respiration 25. 5.50 o'clock, respiration 28, regular. 6 o'clock, pulse failing, respiration 28. 6.30 o'clock, still failing, and labored breathing. 7 o'clock, symptoms of immediate dissolution. 7.22 o'clock, death. Surrounding the death-bed of the President were Vice-President Johnson; Secretaries Stanton, Welles, McCulloch, and Usher; PostmasterGeneral Dennison and Attorney-General Speed; Generals Halleck, Meigs, Farnsworth, Augur, and Todd; Senator Sumner; Rev. Dr. Gurley; Speaker Colfax; Ex-Governor Farwell; Judge Carter, Judge Otto; Surgeon-General Barnes; Doctors Crane, Stone, Abbott, and Hall; M. B. Field and R. F. Andrews. Major-General Dix, New York: WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 3 r. м. Official notice of the death of the late President, Abraham Lincoln, was given by the heads of departments this morning to Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, upon whom the Constitution devolved the office of President. Mr. Johnson, upon receiving this notice, appeared before the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Chief-Justice of the United States, and took the oath of office as President of the United States, and assumed its duties and functions. At twelve o'clock the President met the heads of departments in Cabinet meeting at the Treasury building, and among other business the following was transacted: First. The arrangements for the funeral of the late President were referred to the several secretaries, as far as relates to their respective departments. Second. William Hunter, Esq., was appointed Acting Secretary of State during the disability of Mr. Seward and his son, Frederick Seward, the Assistant Secretary. Third. The President formally announced that he desired to retain the present secretaries of departments of his Cabinet, and they would go on and discharge their respective duties in the same manner as before the memorable event that had changed the head of the Government. All business in the departments was suspended during the day. The surgeons report that the condition of Mr. Seward remains unchanged. He is doing well. No improvement in Mr. Frederick Seward. The murderers have not yet been apprehended. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. THE ASSASSINS. Circular from the Provost-Marshal General. WAR DEPARTMENT, PROVOST-MARSHAL GENTRAL'S BUREAU It is believed that the assassins of the President and Secretary Seward are attempting to escape to Canada. You will make a careful and thor ough examination of all persons attempting to cross from the United States into Canada, and will arrest suspicious persons. The most vigilant scrutiny on your part and the force at your disposal is demanded. A description of the parties supposed to be implicated in the murder will be telegraphed you to-day; but in the mean time be active in preventing the crossing of any suspicious persons. By order of the SECRETARY OF WAR. N. L.-JEFFERS, Brevet Brigadier-General, Acting Provost-Marshal General. REWARD OFFERED BY SECRETARY STANTON. WAR DEPARTMent, WashingTON, April 20, 1865. Major-General JOHN A. DIx, New York: The murderer of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, is still at large. Fifty thousand dollars reward will be paid by this Department for his apprehension in addition to any reward offered by municipal authorities or State Executives. Twenty-five thousand dollars reward will be paid for the apprehension of G. A. Atzerot, sometimes called "Port Tobacco," one of Booth's accomplices. Twenty-five thousand dollars reward will be paid for the apprehension of David C. Harold, another of Booth's accomplices. A liberal reward will be paid for any information that shall conduce to the arrest of either the above-named criminals or their accomplices. All persons harboring or secreting the said persons, or either of them, or aiding or assisting their concealment or escape, will be treated as accomplices in the murder of the President and the attempted assassination of the Secretary of State, and shall be subject to trial before a military commission and the punishment of death. Let the stain of innocent blood be removed from the land by the arrest and punishment of the murderers. All good citizens are exhorted to aid public justice on this occasion. Every man should consider his own conscience charged with this solemn duty, and rest neither night nor day until it be accomplished. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. FLIGHT OF THE ASSASSINS. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 22. Major-General JOHN A. DIx, New York: The counties of Prince George, Charles, and St. Mary's have, during the whole war, been noted for hostility to the Government, and its protection to rebel blockade-runners, rebel spies, and every species of public enemy; the murderers of the President harbored there before the murder, and Booth fled in that direction. If he escapes it will be owing to rebel accomplices in that direction. The military commander of the department will surely take measures to bring these rebel sympathizers and accomplices in murder to a sense of their criminal conduct. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. THE CONSPIRACY ORGANIZED IN CANADA. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 24, 1865. Major-General JOHN A. DIX, New York: This Department has information that the President's murder was organized in Canada, and approved at Richmond. One of the assassins, now in prison, who attempted to kill Mr. Seward, is believed to be one of the St. Albans raiders. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. |