THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR HISTORY OF AN ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF BRAHAM Lincoln, (LATE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMEKICA) INCLUDING A HISTORY OF THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, With Eight Years Lincoln Memorial Services. EDITED BY JOHN CARROLL POWER, Custodian of the National Lincoln Monument and Seceetary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, SPRINGFIELD, ILL.: The H. W. Rokker Printing and Publishing House. 1890. Entered according to Act of Congress, April 19. 1SS7, By JOHN CARROLL POWER. In the OflQce of the Libra; ian of Congress, at "\Yiishin;,'ton. INTRODUCTORY. This A^olume is a record, in the plainest lan<2:nage possible, of the plottings prior to, and of the attempt to steal, the body of Abraham Lincoln, in order to make merchandise of it. Man, in the order of creation, is jnstly regarded as the master-piece. He is endowed with attributes that bring him nearer the throne of Deity than any other created being in the physical world. He also has within him a germ of evil, which, if not kept under subjection by the good and the true, drags him down to unfathomable depths of infamy. There could not be a more forcible manifestation of the truth of the latter than the undisputed fact, that there are always beings in human form who, for the sake of obtaining money, would first unlawfully gain possession of the dead body of one of the greatest benefactors of the human family, and then make use of the advantage thus gained to extort wealth from those who are in sympathy with hi-! life and public ser- vices. That this is ali trur", the reader will be convinced by a perusal of the succeeding pages of this history. The Memorial Services conducted by The Lincoln Guard of Honor, were, primarily, to keep the member-s of our own organization in line, ready for action against any threatened demonstration to once more desecrate the resting place of the Mart\^r, terminating in the burial of his body bej'ond reach, in one night, of all ghouls and vandals combined. Then it was all-important that we should present a tangible reason to the public for the existence of such a society, which we could only do by holding these services. To have explained to too many friends, might, by the indiscretion of some, have had the same effect as treason to our trust. These ser- vices will furnish a variety of expression that will be pleasing to all lovers of their country and of human freedom — especially to all patriotic Americans. J. C. P. Memoiual Hall, National Lincoln iMonument, Springfield, Illinois, October, 1SS9. ILLUSTRATIONS, The Lincoln Guard of Honor Fiontisoioee. Map of Monument Grounds -18 Ground Plan of ^Monument 50 National Lincoln Monument — South Yiew 52 National Lincoln Monument— North Yiew .j-i Interior of Catacomb, as 'ihicves left it 5(j Interior of Catacon b, restored 08 Profdf^ of Lincoln, and small cut of ^lonuincnt 11(1 'J'iii- Lincdln Guard of Honor Dadf^e Ill The Linct)hi Guard of Honor Seal 1 (IS German Turners' Talilet — Facing 22:5 Momuuent to Thomas Lincoln 2;;!» Power Coat of Arms 2il!) Portrait of J. C. Power— Facing 271 TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE DIVISION FIRST 9-17 Kespect for Resting Places of the Dead— Desecration of the Tomb of Rev. George Whit>'field— Bone from one of his arms sent to England— The Tomb of George Washington invaded — First Plot to Steal the Body of Lincoln laid by a Springfield Lawyer— Second Plot by a Counterfeiter in St. Louis— Counterfeiters and Thieves to put it into execution— Scheme well laid, but, "Whisky defeats it— The principal Conspirator changes his base. DIVISION SECOND 18-27 Plots and Counterplots Discovered by a former Government officer- Cor- respondence with, and Statements by, parties who were cognizant of parts of the Plots— ^Yidely separated with the flight of time — Ignorance and Whisky the general cause of defeat in such schemes. DIVISION THIRD 27-3S Thieves, Counterfeiters and Counterfeit Engravers — Jack Hughes— Lewis C. Swegles— P. D. Tyrell, of the United States Secret Service— The Hub— Terrence Mullens— First intimation to the officers of a Plot to Steal Lin- coln's body to secure the release of Ben Boyd— Ben Boyd and Nelson Driggs the most expert Counterfeit eng- avers in the United States— Their Arrest at the same hour, though 200 miles apart— Sketch of Boyd, with his aliases— His work as a Counterfeiter— Account of his Capture— Driggs' SoUd Wealth— Trial, Conviction and Sentence of Boyd— Talents necessary to be an expert Counterfeit engiaver. DIVISION FOURTH 38-57 Plo:ting in Chicago to Steal the Body of Lincoln— Discovered in Hunting for Counterfeiters— Thieves, like fish, can only be cnught with the right bail— Watchmen placed at the Lincoln Monument — Brief sketch of the U. S. Secret Service— Assumes immense proportions in eonseQuence of the Slaveholders' Eebellion— Large sums of money appropriated by Con- gress—Chiefs of the Secret Service— Counterfeit and Stolen Money recov- ered—Plates for Treasury notes. National Banknotes, fractional curiency VI TA15LE OF CONTENTS. PAGE and steel dies for coin, recovered — Tinifi spent by P. D. Tyrrell in locat- ing Boyd and Driggs preparatory to capturing them — Great value of the United States Secret Service— Thieves expected to make S200 000 by steal- ing the body of Lincoln — Eeasons for making the Attempt on the night af.er Presidential election day — Tyrrell moralizing on the Perils of the Expedition to Springfield- Visits the Monument and lays his Plans— One of the Conspirators visits the Monument— Officers concealed in Memorial Hal.— Disposal of the Forces— Waiting for the Thieves — Their Arrival- Officers shoot at each other by mistake — Narrow Escape from Death by both parties— Thieves Foile I, but make their Escape — Captjred in Chi- cago and brought to Springfield for Trial — Letter from Hon. Leonard Swett— No law in Illinois at that time making it a penitentiary offense to steal a de:id body— .Such a law enacted. DIVISION FIFTH 67-74 Transcript fr^m the Records of the Court, of the Tiial and Conviction of the Thieves. DIVISION SIXTH 75-105 Precautions against further Attempts at Robb?ry— Temporary Vault— Trans- ferring and Identifying the Remains — The Remains of Thomas (Tad) L'ncoln the first in the Monument — The body of Presid.'nt Lincoln and two other childi en next— The Catacomb and Sarcophagus— Fears that the bo :y would be yet taken away — Its liemoval for Safety — Eff->rts of the Custodian to secretly bury it — The place too wet— Stealing the body of A. T. Stewart renews anxiety for the safety of Lincoln's remains— The Custodian instructed to ca'l to his aid trustworthy men, and Secretly bury th(^ body — A warning of Danger to the .Custodian^ The Secret Burial is accomplished— Records kept by G. S. Dana— The Importauee of a Secret Organization — Death of Mrs. Lin 'oln— Her body secretly Re- moved to the side of her husband— Letter from Robert T. Lincoln- Work- men running over the bodie.-* of President and Mrs. Lincoln— An Un 'ig- nifled Position— Movement by Hon. Lin -oln Dubois to have the bodies so bulled that the secrecy could be removed — Members of the Guard of Honor turn the bodies over to the Monument Association— Identiflod— Buried— Inside a Solid Mass of Stone— Custodian's Description to Visitors. DIVISION SEVENTH 106-123 Organization of The Lincoln Guird of Honor— First Election of Olllc ts— First Memoiial Service— Progiamme-Badgc— Two Versions of Lincoln's Fuiewoll Address— His Second Inaugural Address — Address by Uov. W. B. Afficck— Governor Cullom — Lincoln's Favorite Poem— Letter from Lieut.-Governor Shumiin- The Guard of Honor and Grand Army of the Republic unite in the Services of Decoration Day— Nine wieaths of Evor- greens and nim- Bou(iuets uu tin' Saiciipagus— Not to observe tlic Aniii- versnr? of Lincoln's birth. TABLE OF CONTENTS. VII PAGE DIVISION EIGHTH 121-1J2 Second Annual Meeting an I Election of Officers — Second Memorial Ser- vices—Oration by Rev. Julian M. Sturtevant, D. D —Singing of "America" —Two Versions of Li'. coin's Gettysburg Speech- Ad 'ress by Gen. H. H. Thomas— Address by C. L. Conkhng — By Rev. W. B. Affl ck— Singing. Prayer and Benediction— Dccoiation Day at the Monument— Ladies cover the Sarcophagus with flowrs— The Lincoln Guard of Honor at the pho- tograph gallery. DIVISION NINTH 1;3-1G5 Certificate of Honorary Membership — Seal — Third Annual Meeting the Election of Officers — First Contribution for Ceriflcrte — Circular to the People— Guard of Honor approved by the Monument Association— Third Memorial Service— Prayei— Singing— Address by Gov. Cullom— Address and Reading by J. C. Powei— Lincoln's Temperance A.ddress— Address by Hon. James A. Couno ly — Reading by Mrs. E S. Johnson — Death and Funeral of Mrs. Lincoln— Secret removal of her body. DIVISION TENTH 1C7-183 Fourth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers- Sales of Certificates— Copy of Certificate- Seal— Note for S200 paid— Tieasurer McNeill resigns— Fourth Memorial Service— Prayer— Battle Hymn of the Republic— Greetings with San Francisco— Address by Gen. Henderson— Ad Iress and Poem by John H. Bryant — Address by Rev R 0. Post — Lincoln's Army Order on the Sabbath— Prayer by Rev. G. E. Sjrimger. DIVISION ELEVENTH 181-193 Fifth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers— Ca'ifornia Greetings— Fifth Service— Author of "America" — Prayer — Singing— Aildress by Governor Palmer — Poem by J. T. Goodman on the Death of Lincoln — Lincoln's Shortest and Best Speech- Poem by Rev. S. F. Smith, D.D— Singing "America"— Address by Judge Matheny — President Lincoln's Remains at the Capitol— Ode by E. A. Sherman— Thanks for flowers. DIVISION TWELFTH 199-225 Sixth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers- Sixth Memorial Service- German Turners— Appeal to the Citizens of Springfield- Programme, St. Louis and Springfield— Prayer by Dr. Springer— Address of "Welcome by Governor Oglesby — Oration in English by Hon. J. C. Conkiing— Singing, Lincoln Hymn, in German— Oration in German, by Dr. Starkloff— Oration by Gen. Logan— Address by Gen. W. T. Sherman — Letters read — Poem by the Author of "America"— Memorial Tablet. VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE DIVISION THIRTEENTH 226-243 Seventh Annual Meeting and Election of Officers — Seventh Memorial Ser- vice—Prayer by Dr. Springer — Oi-ation by Major James A. Connolly- Poem, "Our Eloquent Dead"— Poem and Monument at the Grave of Lin- Lincoln's Father- Dirge— Reading by C. L. Conkling— Prayer and Bene- diction by Rabbi Charles Austrian— Meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. DIVISION FOURTEENTH 224-2G5 Eighth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers- Exhuming, Identifying ami Rebui-ial of the Bodies— Eighth Memorial Service— Programme— Invoca- tion l)y Dr. McElroy— Singing— Oration by Bishop Seymour— Oration by Hon. W. H. Collins— Historical Sketch of The Lincoln Guard of Honor— ■ Prayer and Benediction by Dr. Springer. DIVISION FirTE":.N\H 2G-28ff Membership of The Lincoln Guard of Honor— G. S. Dana— J. N Reece— J. C. Power-E. S. Johns. ^n-J. F. McNeill-J. P. Lindley-N. B. Wiggins —Horace Chapin— C. L. Conkling. DIVISION FIRST. Eespect for the Eesting Places of the Dead ahnost Universal— Desecration of the Tomb of Eev. George Yv'hitefield and of George Wasliington— First Plot to Steal the Body of Lincoln by a Law^'er— Second Plot by a Counterfeiter- Counterfeiters and Thieves to put it into Execution— The Scheme well iaid^ • but Whisliy Defeats It— Principal Conspu-ator Changes his Base. Eespect for the remains and burial places of the dead is an instinct of our nature, or a principle implanted by Diety in the breasts of the human family. Unswerved by passion, prejudice or cupidity, this feeling would always cont-rol the actions of men. But there is another principle, or rather a want of it, in human nature, in direct conflict with the Divine one just alluded to. When men are moved by the latter, a demoniac frenzy, sometimes mistaken for religious zeal, and at others, believed by those who act in the matter to be pa- triotic fervor, governs them. Instances might be mentioned in history where, years and even centuries after death, the bones of distinguished divines and statesmen have been ex- humed, burned, their ashes scattered to the winds, and other indignities practiced towards them. It is not my purpose to cite any of those cases in other lands, but will confine myself to two in our own country, one through mistaken religious zeal and veneration for the subject, the other without ap- parent motive. Rev. George Whitefield, the great revivalist preacher, after a life of marvelous success in turning men from lives of sin and ungodliness to embrace Christia^nity, both in England and America, died Sept. 30, 1770, at Newburyport, iNIassa- chusetts. He had often felt his soul so much comforted while preaching in the Presbyterian church at Newburyport, that he expressed a desire to be buried beneath its pulpit, if he should die in that part of the country. In compliance with this request, a vault was prepared under the pulpit, and his remains deposited in it Oct. 2, 1770. For more than half a. 10 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. century liis tomb was visited by tbonsands, without any act of desecratif^n. Wliitpfield was buried in his g-own, cossack, bands and wig, and some time anterior to 1827, an act prompted by thoughtless zeal, Avithout an element of malice, was committed. Rev. L. Tyerman, in his Life of Whiteiield, relates the incident in this way: "Many years ago, Mr. Bol- ton, an Englishnmn, and one of Whitefi eld's admirers, wished to obtain a small memento of the great pi-eacher. A fiiend of Bolton's stole the main bone of Whitefield's right arm, a,nd sent it to England. Bolton was horrified with his friend's sacrilegious act, and carefully returned tlie bone, in 1(337 {another account says 1849) to Rev. Dr. J. F. Stearns, then pastor of the church at Xewburyjior't. Great interest was ■created by the restoration of Whiteheld's relic. A procession of two thousand people followed it to the grave, and it was restored to its original position. That bone now lies cross- Avise near the region of the breast, and the little box in which it was returned is laid upon the coffin." Having leai'ned that an attempt was once made to steal the remains of George Washington, I searched every old news- paper file, and "Nile's Register," the most popular periodical of its time, without finding a word on the sul)ject. I wrot'j to Col. J. McH. Holliiigswort]i, tlien Superintendent of Mount Vernon. In a letter from him under dat(» of March 21), 1877, I find this language: "I would say that the oidy attempt that was ever made to steal the remains of AVasliiugton, was during the year 18'{(). The oftVnder was detected and ca])tured, and it was found tliat lie liad the skull and some of the bones of one of the lihickburn fauuly." (What relation the Black- burn f.iiiiily bears to Washington, or how their remains came to lie in his tomb, I have never learned.) Col. Hollingsworth referi-ed me to a book enlitled, the ^' Home of Washing'ton," by lienson J. Lossing. i'inding so little there, I wrote to the venerable liisloiian and received the. following reply: The Ridge, Dover Plains, X. Y., June 10, 1877. Dear Sir: — Your fuvor of Ihc 15th instant reached me last evonuig. I regret tiiat I cannot a<^l(l aiiyUiiii;^ to what I have stilted in "Home of Wasliington." So much and no iiiort^ Wiu> toiy George 'Washington Parke Custis, at Arlington llouso. I first pubhslird tiie facts in my " Fieltl Book ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 11 •of the Revolution." Mr. Custis gave me no other clue to the culprit, than that it was a physician, living some distance from ]Mount Vernon, and that he obtained only a skull and a few bones of remains in the old vault, which were not Wash- ington's." George Wasliino-ton Parke Custis havino: died in 1857, prob- ably very soon after giviiio- the inforniation to ^Ir. Lossing, there is now no opportunity to obtain further information from any person connected with the Washington family. Mr. Lossing, in the ''Home af Washington," says: "For thirty years the remains of Washington lay undisturbed in the old vault, when the tomb was entered and an attempt made to carry away the bones of the illustrious dead. Others were taken by mistake, and the robber being detected, they "were restored." We have no intimation of the motive of the robber, but the absence of any attempt to extort money, leaves it a matter of conjecture. If it was for scientific purposes the robber de- feated his own object, for he would not dare to make use of "the knowledge thus obtained. It is most probable that he was simply moved b^^ a morbid desire to obtain a relic con- nected with an illustrious name, and that if he had been per- mitted to keep it he never could have enjoyed the poor privilege of boasting of his possession. George Washington and our fathers won their independence of a foreign foe, but, in framing the new government, they were, from the force of their surroundings, compelled to choose between the danger of falling a prey to some other national power, for want of a stronger band of union than that un- der which they had achieved their independence, and leaving a fetter for their children to break. The true patriots among them vainly hoped that the fetter of huiuan slavery would gradually yield to the principle they had so boldly enunciated and sustained through seven years of bloody war, that all men are created equal. But slavery, like" a torpid viper warmed into life, at first sectional, was for a time humble and supplicating, until it gradually gained strength and ac- quired almost a complete mastery over the nation. By un- warranted assumptions of authority, extending over more than half a century, and the prostitution of the judicial er- mine to its base purposes, it was in the very act of making freedom sectional, or subordinate, and itself becoining 12 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. national. Faitiifnl sentinels appeared on the battlements of lib- erty. Man}' polished writers and ehxpient orators sounded their warning notes. Some were stricken down with blud- geons, both out and- in the councils of the nation. Some were hung by the neck and othei-s shot to death in their efforts to arouse the people in defense of their liberties. At length, one arose out of the very depths and degradation of slavery, uncouth in person, uneducated in the schools, unin- fluenced by the marts of trade, honest and fearless. He de- fines the relat've position of slavery and freedom in language so ]:>lain and simple as to charm the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the pohshed educator and the illiterate citizen. He was soon recognized as a born leader of the hosts of freedom in the impending struggle, and Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States of America. Four months before he could exei-cise any official authority, slavery saw that it could no longer rule the nation, and commenced the work of destroying it by forming another and hostile na- tion from its territory. The chief corner-stone of this new nation was avowedly to be, not human freedom, but human slavery. Near the beginning of the struggle to establish this new nation on the principles of human bondage, Lincoln said : "It seems as if God had borne with this thing— si a very— until the very teachers of religion have come to defend it from the Bible, and to claim for it a divine character and sanction; and now the cup of iniquity is full and the vials of wratli will be poured out." After foui' years of war, the sacrifice of hundi-eds of tliou- 6a.nds of human lives, and billions of dollars in treasure, slavery was overthrown and the Nation saved. In its death throes, slavery, by the hand of an assassin, slew the good President. Slavery was dead but its s pi lit livctl. .nid lliere w^as a lower de])th of infamy to whicli it could sink. It could no longer, by the hish, extort money from the flesh ;iiid blood of 1lic li\iiig sl;ivc: its iiexl move w;is an efforl l)y demons in Immiiii foi-m, under full control of its (Ji;il)olic;d sjtirit, and in utter disregard of the rights and decencies of hunuuiity, to speculate t)n the dead body of the great Lman- cijjator, as if in revenge for his having rescued so many vic- tims from its cruel gr;isp. ATTEMPT TO STEAL, THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 13 In 18G7, only two years after the death of President Lin- coln, a lawyer in Springfield, unknown to fame, conceived the brilliant idea of stealing the body of the President, con- vejdng it South, perhaps outside of- the United States, secret- ing it, and waiting for the offer of a ransom, to reveal its place of concealment. He communicated his designs to tAvo young men, one a telegraph operator, the other a mechanic, and tried to induce them to take part with him in the conspiracy. They both declined, and he abandoned the project, most probabl}^ because in his offer to them he had furnished witnesses against himself. The lawyer died a few years later. Neither of the young men are living in Spring- field now. But the plot of all plots, for infamy, in conspiring to steal the dead body of a human being, and hold it in concealment, with the hope of extorting ransom money, originated with a man by the name of James B. Kineah% alias big Jim Kin- nelly. He was convicted of having passed a counterfeit fifty dollar note in Peoria, Illinois, and was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary at Joliet. He was serving out that term in 1870, when Elmer Washburn was w^arden there. At the expiration of his five years, he went to St. Louis, JMis- souri, and there either really or ostensibly became partner in a livery business. Most likely his livery business was only a cover to other movements. He was in league with expert engravers and printers of counterfeit money. By methods which he seemed to understand well, he organized bands of men at different points, and somehow got into communica- tion with other bands alread}^ organized, all of whom he supplied with coney, or bogus money, at a greatly reduced rate, for all the good money they could raise. He would transact business with one only of any given band, and would never permit that one to introduce another of the band, or gang, to him. That one might gather all the good money his gang could raise, go to Kinealy with it, and let him know what was wanted in return. Kinealy would, in a round-about way, go to his engraver and printer and let him know wdiat was wanted, and agree upon a place where it should be deposited, either by a tree or stump, or the corner of a building or fence, in a sewer or under a rock, any good hiding place, where it never was' expected to stay 14 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLX. long. He would then return to his visiting patron, get all his ti'ood nionev, take a walk with him, and from a safe dis~ tance point out the spot where the bogus money could be found, keep in waiting until his patron obtained it. and gave a preconcerted signal that all was right, then each would go- his way without coming within speaking distance of each other, until anotlier visit. In this way Kinealy, who was an Irishman by birth, was doing more than any other ten or twenty men to put counterfeit money into circulation, but his natural shrewdness was such, that although his methods were known to detective officers, they could never get a legal hold on him, for he never touched a dollar of bad money. He was the man who originated the scheme to steal the re- mains of President Lincoln. In June, 187G, the Chief of Pohee for the City of Springfield, Mr. Abner Wilkinson, called the Custodian of the Lincoln Monument aside, while he was walking along the streets, and told him confidentially, that in the discharge of his official duties he had discovered a plot to steal the remains of Presi- dent Lincoln. The plan, as he understood it, was to take the- body from the catacomb at the monument, conceal it in some^ safe place, and when a sufficient amount of mone^" was offered as a reward for revealing its place of concealment, have some accomplice who could prove himself to have been a long dis- tance away at the time it was taken, find it in a seemingly accidental manner, obtain the reward and divide it among the parties concerned in the scheme. Mi-. Wilkinson closed with the suggestion to the Custodian that he should inform the members of the Monument Association, in order to give them an opportunity to take some precautions to guard against the contem])lated deseci-ation. Acting on this sug- gestion the Custodian conveyed the information to Hon. John T. Stuart, Col. John Williams and .lacob r.iiiiu. then the Executive Committee of the National Lincoln Monument As- sociation, and it seemed to them so incredible that no atten- 1 ion was given to it. 'I'lic beginning of the Centennial Vi'-.w found a band of thieves and countei-feitci-s, iinmhciing sixtrcn men, — the names of whom are all in t lie |>o,ssession of the writer, — with their hcad- (jnarters at the town licai-ingthe name of our maityi-cd Pi-csi- dent, Lincoln, the counly seat of Logan county, Illinois. It ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 15 is thirty miles north of Springfield, on the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad. One of this band has been heard to say, that when in the full tide of their operations, there was more counterfeit than genuine money in circulation in Logan county. Five of that band came to Spiingfield in March. 1876, rented a store room at the north side of Jefferson s"breet, second door west of Fifth, opened a drinking saloon, and fitted up the room over it for dancing. One of the five was selected as the bartender and was the ostensible pro- prietor. The others were present by ones and twos, as hangers on. The object of keeping this establishment was that the}^ might be enabled to ply their business of shovino- counterfeit money, and use it as a rendezvous where they could, without arousing suspicion, lay their plans to steal the body of President Lincoln. They had frequent meetings, each and all visited the monument, mingled with other visitors, and one and another would ask such questions as would bring out all the facts about the different enclosures of the body, including the sarcophagus, as would be important for them to know. Early in June every detail was arranged, and the night of July 3, 1876, agreed upon as the time for putting- their diabolical designs into exacution. They were to open the marble sarcophagu-^. and take the body in the leaden a-nd wood coffins, couvey all to the Sangamon river about two miles north, and bury it in a gravel bar under a bridge, then disper-se and wait for a reward, or an opportunity to negotiate for its return. The time was chosen with demoniac shrewdness. The mis- creants judged that, on the morning of July 4th, while the people in every part of our nation, with the most elaborate preparations, were in the very act of giving expression to a hundred years of self-sa^-rifif ing patriotism, iu founding and perfecting a system of. government under which all men are free, to have the news conveyed to them by lightning flashes, that the remains of the beloved central figure, in the crown- ino- act, had been io-nominiouslv torn from their restino- place in the stately Mausoleuui erected for the purpose, by the people, would call forth fabulous sums of money, as free-will offerings, that they might be rescued from vandal hands. But Satan sometimes furnishes the means to defeat his best laid schemes, and thus overleaps himself, and this was one of 16 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. such occasions. Gen. Peter Horry, of South Carolina, a local historian of the American Revolution, makes use of the foi- lowing language: "That great poet, John Milton, who seems to have known him well, assures us that the devil was the inventor of gunpowder. But, for my own part, were I in the humor to ascribe any particular invention to the author of all evil, it should be that of distilling apple brandy. We have Scripture for it that lie began his capers with the apple; then, why not go on with the brandy, which is but the fiery juice of the apple." Gen. Horry then relates a number of instances of the dis- astrous effects of intoxicating drinks among the soldiers who achieved our indepondence, closing with one in which it acci- dentally did good by preventing a battle between two parties of ])atriots. This makes it in order here to relate how^ whisky defeated the best laid scheme ever devised, by the con- spirators, to steal the remains of President Lincoln. When their preparations were all complete, there were two oi- three Aveeks' time to while away in idleness, while waiting f(jr the niglit of July 3d. This was the most trying point. Until that time, all had gone along smoothly, for each and all had kept their secrets, and not a shadow of suspicion had been aroused. Duiing tliis period of waiting, one of tlie live wlio came to Springfield 'in March and ojuMied the saloon, a Mian of more intelligence than eithei- of the other four, or all of them combim.'d, but of exceedingly (le])raved morals, became elated as he mentally dwelt u]>on the ])i-ospect of the great wealth they expected to obtain as a reward for giving up the remains or rev(>aling the place of their concealment, took on board an unusual (juantity of whisky, went around aaong the women of the town, and confidentially told one of the kee])ers of a house of ill-re]nite that he was in a con- ••pi'-ai-y to "steal old Lincoln's bones," and would by that i:i''a,ns (?xtort so much money from some souice, of which he did not seem to have any definite idea, as a reward for giv- iii ■• u]» their secrets, that they wonid all be rich, and would • t her and her friends to hel|» fheiii spend lli<' money. I was thronii'h this cjiaiiiiel ihat Chief of Police Wilkinson oliiMiiicd 1 he infoi-niat ion ln' ga\'e to the Cnslodian of f he M' iiMinient, as aln-ady slab-d. The man \vho divulged the ■rii^t was the editor of a political paper at Lincoln. He left ATTEMPT TO STEAL TPIE BODY OF LIXCOLX. 17 Springfield while he was yet intoxicated, but returning in a few days sober, found that the free use of his tongue when drunk, had defeated the whole scheme. The contents of the saloon were soon after loaded into wagons and driven away in the middle of the night, leaving a rent bill unpaid. Whisky alone is entitled to the credit of having thwarted this well- laid scheme to steal the remains of President Lincoln, but the fact that there was such a scheme did not at the time become generally known, and the half suppressed rumors of it gained but little credence with those who heard it. Those sixteen men, shoving counterfeit money in the town of Lincoln and Logan county, constituted one of Kineah^'s bands. After perfecting the scheme in his own mind, he com- municated it to the messenger, who acted between him and the band, when the messenger was on one of his trips to St. Louis, to exchange good for bad money ; and entrusted that messenger with the execution of the plot. It was he, with four others whom he had selected from the sixteen, who came to Springfield, in March, 1876, and opened the drinking saloon and dancing room. After the plot was divulged by the drunkenness of one of their number, in June, Kinealy had nothing more to do with any of the Logan county band, and for a time disappeared from their sight. But we will have something more to say about* him in due time. 18 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. DIVISION SECOND. Plots and Counter Plots Discovered by a Former Government Officer — Correspon- dence with several parties who were Cognizant of some parts of the Plots- — Ignorance and AVliisky Defeat Them. After the sclieme wrouo-ht up in S])riiigfield and exploded by the loquacity of one of the conspirators when under the influence of intoxicating drinks, the \yriter heard that there had been a plot, and perhaps counter plots, in Logiin countj^ to capture the body of President Lincoln and hold it for a. ransom. For years it \vould advance and recede like au i^-nis ffituus. At one time the information came that a cavity was left between two brick walls so constructed that it would appear to be but one v'all or- part of a building, after the casket had been put in and built oyer. It was said that a certain man knew of the plot, and after a long time the writer succeeded in obtaining an interview with him. but he proved to be so fearful of saying something that would bring vengeance down upon himself, that everything he said was A-ague and enigmatical. After six or seven years play of this kind I met him on the streets of Springfield in the autumn of 188G, Ayhen he A^oluntarily said that he would write a statement and place it in my hands, which he did in Jan- uary or February, 1887, coming from Mt. Fulaski. for that ])ur])Ose, rather than risk it by mail, liy ]»revious an-ange- meut T met him at the depot of tlie Illiuois Central railroad, at 1eii o'clock in tlie foi-euoou, and lie ]-e1urned in less than an hour l)y the same road, lie liad 1 ii a goyernment oliicer in Mt. Fulaski for many yeais. I sli.dl designate him in 1 he succeeding pages Ity the initials It. S. !>.. and his in- foi'unint as M. S. \V., and his infoi-numt, thcMliscover of the .plot, as G. R. K. These initials do not give any clue to the ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OP LINCOLN. 19 k real uanies of the parties, but are used because two of them, in giving- the information, made special request that their names should not be mentioned. This getting my first in- formation at third hands and going back from one to an- other was the only way I could obtain it, and it seemed to me the pro]:)er Avay to ]iresent it. The following is the state- ment of B. S. L. in condensed form: " On a dark, dismal night in the fall of 187(3. I was accosted by a reputable pro- fessional man, an every-day acquaintance, who appeared greatly excited and wa>- laboring luider the influence of alarm, and desired an immediate inter^new. I in- quired if a friend was dead, or if some great calamity had befallen himself or fam- ily. He motioned to silence and to my own home, and in the stillness of the night, with bated breath, he proposed an appalling story, and that I should become the medium of action to prevent a great wrong, or to obtain redress in the event of its consummation. I at first declined to listen to any statement that would lead me to become an interested party. Being assured that the importance of the case justified some sacrifice, I finally Consented to hear. I was asked to give a pledge of eternal secrecy, should I decline to enter into the plan about to be developed.. After much hesitancy, I took the desired affinua ion to be ti'ue to the trust and. divulge nothing. " This professional friend then proceeded to say that he was in possession of the' fact that a scheme was on foot to steal the body of President Abraham; Lincoln from the sarcophagus in the monument at Springfield. He then proposed that I should hear the whole stoiy, go to the proper authorities of the State, and make- such terms as I could for giving the information, because there was another party between this professional man and the conspiratoi's who would expect a liberal: compensation. This third party was a business man in that part of Logan county.. He had, in a legitimate way, come in possession of the fact of the conspiracy, and that it was the work of about eight persons, mostly citizens of the vicinity of Mt. Pulaski ; that they were every day in view and could be apprehended without difBcult>\ They had an earthly cavern prepared in a place so secluded that it could not possibly be discovered. The professional man did not pretend to know anything except through the business man or third party, who would come for- ward at the proper time with the inside secrets of the plot and the location of the cave. The whole soul of my infomiant seemed aglow with the importance of the subject, and I became gr-eatly interested, but had misgivings as to- the propriety of entering into an agreement that might lead to serious consequences, should the guiltv' parties be apprehended and discover their prosecutor in the person of a go- between. "Hearing all, and having promised, I accordingly found myself next moming hastening towai'ds the capital of our State. There I presented myself to Gov. Beveridge, and in his private office related the stoiy substantially as given mo. The Governor expressed himself as willing, but unable to render or promise any aid. He refen-ed me to Hon. John T. Stuart, chairman of the executive committee of the Xational Lincoln Monmnent Association. I called on him, and detailed the story and its requirements. He became greatly interested, but the conditions amazed him. He said good citizens did not usually demand returns for their good acts, especially in aiding to thwart such a saci'ilegious scheme as the one in con- 20 atte:^ipt. to steal the body of lixcol^\ temi)lation His remarks made me feel that my mission should have been to give the information regardless of conditions. I reminded him that I could not do th^ under the promise made, aiul could not give any actual information, because it had not yet been given to me. He kindly recommended and insisted that I go to Ohi- cac^o and lav the matter before Messrs. Kobert T. Lincoln, Leonard S^Yett and Elmer Washburn, the latter being at that time chief of the United States becret Senice I reached that city next morning, called on Mr. Lincoln at Ins office who, after hearing the stoiy, made an appointment for himself and the other -entlemen, to which I was invited. The story was told, and the conditions named. To me it was a most humiliating inter^-iew. I found myself acting in the capacity of a ro-ue's backer. When the stoiT was related and the questionhig that followed, my position became most unenviable. Mr. Swett particularly had no patience with, or willingness to offer or give rewards to, 'such fiends incarnate.' ^I>-- LjncoJn thought justice would overtake the villains, without rewards or favors. Mr. W asn- burn could take in the situation better by looking over the ground, see the party and hearing particulai's from first hands. As before, I assured him that I could neither give the name of mv informant, nor point out places; that I absolutely- knew neither bevond my informant; that the most I could do, would be to point out my informant, and that I would only do under compulsion. My name and position was accepted bv them as entirely satisfactory, so fai" as I was concerned. Thev would not for an instant reflect upon me, but why should so unreasonable a demand be insisted upon bv a good and true citizen, whom I was representing, but he claimed himself as innocent of all knowledge of the matter as a new born babe, except such information as came to him from the third party. Biddmg all a hope- ful -ood bye, I departed, and in the evening took the 8::^0 train on the Ilhnois Cen- tral railroad, via Gilman, for home. Not until I stepped from the train at Mt Pulaski, about four o'clock next morning, did I realize that the shadow which had been continually near me from the time I left the law office where I held th(> inter- view with the three gentlemen in Chh-ago, was still following me, and remamed in eight for a week after. "I reported to mv infonnant, but nothing could be done because no rewards were offered, without wlueli he could not control the party next to him. U harm came to anv of the conspirators, I began to realize that both myself and my inform- ant were in imminent dang(>r. I wouhl not willingly be placed in such a position a-ain under anv circumstances. I informed Mr. Washburn and the other gentle- n^en bv l<>tter of the situation. Matters came to a focus soon after by the anvst of two parties, wh..w.-re aft erwarir usual hauMts and thus allav any susi-ieion that might arise. Th.- s.-eon-l relay would do the sani.' on imssing it to llie third, who were to cany it to thr .av.-. ^ arious cu-- .cums(:ui.-es pointed to a blulT as the location of the cave. This hluir was among the Salt Creek hills, a wild, weird place, where many murders had been comnntted. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 21 It was within two liours drive, going and coming from ]\It. Pulaslvi. Tlie distance, therefore, mnst liavo been less than nine, and probably not more than eight miles, in a northeast direction. A warning voice advised no betrayal of what was said, done or seen, and no adventurous lookout. I strictly obeyed orders. Sooner or later that cavern will be discovered, and the location pointed out, unless it is filled up or otherwise destroyed. Time will lead one of the eight to unfold the story and make known the facts concerning it. My informant, as already said, was a pz'ofes- sional man of this place, (Mt. Pulaski). His duties led him into the secret by accidentally coming upon and into the trail of the gang. Later, one of them, after the body stealing effort failed, proposed to turn State's evidence in the manner and upon the conditions heretofore mentioned. That my informant was innocent of any part or had any knowledge of the matter, is most apparent. None of the cir- cumstances could possibly implicate him. Althougli the effort failed, the rendez- vous was not entirely abandoned, and it was on one of these occasions that found him face to face with the villain or villains. From where they came I never heard, or who they were I never learned. Neither name nor place was ever given me. Circumstances alone were given. The place is only guessed at from direc- tion and the time required in making the trips. It was my first experience of the kind, and I will never again be found accepting a part that belongs alone to officers of the law." The foregoing is the substance of what the editor received from j\Ir. B. S. L., after so many vears watching and Awaiting. I asked to be put in communication with his informont, who had left lUinois. . Failing in that, I wrote to the postmaster of ]\[t. Pulaski, and learned that the professional man had moved to Kansas. Addressing him there and giving him a somewhat lengthy account of the information I already pos- sessed, and that I desired a statement from him on the sub- ject. After w^aiting until I began to think he did not desire to gii'e me any information, I received a postal card as follows : Walla AValla, Washington Ter. Dec. 18, 1886.— J. C. Power, Springfield, 111., Sir : Your letter of the 9th instant has been forwarded to me here from W , Kansas, and will try and answer you fully in a few days. Will render you any ser- vice I can, consistentl3^ You may be in possession of more facts than I can give you without permission. Very truly yours, M. W. S. Five days later I received a letter from him, of which the following is the substance: AValla Walla, W^ashington Ter., Doc. 23, 1886.— J. C. Power, Sprmgfield, III., Dear Sir: Your very interesting letter of the yth instant, directed to me at my home in Kansas, reached me a few days ago. I left Kansas Oct. 1st, and ain travel- ing for the health of my family and self. Referring to the attempted abduction of the remains of President Lincoln, will say that the material facts have long since passed from my memory, because, after the arrest of MuUins and Hughes, I became incredulous about a plot having ever existed. But your details of the whole trans- ,22 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. , Taction, revives and confirms many reports, wliich now convinces me tliat a plot was really consummated in Logan County. When you say that K y concocte4 the scheme and put it into the hands of the representatives of the Lincoln gang to ne of- the gang went on the same train, and that day stood aR)und the Oovenior's ofiice, watcliing who went in and out. Tlie Governor referred him to Leonard Swett and Eobert Lincoln, of Cliicago. wiiither Mr. B. S. L. went on the next train, and I gave liim in.structions that, were it impo'^sible for tiiem l(\gally to protw with the Governor. When I boaided the train at Mt. Pulaski, who sliould Appear but the man whose name haader, ATTEMPT to STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. 23 ^•ith whom I was veiy slightly acquainted, had tho audacit>' to come and sit down hy me, and asked all about my business in going to Springfield, and what B. S. L. was going for, and if I wjis acquainted with the Governor and Chief of Police, etc., etc. After our arrival in Springfield, tliis leader was eveiy where at our heels. I became alamied and refused to go to the Governors office with B. S. L., but arranged with him to have an interview wi.h the Governor in the parlors of the lieland Hotel. When B. S. L. returned he said the leader was near the Gover- nor's office door all the time he was there. 1 had the intei-view with the Governor at the hotel, in presence of B. S. L. I told the Governor that I could put the authorities on the track of the would-be robbers, provided our names could be kept ia Ihe back ground, as otherwise to remain at our homes would be almost certain death. The Governor could not make any promises, but thought the friends in Chicago could do something. After this interview, the first person I met on the steps of the hotel was this same vicious looldng ''leader," who wanted to know what B. S. L. was doing about the Governor's office, and if I did not come down on purpose to see the Govern .r myself. I evaded his questions but was terribly wraught up with feai- of personal danger, and hastened B. S. L. off to Chicago to see Swett and Lincohi again. I wanted this gang out of the country very much. In due time B. S. L. returned from Chicago without gaining much satisfaction. The time weighed heavily on my mind until I saw in the papers that Mullins and Hughes were arrested in Chicago. Then I went to see my friend who had come to me to unbuiTlen his soul, and who I then believed had betrayed me, and put me in the hght of a fool before the Governor and Messrs. Lincoln & Swett. I went to him for an explanation. He could not account for the arrest of the Chicago thieves. It was utterly beyond his comprehension. But he emphatically reiterated his previous statement, that they were all true, and al hough he could not explain the Chicago ai'rests, he said he knew that a plot did originate with the parties that he had told me of, and that all pl^ns were previously matured for that night. He knew it beforehand, and looked for it in the mornuig dispatches. I have had several talks with my friend on this subject since, and he has always told me that the plot did exist and that he was in no manner deceived or mistaken. But I became incited iilous and concluded that he must have been the innocent vic- tim of some confidence game, and that there was nothing in it. Siill I call to mind that subsequent to the Chicago aiTcsts a good number of this gang were arrested, convicted and sent tothepeuitentiaiy at Joliet for counterfci ing, and I indistinctly recollect that they were in some way connected with the St. Louis thieves and counterfeiters. I do not now remember all the details of their movements, but will give it to the best of my recollection. A gentleman by the name of Daniel Clark owned a piece of land six miles northeast from Mt. Pulaski, two miles west of Chestnut and one mile west of old Yankee town, and was near the old Isaac De Haven grist mill. It was along the bottom lands of Salt Creek and was fairly timbered. About two or three hundred yards from the bridge to the right as you go north, was a large patch of paw paw bushes, and in that undergrowth lay a large hallow log. Within this log was where the remains of Abraham Lincoln were to have been deposited. The wagon with the casket was to have been driven rapidly fi'om Springfield and put in there before day light. The land was known as Uncle Dan Clark's pasture. The strangest thing about this is that when a sufficient ransom should be offered by the government, as they supposed would be, one of the most respectable and honored citizens of Logan County was expected to go 24 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. gunnini^forsquiiTcls, andaceidentlynm across the remains, get the booty and divide with the gang. His high character was expected to disarm suspicion. Tijis respected man I had long known, and up to this time I am not awai-e of his name having been connected with anytlmig disreputable, but he is badly connected by mai'iiage. As near as T can remember, there were six or seven mm and one or two women connected with the affair, but I would prefer not to give any names on paper, for it would cause a sensation that would surprise the citizens of Logan county. What also -ave color to the statement of my friend was, that shortly aiter the explosion of tlie plot bv the more rapid movements of others, his place of business was- destroyed bv an incendiarv Are supposed to have been the work of the gang. I have no documentarv proof or anytlhng that I would consent to have published for it was all second hand to me, and I only acted as any patriotic citizen should have done. It not onlv placed me in danger of being fouUy dealt with, but I was put to a great deal of trouble and expense. When I can learn the address of my friend I will ascertain liis views on the subject, and if he will permit me to give you his name and address, I will communicate with you later. Yeiy respectfully, M. S. W. As soon as I applied to M. S. W., for mforniatioii, he took measures to ascertaiu the address of his friend who had dis- covered the conspiracy in Logan county to steal the remains of Lincoln, and had communicated the facts to M. S. W.,. under a solemn pledge, which the latter regarded as almost equal to an oath, never to reveal his name except with his consent in wi-iting, and who, like himself, had left Illinois. The following note does not require explanation: Walli'LA, Wcis'iington Territory, -Jan. 25, 1SS7. Mr. J. C. Power: . , ^ „ Dear Sir:— To-dav I received my friend's address, and will forward to-night all your letters (that I have received) to him, to answer me at once whether I can or cainot have written consent to forward you his name and address. I liave advised that he do so, and I earn..slly hope that he will. I will write you wIr^u I lu-ar from him '^'^ly respcctfuUy, :m. s. w. It is proper for me to repeat that all tlic initials I uso as to names are fictitious, but the iucid(Mits are i-eal. an.l the three men wliom I give as autliority, 1'.. S. L., M. S. W.. and (i. U. K., are all of the highest respectability. Here is auotli.'r l.'ticr: WAi.T.rr.A, W. T., Feb. IC, 1887. Mr. J. C. Power: My Dgar Sir:— Til.' enclosod letter will explain ils.>ir. G. K. K., once a pros- p<>rous iii.'rchant at C . Illinois, but more r.'O.-ntly a giang>'r near G . Kjui-sas is the gentleman who gave me all the uiformation I ever had concernmg ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 25 the attempted robbeiy of the remains of Abraham Lincohi. Please retain his letter as this is the authority I have for revealing his name. In writing him please state that I have fonvarded you his letter to me. I believe now this will put you in possession of eveiy fact. It may be unnecessary for you to wiite him so elaborately as you did me, from the fact that I forwarded him ail your correspond- ence with me, and this is his answer, received to-day. Please acknowledge the receipt of the same. Yeiy respectfully, M. S. W. The following* is an extract from a letter written by the gentleman who discovered the Logan county plot, or plots, to steal Lincoln's retnains. It was written in February, 1887: G , K county, Kansas. M. S. W. "OiiD Feiekd. — Yours of recent date received and contents noted. "Would say in reply that all the information I have on the subject was obtained in a legitimate way, and while I would not wish my name used in the contemplated histoiy, I would not object to telling what I luiow of the matter in a confidential way. * * * * Y'^ou may refer Mr. Power to me as one whom you think able to throw some light on the subject." G. R. K. I next w^rote direct to the writer of the above, and received the following reply: G , E county, Kansas, April 3, 1887. J. C. Power, Springfield, III.: Deak Sib. — Y'ours, with reference to the plot to steal the remains of President Lincoln, is received. The information obtained by me was from B S , while imder the influence of intoxicating liquor. At the time I did not attach much importance to his statements, Ijut thought it was only the vaporings of a dnmken man. After the attempt was actually made, I, in conversation, told M. S. W. that I could find the guilty parties. He at once put himself in communication with the authorities, but the arrest of the criminals followed so quickly after the attempt that I came to the behef . that B S and his gang had organized for the pur- pose stated, but had been forestalled by the Chicago band. The plan as detailed to me was, that a ^arty of five or sis was to go to Springfield with a strong spring wagon, just a day's drive from om' place, thirts' miles, stay in the city until after dai-k, then drive to the cemeteiy, make an entrance into the grounds at the neai'est point to the Monument, drive to the foot of the hill on which it stands, leaving one of then- number to watch the team. The others would go to the IMonument, break it open, get the casket containing the body, cany it to the wagon and drive away, he saying that it would be impossible to track them very far on the sandy roads, across the Sangamon river bottoms, on which the Une of flight was planned. He further stated that they would bo a long distance from Springfield before morning, and would have the body deposited in a secure hiding place, where they would defy any one to find it. There it was to remain until the reward, which they be- lieved would be offered, should be large enough to satisfy the gang. Then it was to be discovered by a reputable farmer, by the name of M C , who was re- lated to B S by marriage. — 2 26 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. The wagon proposed to be used on the trip belonged to M C . He is a good man, respected bv all who know him : was a strong Lincoln man ; served three years in the Thir.y-second Illinois Infantry. I do not think the project was ever mentioned to him. " He would not have consented to be concerned in any such oindertaking. I feel sure that B S did not tell me where the body was to be concealed, but intimated that the place was not far away. I have since found tlie place, I am confident. B S lived about two miles west of C , and three-fourths of a mile west of old Yankeetown, in a small frame house, one-quar- ter of a mile south of the wagon road leading from C to Mt. Pulaski. The plaee of concealment was under this house. B S had dug a pit, or cellar, three and a half feet wide, seven or eight feet long, and two and a half to three feet deep. The pit was dug secretly, no one having any Imowledge of the time or manner, nor noticed anv fresh earth about the place. It is thought that it was dug at night and the earth taken and dropped into a smaU s'ream of running water that flowed near the house. There was a long door constructed in the floor of the house over the pit, not having any hinges or ring by which to open it, and while B S occupied the house, this door was always covered by a long strip of carpet, the other parts of the floor bemg bare. There was no necessitv^ for digging a cel- lar under the house, as there was a good one outside, and there being no con- veniences for opening and closing the door showed that it was not intended for daily ■use. B S also told one G D , who, I am confident, belonged to the Logan county counterfeiting gang, of the plot to steal ISIr. Lincoln's body, and he (G D ) told it to W H D , a merchant of C , who commimi- oated tJie same to Fox & House, hardware merchants of Springfield, they agreeing to put the proper ones on their guard. Now, as to the dates, I am all at sea. I know it was in the fall of 1876, and only a short time before the attempt was made, that B - S and I had the talk. I am of the opinion that there were two or tlu-ee plots ; I think, three. The one with which B S was connected was composed of Logan county crooks, some of the men whose names you sent me being in frequent consultation with him, also some whose names you do not men- tion, namelv, G D , already spoken of, J H P and M S , cousins of B S . This is all I remember now. If there is anything further you wish to know, or any questions you wisli to ask as to anything I have written, ask, and I will answer as best I can. The long time elapsed since the events has caused mv memoiy to lose many of the details, of which I was cognizant at the time. Thanks for the list of names of the counterfeiters. I was acquainted with many of them. Respectfully, * G- ^- ^• The main point I expected to, and have o-ainod tln-oiio-h tlieivvolations of these three nion. wns tosntisfv iiiyseh" wlietlier the sclienie or selienies they reveal. - to tliat hand, in(rHalin<>- that wlien the five left Sprin<^-- iicld tliev iniinedialely coinmenced jilot 1 iiius of llieir own, but ^vel•e delayed l»y 1lie same causes lliat led lo defeat here,— ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 27 lack of intelligence and too gTeat fondness for intoxicating drinks. That is a sufficient reason why all their schemes ended in utter failui-e. DIVISION THIRD. Thieves, Counterfeiters and Counterfeit Engravers — Operatives of the United States Secret Service — Chicago— Talents and Cliaracter of Ben. Boyd. In September, 1874, a man known to detectives and other officers of the law, as Jack Hughes, of a dozen years' experi- ence in that line, passed five counterfeit bills of five dollars each, government money, at Washington Heights, near Chi- cago. In January, 1875, the grand jury of the United States Court in Chicago, found an indictment against him for the offense, and for more than a year and a half, he eluded the officers. Officers of the United States Secret Service and com- missioned detectives, often find it necessary to use a class of men in ferreting out offenders again.st the law, who have not always been straight themselves. These men are technically called ropers. One of this class, Lewis C. Swegles, on the 28th of August, 1876, gave information of the whereabouts of Hughes to P. D. Tyrrell, chief operative of the United States Secret Service, for the district composed of the States of AYisconsin, Missouri and Illinois, with headquarters at Chicago. Two days later, Tyrrell arrested Hughes in a drink- ing saloon called the ''Hub," at 294 Madison street, Chicago. The fact that Swegles gave the information was kept secret. By the aid of friends, Hughes deposited >t wo thousand dollars in the First National Bank at Chicago, as security for his appearance for trial in the following January', and he was released from custody, September 13, 1876. Hughes having been arrested for passing counterfeit money and released on bail, it became an easy matter for Swegles to converse on that subject with him, and Terrence Mullen, the keeper of the saloon where Hughes was arrested. Swegles, hoping to learn something more of their operations, in- 28 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. gratiatecl liim.self Avith them by graduallv intimating that he was or had been in some kind of crooked business himself, such as horse steahng, and even intimated that he had been in th:^ penitentiary of a western State for that crime, but thought he woukl hke passing counterfeit money better. In something lilve this way he gained their confidence so thorough- ly that tliey openly revealed to him the fact that they were in that business, but were then preparing for something much better, Avhich was to steal the remains of President Lincoln, and secrete and hold them for a great ransom. They then proposed to let Swegies share in the profits, provided he would assist them. Swegies approached Tyrrell again Oct. 25, 1870, and said that there was something brewing in which a wrong was con- templated, and although it was not a counterfeiting opera- tion, was of National im})ortance, and that he — Tyrrell — as a government officer, ought to take notice of it, and that he had been legally advised to give him all the facts, which he then proceeded to do. Chief Operative Tyrrell under the same date, Oct. 25, 187G, as part of his report for the day to James Brooks, chief of the whole United States Secret Service, at AYashingtou, gave the main points of what he had received from Swegies. The substance of it was, that a band of counterfeiters, anxious for the release of Ben. Boyd, one of the most expert counter- feit engravers, who was then serving a ten years' sentence in the penitentiary at Joliet, were preparing to remove the re- mains of President Lincoln from tlie ^Monument, at Spring- field. They expected, after the remains were safely hid away, to give the secret of their hiding place to Boyd, and lot him negotiate with the Governor of th(^ State for liis own release, and as much more as he could obtain. To show 1h<' iiiipovtance to sliovrrs of countcitVit money that Ben. ]>oyd should have his liberty, it is neceseary to make a statement of some length. On the 5tli day of Febi-u- ary, 1875, I-^lnier Washbui-n, who was then Cliiel" of t lie United States Secret Ser\ic<\ at Wasliington, in a eoinniiinication to P. 1). Tyri-elh chief o]);'i-ativ(M)f the district in wliidi ("hicagt) is incln(h'(l. st nted that I'en. I'ox'd and .Nelson Drig^s were the most expert and important coimleirrit engi-a\"ei-s i hen at liberty in ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 29 our whole country, and that if he, TjaTell, could get them ^'dead to rights," that is, with evidence to convict, he -svould break the back bone of counterfeiting in the United States. Tyrrell then commenced a series of operations by which he traced them in Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Illinois, calling to his aid from time to time such assistance as he found necessary. He was not long in learning that Boj^d was at work at Fulton, Whiteside county, Illinois, and Driggs was at work in Centralia, Marion county, in the same State. To arrest one would give warning to the other, if left un- molested. To make sure of both, Tyrrell arranged with Washburn to move on Driggs, on the same day and hour that he went for Boyd. They were both arrested at nine o'clock in tlie forenoon of Oct. 21, 1875, and both tried and sentenced to the peniten- tiary. When Boyd was arrested he was in the act of engrav- ing a plate for a |20.00 bill on the First National bank of Dayton, Ohio. In order to give the reader a proper understanding of the desperate straits coney men were thrown into, by the arrest, conviction and long sentence to imprisonment of Boyd, of the workings of counterfeiters generally, and of the diaboli- cal means they were more than willing to adopt, with the hope of securing his release, I here quote from a lengthy article in Dye's Government Counterfeiter Detector, of April, 1888, published in Philadelphia, although it involves some little repetition : "Benjamin Boyd, alias B. Wilson, alias B. F. Wilson, alias Charles Mitchell, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1834, where his mother and sister res'ded in 1875, and were counted quite wealthy. His father was an engraver, and Ben. learned the art at an early age, serving one year with an engraver named James Edward Smith then and now a citizen of good repute in Cincinnati, also improving, as supposed, by observing his parent's skill, and finishing by taking instructions of Nat Kinsey, a cutter of superior ability in Cincinnati. Kinsey cut the fine one hundred dollar "greenback" counterfeit plate in 1864, bills from which for a time defied detection by the most experienced tellers and best experts. Kinsey was arretted at last, while engaged in engraving a plate for printing counterfeits of ten dollar bills, and served a long time ; since which, so far as known, he has given the public no trouble. While still an apprentice, and not twenty-one years of age, Ben. Boy 1 ■engraved his first counterfeit plate on the State Bank of Ohio, in his father's house at Cincinnati, before the war of the rebellion. * ***** In 1865, Ben. Boyd was arrested Avith Pete McCartney, at Mattoon, Illinois, and both of them committed to jail at Springfield, Illinois. About the same time Ed. 30 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. Pierce and Allie Ackraan, or Ackerman, Itwo of McCartney's dealers, the woman being his wife's sister, were an-ested attlie Everett House, (now Brunswielc Hotel,) in Springfield, Illinois, by Oiierative John Eagan. In a traveling basket taken with the couple. Operative Eagan found twenty-five thousand dollars of representative money, in fifty dollar, twenty dollar- and ten dollar counterfeits of United States Treasury Notes, and five thousand dollars of representative money, counterfeits of the fractional cuiTency. Pierce was convicted and sent to Jefferson (ville) penitentiary for fifteen years, while Operative Eagan turned the woman over to Operative P. C. Bradley, of Chicago, Illinois. Ben. Boyd managed to release himself from arrest, and finally secured the freedom of Allie Ackman, or Ackerman, by surrendering a plate, the property of McCailney, for printing counterfeits of the fifty dollar United States Treasury Kotes, series of lt^G3. Ben. Boyd had for some time been very attentive to Miss Aclcman, or Ackerman, and soon aftcn* their release they were married at Marine City, St. Clair county, Michigan, Boyd being then thirty-three years of age, Almiranda Ackman or "Ackerman," as the family has been called, was the daughter of an accomplished pair of counterfeiters, and the step-daughter of John B. Trout, a well known and desperate coney man, once the teiTor of the whole Mississippi "Valley, now in the Kentucky penitentiary, serving out his second long term of im- prisonment for counterfeiting. By this marriage, Boyd became the brother-in-law of Peter McCartney Of Boyd, McCartney acquired additional skill in engraving, and the two did a heaNy business in counterfeit money, as partners. Boyd and liis wife resided at Decatur, Illinois, where he was known as Charles Mitchell; at Des Moines, Iowa, where he passed as B. F. Wilson, and at Le Claire, Iowa, Clin- ton, UUnois, and Fulton, Illinois, where Boyd called himself B. Wilson. He finally purchased some property at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he and his wife made their home, and still retain possession of the place. Boyd has no children. Boyd engraved plates for printing counterfeits of the fifty dollar United States Treasury' Notes, series of 1863, for the Sleight and Frisby, or "Frisbie" gang of counterfeiters, but not having delivered them, they were sold to Peter McCartney, who, during Februaiy, I860, surrendered them, to effect the release from custody of E B. Pierce and Miss Almiranda Ackman or "Ackerman," the woman Boyd after- wards married, as has already been related. In 1866 Boyd engraved the plates for counterfeits of the twenty dollar United States Treasury notes, series of 1862, which plates were owned jointly by Ben. Boyd, Peter McCartney and John B. Trout, and captured by the Secret Service Operatives during 18G6. In 1869 Boyd engraved plates for counterfeits of the United States Treasuiy Notes, series of 1862, which were worked jointly by Joseph Kincaid, alias Joo Miller, James Bur- dell, ahas Charles Hanwood, and Ben. Boj'd himself. These plates were captured by the Secret Service Operatives, at Greensburg, Indiana, during February, 1869. Boyd also engraved the celebrated plates for printing counterfeits of the five dol- lar bills on the "Traders National Bank" of Chicago, Illinois, (one of the fiii(>st countei-feits ever issued,) aftenvards changed to the "First National Bank of Can- tf)n, Illinois," "First National bank of Aurora, Illinois," "First National Bank of Peru, Illinois," "First National Bank of Pa.xton, Illinois." and two false notes, pur- porting to bo on "Tiie First National Bank of Cecil, Illinois," and the "First Na- tional Bank of Galena, Illinois," there being no such banks of Cecil or Galena. All tiu'se i)lates were captun.'d by the Secret Service Operatives, in the possession of NeLsou Driggs, a partner of Boyd, at Ccntralia, Illinois, October 21st, 1875. In 1859 Boyd was arrested at Davenport, Iowa, being engaged at the time in en- graving plates for printing counterfeit money, for Jiiu Veasey and Charlie Hatha- ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 31 way, who were in Springfield, Illinois, although the Hathaway family lived at Fort Madison, Iowa, Boyd being convicted, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, in the Iowa penitentiary, at Fort Madison, of the same State. After bis release from the Iowa penitentiary, Boyd removed to Springfield, Ohio, and operated there for Sleight and Frisbie. He soon after went to Decatur, Illinois, where he had his residence at the time of his marriage in 1865, as noted in preceding paragraphs. From this time on, for a number of years, the place in the criminal calendar to which the deeds of Boyd entitled him, remained vacant ; he was sagacious, wary and fortunate in his selection of partners ; beside his skill made him serviceable to the entire fraternity of coneymcn, all of whom were interested in his secluf ion and safety. The counteifeits from the plates made by Boyd were in extensive circula- tion for years, the Illinois fives were especially current. It was Boyd, also, who manufactured the fifty cent Lincoln vignette counterfeit plate, and he is considered the best letterer on steel in the country or the world. The source of these bills was a subject of diligent inquiiy by Government officials, and a kind of dissolving view was obtained of the same, in Canada, St. Louis, and elsewhere, now here, and now there. After a time, the talents and activity of Boyd, as well as the ability and wealth of his partners, became known to the Treasuiy Department and the Secret Service Division came to recognize the imperative necessity (^f breaking up the combination of which the skill of Ben Boyd was the heart and. soul. On October 5th, 1875, the work was committed, especially, to Operative Patrick D. Tyrrell of St. Louis, Missouri, who was left very much to his own discretion in the matter, being told by Elmer AVashburn, then Chief of the Secret Service, that his succese would break the backbone of counterfeiting in the United States. Thus directed and stimulated, Tyrrell began business in a way he considered prudent, and in June, 1875, had located the parties and secured an intei^view with Driggs. The course of events with Driggs, will appear in the succeeding sketch of him ; but at present the relation follows the fate of Ben. Boyd, who was also brought under watch at the same time. About the 20th of June, 1875, Ben. Boyd moved liis wife and furniture, from his residence at Le Claire, Iowa, to Fulton, Illi- nois, at which last place, under the name of B. F. Wilson, he rented a large frame house situated on Prairie street. Soon after this removal to Fulton, it was evident Boyd had commenced work, and arrangements were at once made by Tyrrell for a conference with his chief. Accordingly Elmer Washburn, Chief, and James J. Brooks, Assistant Chief, with John McDonald, Operative, all of the Secret Service Division of the United States Treasury Department, arrived at Lyons, Iowa, Octo- ber 19th, 1875, when a consultation took place between them and Operative Patrick D. Tyrrell, who met them there by appointment. The plan developed was to capture Ben. Boyd and Nelson Driggs, his partner, at the same time, and in order to give Chief Washburn time to reach Centralia, Illinois, where Driggs and much material was located, it was decided to defer the raid until October 21st, at nine o'clock in the morniuo-. Chief Washburn then started forCentraha to superintend active operations there, leaving his reliable Assistant Chief, Brooks, (now — 1883— himself chief), and Operative McDonald, at Ful- ton with Tyrrell, to co-operate in the arrest of Boyd. 32 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. "Promptly at nine in the moming, of tlie tvi-ent\'-first, the men were on hand at Pulton, each ready for the especial duty assigned by their joint arrangement. ^It had been decided that Tyrrell should lead off, by entering the front gate and going round to the back door. Brooks was to follow Tyrrell, at a distance of about twenty feet, while McDonald coming about one hundred feet in the rear, was to direct his course to the front door. This would bring each of the men into the position required and ready for action at the same moment. All this was carried out with military promptness and precision, as might be expected from the char- acter of the men engaged. When Tyrrell, who knew the premises, was about a hundred feet from the front door, a man drove up in a carriage and in a loud tone asked if B. F. Wilson lived there. That was imagined by TyrreU to be a sigual, in some way contrived to alarm the inmates of the house and hkely, at least, to arouse them to notice the surprise party intended m their honor. Calling to Brooks to hum^ up and keep his distance, Tyrrell walked swiftly by the house and entered it by the back door. While making his approach in tliis manner to the premises, Tyrrell saw a man escape from the house, who he supposed from the general appearance was Nat Kinsey, the engraver akeady mentioned, of whom Boyd acquired the better part of his skiU as a cutter. There was nothing against Kinsey at the time, at least nothing regarding which the Operative had instructions, so that the Jugative was allowed to pass unchallenged, lest any delay on his ac- count should defeat in some way the grand oljject of the expedition. "Passing through tli(> kitchen into the dining room, the Operative met Mrs. Boyd, who intercepted him, and although she had never seen hun, nor had any reason to suppose him a Govemment officer, or anything of that kind, still she caught him by the collar of his coat and undertook to detain him. Seizing her sharply by the wrist, TyrreU at once freed himself and called upon Brooks to take cliarge of the woman, which the Assistant Chief, then as now, quick at the call of duty, did with the utmost promptness. Tyrrell being relieved of ]\Irs. Boyd, turned quickly to- ward the adjacent stairs when he discovered Ben. Boj^d at the top of them in his shirt sleeves and just about to step down. Boyd paused an instant as he was con- fronted by TyiTell, when the Opei'ative ascended th^ stairs quickly, and at once arrested him. 'Who are you?' said the prisoner, with considerable emotion? 'United States Detective Tyrrell,' answered the Operative. 'I have heard of you, TyiTell,' remarked Boyd, very quietly. Tyrr(»ll then put the irons on the prisoner without obji-ction or opposition, and stepping to the front window began rapping upon it as a signal for IMcDonald to come round by the rear and relieve Brooks. The signal being obeyed. Brooks went up stairs and took charge of Ben. Boyd, whil(! Tyrrell c()nun(Miced a thorougli search of the premises, of which Brooks and Boyd w(n'e witnesses above stairs and ISIeDonald and Mi's. Boyd on the lirst floor. In the room up stairs from which Boyd doubtless came, just before Tyrell sawliim, the Operative found every evidence of the occupation of the coun- tf.'rfeiter, and tliei'e, without question, Boyd was at work, when the agents of the law invaded his habitation. The room contiiined a convenient work bench, covered by a lai-ge quantity of engraver's tools, among which lay a genuine bill upon the First National bank of Dayton, Ohio, of the denomination of twenty dol- lars, imd near by a partly engraved platu for counterfeits of th(> same. In the front room up stairs Tyrn;ll found a dry goods box of large size, which he emptied, and found Jiothiiig but a lot of old clothes and rags. In tipping the box about, liowever, one of the boards of which it was made droped out and revealed a mor- tise in the lumber, from wliich fell a plate, engraved for printing the centre back ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 33 •of counterfeits of twent>' dollar National Bank notes, of which the border or rim to match, was the unfinished plate on Boyd's work bench. " Leaving Brooks in chai-ge of Boyd up-stairs, TyiTcll went down and com- menced investigations on the first floor. He asked Mrs. Boyd if there was any money in the house. She was unwilling to give information on that point, but, Tvhen pressed, with an intimation that it would save trouble if she answered the ■question, she said she would reveal nothing without consultation with her husband. The operative told her he would give her haK an hour to consider the matter, left the house, and, going to the railroad depot, telegraphed in cipher to Chief Washburn what had been accomplished at Fulton. AVhile Tyrrell was on this errand, Mrs. Boyd took occasion to offer McDonald a thousand dollars, if he would let her' take what she wanted into her possession and keep the matter secret. This McDonald, like an honest man and good officer, refused. When Tyrrell came back, McDonald told •of the liberal offer that had been made him. Mrs. Boyd wanted to go and get the money alone, or in company with McDonald, but this Tyrrell would not permit. After a great deal of hesitation, she led the way to the bed-room and went to a bos near- the window. The box was of considerable size and had a cleat nailed across the end of it, contrived to serve the purpose of a handle. There was nothing about the box, outside or in, to indicate that it contained money, but upon investigation, by breaking the box, the handle or cleat described was discovered to be hollow, and in the cavity of the same was found seven thousand eight hundred and twenty- four dollars and seventy-five cents in good money, made up of three one thousand dollar notes, with other small bills and a few pieces of twenty-five cent fraetiona cuiTency. In breaking the box, the money came out. " While Tyrrell was at work upon the box which proved so rich a treasury, the •Operative shrewdly noticed that Mrs. Boyd very adroitly endeavored to divert his attention from a smaller box near by, which she cunnningly tiled to conceal, when she supposed he was fully occupied with the larger one. Mrs. Boyd, as if quite by accident, carelessly threw a piece of carpet over the small box, as if it were of no 3, from wliich he printed and sold about six thousand pieces, representing some three hundred thousand dollar's. Thus, what had long been a great mastery of felony, was cleared up, the evidence made complete in the case of Ben. Boyd, and information gained which became of great use in still other opera- tions against similar offenders, at other times and elsewhere. ^Tiat Chief Wash- burn and his men had been about, at the other end of the line, in Centralia, lUinois, during these hours, is stated in the annexed account of N(!lson Drit 'SS'- It is not my intention to go into a detailed statement of the capture of Driggs, and its effect on the counterfeiting busi- ness, for it Avas Boyd that the coneymen hoped to release for their own advantage by stealing the body of Lincoln. But it is proper to say that Driggs Avas tried, found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for fifteen years, and a fine of ,«f5,000, and was sixty-three years old. At the same time he had .f43,000 in good money, and 28,000 acres of land in Texas. "The three officers. Brooks, Tvrrell and ^IcDonal.l, conducted their prisoners, Ben. Boyd and Almiranda Boyd, to the Fulton Kailroad station, taking with them the varied materials and mass of evidence they had captured. They all left Fulton on the four o'clock afternoon train for Chicago, Illinois. As tliey were seated in the train, Brooks iuid Tyrrell being with the i.risoners, Boyd began a conversation with Tvrrell, by remarking : 'Tyirell > on .-nv not long in the Secret Service are you?' Tyrrell replied : 'No, not long; why? Anything the matter?' Boyd assumed a verv cunning style and responded: 'Oh! I thought if you were an old member of the Service you wouM takethe property now in your possession and l<>t me skip out the back door.' 'But that is not my way of doing business.' s-iid Tyrrell whereupon Bovd became relhn-tive, regarding th<^ modern and original ideas of such men as Brooks, TyiTcU and IMcDouald, and his misfortune in being coinpc^Ued to keep hones-t coini>any. "I hiding his attempts at bribery and corruption unavailing. Boyd began negoti- ations of a dilTen-nt nature for his own benefit. Unaware of the compreliens.ve character of the movement winch involved in the toils Nelson Driggs, as well as himself, he volunteered some statements in regard to his relations with that famous capitalist and manager among consted that the testi- mony of a partner and an engraver would bo h.>avy against a principal counter- ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 35 feiter, should such an one be arrested and brought to trial. To all of Boydstalk in this du-ection, Tyrrell made answer that he had no power to promise anything but if a prisoner said anythuig which might result in the conviction of another party it might have some effect in favor of such a witness with the authorities. Boyd then made eome further explanations, which were never allowed to criminate him- but what he subsequently did, upon the understanding arrived at as above will ap- pear in a succeeding paragraph of this naiTation, and also in the account of Nel son Dnggs, to follow. Without any other incident of note, the party arrived in Chicago, and the prisoners were detained to be examined. The good moner Tyrrell captured was, at Boyd's request, deposited in the Fidelity Bank and ia due time turned over to the charge of his legal attornev and counselor "An ex^imination was held Oct. 27, 1875, before United States Commissioner fu r' t -'"''' ""^ ^^''^^^''' ™^''^^' ^"^ Ben. Boyd bound over in the sum of thirty thousand doUars, to await the action of the Grand Jury. Almiranda Boyd his wife, was bound over in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, to await the actio i of the Grand Jury, also. In default of bail, l^oth defendants were committed to the Cook county jail, in Chicago, IlUnois. While they were confined there aii at- tempt was made to break jail. A counterfeiter named Edward J. Wright alias Lee ahas Dommitell, of Richmond, Indiana, was engaged in the affair, and a pat- tern for some keys found upon another prisoner was said to have been made^by the especial skill of Ben. Boyd. "At the October, 187.3, term of the United States Court, for the Northern District of Illinois, held at Chicago, in that State, Ben. Boyd was indicted for engraving tTN^enty dollar plates, for counterfeiting National Bank notes; also for engravintr p.ates for counterfeiting the fifty dollar United States Legal Tender notes senes ot 1869, -Henry Clay head;' also for engraving plates for counterfeiting the five doUai- bills of the Traders National Bank of Chicago. Illinois; also for en-ravin- plates for counterfeiting the fractional currency of the United States of thede" nomination of fifty cents, the 'Stanton head' and 'Dexter head' senes, and an un finished plate for counterfeiting the hundred dollar United States Treasury Notes A true bill was also found against Almiranda Boyd, and the defendants were held for trial. " The trial of Ben. Boyd and Almiranda Boyd occupied the attention of the United States District Court for the Northern District of lUinois, held in Chica-o January 19 and 20, 1876. The comt-room presented an animated appearance when It was understood the case of the distinguished counterfeiters was about to bo called. The court opened at ten o'clock in the morning. After the transaction of some business of minor impoitance, the case of Benjamin Boyd and Almirinda Boyd was called. " ' "Messrs. Bangs and Burke appeared to prosecute, and Messrs. Stiles and TuUy represented the defendants. Considerable time was spent in e.xaminin-jurors By a quarter past eleven, twelve men, 'sufficiently good and true' to pass upon the merits of the case, were obtained, and the prosecution began its attack Mr Bangs addressed the juiy for the government, giving, as that which he was pre " pared to prove, a candid and [careful general statement of the facts compiled in this account of Ben. Boyd and his doings, and claimed that Almiranda Boyd w-is m all that, an accomplice, who had not as yet established her pretended character as the wife of the prisoner. General Stiles followed with a long speech for the defense, in the course of which he said they would prove that Almiranda Boyd was the prisoner's wife, and 36 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. could not be punished for protecting her husband, and anything which might goto connect her witli her husband in crime, was simply what any other loving ^nd dutiful wife would have done under the circumstances. The possession of the plates was admitted, but counsel would endeavor to show that another counterfeit engraver, named ' Kinsey,' had prevailed upon Boyd to engrave the plates, with the object of giving thon away to the Government, as soon as the work was ad- vanced enough to prove conclusively the intent to counterfeit. In this way Kinsey sought to obtain pai-don for his own past offenses. There had been throwTi around the prisoner a net work of circumstances which seemed strong against him, but which would, when unveiled, place his client in a different light. It would be im- possible to prove that the prisoner engraved the plates in his possession ; the furthest the prosecution could go, was to prove possession. It was not charged that the one hundred dollar plates had been used, and the fact was, they never had been used, unless after the govemraent obtained possession thereof. [Laughter]. The defendants attracted much notice throughout the proceedings from a large crowd of spectators, and during the eloquent reference of Gonoral Stiles to her case, Mrs. Boyd became much affected and shed tears freely, often quietly liiding her face in her handkerchief. The first witness examined was Patrick D. TyiTell, for the Government, who gave the Court in the most clear and straightforward manner, a succinct narrative of all the particulars of his operations as an agent of the Treasury Department, in th(? detection and arrest of Ben. Boyd and his wife, substantially as given in the preceding pages. Witness undertook to state what Boyd said to him, but it was ruled inadmissible. The second witness was ]Mr. G. J. Verreck, bank note engraver, who passed upon the plates found in the prisoners' possession. His evidence was purely technical. The third witness was James J. Brooks, Assistant Chief of Secret Service. His evidence was mainly corroborative of that of the first witness. Mr. Brooks was not allowed to state admissions made by Boyd. The fourth witness was Operative John B. McDonald, of the Secret Service, and the only new point brought out by him, was the offer of Mrs. Boyd to give him a thousand dollars, as has been related. This mass of testimony made the case strong for the Government, and pending further proceedings, the court adjourned to ten A. M., the next morning. "At a succeeding session of the Court, the evidence being closed and all argu- ments heard, his honor, the judge, directed the jury to find Alniiranda Boyd not gulltv; she being the wife of Ben. Boyd, it was her duty to obey her husband and protect him. Boyd was found guilty, and reman(U>d for sentence to Cook county jail, at Chicago, Illinois, tlic place of confuKMuent from whicli he had been brought into court. Prisoner's couns(!l gave due notice of a motion for a new trial. "On February 7th, 187.'), Operative Patrick D. Tyrrell conducted Ben. Boyd from the Cook co\mty jail to Springfield, Illinois, where he and his wife were both useil as witnesses for the Goveriunent in a very important case, th(> ])articulars of wliicli are part of the history of Nelson Driggs. Tyrrell returned r.Mv.l to tli.- |,l;u-e from which lie had taken him for the above named occasion, and dii February lUth, 1875. General Stiles argued a motion for a new tiial, which the court, upon consid- eration d<'ni<'d; but taking note of the fact that Boyd had become a witness for the Government, a.-, already stated, his honor, the judge, was pleased to mitigate ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 37 the sentence. Boyd was then condemned to serve a term of ten years imprison- ment in the Joliet (lUinois) penitentiary, and to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs of court. "The conviction and imprisonment of Ben. Boyd, and the breaking up of his business with Nelson Drlggs, was a heavy blow to the trade of a host of coney men in the West and South. They could, of course, get the 'queer,' but they were no longer 'next the plate,' so, having to buy of middlemen, the profits were small, the 'stuff mostly poor, and the risk very great. Every means was used to pre- vent the conviction of Boyd, and when he was at last imprisoned for ten years, all sorts of devices were employed to effect his release or secure' for hia a pardon, the most despicable of which was the effort to accomplish it by capturing the dead body of President Lincoln. To produce a single plate for printino' a bill, representing^ five, ten, twenty, fifty or a himdred dollars of our Govern-' ment money, requires the use of thousands of dollars worth of the most complicated machinery, rooms well lighted, warmed and ventilated, with all the surroundings for comfort and ease, with pay sufficient to remove all anxiety about reasonable provision for self and family, and to enable the operative to take sufficient open air recreation to keep the mental and physical organs in perfect health. But here we find a man, Benjamin F. Boyd, with God given talents, and skill which can only be acquired by years of practice and the most dihgent industry, Avho could and did, without elaborate machinery, and with the simplest tools, in secreted rooms, often without proper ventilation, making every movement by stealth, like a hunted beast of prey, re- producing these plates so perfect as to defy detection by any but the most expert. Such talents and skill, honestly and industriously directed, would have placed him at the head of all those employed by the Government, would have secured for himself honor, wealth and fame, and the society of the good, the wise and the great. He voluntarily chose to put the talents so bountifully bestowed upon him by the Diety, and the skill acquired by years of toil, on the side of fraud, and by so doing place himself outside the protection of law^ under the delusive hope of gaining sudden wealth. This, too, when he knew that if he succeeded, his wealth must come through the hands of the most vile and depraved of his race, not one of whom he could trust for a moment with his ill gotten wealth. We find, however, that there is a loAver depth to Avhich beings in the form of men can sink. Those who had been v38 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. putting counterfeit money in ( irculation until they came to depend upon it as a legitimate business. When they foun'a their supply cut oft' by the imprisonment for a term of years of the man who furnished that supply, were ^villing to com- mit the hitherto unheard of crime of robbing the tomb of the greatest benefactor of his race, and making merchandise of his dead body, that they might restore to liberty the man who could restore to them their lost source of gaining a dis- honorable Hvehhood. DIVISION FOURTH. Plot in Chicago-P. D. Tvn-ell, Operative of tlie U. S. Secret Service— The United States Secret Sen-ioc in general— Custodian informed that the Thi.-ves would Visit the Monument— Their Visit— The Attempt is made to Steal the Body— The Kesult— Kemarkable Coinoid<'nce in Connection with the Assassination of Lovejoy— Impoitant Letter from Hon. Leonai'd Swett— Capture of the Thieves. In the absence of Tyrrell from Chicago, Swegles, after ob- taining the information related in the preceding pages about the coiispiracy, consulted an attorney, C. W. Dean, without jriviiio- the names of the conspirators, and was advised by Deau'^to lay all the facts V)efore Tyrrell on his arrival. In the meantime Dean infornied Hon. Leonard Swett and Robert T. Lincoln of what was being done. On the arrival of Tyrrell, Swegles unfolded to him the scheme, as far as it had come to his knowledge. He said that a party or parties from St. Louis had been in consultation at a drinking saloon called the "Hub," at 21)4 AVest 'Madison street, with Terrence Mul- len, the i)ro])riet(jr, one -lack Hughes, ahas Shepherd, and a ^^■i']] known contractor oi Chicago. They were all to meet at {^l)riiigli<'ld early some evening, steal the body, place it in a light,"strong spring wagon, ])repared by 1lie contractor, who was to drive with all i)()ssible speed, by the .lid of relays of horses previously arranged. lo the sand hills in ihc northern p;ii-1 of Indian.!, and bniy it where the moving sand, caused bv 1h<' winds, would soon <)])literate all evid(Mices of their atte:mpt to steal the body of Lincoln. 39 crime, and by measurements to some natural landmarks, such as trees or rocks, make it possible to find it themselves. Upon receiving- this revelation from Swegles, Tyrrell directed him to return to the conspirators, accede to their proposi- tion that he should become one of them, learn all he could of their plans, and report to him daily, or otherwise, accord- ing to circumstances. In reply to some disparaging remarks about employing men in the detective work, who were not always true and honest, in fact, who were thieves such as Swegles was known or afterwards proved to be, the writer once heard Tyrrell say, in substance, that, "when men go fish- ing, the most important thing is to learn what kind of bait the fish they wish to catch will swallow; that if an officer wishing to catch a thief or murderer, should bait his hook with a minister of the gospel in good standing, all men could see that the officer was a fool, because thieves and preachers do not naturally seek each others society." Friday, Oct. 26, 1876, Tyrrell had a consultation at the law office of C. W. Dean, in company with Lewis C. Swegles. Upon inquiry being made, Swegles was unable to give the names of the parties in St. Louis, as he had not then learned them. He said that one of the Chicago parties had been to St. Louis to perfect arrangements, and another had been to Springfield to examine the location and position of the re- mains in the Monument. The same day Tyrrell had a con- sultation with Hon. Leonard Swett, a life long legal, personal and political friend of President Lincoln, also with Robert T. Lincoln, son of the late President. Either Swett or Lincoln sent a telegram to Hon. John T. Stuart, at Springfield, chair- man of the Executive Committee of the National Lincoln Monument Association. Mr. Swett wrote a letter to Mr. Stuart, giving particulars, and suggesting that the ]\Ionu- ment be guarded. In consequence of this information, the writer, as Custodian of the Monument, was directed by Major Stuart' to put one or more watchmen on the Monument grounds, and keep them there at night until the attempt was made or the danger averted. The orders were executed, and after that two men, armed each with a revolver, were kept there every night. I was there at nearly all times of night myself, to see that the watchmen were on duty, and had to be very careful about signals to avoid being shot on mj own orders. 40 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. Some da^'s were spent by the parties iu Chicago trying to change the bail of Jack Hughes, in order to obtain the t^^^o thousand dollars in bank to aid them in their satanic scheme. They also tried very hard to induce the wife of Ben. Boyd to furnish money for the same purpose, in both of which they failed. Meanwhile Tyrrell reported daily to Chief Brooks. In reply to his report of November Ist, he was directed by Chief Brooks to go to the bottom of the matter. A brief account at this point, of the United States Secret Service, will no doubt be as interesting to the reader as the study of the subject has been to the writer. It was entirely an outgrowth of the war to suppress the great slaveholders rebellion. Tlip securities of the government were increased in such a multiplicity of ways, and in such vast amounts, that it became the most inviting field for counterfeiting and other schemes of fraud ever opened to dishonest men. The talents and industry displayed in defrauding and attempts to defraud the government, would have brought wealth to their pos- sessors in almost any other calling. Were it not for some such system as the United States Secret Service, for the de- tection and punishment of crime, none of the securities of the United States would now be se(;ure. The statements I shall make, are drawn principally from a report, under date of Washington, D. C, Sept. 17, 1877, by James J. Brooks, Chief of the United States Secret S3rvice, to Hons. R. C. McCormick, Kenneth Baynor and Oreen B. Baum, a committee appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury to investigate and i-eport on the workings of the Secret Sorvice DivisioiL In 1 SGI, the sum of $10,000 was appr^^priated for tlio dotix-tion and liriiiLriiii,' to trial, counterfeiters of United States Treasury notes, etc. The woric of that kind suddenly assumed immense proportions, and. In ls()2, the sum of $:i(M),0()0 was a[)])ropriated, and, In lS(j:i, th(! sum of $(iOO,000 was appropriated, all foi- the same purpose. A system of rewards was instituted, and with these largo amounts to draw upon, joljs were set up, criminals detected, the money squandennl and th(> criminals set at liberty under pretense of using them for the defection of others, and with it all counterfeiting increased. The funds were dislyursed through varimis c-hannels, gen<'rall\- Ihidiigli the solicitor of tin' TrcasmN-, and i'nr years rejiorts were made to that olliici'. , In iKO-i, the sum aiijuopriated by Congress im the piiijiose of detecting frauds on the Treasury was n-duced to $100,000. July G, 18(55, Solicitor Jordan appoint(id Mr. William 1'. Wood, Chief of tlie Secret Service, being the lirst time any fitlicer was d(>signate(l liv that title.. The follow- ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 41 ing are the sums appropiiated by Congress for the United States Secret SeiTice for tlie years named : 111 183fi $r)n,00() In ISm 150,000 In lf^6S 150,000 In 1868 25,000 In 1869 100,000 In 1870 125,000 In 1871 125.000 In 1872 125,000 In 1873 125,000 In 1874 125,000 In 1875 125,000 In 1876 100,000 In 1877 100,000 I have not the informati:)n to follow this further, nor is it necessaiy to my pur- pose. The Chiefs of the Secret Service Bureau have been : William P. Wood, appointed in 1865. H. C. Whiting, appointed in 1869. S. B. Benson, Assistant, and acting Chief, appointed Sept. 10, 1874 Elmer E. Washburn, appointed Oct. 2, 1874. James J. Brooks, appointed Oct. 27, 1876. The commission of Mr. Brooks reads : TKEAsrKT Department, Oct. 27, 1876. James J. Brooks, Fsqr Sir : — Under the provision of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1875, you ai'e hereby appointed Chief of the Secret Senice Division of the Treasuiy Depart- ment, at a compensation of four thousand dollars per annum, to take effect from this date. I am, very respectfully, Lot M. MoRRiLii, Secretary. Chief Brooks was allowed an Assistant Chief, four head clerks for as many branches of the work, a custodian and a messenger, all in the office at headquarters in Washington. For outside work he then had thirteen chief operatives, each in charge of a cleai'ly defined district, the thirteen districts covering the whole of the United States and Territories. He also had five special operatives and sixteen assistant opei'atives. In the early days of the Secret Sen'ice, apportunities presented themselves, under the veil of secrecy, for squandering large sums of money, without placing the responsibility clearly upon any officer. But all has since been changed. With the accumulation of knowledge by expei'ience, the work has been reduced to such a perfect system that it is as easy to detect and expose wrong doing in this, as in the postoffice department, or any other division of the Government. It is unnecessary to name in detail all the thirteen districts and the work then being done ui them, whether by a chief only or by assistant operative. In speaking- of the district including Illinios, Chief Brooks uses stronger language of commendation concerning the work of the district Chief Operative, than in any other case, by saying, that "One Chief Operative, keeps his district clean by —3 42 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. hunting for criminals." In the language quoted above he of course alludes to P. D. T^-rrell, who less than a year befoi*e had charge of the Lincoln Tomb robbing case. It is not necessary to my purpose for me to follow the reports of Chief Brooks any further in detail, except to give results for the last fiscal A^ear previous to his report. The following table shows the amount and character of counterfeit and stolen money; also stolen and altered United States bonds (reg- istered) captured and secured by and through the operatives : Amounts. United States Treasury notes $22,991 00 National l;ank notes 15,470 00 Currenc5^ 11,571 00 ■Genuine money stolen from the cash room of the United States Treas- my 11,171 50 By F. S. W'inslow, stolen $11 .'.)liO 00 By F. S. "Winslow, recovered 11,171 50 Net loss 518 50 Altered and registered United Stat(>s bonds 65,050 00 Coin 8,181 70 Nickels 280 50 Spei! marke 1,105 00 Flasli notes 100 00 Genuine raised notes 100 00 State bank notes 4.839 00 $141,165 70 The following shows the number and character of the coun- terfeit plates captured and secured by and through the opera- tives : PLATES FOR TEEASURY NOTES. $5 00 copper obverse ] 5 00 copper revai t iiieiii , iie\-er travels, or does any operative work outside his oliice in the city of \^'ashing- ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 45 ton. He finds that by requiring- daily reports from each and every operative, he can conduct the business better than if he went into the field himself. I find so much of interest in his reports that it is difficult to stop. But I have given enough to make the reader wonder what would become of our circulating medium for the transaction of business, with- out the United States Secret Service. We will now return to the reports of Tyrrell to Chief Brooks, at Washington. In his report for Nov. 2, 1876, Tyrrell says: "Louis C. Swegies informs me this day, that last night the gang met at his room. While speaking* of the probable amount to be realized from President Lincoln's remains, Ter- rence Mullins said, 'they could obtain from the government two hundred thousand dollars, besides the hberation of Ben. Boyd from Joliet penitentiary, and the respect of the Ameri- can people into the bargain,'" Avhich shows that he had very queer ideas about what the people would think of their vil- lainous perfornumce. Nov. 4, 1876, Tyrrell reports that there is no doubt about the parties being in earnest, and that they seem to be proud of the prospective reputation they will gain by it, still be- lieving they will be able to obtain two hundred thousand dollars, and the release of Ben. Boyd for future use in coun- terfeiting. Hughes and his friends tried hard to put in some other securities for his appearance at court, and to draw the two thousand dollars out of the bank, to enable them to work their plot with greater prospects of success. Tyrrell, knowing the importance of the money to them, and that he could thwart them much easier without money, exercised the greatest energy and shrewdness to prevent their obtaining it, and succeeded. Nov. 5th, being Sunday, Tyrrell did not make any report, but learned that the gang met and decided upon Tuesday night, Nov. 7th, as the time to rob the tomb of Lincoln. Nov. 6th, Monday, at nine o'clock in the moi'uing, Swegies reported to Tyrrell that the gang were going to Springfield that night, in order to be ready. They selected the night of Nov. 7th, because that was the day for holding the election for President and Vice President of the United States, and tihey shrewdly judged that the excitement attending the elec- 46 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. tion would draw away any attention that might otherwise^ be given to them, and in the event of their coming iu con- tact with other parties at an unusually late hour of the night, there was a chance that each party would think the other was out in search of election news. Upon learning that the time was agreed upon, Tyrrell arranged for a meeting at the office of Robert T. Lincoln, at three o'clock that after- noon, when Lincoln, and Isham his partner, ex-Chief U. S. Secrect Service Washburn, and C. W. Dean, an attorney at law, whom Swegles consulted in all the earlier stages of his discoveries of the plot. The object of the consultation was to arrange for assistance. Before night they secured the ser- vices of John McDonald, a detective in the employ of the Illinois Humane Society, and John McGinn and George Hay, of the Pinkerton detective force. Robert T, Lincoln sent a telegram to Hon. John T. Stuart, at Springfield, to call early next morning at the St. Nicholas Hotel and incpiire for C. A. Demorest, the name Tyrrell assumed for the occasion, in order to evade any suspicion that might be raised by any of the conspirators seeing his name on the hotel register. At nine o'clock that evening. Mullins, Hughes, Swegles and another man boarded the front platform of the front pas- senger car. Tyrrell, McGinn and Hay boarded the last sleep- ing car of the same tralin as it moved out of th(^ depot of the Chicngo and Alton Railroad. It was understood with Tyrrell, that ex-Chief Washburn and John McDonald were to follow on the next train leaving Chicago at nine o'clock on the morning of Nov. 7th, and would reach Springfield, 185 miles south, at four o'clock that afternoon. As the train moved out on the evening of the sixth, Tyrrell moralizing on the situation, fully realized that the mission was a perilous one and might end in death to one or more of both ])arties. The train arrived at Springfield at six o'clock on the morn- ing of the 7tli, neai-ly two hours beliiud time, Tyrrell, McGinn and Hay, stopping at the St. Nicholas Hotel. At half phst eight, SwegU's, wlio had kr])t with iSIullins and Hughes, informed Tyirell tliat they had registered at the St. Charles, a small hotel only a square and a, half west of the St. Nicholas. ^ulHns registered as T. Durnan and Hughes as James Sniilli, both of Chicago. They were then both asleep, ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 47 with orders at the office to be called at ten o'clock. About nine o'clock, Hon. John T. Stuart called at the St. Nicholas, and asked for C. A. Demorest, which was responded to by Tyrrell. Mr. Stuart accompanied Tyrrell to the Monument and introduced him to J. C. PoAver, the Custodian, with in- structions to the Custodian to co-operate with Tyrrell by giving all the information and assistance possible. Tyrrell and Power then made a thorough examination of the grounds and of the interior of the Monument, and settled upon the proper point to place a man inside to hear any work that might be done on the sarcophagus. That point is marked by a star in the ground plan. Tyrrell informed the Custodian that during the afternoon two of the conspirators would visit the Monument. He gave a description of them and instructed the Custodian to show them everything usually shown to visitors, and to answer truthfully all questions. Near three o'clock two men appeared answering the description given by Tyrrell. They paid the usual fee and registered, the one I afterwards found to be Swegles, as Henry S. Lewis, of Kenosha, Wiscon- sin, and the other Hughes, as James Smith, Kacine, Wiscon- sin. Mullins did not come to the Monument at that time, and it is not known that he was ever there until he came that night expecting to accompany the remains of the Presi- dent to a safe hiding place. The Custodian answered all their questions truly and without hesitation, thinking that they were the real conspirators, but on learning who Swegles was, found that he understood the instructions given by Tyrrell to the Custodian, and Avas watching closely to see how the questions were answered, but failed to see any evidence of doubt or hesitation on the part of the Custodian. While Hughes and Swegles were at the Monument, Mullins secured an old axe at a German drinking saloon, for use in breaking open the sarcophagus. At five o'clock that after- noon Elmer Washburn, John McDonald and John English arrived. Tyrrell collected all immeciately in his room at the St. Nicholas Hotel. There were present, Tyrrell, Washburn, McGinn, Hay, McDonald, Swegles and EngHsh. The latter had been the private secretary of Washburn while he was Chief of the U. S. Signal Service, and was there by invitation of his former chief officer. While they were all together, 48 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LLXCOLN. ]\laii of .Miaiiinient Grounds— Six Acres. Washburn r.-dccliiscd Swog'les very closely and sharply, in order to satisfy liiins -h" and all en,L;,'a,<>ml of. S\veected to do, and .■ill received 1 lie eiit ire ji ppioval of Washburn. When the linic^ jipproarlicd for ;i(lioii, 'Pyiivjl sent (ieorgeHay to the Monu- ment, with a note to the ('ust odian Ihat he nii.L;-ht know they were coming. When Hay arrived a little after live o'clock ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 49 there was barelj sufficient light to enable the Custodian to read the note. The sun had not been visible during the whole of that daj, and thick clouds hung hke a pall over the earth, making it so dai'k as early as six o'clock that a man could scarcel,y have seen his hand before him outside, but inside Memorial Hall the darkness could almost be felt. Tlie Hall was warmed with steam, and a sup|)ly of lamps and matches were ready. When Hay arrived, the Custodian took him inside the Hall, closed the doors, and they remained quietly without lights,' until about forty minutes past six o'clock, when Tyrrell^ Washburn, McDonald, McGinn and English appeared at the door, and were quickly admitted by the Custodian, Hay standing by to identify each one. When they were all safely inside, the Custodian fastened, the doors, took a lamp and some matches in one hand, and with the other took the hand of Tyrrell and he one of his men, until all joined hands. The Custodian then led the way through the "back door of Me- morial Hall, as seen in the Ground Plan, turned to the left, winding among tlie labyrinth of walls until a point was reached where lights could not be seen from the outside, wdien a light was struck and all given up to Tyrrell, who continued along the hue marked "Lamps," in the opposite direction from the way the aiTows run, until he reached the spot marked with a star. There John English Avas stationed, that he might hear and convey the information back to Memorial Hall, when the miscreants began to work on the marble sarcopha- gus. Although there was a soli.d wall of brick and stone more than two feet thick, and without any opening, between English and the sarcophagus, it had been tested by the Cus- todian and Tyrrell, on the first visit of the latter, the pre- vious morning, when it was found that light blows on the sarcophagus could be distinctly heard where English stood. Aftei- examining the whole interior, lamps were placed along the hue indicated by the arrows and the word "lamps," in order that English might find his way out. The five officers and the Custodian returning to Memorial Hall, were assigned positions, and all ordered to draw their boots and remain perfectly quiet. Memorial Hall has but one outer door, and this has two shutters, one of iron rods and the other of wood and glass. 50 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. ari^irnjrnr-iniij FOUHCATION OBELISK tijnun. Ground Plan, Lincoln Moniimont. Those Averc both flosed and lookod, jnid a whifo dolh soroon placed near the door inside, so that it woiilil not be jiossible to distiiiti'iiisli any object in tliore, by h)()kiii;i" from the out- side. Tyi-i-ell took a position insick' Avhere lie was shielded from view by the screen, and yet near enoii(>'h to the door to see every movement on the ontside. Each and all remained in the ])ositi()nK assi«2,ned them, fi-om about seven nn til abont nine o'clock. I say about, because it was not possible for us to consult our watches without danj^cr of revealing our pres- ence to the thieves. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 51 About six o'clock, and just before starting- to the Monu- ment, Tyrrell sent Swegies to meet :\rullens and Hughes. How Swegies managed to keep up the delusion to them "that he had a wagon and team, and yet arrive at the Monument with them, or near the same time they did, I do not know, but the first intimation we inside had of the presence of the conspirators, was a very brilliant light from a bull's eye or dark lantern, being thrust in between the rods of the outer door to Memorial Hall. , It almost touched the glass of the inner door, and was turned about quickly, as though finding: all locked, satisfied the parties with the lantern that the Hall was unoccupied. The light soon disappeared, and footsteps as of more than one person were heard retreating towards, the catacomb at the north end of the JMonunient. It Avas Swegies and Hughes. Tyrrell then directed the Custodian to unlock the doors, but leave them closed, which he did, and had barely time to resume his position when the lantern ap- peared again, this time carried by Swegies alone, who gave Tyrrell the password adopted for that night, "Wash," and informed Tyrrell that Hughes and Mullens had commenced sawing the lock at the rod door of the cataconib. Next, Hughes passed around alone M-ithout the light. About this time English, who had remained at the point marked by the star in the Ground Plan, pame by the course of the arrows and lamps into Memorial Hall, and reported that the con- spirators were hard at work on the sarcophagus. For fifteen or twenty minutes after that not a man moved out of the Hall, and yet there were hurried movements and whisperings going on inside. The Custodian had never seen a single one of those men until within a few hours of that time. Thoughts ran thick and fast through his mind, and he sohloquized: "What if they are playing a farce, or some desperate game?" Here they are ostensibly to capture a lot of miscreants bent on committing a most infamous crime. They know that the conspirators are at work, and so far as I can understand, not a man moves hand or foot to arrest their progress. Can I accomplish anything? The answer came quickly. No, there is nothing you can do, for you do not know how to make a single move, tlierefore joii must keep quiet and await developments. All this and much more passed through his mind in less time than it takes to write 52 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. I 'i: -Mi National Lincoln Monument— South View. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLX. 53^^ it. Then came a slight movement at the door. More whisper- ings were heard and a hurried exit, foHowed by a few moments of deathhke stilhiess, and he began to reahze that he wa& alone in the blackness of darkness. A man soon entered and called his name. It was the voice of Tyrrell. He directed the Custodian to bring the lamps from the interior of the Monu- ment which was quickly done. Tyrrell had gone out without his boots that his footsteps might not be heard. He put them on hurriedly and departed again. He had been out but a few moments, when — Hark! What is that? Crack! crack!! crack!!! A succes- sion of pistol shots rang out on the night air. As the men filed in to the light, hurried words were spoken. "The vil- hans are gone." "Oh, Lord! What a narrow escape," one exclaimed. All were pale and quivering with emotion. With the lights we proceeded to the Catacomb, and the sights we beheld are faithfully illustrated in the cut of the interior. In order to understand it clearly, let the reader first turn to the Ground Plan. The form of the Catacomb is the exact half of a circle twenty-four feet in diameter, as will be seen by reference to the cut. Imagine yourself standing in the door of the Catacomb, and you see a true representation of the interior as it appeared when the ghouls made their exit. The marble walls and tessellated marble floor, with the position of the cedar coffin, and each piece of the marble sar- cophagus is Avell defined. By reference to the numbers and letters it will be easily understood. No. 1, is the extreme back part of an open crypt, eight feet deep, designed as a receptacle for the body of President Lin- coln, in which it rested from September, 1871, until October^ ' 1874, when it was taken from the iron coffin, placed in one of lead, and that in one of red cedar, and all put in the marble sarcophagus. No. 2, is a marble panel, back of which there is a crypt, containing the bodies of Mr. Lincoln's two sons, William and Edward . No. 8, IS a panel, back of which there is a crypt containing the body of Mr. Lincoln's son Thomas, whom he called Tad. No. 4, was then unoccupied, but the body of Mrs. Lincoln was placed in it July 19, 1882. Two days later, at the re- quest of Robert T. Lincoln, through Hon. John T. Stuart, 54 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. M-iC^ 'A Naliuiml Lui^'uln Muuliiih;uL— NuilU View. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 55 cliairman of the executive committee of the Monument Asso- ciation, The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled in the night time and moved her remains to the interior of the ^lonument and buried them by the side of her husband. That was done July 21, 1882, the second night after her body had been de- posited there. No. 5. In arranging the cripts for the family, this one was set apart for Robert T. Lincoln, but without consulting him. Now that he has a wife and children, and is making his own history, it is not known what disposition he will make of it. No. 4, being unoccupied, it is probable that both will be held subject to any directions that may be given by him or his family. It is not expected that No. 1 will ever be used for sepulture. The empty sarcophagus may be put in there, or a bust of the martyi-ed President may be made to fill the niche. A, is the top or false lid of the marble sarcophagus. B, is the main lid of the marble sarcophagus, a sufficient distance from the wall to admit of a man passing between the two. C, is one of the wooden temporary trestles supporting the sarcophagus. D, is the top of the red cedar coffin, E, is the end of the cedar coffin, drawn about eighteen inches out of the sarcophagus, read}' to be carried away. F F, are the marble sides of the sarcophagus. H H H H, are copper dowels in the marble sides of the sarcophagus, for holding the main lid in position. G., is the marble end piece of the sarcophagus, bearing the inscription LINCOLN, surrounded with an oaken wreath in marble. It is proper to state that this piece did not occupy the place it does in the picture, but was left by the vandals where it could not be seen from the door. Each and every piece remained as the miscreants left them, until the afternoon of November 9th, the second day after their visit, when all were replaced and cemented as though nothing had been done. The red cedar coffin is put together with brass screws from the outside. Every screw was examined before it was put back in the sarcophagus, and the creases in them were found, one and all, to be filled with rust or verdigris, proving be- yond a doubt that neither the wood nor lead coffin had been 56 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. opoiK'd, SO Hint tlio romniiis np to flint timo ^vovo absolutely safe. Tiie broken lock. i)iiicer8, cliisel and axe wcmv left pro- miscuously about tlie dooi-, but do not api>ear in tlic l>i<•1lll■''• By way of exi)lainiujj,- the ai»i)areiit lardy adioii of those in Memorial Hall. i1 may be said that th<' placin^' of Ku.ulish inside 1() list<'n. was merely an exira precaulion. in older that 1lie jiisl mo\ciiiciil to hivaU opiMi 1 lie sarcoi.liaLius mi.uiit be known beyond a doubt, but was not the iiitciilioii to move out on information Ihus obtained. It was jMevioiisly ai-ranged ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF IJ^'COLN. 57 between chief operative Tyrrell and Swp^les, that the latter, on his aiTival with Hughes and ]\Iullins, and while they were busy opening- the sarcophagus, was to go around outside, and if anything prevented their getting sufficiently near each other to exchange pass words, Swegles was to stand in front of Memorial Hall, strike a match and hght a cigar, which was to be the signal that the way was clear for the entire force to close in upon the conspirators. Swegles walked around once and gave to Tyrrell the pass word, for that night, "Wash,"' as previously stated, and informed him that Hughes and Mullins were sawing and filing at the padlock to the catacomb. I merely digress to say that Mullins broke a very fine steel saw, and was under the necessity of finishing" with a hand saw file, which caused them to be much longer effecting an entrance than they would otherwise have been. (Note — The lock thus broken is still preserved in the Memorial Hall, but the key belonging to it was carried by the Custo- dian until February 12, 1887, when he presented it to his friend, Gen. Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, California.) On entering the catacomb, an incident entirely unlooked for, occurred. When the door was forced, the dark lantern was placed in Swegles' hands, and he was pushed in to the southeast corner of the catacomb, marked with a cross, and instructed to stand there and hold the light. Mullins proceeded to open the sarcophagus, and Hughes to patrol outside, keeping close watch about the door. Swegles saw at a glance that if he undertook to dispose of the lantei'n and pass out of the door, one or the other of them would prob- ably shoot him dead. There seemed to be nothiug left for him to do but stand where he was and hold the light, studying- meanwhile how to make up for lost time. It may be inferred that Mullins and Hughes suspected Swegles' fidelity, but I think that move simply meant that they did not know him as well as they knew each other, and they were determined to have him in as close quarters as they were themselves. When the sarcophagus was taken to pieces and the wooden coffin drawn partly out, ready to drive away, as shown in the broken sarcophagus, Hughes and Mullins stepped outside with Swegles and told him to bring up the team, and they would wait for him at the door. He had no team, nor never intended to have, but had agreed to do so, and made them beheve he —4 ATTE^[PT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINTOLN. ]i;i(l one at the east gate, in a north east direotion. When lie was tohl to Inino' it np, he ran abont half wny down the steep blufr, until he knew they eould not see him in conse- quence of the thii-k darkness. He tlini liinicd abrupty to the rin-ht, ran sonth on the sward nntil he came opposite the entrance to Memorial ll;dl iind n.uaiii turned sipmrely to the rijj-ht, crossed the drive iii-oiiiid I lie iiioiiiiiiieiil , ;iiid ;i])i)!-()a,eh- inji,- the door, osed to l)e hiiimiim' up Hie waii-on and a teamster, and that lhi<>-lies and .Mnllins Avci-e waitim;- his return at the dooi' of t he cat acond). Tyrrell ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 59 then told Swegles to remain in the back g-ronnd, stated the situation to AVashbnrn, and sumnioniug- Hay, McGinn and McDonakt, started for the catacomb, as indicated by the arrows on the outside of the ground, plan. Tyrrell entered the catacomb first, with revolver in hand, cocked and ready for quick ^York, called upon whoever was inside to surrender. Not receiving any answer, he called the second time, and still no answer, he struck a match, Avhen the scene, of the broken sarcophagus was revealed to him, and in his own language he was surprised that "no fiend was there." Tyrrell immediately gave orders for AIcGinn and Hay to examine the grounds on the slope of the bluff north, and re- turned to Memorial Hall, for his boots, as previously stated. He held a short consultation with Washburn, then went out- side, and ascending a flight of steps, he walked out to the southwest corner of the Terrace, thinking the ghouls ma}'- have gone up there, by one of the four flights of steps, to "wait for the team. It was now approaching the time for the moon to rise, — which it did that night at ten o'clock and twenty-four minutes, — and being elevated sixteen feet above the surrounding level of the ground, he was enabled to see the outlines of two men on the northwest corner of the Ter- race, about seventy feet north of w^here he stood. He drew np his revolver and fired at them. They returned the fire and then ran to the northeast corner. Tyrrell moved as quickly to the southeast corner where they exchanged two shots each, and both parties ran back and assumed the jDosi- tions occupied by each when the first shots were fired. The two men were maneuvering to keep under cover of the granite pedestals and get another shot at Tyrrell. He went to the head of the stairway where he had ascended, called down to AVashburn, addressing him as he had done while at work under him in the U. S. Secret Service, said: "Chief we have the de'ils up here." Then calling to his men to come up, ^vhich w-as responded to by McDonald only, Tyrrell supposing that his whole force was supporting him, gave orders to sur- round the obelisk and capture them. A voice then came from behind one of the four pedestals adjoining the obelisk, "Tyrrell is that you." Tyrrell made no reply for the reason that one of the miscreants, Hughes, knew his voice, and he declined to exchange w^ords with him, and again called for his men to GO ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. come up. The same Toice once more came from behind the pedestal, "T^^rrell, for God's sake, answer, is that you shoot- ing us.?" It was then found that while Tyrrell was putting on his boots and ascending at the south end, McGinn and Hay had hastily examined the grounds as well as they could in the intense darkness, and ascended to the terrace at the- north end, and it was McGinn's voice that revealed the mis- take. They all then came down into Memorial Hall, uttering the exclamations previously recorded. It was after^vards learned that when Mullins and Hughes started Swegles off for his mythical team, agreeing to remain at the door of the catacomb until his return, they, too shrewd to remain at the door, lest some other parties might be looking for them, quietly withdrew about 110 feet northwest down the bluff to a small oak tree. [See map, at the point marked "Location of Thieves."] They were watching the door of the catacomb at the north front, when the officers came around the east sideof the monument from Mem oraial Hall. [Sof^ ground plan.] The thieves started to meet the officers, thinking it was vSwegles and his teamster, coming for the body, and were in the act of going to meet them quickly, when within twenty or thirty feet of the door, they discovered that instead of two. the (iim outhnes of four or five men were seen filing into the catacomb. That was entirely too many. The thieves halted, and assuming a listening attitude, soon learned that it was a party of officers hunting for them. In speaking to Swegles about it before they were captured, and consequently previous to their learning that ho had "given them away," they said that they thought it would be decidedly "more healthy for them to go the other way." Swegles liad some marvelous hairbi-eadth escapes to relate to them in order to retain their confidence, until he could decoy them into the hands of the officers. The robbers had 1inie to get out of the grounds of Oak Kidge Ct'metery, by way of the east gate, and were near the foot of the bluff, close to the north(M-n teruiiuus of Fifth Street Eailway, wlien the lii'ini^- look place on i lie nioniinient. One of tJM' conihietors on tlie I'il'lli Street Kiiilioad having just reached 1 he end of th.' ti-;i.k willi his car, in time to hear the filing, also heard a voice coming up from the dark- ness below, saying: "D n you, you cannot shoot us, you are not smart enough for that." At the same time the con- ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 61 ductor clistinctlj heard the strong- voice of Tjrrell, a quarter of a mile away, ordering his men to surround the obehsk and capture what he supposed were the thieves, but soon after found them to be his own men. When the officers had just emerged from ^Memorial Hall on the way to the catacomb, one of them, in cocking his revol- ver, accidentally let the hammer slip and explode the cap. Putting that with the failure to capture the robbers, the in- cident was readily caught up and turned into a charge that there was a traitor among the officers, who gave that as a signal to the thieves of approaching clanger. Tyrrell and those with him were exceedingly mortified at the termination of the affair, and at the time I shared the same feeling with them, although I Avas in no way responsible for the failure, and would not in any sense have been entitled to credit, if it had been a success. But I am now satisfied that it could not possibly have terminated as well in any other way. If Tyrrell had found them in the catacomb, entering the door as he did, they could and would have seen and shot him before he could have learned which one of the dark corners thej^ were in. The escape of all parties on the terrace, after leaving the catacomb, was most providential. Each party came so near being shot, as to feel the wind from the balls fired by the other side as they whistled by their faces. The report at the time that the firing took place among- the trees was a mis- take. It was all done on the terrace, sixteen feet from the ground. In his report of the affair to Chief Brooks, of the United States Secret service, Tyrrell speaks of it as ''One of the most unfortunate nights I have ever experienced, yet God protected us in doing right." Further on he says: "The encounter on the Lincoln JMonument will ever be remembered by me as an escape from death most miraculous, and I tha^nk God from the bottom of my heart." AVith all this there are men who affect to believe that the whole affair was a sham and a pretense. It appears so much smarter, and is so much easier to look wise and say it was a "put up job," than it would be to ascertain what is true, and give a fair statement of it. Whatever may have been done formerly, or may be doing now by private detectives, in the way of put up jobs, for the purpose of making ephem- 62 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. era! reputations and extorting money, the time lias long- since passed for that kind of work in the United States Secr^ Service. There is too much real work to be done. The most daring ambition in that direction may find an ample field in hunting for real criminals, and the wonder is that there are competent men wilhng to do it. It requires greater courage to be a ST^ccessful operative in the Secret Service of the United States, than to be a private soldier of the line. The soldier may go courageously through battle, amid the roaring of cannon, the rattling of musketry, and shouting of victorious numbers, who would quail in a single hand-to-hand conflict in the dark with a desperate criminal. The operative in the United States Secret Service requires all the courage of the private soldier, combined with the skill of the trained coni- mander. As evidence that many of them possess these quali- fications, we have only to call to mind the vast amount of work done by them among the moonshine distillers, in the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, and the laige number of deaths of the brave men accomphshing it. The street cars stopped running at ten o'clock, while all was yet in darkness, but soon after the tragedy the moon arose and the light struggling through the clouds enabled us to find our way back to the city. Washburn was lame from a sprained ankle, and unable to walk to town. The Avriter went over on the opposite hill to the residence of Wm. Biekes, the sexton of Oak Ridge Cemetery, and asked for a horse and spring wagon, telling him that one of the men was unable to Avalk, and we wanted it -to take him to the city. We arrived a little after eleven o'clock. We let the broken sarcophagus and the interior of the cata- comb remain as the robbers left it, with the exception of put- ting a new lock which I had in Memorial Hall, on the door, and gathering up the tools. Uarge numbers of people came out and saw the effect of their work, as it is shown in the broken sarc()i)hagus. As previously stated, on the afternoon of tlu'uiul]i, we liad workmen come out, push the coffin back in its place, put the nmrl)le together, cement the joints and leave all as the robbers found it on the niglit of Nov. 7th, and as it is restored, as will be seen by the engraving. It is a ivniarkal)lc ••oinridciKc thai ilic attempt to steal the remains of President Lincoln, should have occurred on the ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. G3 thirty-ninth anniversary of the assination of Kev. Ehjah P. Lovejoy, the first prominent martyr in the cause of abohsh- ing human slavery in the United States of America, which occurred at Alton, Illinois, about the same hour on the even- ing of Nov. 7, 1837. ]\Iany visitors have expressed surprise that the marble was not broken. Swegles explained that to the writer, when he was here the next May at the trial. He said they found no diflSculty in removing the extreme top piece, but when they attempted to remove the main lid, which projects over the sides, it Avas found that although the cement was broken, they could not turn it around. Mullins was in the act of striking upward with the axe, to break off the edges of the projecting marble, when Swegles caught his arm and reminded him that it Avas but a short distance to the residence of the sexton of the Cemetery; and that they might be heard and compelled to leave without accomplishing their object. He then proposed that they all join in removing it, Avhich they did by lifting until the fact Avas revealed that there Avere three copper dowels on each side. By lifting it above these dowels, they w^ere able to turn it across the sarcophagus, when they pushed it back against the wall, as shoAvn in the engraving, When Ave all Avent from the Monument into the city, some visited the telegraph and newspaper offices, and an account of the events of the evening was read next morning, not only in the papers of our own country, but in all other countries reached by the telegraph, producing a sensation Avhich for a time overshadowed the election neAvs. Tyrrell, Hay and Mc- Donald boarded the midnight train on the Chicago and Alton road for Chicago. Swegles Avent on the same train, but kept as much under cover as possible. Washburn and McGinn re- mained to examine the field next morning. There was some expectation that Hughes and Mullins Avould also go on the midnight train for Cnicago, but they Avere too shrewd for that. The next morning they called for breakfast at a farm house north of the Sangamon river, about seven miles north- east of Springfield, and after that disappeared for nearly ten days, Avhen SAvegles reported to Tyrrell that they Averev together at the "Hub," Mullins' drinking saloon 294 W>st Madison street, Chicago. A av arrant was procured and placed 64 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINX'OLN. in the hands of Dennis Simms, of the Chicago city police force. About eleven o'clock on the evening of Nov. 17, 1876, officers Simms, McGinn, Tyrrell and ex-Chief Washburn entered the "Hub,"' and at the same time captured both ]Mullins and Hughes, handcuffed them, drove to the Central police station and lodged them in prison. They were brought to Spring- field, arriving on the Chicago and Alton train, Saturday morning, Nov. 18th. They were visited at the county jail and identified by several persons, — the Custodian among them, — who had seen them while here on their ghoulish expedition. As previously intimated, it was so much easier to dispose of the whole question of the Lincoln tomb robbery by crying "put up job," on the part of the detectives, than to investi- gate the subject and obtain the facts, that charges of that kind were freely made, and rung on all the changes up and down the scale. They especially cliarged that the plot was gotten up in the interest of Elmer AVashburn, who had until a short time previous to that event been Chief of the United States Secret Service. A letter from Hon. Leonard Swett, in the Chicago Tribune of Nov. 23, 1876, very empliatically re- futes that charge, and I think in justice to him tliat it should form a part of this history. The letter is as follows: Chicago, Nov. 22 (1876). — As in imalions have been m:\<]n in tlio daily papoj's that the arrest of l he parties charged with desecrating tin' idinb of Abraham Lin- cohi was fraudulent, and induci^d by Elmer AVashburn, and as the facts of his con- nection with the case are knowai to me, and based upon my request, I consider it my duty, in justice to hiin, and without his knowledge or solicitation, to state what T know in ref(u-ence to the facts involved. One day during the Sullivan trial, a lawyer came to me manif(>sting great earnestness, and said a client of liis had revealed to him the fact that a plan was on foot to steal the Ijody of Abraham Lincoln. I do not consider it prop(>r to state anything more in n.'ferenc.e to this plan or its objcx-ts. than to sa\- that it had no connection with politics, but was simply crime, and to accoiu[illsh ciiiiiinal and mercenaiy ends. I asked permissicm to state the facts to Eobert Lincoln, and upon consultation with him wrote to Joiin T. Stuart, of Springfield, w o had been pionuMi'ntly con- nected with the Lincoln Monument Association, stating simply what I had heard, and expressed no opinion upon the facts, but s\iggest(>d that perhaps the slightest intimati the attempt, and therefore, upon the belief that the ofiicers themselves would catch Uk! partii'S in the act, it was thouglit b(>st to let them doit. 1 therefore wrote to Mr. Stuart again, ti'lliug hiiu (hat the plan had been matured to catch the pei'petrators in the act, but while this was promised, and in deference ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OP LINCOLN. 65 to it our precautions sliould be secret, still they should be so effectual as to leave no danger of the success of the thieves. Some ten days elapsed, the details of which I purposely omit, but the result was that the parties got ready and selected election night, because public attention would then be absorbed. Up to this time, all I had done was at the requt-st of Kobert Lincoln, to induce the precautions at Springfield above stated. He also asked me, as he did not wish to act in the matter, to do anything I might consider prudent and proper. He came to me the day of the night the parties were going, and said he was fearful generally about what would be done, and the result, and I suggested, as Elmer Washburn was in town, and I placed full reliance both in his discretion and integ- rity, that we should consult him generally on the situation. That afternoon Mr. Washburn was consulted by Kobert, but I was not able to be present, and that night after th's consultation, Mr. Washburn informed me that the pai-ties had gone to Springfield on the evening train. This was the first informa- tion I had t at they were going at a definite time, or that they had gone. If I had known certainly that they were going, I should have procured Washburn to follow them at once, but then it was too late. I begged Washburn to go do-rni the next morning, but he expressed reluctance because he had no authority, and it might seem Uke interfering. I told him I was authorized by Kobert to act, and urged him in every way I could to go to Spring- field on the morning train. He finally promised that, after voting at the Twenty- second Street Station, he would then take the Chicago and Alton train if he could, and if he failed he would report to me, and I said I would get a special engine for him. After leaving him I became fearful, that in thinking the matter over his disin- clination to interfere might finally prevail, and I went to Twenty-second street station a few minutes after the polls opened and waited until nine, for the purpose of placing in his hands a written request on behalf of Kobert and myself for him to take charge of the matter in connection with Mr. Tyrrell. Missing him there, as he, in fact, voted near the Palmer House, I went to Koberts' house, and after becoming satisfied that he had gone on the nine o'clock train, we telegraphed him at Bloomington, en route, to take charge of the matter, and we would back him in whatever he might do. The object of this was that he might feel authorized to act, as far as we could authorize him. That night Washburn telegraphed me that the parties had escaped, but although temporarily baffled, he and Mr. Tyrrell worked with skill and caution, and finally caught the men. Nobody in connection with this whole matter has been tiying to make any money or affix any conditions to their work, or in any way secure any compensation. The only money that has been paid out is a matter of $2.00 per day to some pai-ties connected with the case who are poor and could not give their time without com- pensation. The conduct of the officers has been such as would meet with the approval of all, provided they knew the facts involved. The arrests having been made, I employed the Hon. Charles H. Keed to go to Springfield to take charge of the prosecution. I did this because I thought my feelings might misguide me, and I knew him to be one of the best prosecutors in the country. When all the facts are known, the gentlemen I have named will be entitled to, and doubtless will receive, the thanks of all who loved Mr. Lincoln and who wish that his ashes may rest in peace. Yours truly, Leonabd Swett. 66 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. The capture of these miscreants brought about a remarka- ble revelation. The reader will remember that James- B. Kinealj, who originated in St. Louis the first plot to rob the tomb of Lincoln, put it into the hands of .a go-between, or messenger between himself and his band of coney men at the town of Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois, to carry into execu- tion. The messenger selecting four others, they five came to Springfield, and when all things Avere about read3^ to consum- mate their designs, the drunkenness of one of their number exploded the scheme, and Kinealy went under cover, and was seen no more by officeas until after the arrest of Hughes and Mullins, when it was found that he was partner with Mullins in the "Hub" saloon. He was the party from St. Louis men- tioned by Swegles in his reports to Tyrrell of his first inter- views with the conspirators. The officers then having nO' charge against Kinealy, he was left there. His good fortune or natural shrewdness seems afterward to have forsaken him. He was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, April 14, 1880, for dealing and having in his possession counterfeit flO U. S. Treasury notes, and Nov. 18, 1882, he plead guilty in the U. S. District Court in St. Louis, and was sentenced to serve one year in Chester, Illinois, penitentiary, and he served that term. At that time there was not a law on the statute books of Illinois that made it a penitentiary offense to rob a grave or in any way steal a dead body. A law was enacted and ap- proved May 21, 1879, which came in force July first of the same year, under which a party convicted of that offense is subject to a iienalty of not less than one nor more than ten years in the penitentiary. In oi-der to iufiict auytliiiig like an adequate penalty, these men had to be ti-ied for soniethiug' more than an attempt to steal the remains of Presidt^it Lin- coln. The circuit court of Saugaiiioii coniily was in session at the time they Avere ca])tured, but its gi-and jury foi- that term had ti-ansacted all the business that came before it, and lind Im'cu discharged. This case was so shocking to the finer feelings of hnmanily Hiat it was thought by the court to be of suflicient ini])()rtance to summon a special grand jury, to proceed wiili the case at once, and it was accordingly done. I shall not attempt to give a detailed i-eport of the evidence and pleadings on the subject. I think it will be reasonably ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 67 satisfactory to the public to give a transcript from the records of the court, certified in due form, which I here proceed to lay before the reader. DIVISION FIFTH. Grand Juiy of Sangamon County find a True Bill of Indictment against the Ttiieves— Their Trial and Conviction in Springfield— Their Eemoval to the Penitentiaiy at JoUet. State of Illinois, } SANUAilON COUXTY. )' ®^' In Circuit Court— November Special Term, A. D. 1876. Pleas, before the Honorable Charles S. Zane, one of the Judges of the Nine- teenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, and sole presiding Judge of the- Circuit Court of Sangamon county, in the State aforesaid, and at a special term thereof, begun and held at the Court House, in the city of Springfield, in said county, on tlie thirteenth day, bemg the twentieth day of November, in the year- of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, and of the independence of the said United States the one hundred and first. Present— Honorable Charles S. Zane, Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of lUinois; James A. Winston, Clerk; E. H. Hazhtt, State's Attorney; L. H. Ticknor, Sheriff. [Attest.] E. E. EOBEETS, Clerk. Thereafter, to-wit, on the twentieth day of November, A. D. 1876, the same being- one of the term days of the special November term, A. D. 1876, the following pro- ceedings were had and entered of record, to-wit: And now comes the Sheriff of Sangamon county and returns into open court the names of the persons summoned by him according to law, and the special venire issued by the clerk in obedience to the order of the court, this day entered of re- cord, to sen-e as a special Grand Jury at the present term, to-wit: William C. Greenwood, Henson Eobinson, John O. Eames, D. W. Peden, Val B. Hummel, William Chamberlain, Ninian W. Taylor, Edward R. Pirkins, William H. Holland, B. F. Fox, Edward R. Roberts, George N. Black, John W. Chenery, G. A. Van Duyn, O. F. Stebbins, A. M. Sims, James M. Garland, Joel B. Brown, Charles A. Hehnle, Samuel Haines, E. W. Diller, Thomas C. Jewell and S. Cook Hampton; who are now called and all answer to their names. Thereupon the Court appointed E. W. Diller as Foreman of said Grand Jury, and the said Foreman and said Grand Jury being first duly swom, according to law, as a grand inque.st for the People of the State of Illinois, to inquire for the body of the county of Sangamon, ai-e then by the State's Attorney charged toucliing their duties, and retire to consider of their presentments, in charge of an officer of the court, who for that purpose was dulv swom. G8 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. And on the same day and date last aforesaid, the foUowing further proceedings were had and entered of record, to-wit: And now comes the Grand Jury into open court, and presents the foUowing bill of indictment, endorsed as follows, which, by order of court, is filed, the case docketed, and said indictment spread at large upon the records: The People of the State of Ilhnois, ) Indictment for attempt to com- vs. I" mit lai'ceuy. TeiTence Mullen ahas, and Jack Hughes anas. ) A TRUE BILL. E. W. DiiiLEK, Foreman of the Grand Jury. WITNESSES. Tho<^ C Smith, Elmer Washburn, Patrick D. Tyrrell, Lewis C. Swegles, John C. McGmn Peter Engel, John C. Power. Additional witnesses, on the other side \\iIliam'Bickes,Geo. Hay, Wm. Neely, 0. M. Hatch, Geo. H. Harlow John W. Bunn, WiUiam Jayne, Fred. Schlitt, Geo. P. English, John T. Stuait, 0. H. aimer. Siiid indictment is m the words and ligm-es foUowing, to-wit : State of Lllinoi-;, ) gg SaKGAMON COU.NTY. J ■ , TN iQTc Of tlie November special term of said Sangamon county, A. D., 1876. The Grand Jurors chosen, selected and sworn in and for said Sangamon county, in said State of Illinois, in the name and by the authority of the People of said State of Illinois, upon their oaths present, That Ten-ance Mullen ahas T. Duman, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, on the seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousaii.l eight hundred iuid seventy-six, m said county and State, did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to steal take and caj-ry away certam- personal property, to-wit: One casket, otherwise called a coffin, of the value of seventy-five doUai-s, the personal goods and property of the National Lincoln Monument Association, the said Lincoln Monument Asso- <-iation being then and there a corporation organized under and by vutue of the laws of the State of Illinois, contrary to the statutes and against the peaxje and dignity- of the People of the State of lUhiois. ^^^^^^^ ^ Hazi^ett, Filed Nov. 20, 1876. states AtU)riiey. James A. Winston, Clerk. . And now comes again the Grand Jur>- in open court, and presents the following bill of indictment, endorsed as follows, which by order of the court is liled, the case docketed, and indictment spread upon the records. The Peopl(> of Illinois ) . , /^ • \.^ '- Indictment for Conspiracy. TeiTcncc MuUiu alius, aii' away, certain personal goods and property, to wit: the said casket, othei-wise called a coffin, of the value of seventy-five dollars, the personal goods and prop- erty of the National Lincoln Monument Association, the said Association bein«- then and there organized under the laws of said State of Illinois, contrarj^ to stat- utes, and against the peace and dignity of the said People of the State of Illinois. EOBEKT H. HaZLITT, Filed Nov. 20, 1876. State's Attorney. Jajies a. Winston, Clerk. The People, Plaintiff, ^ vs. [- Attempt at larceny. Terrence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias. Defendants. ) Upon motion of the State's Attorney, the defendants bail is fixed at six thous- and dollars each, and this cause is continued. *This is a mistake, they never got the remains out of the coffin, nor the coffin out of the sarcophagus. Se. cut of the sarcophagus as the thieves left it. 70 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. The People, Plaintiff, ) vs. V Conspiracy. TeiTence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias, Defendants. ) Upon motion of the State's Attorney, the defendants' bail is fixed at four thou- sand dollars each, and this cause is continued. Thereafter, to wit, on the 14th day of March, A. D. 1ST7, the same being one of the tei-m days of the February Term, A. D. 1877, of said court, the following further proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: The People, Plaintiff, ) vs. - Attempt to commit larceny. Terrence ]Mullen and John Hughes, Defendants. ) And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants in proper person and by counsel, and leave is given State's attorney to endorse names of John Dixon, Thomas Keagle, T. J. Shai-p and WiUiam Beertsall, as witnesses for the prosecu- tion. And upon motion of defendants' attorney, it is ordered that the venue in this cause be, and it is hereby changed to the county of Logan, State of Illinois, and that the clerk make up and ti-ansmit to the clerk of the Logan County Circuit Court, a ti-anscript of the record, and original papers herein. The People, Plaintiff, ) vs. r Conspiracy. Terrence Mullen and John Hughes, alias, Defendants. ) And now comers the State's attorney, and the defendants in proper person and by counsel, and leave is given State's attorney to endorse the names of John Dixon, Thomas Keagle, T. J. Sharp and William Beertsall, on the indictment herein, as witnesses for the prosecution, and upon motion of defendants' attorney, and petition filed, it is ordered that the venue in this cause b<% and it is hereby changed to the countj' of Logan and State of lUinois, and that the clerk make up and transmit to the clerk of the Logan County Circuit Court a transcript of the record, and original papers herein. Thereafter, to-wit, on the 17th day of March, A. D. 1877, the same being one of the term da^s of the February tenn A. D. 1877, of said couii, th(> foUowing further proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: The People, Pliiinl iff, ) vs. > Attempt to commit larceny. Terrence Mullen and John Hughes, alias. Defendants. ) And now comes the State's attorney and the def(mdants in proper 'pei-son, and upon their motion the order changing the venue of this cause of Logan countv, Illinois, is set aside, and the defendants bail is U.\ed at thirty-five hundred dollars each, and tliis cause is continued. The People, Plaintiffs, ) vs. ,- Conspiracy. Terrence Mullen and John Hughes, alias. Defendants. ) And now comes the State's attorney, and the defendants in inopcM- person, and upon their motion the order clianging the venue of this cause to Logan county, Illinois, is set aside, and tii(^ defi'udants' l)ail is li.xed at three thousand dollars each,- and this cause is continueii. TlKM-eafter, to-wit, on the '28tli day <>f :\l:iy, .\. D. Is77, the snnic Ining oik; of the term days of the May term, A. D. 1877, of said court, the following further proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 71 The People, Plaintiffs, ) vs. ^ Conspiracy. Terrence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias, Defendants. ) And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants, each in proper person, and by counsel, and file their affidavit and enter their motion for a continuance herein, (said affidavit is in the words and figures following, to-wit): State of Illinois, } .Sangamon County. [ In the Circuit Court— May Term, A. D. 1877. The People, ) vs. > Conspiracy. Terrence Mullen and John Hughes. ) Ten-ence Mullen and John Hughes, after fii'st being duly sworn, on oath say, that they are the defendants in the above entitled cause, and that they cannot safely proceed to trial at the present term of this honorable court, on account of the absence of A. F. Ej'an, T. C. Lati'e, Henry Hughes, Daniel Hughes, Michael Hickey, Dennis Simmons, Davis (a policeman), Patrick Carlisle, Bridget Lewis, Frank "Wilder, E. C. Bennett, James Shaw, James Carroll, Herbert Nelson, John P. Barnes, Boyington, of Boyington & Murphy, James Caroney, James C. Clare, Peter Carey, John Murphy, Joseph Shultz, Frank Hatch, James B. Kennedy, who are material witnesses for affiants on the ti-ial of the above entitled cause. And affiants further say that they are informed that the witnesses for the prose- cution in this case will swear that the alleged conspiracy was concocted and en- tered into on the night of the 5th day of November last, at the house of one Sweg- les, at about the hour of 9 P. M. of said day, and that certain plans to rob the tomb of Abraham Lincoln were formed at that time, and which were afterwai'ds carried out at Springfield, Illinois, the affiants being there present, and taking pai-t in said plans. Affiants expect to prove by said Patrick Eyan, James Carroll and James Ken- nedy, that affiants were not at any meeting at Swegles' house, or with the said Swegles on the said night, and that they did not take part on said night in any meeting with the said Swegles, or any one else, for the purpose or in connection with any conspiracy to rob the tomb of said Lincoln, but that they were with the said witnesses during all of said night until twelve o'clock of said night, and that affiants nor either of them saw or spoke to the said Swegles on the night in ques- tion. Tliat said witnesses above named reside in the county of Cook, State of Illinois, except Daniel and Heniy Hughes, who live in Iroquois county, in this State. Affiants expect to prove by said Frank Hatch and Thomas McMann, that the said Swegles, about one year before the 7th day of last November, proposed to them to assist him in robbing the said tomb, and then stated to tliem that he was going to form a conspiracy to rob said tomb, and wanted them to take a part therein. Affiants expect to prove by said Shaw, that said Swegles has been convicted of an infamous crime, and was confined for said offeuse in the State penitentiary of Wisconsin. Affiants expect to prove hj said Bennett, that they did not come to. Springfield on the 7th day of November, to rob said tomb, but came here on lawful business. Alfiants expect to prove by Bridget Lewis that the said Swegles offered her in consideration of two thousand dollars to be paid him, to secure the discharged an 72 ATTEMPT TO STEAL, THE BODY OF LINCOLN. acquittal of these affiants of this charge, and to furnish evidence to show that this prosecution was concocted by one Tyirell, a witness in tliis case. ^ AlTiants expect to prove by the remainder of witnesses above named that they, the affiants, liave hitherto a good reputation for honesty in the city of Chicago, where they hved previous to the finding of this indictment, and that Tyrrell and Swegles, the principal witnesses in this case, are unworthy of belief. That on the day this cause was set for trial, affiants caused subpoenas, directed to the sheriff of Cook county, to be issued for said witnesses, except Kennedy, who promised affiants to attend as a witness in this cause, without subpoena. That they put said subpoenas in the hands of Bridget Lewis, and sent her to Chicago on the first train after said cause was so set down for trial, with directions to put the same in the hands of the sheriff of Cook county as soon as she ai'rived in Chicago, and use her utmost endeavors to have the same served. That they ai-e informed and beUeve that the said Bridget Lewis has followed their directions, and that some of said witnesses have been served; but the sheriff of Cook county has not yet returned any of said subpoenas. That affiants know of no other witnesses by whom they can prove the facts above set forth. And affiants say they are not guilty of the crime charged in said indictment, and if they can procure the attendance of said witnesses, they can make their inno- cence appear beyond all question. That this application is not made for delay, but that justice may be done. Affiants further say that they gave said subpwnas to said Bridget Lewis, because they beUeved she would give the matter her personal and earnest attention, and would see that each of said witnesses were found and served. That the said Bridget Lewis promised to pay the fare of each of said witnesses as were unable to pay their way to this city. John Hughes, T. jMULLEN. Subscribed and sworn to before me by John Hughes and T. :\Iullen, this -iSth day of May, A. D. 1877. Jamks A. Winston, Clerk. And said motion and affidavit of defendants being now submitted and heard, and duly considered by the court, as well as the admission of the State's attorney herein that the conspiracy alleged in said indictment was not formed at the house of Lewis C. Swegles, on the 5th day of November. A. D. 1876, or on the night of the 5th day of November, A. D. 1876, upon which admission, and the court being fully advised, said motion for a continuance of this cause is oveiTuled and denied. To which decision of the court in overruling ami denying their motion for a con- tinuance, said defendants, by their counsel, then anil there excepted. And upon motion of the State's attorney, it is ordered that a special venire issue, directed to and commanding the sheriff to summon twenty-four good and lawful men to sei-\'e as p.-tit jurors at the trial of this cause on to-morrow morning. Thereafter, to-wit, on May 2!)th, A. D. 1877, the same being one of the term days of the May Tcnn, A D. 1877, of said court, the following further proceedings were had and entered of record, to-wit: Tiie People, riaiiltiff, 1 ^^' , , , ,, , .• T c -.1 '■ Consniracv. Terrene.- Mullen, alias T. Durnan. and .Inlm liugli<'s, alias J. Smith, i Dei'endants. I And now on this day come again tiie State's attorn(>y, ami the (i.'I'endants, each in proper person a;-i well as by counsel, ami upon inolion of the State's attorney,. . ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 7^ it is ordered that one additional venire issue, directed to and commandintj the sheriff to summon twenty-four good and lawful men, to serve as petit jurors upon the trial of this cause, on the instant. And the said defendants, Terrence Mullen alias T. Dunian, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, being brought to the bar of this court to answer unto the charge presented against them in the indictment herein. They having been furnished with a copy thereof, a list of the prosecuting witnesses and a list of the regular panel of jurors in attendance at the present week of this term, and said defend- ants being now arraigned for trial, and interrogated as to their guilt or innocence, for plea, each say they are not guilty, in manner and form as charged in the in- dictment, and issue being joined to try the guilt or innocence of the accused, then came by order of court and call of the clerk, a juiy of twelve men as follows: L. V. Johnson, Samuel Hammons, John Curran, Frank B. Eyan, Miles Gran well, J. H. Barrett, Archie Maxwell, Hobart T. Ives, D. M. Hamhn, Isaac Wallace, Thomas C. Jewell and Edward lies, who were selected, tried and sworn, well and truly ta tiy the issue joined and tnie verdict render according to the law and the evidence, and hearing the evidence in this cause having occupied the time of the court until the hour of the adjournment, the said juiy are placed in charge of an officer of the court, who for that purpose is first duly sworn, and the cause is continued until to- moiTow morning. Thereafter, to-wit, on the 30th day of May, A. D. 1877, the following proceed- ings were had in said court, and entered of record, to-wit: The People, Plaintiff, \ vs. - Conspiracy, TeiTence Mullen alias, and Jolni Hughes alias. Defendants. ) And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants in proper person as well as by counsel, and also the jury heretofore empanneled and sworn herein, and on motion of State's Attorney leave is given him to endorse the names of Charles Elkin and John Hannson on the indictment as Avitnesses for the People. And hearing the evidence in this cause having occupied the time of the Court until its adjournment, the said jury are placed in charge of officers of the Court who, for that purpose, are fii-stduly sworn, and the case is continued until to-morrow morn- ing. Thereafter, to-wit, on the 31st day of May, A. D. 1877, the following further proceedings were had in said court, and entered of record, to-wit: The People, Plaintiff, ^ TeiTence Mullen ahas T. Duman, and John Hughes aUas J. Smith, ( Conspu-acy, Defendants. j And now comes again the State's attorney, and the defendants, Ten-ance Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias, as well as the jury heretofore empanneled and sworn herein, and said jury having now heard the evidence, arguments of counsel, and receiving the instructions of the Court, retired in charge of the officers of the Court, who for that purpose were first duly sworn to consider of their verdict, and said jury having deliberated and agreed, were by said officers again brought into open Court and for their verdict say: "We the jury find the defendants guilty as. charged in the indictment, and fix the term of their confinement in the penitentiary at one year each. —5 -74 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. Thereupon the defendants by their attorneys entered their motion in arrest of iudement, and for a new trial of this cause. -■ ■ Therejifter to-wit, on the 2d day of June, A. D. 1877, the same being one of the term days of the May term, A. D. 1877, of said court, tiie following fuither proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: The People, Plaintiff, ] vs- , ,. T c! -j-i !' Conspiracy. Terrence Mullen ahas T. Durnan, and John Hughes alias J. bmitn. Defendants. ' \nd now again comes the State's Attorney and the defendants, Terrence Mullen villas T. Dunian, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, in proper person and by counsel also came, and the couit now hearing the motion in arrest of judgment, and for a new trial of this cause, and the defendants having nothing further to say, said motion is overniled and denied. „ , . m Therefore, it is ordered and adjudged by the Court that the defendants, Terrence Mullen alias T. Dm-nan, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, be confined mthe peni- tentiaiT of the State of Illinois at Joliet, for the tenn of one year each, one day of which is to be in solitaiT confinement, and the balance at har.l labor, and that thev pay the costs of this prosecution, and that fee bill execution issue thereior. It i« fuither ordered that the Sheriff of Sangamon county convey the bodies of said defendants to the penitentiary aforesaid, and deliver them to the proper offi- cers in chai-ge thereof. State of iLiiiNOis, \ ^^ Sangamon County. ^ I E R Roberts, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Sangamon County, in the State aforesaid and keeper of the records and files of said Court, do hereby certify the above and foregoing to be true, perfect and complete copy of the proceedings of said court, in a certain cause in said Court, on the criminal side thereof, wherein the People of the State of Illinois are plaintiffs, and Terrence Mullen alias and John Hughes alias, are defendants, as the same appear from the records and hies of said Court now in my office remaining. , , , , In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of [SEAi..] said Court, at Springfield, this 3Gth day of August, A. D. 1884^ *■ ■■ E. K. EOBEKTS, Clerk. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 75 DIVISION SIXTH. Precautions to Protect the Remains from further Attempts at Eobbery— The Lin- coln Guai-d of Honor— The Custodian Warned of Danger— The Body Identi- fied Twenty-ts\^o years after Death— Final Burial— Custodian's Eistorical and Descriptive Statements to Visitors— The Eemains now Absolutely Safe. Having- disposed of the thieves, we will return to the re- mains of Mr. Lincoln. The following historical statement properly belongs to the Eighth Memorial Service, held by The Lincoln Guard of Honor, because a synopsis of it was read as part of that service by one of our members, but it is more in harmony with the design of this work, to have the account of our labors in guarding the body of Lincoln, immediately follow the history of the attempt to steal it. It is a matter of history that after the funeral journey of nearly seventeen hundred miles, through hundreds of towns and cities, traveling night and day, from Washing-ton City to Springfield, Illinois, the body of President Lincoln was de- posited in the public receiving vault in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Thursday, May 4, 1865. One week from that day, May 11, 1865, the National Lin- coln Monument Association was organized for the purpose of erecting a monument to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States of America. Their first work was to build a temporary vault (see map of Monument grounds) on the grounds secured for the monu- ment, and about seventy-five yards from the receiving tomb in a southeast direction, and half-way up the slope of the bluff. The bod}^ was removed to that vault December 21, 1865. "In process of transferring the remains, the box containing the coffin was opened, in order that the features of the de- ceased might be seen and identified; and six of his personal 7G ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. acquaintaTices— R. J. Oglesby, O. H. :\riner, Jesse K. Dubois, Newton Bateman, O. M. Hatch and D. L. Phillips— tiled -a written statement with the Secretary of the Association that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln." The :\Ionnment was so far advanced that the remains of Thomas Lincoln, a son of President Lincoln, who died in Chi- cago, July 15, 1871, were brought to Springfteld, and depos- ited in the crypt at the extreme west, on the 17th of the month; and the remains of the President and his two sons, AMlliam and Edward, were removed from the temporary vault, September 19, 1871, and deposited in the :\Ionument. The six personal friends of ]Mr. Lincoln, who identified his re-^ mains on the occasion of their being deposited in the tempo- rary vault, again viewed them, and again certified in Avriting that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln. Both papers are on file with the Secretary of the National Lincoln Monument Association, the evidence of identity is thus far unbroken. Preparatory to moving the body from Ihe vault to the monument, in 1871, it was taken out of the original cofiin because the lead lining was broken, and put in one made of iron. AVhen the sarcophagus was made, it was found that the iron cofiin with the lid projecting over the ends, was too long to go into it. Then the cofiin of i-ed cedar was made, and heavily lined with lead, to which the body was trans- ferred on the ninth of October, 1874. Hon. D. L. Phillips, —since deceased,— a member of the National Lincoln Monu- ment Association, was present. There w^as no formal record made of the identity of the body, but ^Iv. Phillips. Thomas C. Smith, the undertaker, and Col. Babcock, wlio put the lead lining in the cofiin, all distinctly recognized the features as- those of Abraham Lincoln. When the thieves visited the National Liiicohi .MoiimiKMit, on llie evening of November 7, 1876, for the jiurpose of steal- ing the body of President Lincoln, concealing and holding it until they could extort a i-ansom of two hundred lliousand nnds. The ("nstodinn relieved Air. Johnston from further assisting him, and undertook to bury ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 7D it aloue. It was a most villainous atmosphere to breathe For m the original construction there was no provision made for ventilation. Pieces of scantling and plank left in there when the monument was enclosed not more than seven or eight years before, were so completely decayed that it could be crumbled to dust between the fingers. The Custodian spent many hours and half hours digging, and when he would hear step.s on the terrace overhead woufd extinguish lights, go out, give whatever attention might be required from visitors, and return to the work, for he had not then any assistant, and it would not do to trust a chance laborer he might have on the grounds. The entire locality proved to have been saturated with water from leakage in the terrace, and without the slightest opportunity for ventil- ation. With the increasing depth it grew worse, and the terrace was leaking at every rain. The Custodian reported the situation to Mr. Stuart, who suggested that the coffin be permitted to remain on the timbers where it was, and covered with plank, which was done. That was in the latter part of November, or early in December, 1876. The Custodian re- garded that as only a temporary disposal of the matter, and fully expected to have further orders with reference to it in a short time. The following from the only two members of the Executive Committee now hving, and from the man employed to do the work, speaks for itself: "We, whose names are hereunto annexed, do hereby certify that the parts we each individually acted in the removal of the remains of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, for the purpose of securing greater safety, are truly set forth in the preceding statement. "John Williams, "Jacob Bunn, '^Executive Committee. "A. Johnston." During the summer and autumn of 1877, the infantry and naval groups of statuary were placed on the monument. The mian who superintended that work was employed to take down and rebuild the outer walls at the southeast corner of the terrace, and at some other points. In doing the latter work it was necessary for him to go inside, under the terrace, 80 ATTEMPT TO STEAI^ THE BODY OF LINCOLN. near where the coffin la3\ The Custodian had in his own employ, temporarily, with the consent of the Executive Com- mittee, a man to assist him part of each day, in order that he might complete some literary work commenced before he took charge of the Monument. He furnished this assistant with a key to the back door of Memorial Hall, that the superintend- ent of the work might be adirjitted during his absence. He knew that those two men Avoukl be almost certain to discover the coffin, and he did not thiuk it would be prudent to let them do so accidentally. After appealing to their honor, and receiving a pledge of secrecy from each, in a way that one with the smallest particle of manhood would have respected if it had cost him his right arm, the Custodian took them to it. In less than fort.y-eight hours he heard enough, through them, down in the city, to convince him that his confideuce had been betrayed by each of them in a half-su])pressed way. In utter mortification and chagrin, he reported the facts to Maj. John T. Stuart, and asked for instructions. Mr. Stuart said that the weather was so hot and the atmosphere in there was so bad that it would be impossible for the members of the Association, all elderly meu, to do anything then, and there were no instructions given. The Custodian thought it better to ignore the treachery of the man assisting him than to openly charge him with it, and thereby make it moi'e ])ublic. rerha])s it is owing to that fact that it never fonnd its \vay into the newspapers from that source. The body of the great merchant, A. T. Stewart, of New York city was stolen fi-om its toml), between nine o'clock on the evening of November six, and dayliglit on the morning of November seventh, 1878; within twcnty-foui- lioiirs of two years fi-om the time the atiem])t had been made to ca])1ui'e the ivmains of President Lineohi. On hearing the news of the success of Hie tliieves in the Stewart case, all niiiids iii\-olnii- tarily turned to the tomb of liincolii, and tlu^ ipiestion came from eveiy tongue, is the Ixxly of Lincoln safe? Will there be anotliei- aUem])t to steal i1? On the iii-s1 day of Xov(Mnber, INTO, the evidence came to th<' Cuslodiaii unsought, thai beyond a doubt llie man who, while acting as his assistant, had so slia niel'ullv hetrax'ed the seci'et as to whei-e the i-eniains of President ivincolu W(>r(^ con- cealed, had been systemalically stealing, InAh of the funds ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 81 ■collected for the admittance of visitors, and of what he had received from sales of books and pictures for the Custodian. Instead of dismissing him in a summary manner, the Custo- dian was quietly arranging his business so as to do without an assistant, and was nearly ready when the news came that the body of A. T. Stewart had been stolen and held for a Tansom; and this villain was still in possession of the secret with regard to Lincoln's body, for there had not been any change in the situation. His feelings may be imagined. There was one man only to whom he felt at liberty to speak on the subject, Hon. John T. Stuart. When he was unable longer to bear the suspense, he went to Mr. Stuart and laid the facts before him, and implored him to do something, ex- pecting that he would summon the other members of the ex- ecutive committee, and a suflBcient number of the members of the Monument Association, to make all safe. Mr. Stuart reminded the Custodian of that which he already knew, namely: that what Mr. Stuart had done before in the first removal of the body, had disabled him and made it difficult for him to get about for months; and that the other members of the Association were many of them nearly as old as himself. Mr. Stuart then placed the entire responsibility in his hands, by saying that he must select men whom he could trust, and Tiave them assist in making all secure. The Custodian had before that sustained such relations to Major Gustavus S. Dana and Gen. Jasper N. Reece, as suggested to his mind that they were the right ones to begin with; he immediately called upon them and made a statement of the situation. The three at once invited Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson and James F. McNeill to join them. All six agreed to meet at the corner of Monroe and Fifth streets at eight o'clock that evening, and take the Fifth street cars for the Monument. The Custodian had made all necessary preparations in the way of lamps, spades, shovels, rollers, and a sufficient quan- tity of two-inch plank to bridge the chasms between the foun- dation walls, which were in some places from three to five feet deep, though they are now all filled up to a level with the ground outside. They moved the coffin with its contents to the point marked B, in the ground plan, dug a receptacle of sufficient depth to receive the coffin and box, and admit of several inches of earth over all. The cramped space in which 82 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. the work was done, and the bad atmosphere, made it very laborious. It was about twelve o'clock, midnight, when<\ve got the coffin and box in the receptacle, and all were so tired, that the Custodian volunteered to relieve the others by agree- ing that the next morning he Avould fill up the cabvity, and remove all traces of their work. AVhen Mr. Dana returned to his store, very late that night, he made a hasty diagram of the spot where the body was, and its surroundings, and wrote the following: "Sprlxgfield, III., Nov. 18, 1878. ''Bj request of the Custodian, J. C. Power, and in view of the late stealing of the remains of A. T. Stewart, now held for a reward, and the attempted stealing of the remains of our honored late Commander-in-Chief, J. C. Power, Jasper N. Reece, Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, James F. Mc- Neill and myself, did this night remove the remains of Abra- ham Lincoln from the place they had been secreted since the attempt to steal them, to a place of greater safety, and buried them about six inches deeper than the de]3th of the case. They were taken from the place marked A and buried at the place marked B, ground plan. This memorandum is made by me at the suggestion of one of our number, that if we were all taken away no one would know where the re- mains were, and some one opening the sarcophagus and find- ing it vacant, might i-aise a hue and cry that this would avoid. If this comes into the hands of anv person other than one of those named above, let that person consider it as sacred as thv)ngh the secret had been confided to him pur- posely, and at once place it in the hands of one of those above named, commencing with the first and follow lliiough the list, but if all are dead, place it in tlu* liands of the Gov^- ernor of the State of Illinois." "GusTAVUS S. Daxa." The names of those ]\Ir. Dana, wished it delivered to were written on the back of the euvelo])e in the following order: J. C. Power, J. N. Reece, J. P. ijiiille.v. !■>. S. Johnson and J. F. ]\r('Xeill. Mr. Dniia sealed the |)aekage and ]uit it in his safe. The iiioi-ning ot" .XoncimIxm- 1'.), ISTS, found the cWy ovei-- ilowing with \isitors, to 1 he iinnd)er of se\'en hnndred dele- galos, and visiting brethren, making a total of at least one ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 83 thousand in attendance on the IlHnois State Grand Lod-e of Odd FelloAvs, which was to convene that morning in the lapitol. Tlie Custodian found them in lar-e numbers at the monument earlj in the morning- waiting for admittance. Not havmg any person to take the place of his treacherous assis- tant, he could not give any attention to his mail matter That day, the 20th and 21st of tlie month, he was almost overwhelmed ^^•ith visitors from daylight until dark. Amono- his letters he received a postal card on the morning of the 21st, and thrust all into an outside pocket. After a most laborious day at the monument, until it was too late to show visitors around, he went down into the city, two miles, by street car, attended to some business matters, and returned home, near the monument, exceedingly tired. As the lastthino- before retiring, he commenced a hasty look at his mail mat"! ter which had accuujulated. His surprise mav be imagined when on looking at the card he had thrust with other mat- ter, unread, in his pocket in the morning, he found it post- marked "Chicago, Nov. 18-11 A. M.," and addressed, "J. C. Power, Esq., Custodian Lincoln Monument, Springfield, Illi- nois." On the other side was the message: "Be careful. Do not be alone, particularly Thursda\- ni<>ht Nov. 21st. - ^ >=, y "Nov. 18, '78. (> r. This was the night, and it was now 10 o'clock. It was quite dark, and he had been out all the evening. If there w^as any danger, he had already unconsciously taken the risk, with the warning in his pocket. It was a physical impossi- bility for him to do anything that night. He thought of the cavity with Lincoln's coffined remains in it uncovered, for he had been uttei-ly unable to so much as go in where it was. But little sleep came to his eyes that night. With the dawn of the morning he Avas at the monument. All was safe He breathed more freely. Is there real danger? Is there another scheme to capture the remains of Lincoln? Or is some one trying to play a joke he can never enjoy excejit in silence? These were some of the questions that naturally pre- sented themselves. He has never had a solution of them, and never expects to. Having satisfied himself that all Avas safe, the Custodian left the visitors to look out for themselves, hastened to Dana 84 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. and Reece, and informed them of the anonymous card of warning, and that in consequence of his beino- alone, and^o many strangers in the city, he had not found time or oppor- tunity to cover the coffin as he agreed to, and asked them to see the other gentlemen who had assisted on the night of the eighteenth, and ask them to come again, as it would be too hazardous to let another night pass without remov- ing all evidence of where the remains of the President lay. Lindley was not in the city, and Johnson and McNeill were 80 engaged that neither of them could possibly come. Dana and Reece, both leaving their everyday business, all the more pressing because of the great influx of strangers in the city, appeared in the afternoon, and finding the Custodian still busy waiting upon visitors, whom to attempt to put off with- out a reason would have given great offense, and to have g;iven a reason would have exposed that which, above all things, it was absolutely necessary to keep secret; they mag- nanimously excused the Custodian, and in the stifling atmos- phere labored until everj^thing was absolutely secure. They left all the approaches to the remains in such a condition that if any intruder should ever reach the spot, he could harm nothing, and the fact of his having been there could easily be detected. On returning to the city Mr. Dana wrote the following statement: "SpmNGFiELD, Il-l., Nov. 22, 1878. "'At three o'clock P. M. to-day, Gen. Reece and G. S. Dana, at the solicitation of J. C. Power, proceeded to the Lincoln I^lonumciit, and covered the coffin of Abraham Lincoln, which we had, ou the 18th instant, buried as before noted, but had left unfinished for Mr. Power to cover and remove traces. ]1(^ had not had time, and having received an anonymous communication from Chicago, warning him to be careful and not be alone, was afraid another attcm])t Avould be made to remove 1lic body. After having done the work, and befoi-e removing 1lie ]>lank we had iiseil for bridges fi-oiii wall to wall, oil making carefid seaivli (if the i»lace. we t'ouiul in i lie second o|>ening, beyoml tli;it wliei-e the hody now lies, soft 4'iii-lli. and traces, as we thought, of recnil digging. r])on ..iii<'' down two sjjades depth, we fonn^l an iron coliin.and •were at once impressed wit h t he Itelirf t h.-it sim-e t he eighteenth instant, some one had taken the hody out of the cotlin and ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOEX. 85 buried it in said place to be removed at some future time. So to make sure, we uncovered the coffin we had just buried, took off the top of the outer box, and found the cedar coffin which enclosed the lead case that the remains are in, intact, no signs of screws having- been removed, and the fungus on the corners where it would have been parted bv taking off the cover, was intact, so we replaced the cover, and covered all with earth again, carefully scraping the earth to remove the foot-piints, scattered bricks and debris over the top, to look as though left that way by the builders of the monument. AYe then moved all the plank and pieces of Avood from the inner vaults, and that evening learned from Major Stuart, that the iron coffin found, was one Lincoln's body was in be- fore placing it i-n the lead receptacle, but it proved to be too long to go in the marble sarcophagus." "GusTAvus S. Dana. Mr. Dana put the preceding in an envelope, sealed it, and made the same request on the outside, as to whom to deliver it, in the event of his death, that he had on the first. We regarded ourselves as being there by authority from an officer of the National Lincoln Monument Association, doing- work that it was absolutely necessary should be done, and which the members of the Association were physically unable to do. The importance of keeping from the general public^ all knowledge of the precautions taken for the safety of the remains will readily be admitted. We therefore took and gave a solemn assurance of, and to each other, in the early part of our proceedings, to keep a knowledge of what we were do- ing to ourselves, until there could be no danger from a reve- lation of them, always excepting the fact that we were acting in subordination to the Lincoln Alonument Association, and that what we Avere doing should be communicated to them whenever they desired it. The importance of being prepared to do our work thor- oughly, impressed itself on the minds of the six men who had, in a special sense, become the guardians of Lincoln's remains from vandal hands. Our minds gradually crystalized around the idea of a secret organization for that purpose. There is an old adage, that when it is known there is a secret, it is already half revealed. Therefore, it would not have been ad- visable to oro-anize unless the fact that there was an organi- .■86 ATTEMPT TO 8TEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. aation for such a purpose could be kept secret, or its object concealed. To accomplish the latter it became necessary ^o put forward some other than the real reason for our organi- zation. The idea of conducting Memorial Services on the an- niversaries of his birth and death were pleasing thoughts to us, aud we could pubhcly do that if nothing else. Our sym- pathies as a part of the great American people, our reverence for his great name, and more than willingness to aid in keep- ing green the laurel wreath on the brow of his fame, led us to act in concert. As the most feasible method of putting our thoughts into practical shape, we determined to organ- ize under'legal forms. With this object in view, the six men already named invited three others. Noble B. Wiggins, Hor- ace Chapin aud Clinton L. Conkling, the three latter meeting with the other six, for the first time, in order to effect a,n organization. For an account of the organization see Divi- sion Seventh. Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln died Sunday evening, July lb, 1882, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Ninian W. Edwards, in the house where she had been married Nov. 4, 1842, to Abraham Lincoln. Wednesday, July 19, 1882, all the nine members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the catncomb of the Monument. We had, with others, aided in making preparations for the funeral, under direction of the citizens' committee of arrangements, and at the same time quietly attended to such things as were likely to be over- looked by others, especially in guarding the entrance to the catacomb, tlint the magniticent floral tributes mig;ht not be , in the I'oivnoon. lion. -lohn T. Sluart/Chairnnm of the Excculivc Coinniit tec ol" t he .National Lincoln :\Ionunicnt .\ssociat ion. niah' known to both the Vresident and Secretary of Tin; Lin.oi-N (iiAKi. ok Honor, that it was tin* (lesiiv of the lion. Koheit T. Lincoln that we j.ssenil.lc in Hie night time, take Hie remains of his mother <„,! ,,f the CIV])! an.l deposit th.-m beside the body of his ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OP LINCOLN. 87 father. Notice was accordingly given to the members, and that evening at 10 o'clock we assembled at the monument. There were Present— Dnim, Eeece, Power, Lindley, McNeill, Johnson, Chapin and Conkling. Absent— Mv. Wiggins. Very much to his and our regret, he was out of the city, and could not be reached in time. We took the body of Mrs. Lincoln out of crypt No. 4, in the catacomb, where it had been placed two days before, car- ried it around outside the monument, into and through Me- morial Hall, dug a receptacle for and placed it by the side of the body of her husband, at the point marked B, in the ground plan, leaving the earth over both in such a condition that it would not be suspected that anything was buried there. The circumscribed limits in which we did the work and the foul atmosphere, from a total want of ventilation, which we had all endured a number of times before, was doubly op- pressive in consequence of the intense heat of the weather. We completed the work about 2 o'clock Saturday morning, July 22, 1882. The Custodian had but a short walk to reach his home. But when the other seven started on foot to their homes from two to three miles distant in the city, it was a weary procession, for each one was almost exhausted. It was especially trying to Captain Horace Chapin, who had left one •of his legs on the battle-field of Chickamauga early in the war to suppress the slave-holders' rebellion. Robert T. Lincoln, who was then Secretary of War, was in- iormed b^^ Major Stuart that the work of removal had been done in compliance with his request. A few days later one of our members received the following letter intended for The Lincoln Guard of Honor: Washington, July 26, 1882. Clinton L. Conkling, Esq.: Mil Dear Friend. — On my return here I find a letter from Major Stuart advising me that you and the other gentlemen of The Guard of Honor, have laid me undtn- a great obligation by carrying out the wish I expressed to him that my mother's body should be placed beside my father's, so that there can be no danger of a spo- liation. It is a great satisfaction to know that such an act is now impossible, and T think it will be best that no change should be made for a long time to come. I caimot adequately thank you and the other gentlemen for personally doing this, so that the object should be fully attained; but I beg you and them to be as- ,sured that I appreciate the kind act. Beheve me to be sincerely yours, KoBERT T. Lincoln. 88 ATTEMPT TO STEAT^ THE BODY OF LINCOLN. Tliis seemed to dispel any prospect of an early change, and doubtless made the members of the Monument Associathsn less solicitous on the subject than they would otherwise have been. Hon. John T. Stuart died Nov. 28, 1885. The first draft of this historical paper was read to him a short time before his death, in order that he mio-ht correct any errors it con- tained. In conversation witli President Dana and the Secre- tary, at different times, he pronouced it correct, so far as it related to his own actions. On the morning of February 5, 1884, the Custodian came to the monument earlier than he had done for several weeks, because there was a State orgenization called "Mutual Aid," to convene in the capitol that day, and he knew, from expe- rience, that at such times the delegates visited the monument earher than visitors usually do. The sun had not risen, and there was barely sufficient light for him to see the lines in the register, and he was writing the heading for the day, when he heard a tremendous crash. Hastily ligliting a lamp, he went through the back door of Memorial Hall, and found that a brick arch seventy feet long, spanning the five and a half feet space between the outer wall on the east side and the next one to it on the inside, had fallen, except about ten feet a,t each end, leaving the heavy flag-stones that form the terrace without any visible support at the outer wall. A child walking on it would have taken all down, and yet it did not move. Fearing that some visitors would come and get on it before supports could be put under, he hastened to carry lumber and used the pieces for barriers to keep any person from going on the weak place. He had labored with all his streng-fh for about three-quarters of an hour, when a car on the Citizens' Street Railway landed twelve or thirteen of the expected delegates at the monument. The Custodian is fully convinced that if he had been three minutes later getting to the moimment he would not have heard the crash, and would have led those men exactly on that weak spot, and 1li(\v would all have gone down with hini into a. chasm fifty feet long, five and a haU' IVct wide and I went \' feet dec]), where llicy would li;i\c hccu crushed .-iiid iii.nmlcd 1»\- those great 11ag-ston<'s. .'Mid mi.iun' of us would li;i\c uict inslant death. 1 nevei" thiid; of the e\'enls of Iha' nu)rning without a feeling ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 8^ of astonishment that the people of our State do not demand legislation holding any and all architects, contractors, and superintendents guilty of man-slaughter who, through igno- rance, incompetence or greed of gain, constructs a building that falls and causes loss of human life. In reconstructing the ^York during the summer of 1884, it was determined to remedy the defect in the ventilation. In or- der to do this, it was necessary to cut an opening in the three feet and a half brick wall between the point marked B, in the ground plan, and the foundation of the obehsk. That made a convenient thoroughfare for the workmen, and dur- ing all that summer they were every day walking over the dead bodies of President Lincoln and his wife. To have said anything against it, or to have put a barrier in the way, would have been a hint that might have been caught up by some unprincipled workman, while it was all open, and would have led to consequences that it would not be pleasant to contemplate. Therefore the desecration was permitted by the Custodian to go on without protest. There are few men and women who have not at some time been called upon to keep a secret already half revealed, or subsequently revealed by the party or parties interested, without first absolving them from the obligation of secrecy, who does not know how awkward the position is. But that is nothing compared with having to do that many times a day for weeks and months and years, as the Custodian of the Lincoln Monument has done, and during the whole of that time he has been abused unmercifully because he would not permit himself to be catechised by every upstart who repre- sented himself as a reporter for the press. This, too, when secrecy was the only protection against a repetition of the attempt to steal the body. There has not a day passed but he has been called upon to parry the prying questions of one or more who have had a hint before coming that the body was not in the sarcophagus. To all such he has invariabh^ said: "We put it back there the second day after the attempt to steal it," whi(;h is strictly true. If the}^ questioned further he would say, "I su])pose you wish to know if there is not further danger, if so, I can assure you that it is absolutely safe." To any further —6 90 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. questions he would say: "If I was to explain Avhat precau- tions have been taken to make it safe, it would not be'feo any longer, and I would prove nij'self unwortlw of the con- iidence reposed in nie." There he was accustomed to dismiss the subject, and visitors were g-enerally satisfied, but whether they were or not, he would stop and let them do the talking. This in substance was to do over and over for years, and the Custodian never in a single instance permitted himself TO be betrayed into saying that the body of MR. LINCOLN was IN THE SARCOPHAGUS WHEN IT AVAS NOT, iior that the body of Mrs. Lincoln was in the crypt where the people saw it deposited, after it was removed inside the monument. The undignified position occupied by the remains of the most beloved ruler any nation ever had, and the obligations the Custodian felt resting upon him to treat as a secret that which was practically open, although the exact truth was not revealed, has unnecessarily added to his labors and re- sponsibilities. He hoped that the Monument Association would inaugurate measures to have a steel casket made so liard and strong and ponderous that it could not be broken nor removed, without exposing the vandals to detection and capture, who might attempt to rob it. The thought that himself and those who had so unselfishly and with such arduous toil cooperated with him in protecting the remains from further desecration, might pass away and leave all knowledge of their labors in a chaotic state, to be written up with all manner of absurd statements, by parties who could not know the truth, was so repugnant to his feelings that he became persistent in his pleadings that something should be done to pi-eserve a truthful history while the parties were all living, Avho alone could give it. He knew that the treasury of the ISfonunient Association was without funds and that nothing could be done that involved an\- coiisi(Ici-al»l(' onllay of iiioiK'y . lion. Lincoln hiihois, laiowing the feeling of t he Cnsl odian, ;iii(l to some extent ent ei't a i iii ni;' siniilar \ie\\s. made the lirsl nio\'e to\vai'(ls accoiii|)lishing the ohject desired. At a meetinii' of tli<' liin-oln .Monument .\ssoeiat ion, nia_\- 12, 1 SS(), he ( )ffe|-erl ;i fesol 111 ion W lliell w a s ado|)l ed, that •"The I]\eent i\'e Committee is instructed to cause the i-emaius of .Mr. Lincoln ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 91 i:o be definitely and finally deposited within the monument -as they may designate." The summer and autumn passed without anything being done. In order that something practical might be done before another summer, the Custodian conversed with some of the members of the Executive Committee as to how it should be accomplished. It was determined to bury the body of Mr. Lincoln inside the Catacomb, exactly in the centre, with head towards the south, directly' under where the sarcophagus had stood for years and probably will stand much longer; the body of Mrs. Lincoln to be at the east side of her husband, the receptacle to be sufficiently large to receive both, with the outside enclosures containing them. The Custodian next consulted a builder and received the following : ''Springfield, III., Feb. 8, 1887. "Mr. J. C. Power, Custodian Lincoln Monument: "Dear Sir: I will excavate a pit at the monument five feet ivide, seven and a half feet long and six feet deep, wall around same, with an eighteen-inch wall of hard-burned brick laid in good cement mortar, concrete between the walls, so as to fill the pit with a solid mass. Take up and relay floor over the same and remove all rubbish made by said work for the sum of dollars. Yours, etc., Jos. 0. Irwin. The following endorsement was written upon it, and a ver- bal order given the Custodian to have the work done: "We, the undersigned, approve of this work. "Geo. N. Black, "John Williams, "C. C. Brown, "James C. Conkling, "John W. Bunn. ^"Executive Committee oftJie Lincoln Monument Association.^^ * It is proper to note the fact that the National Lincoln Monument Association Tvas reorganized May 9, 1885, and the name changed to the Lincoln Monument Association. The Executive Committee has but one member — Col. John Williams — who was in it when the attempt was made to steal the body. 92 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. Ground was broken Monday morning, April 11, 1887, and bv mutual agreement the Custodian of the monument, bemg also secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, was instructed to notify all the members of both societies to meet at^ the monument at 9 o'clock on the morning of April 14, 1887, to witness the exhuming and reburial of the bodies of Abraham Lincoln and his wife,^ Mary Todd Lincoln. It was not neces- sary to write notices to the members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, for it was at a meeting when all the members, except those who were out of the State, were present, that the arrangements were made; but to each of the members of the Lincoln Monument Association, a note was sent, on Tuesday, the 12th, stating the day and hour when the removal would take place. The whole tenor of the note indicated that it was expected to be strictly private and confidential. On the morning of the 14th, an article appeared in one of our city papers revealing the fact that a clue had been obtamed. Speaking of what, until then, was merely guessed at as a secret burial, the writer says: "This mystery is now about to be removed. The Lincoln Memorial Association,— meanmg The Lincoln Guard of Honor,-a local organization, which has for some years held appropriate services on the fifteenth of April annuallv, will' make the whole matter public at the services 'to occur Friday, in the House of Representatives. Thisoro-anization is ostensil)ly formed for holding these annual observances, but in fact it has been devoted to the security of the martyr's remains, and the members have been bound too-ether by oath, to keep their knowledge in regard to their renting place a profound secret. For some days they have been preparing to remove the remains from the place where thev have lain for some years, and to remove all the secrecy in regard to the matter. The final preparations were com- pleted yesterday afternoon and tlic r.Miioval will occur this niornino-. The utmost privacy has been ()1)S.tv<'(1 regarding all the preparations, and only this general on11in(M)f the facts is ascertainable." Tin- ani.lr rmtli.T slal.-.l 1l.a1 a written article was prepared, lo Im' r.-ad as iK.i-t of tlic nicmonal ser- vice on Fridav. "u-iving a fnll hisloiy of the kcping of the remains an.l ilie socL'ty's reh.lion to the trust. The mem- bers are desirotis of putting th(> pul.li<- in possession of the exact facts, and leaving the nuitter in such shape that ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINTOLN. 93 there shall be no longer any mysterj- or secrecy in regard to it. But until the removal of the remains is consummated and all the projected plans carried in full, they decline to converse about it." It was somewhat embarrassing to the members of The Lin- coln Guard of Honor to have the hour agreed upon for the removal made public before hand, because our work for more than nine years had been done with the most profound secrecy on our part, although we were never bound by any oath, but something much stronger — our own sense of honor — for to a man who will not be bound by that, an oath is a mere cord of sand. Any considerable number who might be drawn together out of curiosity, would make it more difficult to do the work. Fortunately, the article in which the hour was mentioned, attracted scarcely any attention; and we Avere but little annoyed by additional numbers. We succeeded in withholding from the press next morning, the certificates of identification made that day, in order to have them appear as part of the historical and descriptive sketch to be read in our eighth memorial service in the afternoon. We felt further chagrin, that on the morning of the fifteenth, still more of the details were given in the same paper, with the notice sent out on the twelfth by the Secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, to each of the members of the Lincoln Monument Association. The following is an exact copy: Deak Eie: — Nine o'clock Thursday morning, April lith, lias been designated by the Executive Committee as the time for exhuming the remains of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln for reburial. Please be at the monument at that time. It is thought best that it be strictly private. Do not, on any account, let a reporter know it. J. C. Power. When that notice was sent out. The Lincoln Guard of Honor practically lost control of all secrecy in the matter, and to this day not a member of the organization knows how the paper that published the hour of removal and the notice to the Monument Association, obtained its information. In order that that and all other papers should stand upon equal iooting in regard to the news, they completed a written state- ment to be read as part of the memorial service, and had -fifty copies printed. It contained twenty-four pages and three engravings. A s^aiopsis only of it could be read at the memorial service, but a printed copy was given or sent to 94 ATTEMPT TO &TEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. each reporter of a city paper, and to all reporters for metro- politan papers in the city, who were known. This was done especially for the reporters, and but for them it would not have been printed. Any intelligent reporter could have taken that pamphlet, given every item of interest in the immediate history, and described from the engravings every locality, so as to have made it intelligible to any ordinary reader. It is doubtful if so much was ever done, in a similar case, to give reporters the exact truth and to treat all with absolute fair- ness. Certainly such efforts w^ere never rewarded with more shameful abuse. Certain ones of them, not all, affected to believe that special favors had been extended to the paper that was ahead of them in the news, and without a particle of evidence that they were right, treated us accordingly. It is to be hoped for the honor and good name of Springfield, that they are now ashamed of themselves, for all who love honorable fair dealing must be ashamed for them. At the hour appointed there were present seven members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor; six members of the Lincoln Monument Association; Mr. Irwin, who was preparing for the burial in the catacomb, with three or four workmen; the un- dertaker, with one or two men; the plumber; Mr. Meredith Cooper, the sexton of Oak Ridge Cemetery; the Custodian of the Monument, with his assistant, George W. Trotter, and some others. Under direction of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, the bodies were exhumed at the point marked B, in the ground plan, carried into Memorial Hall, and laid upon trestles, where, in the absence of I'l'csidcnt Dana, Gen. Ilcece, Vice President, delivered the following brief address on behalf of the society: ^'Gentlemen of the LiiiroJii Monunn'itt Association: "By the action of Hon. John T. Stuart, cliairman of the Executive Committee of the National Lincoln Monument As- sociation, of which youi- ])resent society is the successor, we were called, singly and hy Iwos and threes, to act as guard- ians of the body of President Liiiroln. after an attemj)t liad been made 1o wi'cst it from the walls of this Monument, erected under yoni- snpci'vision. In course of time, and in order to do oni- woik nu)n' cthcicntly. we became a legal or- ganization, called The Llncoln Guahu of Honor. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 95 "After that, we were called upon to render more secure the body of Mrs. Lincoln. A true statement of our acts, indi- vidually and collectively, precedes this paper. The Lincoln Guard of Honor has never assumed that it is their province to examine and decide upon the identity of the remains in either case, and that it belongs exclusively to your Associa- tion to do that. Having exhumed the bodies, we hereby certify that they are in the identical enclosures in which we received them, and that the enclosures have never been broken except as stated in our historical account. In this condition we turn them over to your Association, thus terminating what has been to us a labor of love and veneration. *G. S. Dana, President. J. N. Reece, Vice President. J. C. Power, Secretary. J. P. Llvdley, Treasurer. *Jas. F. McNeill. Noble B. Wiggins. Horace Chaj^ix. Edward S. Johnson. Clinton L. Conklino, "MEMOEIAIi HaLIj, NATIONAIi LINCOLN MONUMENT, April 14, 1887." Without form or ceremony, the members of the Lincoln Monument Association, who were present, took charge of the bodies, and at once, b}^ mutual agreement, decided that in order to satisfy the reasonable expectations of the people, after so many changes, it Avas indispensably necessary to identify the body of the President. Mr. Thomas C. Smith, the undertaker who made the cedar coffin, was then requested to open it, which he did. A piece of the lead coffin about a foot square was cut on three sides and turned back, expos- ing the familiar features to the hght. Of the eigliteen or nineteen persons present, nearly all had personally seen the President in life. There was not one who expressed the slightest doubt that he was looking at the features of the beloved President. They were almost as perfect as they are in the bronze statue on the Monument, and the color is about as dark as the statue. After being exposed fifteen or twenty minutes, the lead coffin w^as closed and soldered air tight by the plumber, Mr. Leon P. Hopkins, of Springfield, * Out of the City and State during these exercises. 96 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. who, as a natural consequence, was the last man to look on the face of Al)raham Lincoln. The bodies were then con- veyed from Memorial Hall to the Catacomb, and there buried. The following is a copy of the statement made and signed by the members present of the Lincoln Monument Association : ''We, the undersigned members of the Lincoln Monument Association, of Springfield, Illinois, do hereby certify, that on the 14th day of April, 1887, we saw the cedar and lead coffins, which contain the remains of Abraham Lincoln, opened in our presence in the Memorial Hall of the Monument. The remains were somewh-at shrunken, but the features were quite natural, and we could readily recognize them as the features of the former illustrious President of our Nation, and our former friend and fellow citizen. We do hereby certify that they are his remains, and that they were again re-sealed in said cofiins and deposited in the vault beneath the floor of the catacomb in our presence. James C. Conkling, OzL^s M. Hatch, George N. Black, John W. Bunn, Lincoln Dubois, Chuistopher C. Brown. "Dated this 14th day of April, 1887." The members of the Lincoln Monument Association also made the annexed statement cojicerning the remains of Mrs. Mary T. Lincoln: "We, the undersigned, do hereb}^ certify that the coffins con- taining the remains of Mary T. liincoln, wife of the lamented Abraham Lincoln, were this day removed from the place where they had been resting for several yeai'S beneath the Lincoln Monument, at Springfield, Illinois, and were deposited in our i)resence by the side of those of her husband, in the vault beiK^ath the floor of the catacomb of said monument: "Dated this 14th day of April, 1887. James C. Conkllxg, Ozi.vs M. Hatch, Geo. N. Black, John W. Bunn, LiNcofvN Dubois, Christopher C. Brown." ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 97 After the identification, and the coffins were lowered into the vault, workmen proceeded to fill it with concrete, sur- rounding- each coffin with cement nearly in a liquid state, Avhich in a short time hardens as a solid mass of stone, more than four feet and a half in depth over the tops of the coffins. Over that the tessellated marble floor was relaid, and the sarcophagus placed in the position it occupied formerly. The iDodies are now practically inside of and beneath a mass of ;stone six feet deep, eight and a half feet wide and eleven feet long. To outward appearance there is no change from what has been visible for years. To the children of Israel the burial place of Moses was lost, but that did not destroy his great work for humanity, neither would it have destroyed the work of Abraham Lincoln if his remains had been lost. But there is no longer any necessity for the Custodian to evade the questions of visitors. After more than ten years secret movements in guarding against a repetition of the vandalism of attempting to steal the body, it is now safe, for there could not a sufficient number of men Avork at it to get it out in one night, and a plot that would require longer time to execute is sure to be detected. Since the final burial of the remains of President and ^Nlrs. Lincoln, the writer, as Custodian of the monument, in order to economise time, has adopted a very brief method, when the amount of information is taken into consideration, in giving visitors an account of the attempted robbery and sub- sequent events connected with it, for intelligent visitors who Tiave incurred the expense in time and money to make the pilgrimage are not satisfied until they obtain the information they come in search of, and will ask a great number of ques- tions, unless a somewhat full though concise statement is made. There are parties who, after having made one visit and hearing all, come back with their friends on their first visit, who think it a manifestation of superior wisdom to make ungracious and sometimes insulting remarks about the Custodian talking so much. He does not think it at all dis- courteous to say to all such, in presence of their friends, "The way is entirely clear for you sir, or madam, to depart the mo- ment you are wearied with listening." In writing this history lie has at times found it quite embarrassing to speak of himself 98 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. SO many times, as it is unavoidable, for he is the only person Avho was present Avhen the attempt was made to steal^the bod}^, and has been present at every movement, night and day, for its protection, until the final interment. He is also the only member who has been present at every meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, for any purpose and at every memorial service. The repetition of the pronoun "I," is so distasteful to him that it has been avoided as far as possible, and speaking- in the third person adopted, as the writer, the Secretary and the Custodian. The description to visitors is generally given in the catacomb, by the side of the sarcopha- gus, and ^vithout stopping to point out localities by the en- gravings, as the reader can do more leisurely. It involves some repetition, and when given in full is about as follows: The Custodlin's Description to Visitors. Immediately after the assassination of President Lincoln, the people of Springfield commenced preparations for the sepulture of the remains. The citizens and city authorities made a conditional contract for the block of ground on which the present State Captol stands, as a site for the monument, and had men work night and day to prepare a temporary vault for the reception of the body. ]\Irs. Lincoln being pros- trated by the shock, remained in "Washington. About the time the funeral cortege arrived in Springfield, it was found by telegraphic communication that she was unwilling that anything more should be done on the site chosen. Instead of putting the body there, it was deposited May 4, 1805, in the " i-eceiving tomb for Oak Eidge Cemetery', which is on the monument grounds. (See view of the monument from the north including cut at the foot of the bluff.) (Also, see map of the monumpnt fi-roiinds, marked, "receiving tomb.") Tho body of Tn'sidcnt Lincoln remained in that tomb seven and a half months, when it was removed December '21, 18()5, to a vault prepared under direction of the National Lincoln Monument Associjil ion. (See map marked, '"Original Lincoln A'jiult.") The body remained in tlint vault nearly six years, (hiring which tinu^ the building of llie monument was com- menced and so far advanced its to he remly to receive it, when it was taken from tho lejid lined wooden cofiin, in which it was brought fi'om Washington, because the lining was found ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 99 to be broken, placed in an iron coffin, and again removed, Sept. 19, 1871,. to the crypt No. 1, being the central one of five crypts built side by side for the entire family. (See in- terior of the Catacomb.) It remained in that crypt three years, until Oct. 9, 1871, when, in consequence of the iron cofl3n being too long, it was placed in a red cedar cofiin, heavily lined with lead, and then deposited in a marble sar- cophagus. The body was in that sarcophagus when thieves tried to steal it on the evening of Nov. 7, 1876. They selected that time beca.use it was the evening of the day for holding the presidential election, and they talked among themselves that if they were seen by others at unseemly hours, each party would probably conclude that the other was out in search of election news, and thus they Avould be able to w-ard off sus- picion. We who are connected with the monument had been warned before by officers of the United States secret service^ that a plot had been discovered in Chicago, for stealing the body of Mr. Lincoln, and holding it until a great reward should be offered for the recovery of it. The progress of the plot was watched by those officers until they learned the exact time agreed upon among the robbers for carrying it into effect. The night selected by the thieves, five officers of the U. S. Secret Service were with the wa'iter in Memorial Hall. We had been there three hours, in total darkness, when three men approached the outer door of the hall. (See view of the monument facing south.) One of the men carried a dark lantern, lighted, which was turned about and finding the doors locked, and not seeing any light inside, that seemed to satisfy them that there was not any person about the monument. Then they went to the north end, and approached the catacomb. (See view of the monument from the north.) The shutter to the door of that is made of iron rods only, and is fastened A^ith a padlock. The thieves commenced on the lock with a very fine saw, so highly tempered that they soon broke it, and finished their work with a triangular saw file. The latter part of the work required a comparatively long time. Having affected an entrance, they, with an old axe, pried off the top piece of marble A, and stood it on the end against panel 4. They then pried and hfted at the main lid, B, which projects over 100 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. the sides and ends, until they raised it above the copper dowels in the sides, turned it across the ^arcophagus>and pushed it nearly to the wall. They then took the end piece, G, and sat it on edge near the door. The red cedar coffin, D, with the square end, E, was drawn out of the sarcoph- agus fifteen or eighteen inches. That was the condition of things when the officers came around from the ;Memorial Hall and the thieves had disappeared. There was a young man with them who had discovered the plot in Chicago, acci- dentally, and whom the thieves thought was an accomplice. He was with them, under instruction from an officer of the United States Secret Service, w^ho was in command that night, that he should keep with them until they broke the lock, at this door, to the catacomb— and began to OT3en the sarcophagus. His instructions were, that he should then quietly leave them, go around to the door of ^Memorial Hall, give a signal agreed upon before, when it was thought that the whole force of officers could move quickly out of the Hall, around to the catacomb and capture the miscreants at their work. When the lock had been broken, and before the thieves commenced their work on the sarcophagus, they had the shrewdness to push the young man into the southeast corner of the •catacomb, at the point marked with a *, and gave him the lantern to hold. He said the moment they did that, he knew it meant that if he made any movement to get rid of the light, and pass by them, out of the door, they would be very isure to shoot him dead. If it liad been a question of saving himself he could have rushed out by them and made his es- ca])e, but that would have be^n a signal to them that some- thing was wrong, and they would have escaped before he could have brought the officers ai-ound from tlie oi)i)osite end of the monument. He made u]) his mind tliat the only prob- ability of success lay in holding Die hght until they did their work, and then take his chances for giving the signal in time to have them ca])tnred. Haying iakcn the saivoithagus apart find drawn 1h<' colliii out as seen in the engraving, t he thieves were ready for tlu^ horse and wagon to haul the l)ody away, which, by inntnal agi-eenient, the young man was to i)rovide, jiiid which he made llieni believe \\;is in wniting at th(>east o)\1e of the ceni(>tery in tlu; valley about two hundivd yards northeast of tin; monument. They directed him to bring up ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 101 Ms wag-on, saying they would wait at the catacomb until his return. He started in the direction indicated and ran down on the sward, going by the site of the original Lincoln vault, (see map,) until he passed out of their sight in the darkness; then, as he had no wagon, nor never intended to, he turned abruptly to the right, ran around to the south end of the monument, and gave the signal agreed upon, by striking a match on the jamb of the door to Memorial Hall, and light- ing a cigar. The officers, not having any light, filed out of the hall, leaving the writer alone, and passed rapidly around to the catacomb, led by the chief officer, who, with a cocked revolver in each hand, called upon whoever was in there to surrender. After calling a second time without receiving any answer, he struck a match and found the scene presented in the engraving of the broken sarcopnagus, but the thieves had departed. It was afterwards learned, that when they started the young man off for the wagon, they, too shrewd to stand around the door, lest some other party might be watching- their movements, quietly went to a small oak tree, (marked location of thieves, see map,) and were watching the cata- comb when the officers came around from Memorial HalL They told their supposed accomplice afterwards, that dark as it was, they could see the outlines of the officers as they approached the door, and supposing he had returned with a. teamster, started to meet him. When they came within twenty-five or thirty feet of the door they heard voices, and when the light was struck in the catacomb, discovered that it was officers hunting for them. They told the young man that they "then thought it would be more healthy for them to go the other way." They made their escape, but were captured in Chicago ten days later, brought back to Spring- field, tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year. One year only, because there was not at that time any law in Ilhnois that made it a penitentiary offense to steal a human dead body. They were not sentenced for that, but for burglary and conspiracy. (See Division Five for report of trial.) If they were to do the same thing now, and be cap- tured, they might be sent for ten years, because there has been a law enacted since that time to cover such cases. In 102 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. ' as seen in the broken sarcophagus. On the afternoon of the second day, the Monument Asso- ciation sent a marble workman out with two assistants to put the sarcophagus together. The Custoditin had them push the coffin back, put each piece of umrble whei-e it belonged, and cement all as though nothing more would be done. Six days later, Hon. John T. Stuart, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Association, came out in the forenoon, and told the Custodian that he could not sleep for tliinkiug how easy a matter it would be for the thieves to obtain the body jet, if they desired to do so. He said that the same marble workman Avith his assistants would be at the monument that afternoon, and he wished the Custodian to have them take the sarcophagus apart, take the coffin out. and lay it on the floor in the northwest curve of the wall of the catacomb, and remain there until dark, when he would come with sufiicient assistance to move it to where it would be more secure. The marble workmen came, did the work as directed, put the sar- cophagus back together and cemented all the joints carefully, and when done the principal workman dismissed his assistants, but he and the Custodian remained in waiting until dark, Avheu the three members of the Executive Committee of the Monument Associction came, and we five took the coffin up, carried it outside, around the east side of the monument into Memorial Hall, through the back door of the hall to the east side of the foundation of the (obelisk, and deposited it on some timbers at the point marked A, ground plan. There a short consultation was held, and it was arranged that the nmrble workman should bring a box out the next day to fit the coffin, and he, with the writer, should put the coffin in the box and bury all. He brought the box, in pieces, we ]mt it together inside to avoid attracting attention, and hy laying the box on the side and by turning the coffin on llic side, we were able to get them together, but it was exceedingly hard woi'k for two men. foi- the coffin nlone weighs more than five liundi-cd ])onn(ls. Jind the ;ii m()sj)li('i-(' we had to ()i-(\'itlic was almost stifling foi- \\an1 of xciit ihil ion. \i this ])oiii1 Ihe writci- suggested tlial we should nol work any moiellnit day, and 1 hat liis comrade need not return, as he thouve(l out of tli(> liall and around to the catacond), where a i-ecepi.icle h.id been prejjared, iiiulei- dii-ecliou of the Custodian, with the a])- proval of the Moiiuiiieut Asstx-iat ion. It was fi\-e and a half feet wid(% eiglit f«>et long, and six I'eet deep in the deai-. with a wall eighteen inches thick' of Iiai-d Inii-ned i)rick. l;nd in the best of cement nioi-tar all around it. lOight inches of con- crete was spread over the bottom and the coffins laid on that. ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 10Z> In adjusting the coffin containing- the body of the President, a Hne was drawn from the centre of the door to the centre of the open crypt, and the coffin so adjusted that the hne extended over the centre of that. The coffin of Mrs. Lincoln lay at the east side of that of her husband, with four or five inches of space between. When the body of the President was in the sarcophagus, the head was towards the north, but in the burial it was turned to the south, for the reason that there will probably be a time when the empty sarcophagus will be removed and a tablet bearing appropriate inscriptions laid on the floor over the bodies, to be read standing in the door. Then it would be quite appropriate that the reading should begin at the head and extend to the foot. In ad- justing the coffins the tops of them were brought to about four and a half feet below the level of the floor. None of the earth taken out was put back, but the entire space was filled with concrete. The mortar to begin with was made so soft as to settle snugly into every crevice around the coffins. Above that it was mixed with broken stone, the entire mass hardening as one piece, so that after more than ten years secreting the body, those responsible for its safe keeping feel at liberty to give its entire history, and are not only willing but desirous that the people should know all about it. Look- ing at the gi'ound plan, the sarcophagus is exactly over the President's body, and the letter "S" is over w^here Mrs. Lin- coln's body lies. There was but one reporter present, and he described a brick arch as having been built over the coffins after they were put in their final resting place, but of more than twenty men present, he was the only man who saw the^ arch, for the simple reason that no arch was there, neither was it ever designed that there should be, and the only brick used in the grave were pieces broken quite small as parts of the concrete. It is not believed that a sufficient number of men could work at it to get the body out now, in three days- and nights, and if they cannot do it in one night, they can- not do it at all. -7 106 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. DIVISION SEVENTH EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY. Xegal Organization of the Lincoln Guard of Honor and a Statement of its Aims and Objects — Its first Memorial Service — Two Versions of Lincoln's Farewell Address to the People of Springfield — Members of the National Lincoln Monu- ment Association made Honoraiy Members — Obsen-ance of Soldiers' Decora- tion on Memorial Day — Beautiful Decoration of Lincoln's Sai'cophagus — Anniversary of Lincoln's Birth. Memorial Hall, National Lincoln Monument, Springfield, III., Feb. 12, 1880, (Three o'clock Afternoon). Present — Gustavus S. Dana, Jasper N. Reeee, John Cai-roll Power, James F. McNeill, eToseph P. Lincllev, Edward S. John- son, Horace Chapin, Noble B.Wiggins and Clinton L. Conkling. As a preliminary^ to the transaction of business, on motion it was Resolved, That J. N. Recce be chosen Chairman, and J. C. Power Secretaiy of the meeting. The Secretar}'- being callt^d upon to do so, stated that by the action of an executive officer of the National Lincoln Monument Association, through the Custodian of the ]\Ionu- ment, the remains of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States of America, had been placed under our guar- dianship, and that we could execute our trust more effectually by withholding from the public; nil knf)wl('dge of the n^sponsi- bility resting uj^on us. He further stated that Hon. Robert T. IJncoln had once expressed a Avillingness to put the Lin- coln Homestead in this city, in the custody of the National Lincoln Moiimm'iit Association. It was said on 1 he part of the Association that to accept it would he foi-eigu to the oljjects for wliieh the Associal ion was loiinecl; and since that lime lie had repaired and rented it as a residence, and might not cai-e to consider an.\' ]n-o])osition from a new oi'ganiza- tion. The Secretary still further stated that there was ample THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 107 work for an oi-o-anization to do in holding memorial services on the anniversaries of Lincoln's birth, death,, emancipation dav, decoration day, etc. After this explanatiou, and on motion, it Avas Resolved', That an organization be now effected, and it be called The Lincoln GtJAKD OF Honor. The following petition was then prepared and signed: State of Illinois, ) Sangamon County. )" ^®" To George H. Harlow Secretary of State- We, the undersigned, G. S. Dana, J. N. Eeece, J. C. Power, Jas. P. McNeill, J. P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. Wiggins and Clinton L. Conk- ling, citizens of the United States, propose to form a corporation under an act of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled, "An Act concerning Cor- porations," approved April 18, 1872, and that for the purposes of such organization -we hereby state as follows, to-wit : 1. The name of such Corporation is The Lincoln Guakd of Honor. 2. The objects for which it is formed, is to negotiate for the purchase of the former Home of Lincoln, raise funds to pay for and keep it in repair and keep it open to the public, under suitable I'egulations, and hold it in trust for the People, 3. To conduct memorial seiTices, either at the home or tomb of Lincoln, or at such other places as this association may designate on appropriate occasions, such as the anniversaries of his birth, death, emancipation day, decoration day, or any other important events connected with his hfe. 4. To collect and presei-ve such relics of him as will not interfere with the proper collection in Memorial Hall at the monument, especially such as would be more suitably cai'ed for at the residence, more particularly those connected with his domestic and home Ufe. 5. The management of the aforesaid association shall be vested in a board of nine directors, who are to be elected annually. 6. The following persons are hereby seli^cted as the directors to control and manage said corporation for the first year of its corporate existence, and until their successors ai-e chosen and qualified, namely: J. C. Power, G. S. Dana, J. N. Eeece, J. P. McNeill, J. P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. Wiggins and Clinton L. ConMing. 7. The location is at Spiingfield, in the county of Sangamon, and State of Illinois. Signed, J. C. Power, J. P. Lindley, J. N. Retce, Edward S.Johnson. G. S. Dana, Horace Chapin. Jas. p. McNeill. N. B. Wiggins. Clinton L. Conkling. State of Illinois, \ ^^ County of Sangamon, f '" ' I, James P. McNeill, a Notary Pul>lic, in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that on this twehth day of Februarj^ A. D. 1880, personally ap- peared before me, G. S. Dana, J. N. Eeece, J. C. Power, J. P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. Wiggins and Clinton L. Conkling, to me personally 108 THE LINCOLN GUAHD OF HONOR. known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing statement, and severally at-knowledged that^^they had executed the same for the purposes therein set forth. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my liand and seal the day and year above written. j N. P. I James F. McNnrLii, I SEAL. \ Notary Public. State op I'llixois, } County of Sangamon. [ ' ' I, Chnton L. Conkling, a Notary Public, in and for the County and State afore- said, do hereby certify, that on this twelfth day of Februaiy, 1880, personally ap- peared before me, James F. McNeill, to me personally known to be tlie same per- son who executed the foregoing statement, and then acknowleged that he had exe- cuted the same for the purposes therein set forth. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal, this day and year- above ■written. j N. P. [ Clinton L. Conkling, ( SEAL. ) Notary Public. State of Illinois, Depaktment of State, George H . Haelow, Secretary of State, To all to u'hom these Presents shall come — Greeting: Wh'^eeas, a Certificate, duly signed and acknowledged, having been filed in the office of the Secretary of State, on the Thirteenth day of February, A. D. 1880, fcr the organization of The Lincoln Guard op Honok, imder and in accordance with the pro\'isions of "An Act concerning Corporations," approved April 18, 1872, and in force July 1, 1872, a copy of which certificate is hereto attached. Now, therefore, I, George H. Hahlow, Secretaiy of State, of the Slate of IlUnois, by virtue of the powers and duties vested in me by law, do hereby certify that the said. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, is a legally orgauiztMl corpora- tion under the laws of this State. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand, and cause to be affixed the great seal of State. Done at the City of Springfield, this thirteentli day of Februaiy, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and eighty, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States, the One Hundred and Fourth. George H. Harlow, [seal of state.] Secretary of State. The objects of The Linoohi Oiinrd of Honor Avas tlieii pub- hcly aiiiioinicod to be tlie raisin^' of a fund, and ])ur(']iasin_t2,- and keepinji," in re[)air the forniei- home of Prc^sidcnt Lincohi, and keep it open to visitoi-s nndei- ])i-()pei- r(^ht and projier in t liis connect ion 1 o say. 1 hat if t he objects above stal<'d had been the real and only ones. lio\ve\er commend- able their action might have been. The Lincoln Guard^of THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 109 Honor never would have been organized by the men who did it. Tlieir one and all controling thought, was to guard the precious dust of Abraham Lincoln, from vandal hands, and that is why they effected a legal organization. At an adjourned meeting held at the Leland Hotel on March ■9, 1880, it was resolved to observe the fifteenth anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln by appropriate services, to be held at the National Lincoln Monument, on the morning of April the 15th, 1880, commencing at twenty-two minutes past seven o'clock. Our First Memorial Service. At a subsequent meeting the Committee appointed for the purpose, submitted the following programme and order of exercises, which was approved. PROGEAMME OF MEMOEIAL SERVICES. TO BE HELD ON THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVEBSAKY OF THE DEATH OP ABKAHAil LINCOLN. SeiTices will begin exactly at seven o'clock and twenty-two minutes, on the TQoming of April 15th, corresponding with the time of President Lincoln's death. They will be held at the Catacomb, of the National Lincoln Monument, under the auspices of The Lincoln Guaed of Honoe. Being their first obseiTance, there will be no effort at an imposing demonstra- tion, but a simple Memorial Service at the former Home of the Martyr President. A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the city, to be present and imite in the services. The following will be the Order of Exercises : Peayee, By Eev. James A. Eeed, D. D., of the First Presbyterian Church, Singing, ------ "The Sleep of the Brave." By Y. M. C. A. Quintette, Prof. S. T. Church, Frank M. Wills, Edward W^ills, Frank L. Fuller, Frank Euth. Eeading - . - Lincoln's Fareirell to the People of Springfield, By Eev. Albert Hale. Beading, ■ . _ . Lincoln's Letter to Eliza P. Gurney, By J. C. Power. Singing, - • » - - "Battle Hi/mn of the Republic,'' By the Quintette. Eeading, - - - - Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, By Clinton L. Conkling. Eeading, (Lincoln's Favorite Poem,) "0 why should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud,'' By Mrs. Edward S. Johnson. Singing, - - - - - - "Let the President Sleep," By the Quintette. Benediction, - - - Bv Eev. J. H. Noble of the First M. E. Church. 110 THE LI^'COLN GI'ARD OF HONOR. Both the South and East gates to Oak Eidge Cemeteiy. will be open at sunrise; for the admittance of those who may desire to go in eaiTiages. ^ A car will leave the south end of the Fifth street raili'oad at twenty minutes past six, A. M., arriving at Oak Eidge Park, ten minutes before seven. By order of The Lincoln Guaed of Honor. J. 0. POWEE, Secretary. G. S. DANA, President. Springfield, 111., April 15, 1880. In printing' our programmes we had the accompanying- pro- file of Lincoln on the first page, and a cut of the National Lincoln Monument on the fourth page and continued to do so at every Memorial Service. Wednesday, April lltli, almost the entire day, was spent by Mrs. Dana, wife of our President, and Mrs. Lindley, wife of our present Treasurer, in decorating the catacomb and sarcophagus with fiowers. They did their work beautifully, and with the most exquisite taste. The practice was continued at every Mem- ^^wt:;^ morial Service. On Thursday, April loth, the memorial services were held, under direction of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, assembled at the catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, with every member present, and each one wore a badge printed on M'liite satin ribbon, of which the following is a cop}'. It was afterwards worn on all public occasions. The morn- ing was chilly, cloudy, foggy ;iim1 Ihi-catcning rain, but about three hundred citizens and strangers braved the dis- comfort, and with heads un- covered reverently joined in the opening exercises. NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUi THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Ill 112 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Major G. S. Dana, President, commenced the exercises, at twenty-two minutes past seven o'clock, corresponding vfith the time of President Lincoln's death, by introducing Rev. James A. Reed, D. D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, who offered prayer, as follows: Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the moun- tains were brought forth or ever Thou hadst fomied the world, even from everlast- ing Thou art God. Thou art the hope and refuge of aU who put their trust imder the shadow of Thy wing. We now invoke Thy presence and blessing as we here assemble to commence these solemn services this morning ; and we feel, as we gather around this tomb, that we gather about the resting place of a great man — a man made sacred by .memory — the remains of one dear to us, and whose name has been identified with the dearest interests of our countiy. We have approached the time that recalls the hour of our National affliction — the hour when the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, "With malice towards none, with charitj^ for all," returned to Ood who gave it. And while this hoiu" recalls sad and painful memories, yet, O God, we desire to cherish and peqjctuate to latest generations the virtues and the memoiy of him who lies here entombed. And we pray, gracious God, that Tliou wouldst be witli us and bless us this day. We thank Thee that, in the liour of our peril, Thou didst raise up for our country such a leader as Abraham Lincoln. We thank Thee for all that was generous, truthful and noble in his character. We thank Thee for all that was manly and elevated and decisive in his patriotism. We thank Thee for all that was wise and judicious in his statesmanship. We thank Thee for the great deUverance which he was the means of bringing to oiu* land. We thank Thee for all the liberty and happiness we enjoy, and for all the grand and blessed issues that have come to us from the instrumentality of this man. And we pray that we may be enabled to cherish his memorj', to imitate his virtues and preser\'e the l)lessings of liberty and peace that have come to us. Let Thy presence and blessings rest upon this day, and as the recollection of the hour re- curs when he was tidicn away from us, may the appr(>ciation of his life ;uid char- acter go forward with us in the noble pursuit of hft% liberty and liappiness. Be with us,, we pray Thee, and with the Nation in all our future histoiy ; sanctify us as a Nation to Thyself and to Thy service, and liiially accept of us graciously, in Our Kedeemer. Amen. The Young Men's Christian Association Quintette Club — Messrs. S. T. Church. Edward A. Wills, Frank M. Wills, Frank L. Fuller and II. ¥. Ruth, Jr.— sang "The Sleep of the Brave." How sleep the brave that sink to rest By all their countr>''s wishes blest ; When spring, with dewy lingers cold, Returns to deck their liallowed mold. She, then, sliall dross a swe^ of the Ulies Christ was bom across the sea. With a gloiy in His bosom that transfigures you and me ; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free> "While God is mai'ching on. CHOErs— After which, Mr. CHnton L. CoukUng read the Second In- augural Address" of President Lincoln. FELiiOW CouNTEYMEN. — At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursuefl seemed verj' fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during- which public declarations have been constantly called forth on eveiy point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the Nation, Uttle that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms — upon which all else chiefly depends — is as weU known to the public as to myself ; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventiu'ed. On the occasion eoiresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil wai'. All dreaded it ; all sought to avoid it. "^liile the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to de- stroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the Union and divide the effects by ne- gotiation. Both part'-"S deprecated war ; but one of them would make war rather than let the Nation sunive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perisli, and the war came. One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed gener- ally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves con- stituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, some- how, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the tenitorial enlarge- ment of it. 116 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated tliat the cause of the conflict might cea^, with or even before tlie conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to tlie same God, and each involies His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men sliould dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. Woe unto the world b3eause of offences, for it must needs be tliat offences come ; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. If we shall suppose that Ameri- can slavery' is one of these offences — which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued througli His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that he gives to both North and South this teirible war as tlie woe due to those by whom the offence came — shall we discern therein any depaiture from those Divine attributes which the beUevers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wiUs that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequitted toil shaU be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid with another drawn by the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, the judgments of the Lord are time and righteous altogether. With maUce towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we ai'e in, to bind up tlie Nation's wound, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans ; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. < Rev. W. B. Affleck, of York, Enoland, a Methodist Epis- copal minister and lecturer, "who had risen from the position of a coal miner, electrified all hearts in the delivery of the fol- hnvin^^ three minute address. The sorrow and sympathy of The Guai'ds of Honor, citizens, admiring friends and of the many sti-angers whose cheeks are also moist(>ued with tears, who are as.scmbled here on this momentously solemn o:casion, lead me to repeat an ancient though appropriate question — "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no phy- sician thtire? AVhy then is the hurt of my people not heahnr?" Why, aye, why? Because no such wound as we are gathered heretocoiiuiiemo- rate was ever before inflicted, and no hurt was ever before so luiivcn-sally felt. In AnuAHAM Lincoln's death humanity lost a loyal and benefici^it representiitive, the oppressed colored race its champion, emancipator, and this great Nation its ])olitical and patriotic savior. He had love too ardent, sympathies too deep, a soul too large, a heart too tender and a mission too catholic and comproheusivo for any other country but this limitless and liberty-loving "Land of the free And Ikhiii' of Ihc lirave." His great achievements inspired hojM^ in the poorest of the poor. His honesty placed uierchandise and liw on a higher phuie. His becoming and uniform THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. 117 humanity gave worthy example to the rich and the great. His willing and indus- trious hand gave a dignity to honest toil. His graceful caniage and kindly de- meanor under highest honors gave a lesson to all rulers, and his noble life, crowned with a mai-tyr's death, gave testimony to a witnessing world that it is greater and diviner to die in a good cause than to live to see a Nation's liberties sacrificed. For " Whether on the scaffold high, Or in the battle's van ; The fittest place for man to die Is, when he dies for fellow man." In this countrj^'s future the pure life and patriotic though tragic death of "Lincoln the Good," will inspire a spirit of Christian chivahy in tens of thousands of America's stalwart sons, and will give them a certainty that "Freedom's battles once begun. Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son, Though baffled oft are always won." GtTAEDS OF Honok: — May God bless you for organizing to guard the fair fame and the good name of honest Abkaham Lincoln. Yours is a sacred trust. This is a fine monument. Its sparkling granite making it imperishable but fitly symbo- lizes the enduring loyalty of our own Lincoln to truth, goodness and God. In England we teach our children to love its Cromwell. In Scotland they teach their children to love its William Wallace: In Ireland they teach their children to love its Daniel O'Connell. In Switzerland they teach their children to love its AVinkelried. In Italy they teach their children to love its Garibaldi. In America, humanity's refuge and freedom's hope and home, teach, oh teach your children to love, ever love, its Washington the Securer and Lincoln the Conservator of a Nation united, prosperous and free. ■ "Then heart to heart And hand to hand Bound together let us stand; Storms are gathering O'er the land, Many friends are gone. Still we never are alone. Still the battle must be won. Still we bravely march right on — Right on — Eight on ! " ^Governor Shelby M. Cullom, being called on, delivered the following impromtu address: Ladies and Gentlemen:— I am verj' much gratified that the President of the Association made the remark that he did, that I was unexpectedly present, because you might suppose that I had an address for the occasion. I have not, and did not expect to say one word when I came upon the ground a few minutes ago, and I would decline to do so now were it not for the fact that I feel it is the duty of every person to give countenance and encouragement to the movement that has been made by our friends here, in perfecting the organization of what is called J118 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. -The Lincoln Guard of Honor." It is what ought to be done. I have always be- lieved my friends, that as we receded in time from the period in which Mr. Lin- coln lived, we would come to more and more appreciate his hfe and his service to the countr>'. And this movement convinces me more than ever that such is going to be the fact. , . -^ „ ,1.^ As the Nation moves forward in civiUzation and poUtical development its people will more and more appreciate the life of Abkaham Lincoln. I was thinking, as Mr. ConkUng read that inaugural address, of the grandeur of ^^f /^^^^^^^ ^'f' tained in it: "With malice toward none, with chaiity for all." I forget the exact words of the balance of that sentence; butthink, my friends, of such words uttered by a man who had been strtiggling with all the energ>' and power that belonged io a great man at the head of a nation. I say, think of such words m the midst of such a struggle, saving to the people: "With mahce toward none, with charity for aU let us go forward in our work, as God gives us to see the right. And so with that sort of a heart, with that sort of a soul, with that sort of a manhood, he led the Nation through the trials through which it had to pass and saved it from overthrow by rebelUon, and freed the people of this land, who, dur- in- the existence of the Nation, had been clogged in the manacles of slavery. I sav in that spirit this Nation was saved, and as it was saved he was stricken down who uttered those words to us, to you, to your children, and to the generations which are to come after us, "With charity for all, with maUce toward none. I tell vou my friends, you may read the scriptures over and over, but you will find no sentiment that is purer, no sentiment that is nobler, no sentiment that is -rander within the lids of any book which you may open upon any occasion. " I would not sav another word, but that I see here a number of ladies especially who are strangers in our city, and who, perhaps, are not as well acquainted with the personal lif*^ of Mr. Lincoln as some of us here at his home. It was my fortune to know Mr. Lincoln from the time I was as old as any of the smaUer childivn here in this audience. I knew him from the time I was a little boy, and his whole life, whether private or public, is just what you see it in his inaugural •ul.ln>ss in these letters that you have read, and in all his great public utterances that are' familiar to almost any one who reads at all. He was a man worthy of imitation in the familv and in all circles and ramifications in society ; he was a ouiet man he was a modest man, he was a just man, and he was ever^-yung so far as a man could be, apparently, to make him a fit man to take care of the interests of a great nation and set an example before a free people worthy to foUovv. I believe it is said in early history that mothers used to point to Alexander and say to their children, be like him, and jus was well said by our distinguished friend here Mr Anieck. awhile ago, ivferring to Washington and Lincoln, the mothers of America can. with just pride, say to their chiM.vn.be hke Washington and Lin- COLN. Lincoln's favorite poom, "O Wiiv Smoild tiik Spikit of Mortal Be Proud?" written in 17TH by Alexander knox, of K.iinl)nr«.-, Scotland, was read by Mrs. l^hvard S. Johnson, the wife of one of onr members: Oh! whv should Ihc -spirit of imirtal h'- prouil?— Lik.! a Kwift-lli-eiut,' nn-tror. a fast-llyin- '-luud. A Hash of Ihe li«litniii«. a hn'uk ..f the wave, Hr puss.'th fruin lif.' to liis rest in the yravo THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 110 The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade. Be scattered around and together be laid; And the young and the old, and the low and the high. Shall moulder to dust and together shall he. The infant, a mother attended and loved: The mother, that infant's affection who proved; The husband, that mother and infant who blest, — Each, all, are away to their dwelhngs of rest. The maid on whose cheek, on whose brow, in whose eye. Shone beauty and pleasure— her triumphs are by. And the memory of those who loved her and praised. Are alike from the minds of the living erased. The hand of the king, that the sceptre hath borne. The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn. The eye of the sage and the heart of the brave. Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap, The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep. The beggar who wandered in search of his bread. Have faded away like the grass that we tread. The saint, who enjoyed the communion of heaven, The sinner, who dared to remain unforgiven. The wise and the foohsh, the guilty and just, Bave quietly mingled their bones in the dust. So the multitude goes— Uke the flower or the weed. That withers away to let others succeed; So the multitude comes— even those we behold. To repeat every tale that has often been told; For we are the same our fathers have been; ■\Ve see the same sights our fathers have seen: We drink the same stream, we view the same sun. And run the same course our fathers have run. The thoughts we are thinking, our fathers would think; From the death we are shrinking, our fathers would slirink; To the life we are chnging, they also would cling- But it speeds from us all, Uke the bii"d on the wing. They loved— but the story we cannot luifold: They scorned— but the heart of the haughty is cold; They grieved— but no wail from their slumber will come; They joyed— but the tongue of tlieir gladness is dumb. They died— ay, they died— we things that are now. That walk on the turf that Ues over their brow. And make in their dwellings a transient abode. Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. Yea! hope and despondency, pleasure and pain. Are mingled together in sunshine and rain; And the smile and the tear, the song and the dirge. Still follow each other, like surge upon surge. ""Tis'tlie wink of an eye— 'tis the draught of a breath. From the blossom of health to the paleness of death; From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud:— ■Ohl why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 120 THE LLNTOLN GUARD OF HONOR. The song, "Let the President Sleep," by James M. Stewart, was then sung by the Quintette Club. ^ Let the President sleep; all his duty is done. He has lived for our glory, the triumph is won. At the close of the tight, like a warrior brave, He retires from the field to the rest of the grave. Hush the roll of the drum; hush the cannon's loud roar: He will guide us to peace through the battle no more. But now freedom shall dawn from the place of his rest. Where the star has gone down in the beautiful West. Tread lightly, breathe softly, and gratefully bring. To the sod that enfolds him the first flow'r of Spring. They will tenderly treasure the tears that we weep. O'er the grave of our chief. Let the President sleep. Let the President -sleep! tears will hallow the ground. Where we raise o'er his ashes the sheltering mound; And his spirit will sometimes return from above. There to mingle with others in ineffable love. Peace to thee, noble dead; thou hast battled the right. And hast won high reward from the Father of Lit;ht. Peace to thee martyr hero, and sweet he thy rest. When the sunlight fades out in the beautiful West. The ceremonies were concluded by Rev. J. H. Noble, of the First M. E. Church, who pronounced the benediction as fol- lows : May the bessing of God — the God of Nations — who giveth peace as man doth not give ; the blessing of the God of our fathers ; the God of Washington and Lincoln, be upon us, upon our countiy, upon our whole countiy, presen-ing us from eternal .strife — and lifting us to purity of National life, so we m:iy continue a free and good people, now and forever, for Christ's sake. Amcm. The progi'amme was com]jleted within nn hour. As it pro- gressed, the sun ])enetrated and dispelled the mist and clouds, and many to-day, no doubt, cherish pleasant recollections of the first Memorial service conducted by The Lincoln Guard of Honor. A numbei' of Idtcrs of i-cgrct fi-om ])i'oinin(Mit pei-sous in- vited to attend the .services were received. The following i extract from the letter of Lt.-Gov. Andrew Shuman will be of. interest: It is well and projiiT th;i1 Ihc citi/.cns of ]\Ir. Lincoln's own home city, neiir ■which his remains lie cntuinbed, should set an e.xuniple to tlie rest of the country by commemorating the anniversaries of the terrible tragedy by whidi ho was taken off. Whatever can b(> said or done by his surviving countrymen to keep his mi'iiiory fresh, and to rccull to tniml aiid contciniilatioii liis pat tiotic devotion and his wi.se words, will he a Hi'rvi<'(' lo t lie coiinii y he loved and llic Union he saved. May his nam*; and his services li\r foicsci in all good licails and minds. THE LINCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 121 At a meeting of the Lincoln Guard of Honor, April 27, 1880, after the transaction of the necessary routine business connected with the previous Memorial service, on motion it was Resolved, That each of the fifteen members of the National Lineohi Moninnent Association, are hereby elected honorary members of Tlie Lincoln Guard of Honor, and are invited to attend at pleasure the meetings and memorial exercises held by the latter, and at all times advise and consult with the members of the same, upon any and all subjects calculated to keep in grateful remembrance the name and ser- vices of Abraliam Lincoln. Resolved, That this Guai'd of Honor adjourn to meet on Decoration Day (May 29), at the National Lincoln Monument, to take part in the exercises connected with decorating the graves of those who died in assisting to suppress the slave- holders' rebelhon. Catacomb of the NATioNAii Lincoln Monument, Decoration Day, Satxjkday, May 29, 1880, Half past two o'cIiOck P. M. The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled near the door of the catacomb. Present — Dana, Reece, McNeill, Power, Chapin, Lindlej, Wiggins, Johnson and Conkling, every member. The Monument had previously been decorated by ladies, on the part of Stephenson Post No. 30, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. The sar- cophagus was completely covered with white roses. During the forenoon, the rain had fallen in torrents, but cleared about noon. Before approaching the Monument, the members of The Guard of Honor had united with the Grand Army of the Re- public, — many of them being members of the latter organiza- tion, — in decorating the graves of the Union soldiers buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. On arriving at the Monument The Lincoln Guard of Honor, by previous arrangement, assumed the precedence. President G. S. Dana, conducting the services, introduced Rev. W. B. Affleck, who offered the following: INVOCATION. Oh, Thou great and merciful God, before whose high throne we bow, be pleased to hear our supplications, for Jesus Christ's salce. While we now stand with bowed spirits in Thy temple of nature, imder the sunshine of Heaven, and under the shadow of the imperishable monument of a grand soul that is one of the brightest who is now with Thee, we thank Thee, Oh, we thank Thee for putting it into the hearts of these kind people to plant these beautiful flowers on the graves of tho —8 122 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. immortal dead, for though dead they yet live, and ever will, not only in their bright mansions, Vjut in tlie memory of those brave comrades who still survive. Oh, God, we pray Thee comfort the widow of tlie good Lincoln, and mercifully bless his promising son. And do, oh Lord, bless this Lincoln Guard of Honor, and may they be I'ewarded for organizing to defend a name that now creates grateful joy in the hearts of thousands. Grant that the battle begun by our sleep- ing chief, may be continued by these Guards until all wrong shall die, and right and righteousness shall alone guide Thy universe, and the world in which Thou permitted us to so happily live. Help us to be valiapt and virtuous till we all_ meet in Heaven, and this we ask for the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. The door of the catacomb was then opeued, and taking a position in front, CLINTON L. CONKLING, ^ member of The Guard of Honor, then delivered the follow- ing address: My Fkiends— Standing on hallowed ground, here on this Decoration Day, Tvhich, with its flowers, speaking of the past vmto the present, recalls the sad and solemn thoughts of the dark days of the war. I seem to hear again Ihc; deep wail of anguish which went up from every loyal breast, when Abeah.^m LiNCOiiX died. Never was a great Nation's heai't more deeply stiiTed. The intensity of its emo- tion, showed the depth of its love. Men would have given up Ufe, could lie but have lived. Through a grief stricken people by soiTowing friends he was brought to his Tiome. No warm living words came from his lips to greet the thronging thousands, ■who, in silence, pressed to his bier. Calm and unmoved were the careworn fea- tures, though a Nation would have thrilled to have seen but a smile. The Presi- dent was dead. "We laid him to rest in the heart of his own loved State, midst the scenes of his triumphs and by the home of bis longing desire. They said his work was done — well done and finished. We wept and waited, and each receding yeai' has but more clearly revealed the noble chai'acter of tlie departed hero. On every hand we see that his work was not done, nor will it be done till the name of the Nation he loved and saved shall have passed into the dim shadows of antiquity, and history be no more. Men of all agi'S will look to him as a gui', and younger hands must leam to do the work of love which we this day have done. To this coming generation, and those which will follow, the precious dust which lies within these granite walls is a holy heritage, to be guarded with care, and this is the sacred trust which has devolved upon The Lincoln Guard of Honor, who here to-day, surrounded by brotherly hearts, lay their floral offerings over the remains, the care and protection of which it is their duty to undertake. "While we thus honor the departed, we appeal to the living, never to forget them nor their deeds. The golden chain of memory, to which this day adds another link, binds us to too rich a past to be idly broken. From its stories of devotion and self-sacrifice draw lessons of present need, and let not the life's blood of the humble private and the great chief have been shed in vain. Eevere 'the noble dead — love the re-united country for which they died, and never, by word or deed, dishonor the grand old flag whose stariy folds are a Nation's standard. The wives of the members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, liad prepared nine wreaths of evergreen and nine boquets. At the close of the address, one of each was placed in the hands of the nine members of The Guard of Honor. At the word of command from President Dana, the Guard moved in a body, into the Catacomb, and laid their wreaths upon the bed of roses on the sarcophagus, lapping one upon another so as to cover the entire leng'th of the sarcophagus. The nine boquets were then placed in upright positions within the loops formed bj the overlapping wreaths. Thus ended the decoration ceremonies on the part of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. As manj^ of the members of the Grand Army of the Ke- public as could do so, entered the catacomb with The Guard of Honor. The procession then moved to the east side of the Monument, where a congregation of citizens had assembled, and the exercises were closed on the part of the Grand Army of the Republic, by an address from Adjutant General H. H. Hilliard. At a business meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, at the Leland Hotel. Dec. 2, 1880, an informal discussion was held as to the manner we should observe the approaching anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and the prevailing opinion arrived at was that it would be imprudent at that time to incur the expense necessary to make it a success, and the subject was dismissed. 124: THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. DIVISION EIGHTH EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-ONE. Second Annual Meeting and Election of Officers — Observance of the Sixteenth Anniversary of the Death of Lincoln, being our Second Memorial Service — Oration by Rev. Dr. Sturtevant, an exceedingly valuable contribution to His- toiy and to Literture — Two versions of Mr. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address — Valuable address by Hon. H. H. Thomas — Reading of Selections by CUnton L. Conkling — Address by Rev. W. B. Affleck — Grand Army Senices at the Monument — Decoration of the Sarcophagus — The Picture that constitutes the Frontispiece to this Volume. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Leland Hotel, Febniary 12, 1S81. 7:80 o'clock I'. m, Sproiid annual meeting assembled here instead of at the ISIoimment, in consequence of the inclemenc}' of the Aveather. The treasurer's report showed that the receipts and dis- bursements for the year had been .fG5.25 eacli. Report ap- proved . The election of officei's was next held, (^n a separate ballot each, G. S. Dana, was elected I'rcsident, J. N. Iveece, Alce- President, J. C. Power, Secretary, and Jas. F. ^IcNeill, Treas- urer, all for one year. On motion it was Resolved, That The Lincoln Guard of Honor will observe the Sixteentli Anni- versary of the Death of President Abi'aham Lincoln, by holding appropriate ser- vices at the Catacomb of the National Lincohi Monument, on the morning of April 15, 1881, beginning at seven o'cloi-k Jind twciity-two minutt's. Business meetink(>d foi-ward to the tini(> whim, wearing the brightest honors his giatfful count r\- could bestow, he would rctiu'n to liis home in the midst of us, and from tin- high position lie iiad won, lie would, like a bright limiiniiry in the Ix'avens, shed u])on us all the lienign and trancpiil liglit of his wisdom and Iiis vir- tues. From tliat tramiuil sphen^ of private life, we hoped he would shine on through many years teaching us all, teaching mankind the gi'andest h^ssoii of his life. How soon were all thes<> liright hopes to be enielly disappointcdl In a few short days the murderous hand of the assassin would accomplish his dreatlful work! THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 129 And yet the great lessons of Mr. Lincoln's life are not to be lost to coming ages Perhaps the terrible catastrophe may be appointed of God to caiTy down those lessons to coming generations, with aU the greater emphasis. The impi-ession of that long funeral procession, through the great cities of the Atlantic coast and the ,most thronged thoroughfare of the continent, through Chicago, to this, his sacred resting place, will never be effaced from the mind of the Nation. It impressed on the hearts of milUons of our people the great practical truth, that it is possible in our country, for one to rise from the profoundest obscurity to the loftiest position, and the most brilhant honors ever attained by an American citizen ; from the rude cabin of the Kentucky railsplitter, to the most exalted place among the rulers of the world, without one of the trielis of the mere politician, or one of the wiles of the demagogue, simply by the favor of God and his country, on his eminent talents, his fidelity to princijile, and his shining virtues. The greatest danger to which the more aspiring youth of our country are exposed, is that they will seek to chmb to the high places of the land at the sacrifice of their principles, their conscience, and their manhood. Mr. Lincoln's career teaches them that there is a more excellent way, even the way of tiiith and righteousness. It is fit that as far as possible, this occasion should give emphasis to this sacred lesson. I do not at aU doubt or deny that Mr. Lincoln desired and enjoyed the dignitie.s and honors of high and honorable station ; but this was not the controlling motive which impelled him onward in his political career. That motive was the love of his country, and of righteousness. During the ever memorable struggle between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, in 1858, I one day happened to be at the station in Jacksonville, when the train arrived from Springfield. Mr. Lincoln came from the train and we walked together to the hotel. I said to him, you seem weary and careworn, you must be having a weary time of it. I am, he repUed with empha- sis. I would instantly abandon the contest, if I did not knoiv that if the doctrine of the political indifference of slavery jyrevails, this will be a slave State in less than fifteen years; but I do knoiv it, and I must fight it out to the last. There we see the internal force that impelled him. Many of the older persons present will well remember the political speech which he made in the Eepresentati^ves Hall, at the old State House, on the opening of the ever memorable campaign of 1860. He opened his speech with those thriUing, never to be forgotten words : "This country cannot long remain as it is, half slave and half free. It will soon become all slave or all free." I was present on that occasion, and remember the burning emphasis with which those words were uttered. His whole heart was in them. You will observe that it was the same sentiment which he uttered to me two years before. This was, in Mr. Lincoln's mind, the key note of the whole conflict then going on. The next day an old tried political friend, already a veteran in the ranks of anti-slavery, from whose lips I had this part of the anecdote, called on Mr. Lincoln and said to him : "Mr. Lin- coln, that opening statement of yours is too radical ; we cannot stand up to it ; it wiU ruin us ; you must modify it." His reply was, "No, I have constructed that statement with the gi'eatest possible deliberation and care ; I cannot change a syllable of it. We must stand by it." There was the force that impelled Mr. Lincoln, and made him President of the United States, the saviour of the Eepub- hc, and the liberator of four milUons of slaves. He could afford to be defeated in the contest, but he could not afford to recede one hair's breadth from that princi- ple. He clearly saw a principle, and that on its prevalence the futm-e of our dear countiy depended, and by that principle he would sink or swim. No man had a 130 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. moi'e sensitive conscience than lie. He felt himself bound by his allegiance and his oath, to be time to eveiy jot and tittle of the Constitution of the United States. To that obUgation he always meant to be scrupulously faithful. But within the limits of the Constitution he always meant to choose universal liberty, when he knew its alternative was universal slaveiy. He who understands and will logically apply that principle, will perfectly understand the public career of Abraham Lin- coln. For that principle he fearlessly periled his all ; and thus became for all posterit>^ the great, the wise, the good. He won a reputation which assured to him everlasting remembrance. Mr. Lincoln never coull have won even temporary greatness by any other means, much less could he have won lasting fame. In the craft of the mere poli- tician, and the wiles of the demagogue, there were many men around him who were greatty his superiors. If he had attempted to vanquish them in the use of their weapons, he would soon have been utterly vanquished in the conflict. But worse than that, he would have suffered all the agony of self-reproach. He had a sublime faith in truth, and righteousness, and God, and dai'ed to risk his all upon them ; and therefore he was invincible. Not long after Mr. Lincoln's death, I remember to have read an exceedingly fine compliment of him as a Supreme Court lawyer, from one of his brethren at the bar. "I\Ii\ Lincoln," said he, "would have been a first rate Supreme Court law- yer, if he had not been a little too honest sometimes, and thus daihage a bad cause entrusted to him." This points directly to one of the most fundamental and beauti- ful traits of character, his all absorbing love of ti-uth, and its necessaiy conse- •quence, that perfect candor, in which, I may almost say, he surpassed all the other men I have ever known. He was the most truthful of men. When I had spent an hour in conversing with him, I always left him with the most undoubting convic- tion that I knew exactly what he thought, and how he felt on the subjects on which we had conversed, at least so far as he had attempted to express himself in respect to them. This quality threw a wonderful charm over even his poUtical speeches. He had a magic power to disarm prejudice, and to open the way for truth, which he desired to utter to the inner hearts of his hearers. This is the reason why ho had more power than most other men, to win men to the acceptance of truths which in tlunr first announcement were unwelcome to his hearers. Ho had that most desirable power to a greater degree than most other men, and by means of it he extended a most beneficial influence on the world. Mr. Lincoln had one trait of character which pre-eminently qualifltMl liim for the gi'eat part he was to act in the deliverance of our country from sla\-eiy, the importance of which has not often been noticed. Every great social reform im- peratively demands the presence and activity of two styles of cliai-acter, which are not only unlike, but almo.st contradictoiy to each other. They are the des- structive and constructive ; the function of the former being to agitate, to make men conscious of the diseases under which society is sulTering and keenly alive to the ui-gcnt need of a remedy at whatever cost. The function of the construc- tive is to reconstruct society on such principles as to eliminate the cause or causes of existing evils, and render society capable of lieaUhy action and growth. The men who were conspicuous in the earUer years of the anti-slavery struggle were cntin'ly of the destructive character. It nuist necessarily have boon so. Nothing could then be done. .\i)athy of a most alarming character had fallen upon the body politic. It had Ih'couk! in agr(\'it (l(>gi't>e tolci'ant of slavery, with all its ten- dencies to barliarisin, and was rapidly bt'coniing aecustonied to regard it as a nor- THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 131 Tiial part of the National Constitution, and inseparable from the National hfe. The first thing which could be done was to rouse the Nation from this fatal lethargy, and make it keenly sensitive to the morbid symptoms it was experiencing, and aUve to the necessity of some remedy. This is the first stage in any social reform; and in that stage of the anti-slavery reform, the burning denunciatory eloquence of GaiTison and his associates, apphed to the Nation those burning caustics, which alone afforded the only hope of rendering the patient capable of cure. As a people we owe a debt of gratitude to the men of that school which we can never repay. They dealt in" nothing but caustics, and by caustics only could we be roused from our fatal lethargy. The Constitution of the United States, said Wendell Phillips, is a covenant with death and a league with hell, because it toler- ated slaveiy. When heroic treatment had irritated the body pohtic to a certain degree of vital sensibility, another mode of treatment became necessary, to which these men were quite unaccustomed, and to which they had little adaptation. It was to propound a system of practical statesmanship, the effect of which would be to arrest the progress of the disease, and rally the healthful forces of the sys- tem to resist and eradicate the morbid influence. The commencement of this cur- ative process, dates from the organization of the Repubhcan party, upon the per- fectly clear and defijiite principle, that hereafter slaveiy was to be regarded as local, and freedom was to be National ; freedom the piinciple, slaveiy a local ex- ception. That exception was to be extended no farther. The principles of the Eepublican party were purely constructive, there was notliing destructive in them. The party proposed to administer the Constitution strictly according to the de- clared intention of its framers, for the purpose of establishing liberty. Where ex- ceptions had been already established, in the past history of the government, the party had no thought of interfering with them. But its purpose was, in the future growth of the Nation, to develope and establish the principles of the Constitution, and not certain exceptions to those principles, which, though they had perhaps been inevitable in the past, were seen to threaten destruction to liberty in the future. Mr. Lincoln was by nature conservative. He held every jot and title of the Con- stitution as sacred. His enemies called him a radical ; but it was a misnomer and a slander. Reverence was the strongest element in his character. But he knew what to revere. He revered the Constitution as the fathers made it. He revered that fimdamental principle of the Constitution which they declared to be liberty, and not that exceptional slaveiy, which from a supposed necessity they had per- mitted in certain cases, yet with such hatred of the thing, that they refused to admit the word into the sacred charter of a Nation's liberty. Mr. Lincoln waS' the very ineai'nation of this conservative character of his party. Under his ad- ministration the Constitution would not be destroyed, but defended and developed according to the true design of the instrument. Mr. Lincoln was often accused of inconsistency, both in this country and on the other side of the Atlantic. But the veiy acts which were aUeged as inconsistencies were those in which his con- sistency was most remarkable. I should like to illustrate this, but I have not the time. This is the true reason, as I believe, why there never was and never will be any successful reaction against the measures inaugurated by Mr. Lincoln and his party, during the terrible civil war. They did not destroy, but defended the Con- stitution of the Nation, and develope it. The measures of the great reforming party in England, in the time of Charles I, and of Cromwell, were utterly over- turned, because of the National Constitution. Ours will stand forever, because 1.32 THE l.IXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. they establish the Constitution. The administration of the British government in the time of George III, subverted the freedom of that Constitution in the colonies. The patriots of the revolution were strictly conservatives. They refused to accept the bondage whicli the British government sought to impose on them, and adopted another constitution to consen'e that Ubert)^ which the British constitution had been employed to subvert. Libert^^ was the life of the Constitution, and they con- served it. In exactly the same manner, Mr. Lincoln and his partj' consented liberty at the time of our great civil war. From that far off, dim antiquity when King John granted Magna Chaita, to the present hour, and in eveiy great conflict which has occurred, liberty has ti'iumphed and been developed, as the vital ele- ment of national life. I have faith in righteousness, liberty and God, to beheve it will be so in all the future. In the EngUsh race liberty is always national and slaverj' sectional. Liberty is always the life of nationality. I believe Mr, Lincoln to have been a truly devout man, at least in his spirit. I must sorrowfully own that the aspects of the Christian church in our day, one far from being such as to present Christianity in a satisfactory^ light to such a mind as his. The conception of tlie divine founder of our religion is far enough from fuiding satisfactory expression in the organic an-angements and the religious speech of our times. I have no doubt that the confusion and rehgious anarchy in the midst of which we are living, occassioned him a great deal of' perplexity, and snggested a great deal of unnatural and unwholesome doubt, as it does to a great many other minds. It is high time that the church of aU denominations should set herself in earnest to the work of such a readjustment as will give her the power of winning juid holding such minds as that of IMr. Lincoln. It is to her the most solemn duty of the hour. But our maityr President was a sincere man. When on the platform of the Great Western railway station, on the eve of his departm-e for Wasliington, to assume the high place to which he had been elected, he made that ever memorable address to the assembled multitude, in which he begged them all to pray for him, that he might obtain that help from God, in his great trust, with which he would be sure to succeed in his arduous undertaking, and without which he would be sure to fail, he only manifested the deep devoutness of his heart. The crowd he was addressing was not so devout, that to win their favor, he was forced to feign a devoutness he did not feel. Those words which, at the time and on so many occa.sions since, have drawn tears from many eyes, little accustomed to shed them, were no aitful trick of rhetoric ; they were the honest expressions of the pro- foundest convictions of his imderstanding, the most eherisiied sentiments of his heart. He made that morning a true exliibition of his character. He well knew the peril himself and his country were in, and he exhorted his fellow citizens to unite with him in looking to God, as the only efficient helper in such an hour of need. There in that devout trust in God, was the hilling of his power. The emancipation of four millions of slaves, and the restoration of our disrupt<>d country to unity, were in it. Tliat was the germ wiiich the glorious fruitage of this administration, tlirough all tht? future of the Nation's lustory, is but the developement, the seed from Avhicii our Nation is to grow and flower and l)ear fruit, for the healing of the Nations, is found in i\u) moral virtues and (he rehgious devoutness of a righteous man. One word before I close, to the men who are in this audience. Do you desire to Imitate the sphmdid oai'eer of Abraham Lincoln. Imitate, then, his example. Fear God and trust him. Believe that if you ai"e faithful to him ho will tiike care THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 133 of you, and always be ready to help you, and your eountrj^ in every hour of need. Love righteousness and dare to do it in great things and small. Love truth as Mr. Lincoln loved it. Seek for it as for silver, and search for it as for hid treasures. Then .shall you understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, Then will you learn how to wield those forces of the moral world, which are more powerful in controlling masses of men, in ruling nations and guiding the human race, to the attainment of its appointed destiny, than the power of steam in mere physical achievement. President Dana then introduced Rev. T. A. Parker, Pastor of the First ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church of Springfield. Mr. Parker, by way of prelude said : On November 19, 1863, a portion of the battle field of Gettysburg, bought by the State of Pennsylvania, was consecrated as a burial place for those who had fallen in the fight. The occasion was grand ; both from the memories of the scene, and on account of the imposing ceremonies. Edward Everett was the chief orator, and the assembled thousands listened in silent admiration, to the incomparable address ; but when Mr. Lincoln rose and faced the vast audience they crowded closely to tlie platorm, to catch ever^' word. He held in his hand a small piece of yellow paper on which was written his oration, as if done in a brief interval of his great work. His words fell upon the hearts of the multitude like the dew of Heaven, and moved them to sobs and broken cheers. No composition of classic ages or modem times, surpasses the simple gradeur of this address. The editor adds that the battle fought there between the Union and rebel forces July 1, 2, 3, terminating in a com- plete rout of the rebels, on the morning of the 4th, 18G3, leaving the Union armies in possession of the field ; that and the surrender of forty thousand rebel soldiers with all their munitions of war, to the Union armies at Yicksburg, Missis- sippi, on the same day, baptized anew, July Fourth, as our National Independence Day. President Lincoln's Gettysburg Addre_ss. Read by Rev. T. A. Parker. There are two versions of this re- markable speech. This left hand col- umn contains it as it was delivered Nov. 19, 1863, on the battle field. This is copied from the St. Nicholas Magazine for Jime, 1881. In each case the punc- tuation and paragraphs are followed ex- actly. This is as it was copied by Mr Lin- coln for the Soldiers and Sailors Fair at Baltimore in the autumn of 1864. It is copied from a /or simile of the original, in the St. Nicholas Magazine, for Sept., 1881, and is beyofid doubt, the form ia which he desired that it should go down in hlstoiy. 134 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Where the two versions differ, the words are in italics. Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth tipon this conti- nent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition tliat all men are created equal. Now, we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We are met to dedi- cate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their lives that that Nation might live. It is alto- gel her fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can- not dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, consecrated it far above our power to add or to detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forg(it what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather tu be dedicated here to the un- finished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be hert^ dedicated to the gi'eat task remaining before us ; that from these honored dead we take increased devo- tion to the cause for which they here gave the last full mcfisure of devotion ; that we here highly resolve that the (i(^ad shall not have died in vain; that //(r Xatii)ii shall, under God, have a new birtli of fix'cdom ; and that govern- ment of the people, by the people, and for the people, siiall not perish from the earth. Four score and seven yeai's ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. AVe are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting ajid proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedi- cate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly ad- vanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full meas- ure of devotion — that we here highly resolv(> that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — ^and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Abkaham: Lincoln. Nov, 19, 1863. Let the president sleep w^as then sunf^. President Dana next introduced Gen. H.H. Thomas, Speaker of tlKi Illinois House of Representatives, then in session, who delivered the followiu*;-: Addrksh by Gen. II. IF. Thonlvs. Mr. PreMdent, Gentlemen of The Lincoln Guard of Honor and Fellow Citicenfi: ()n(! of your number on yestiu-day afternoon kindly invited me to occupy live niinut»'s of time this morning, wliich I con.siMited to do, and I certainly promise that I will not ov(>rst<'j) thi' limits of the time in this inclement sini.soii. I think it eminently fitting and proper that we should for a time lay asido our usual HV(K!ations and gather utthis conse(n'at<>d spot to pay the tribute of our affec- tii^nate admiration to the memory of the illustrious dead whoso ashes rcsposo THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 135 "here. It was sixteen years ago last night since the madman fired the shot "heard around the world," which laid low one whom I beheve I voice the muversal senti- ment in pronouncing the foremost man of his time, and "take him for all in all" the greatest man this country has produced. It needed but the dark tragedy of Ford's Theatre to set out in proper rehef the simple and harmonious quaUties which had made him so truly illustrious, even— and I say it reverently— as the portentous, shadows of Calvary furnished the background for the shining, radiant glories of the Christ. Of course in the few minutes which are allotted to me, I can but glance at the character of Illinois'— I should rather say of America's— great son. liike the granite shaft that lifts itself above his ashes, it was severely, simple and plain. Little of "the divinity" which "doth hedge a king" surrounded Abraham Lincoln. I saw him often in those darkest days of the Nation's agony. I was in the War Department at Washington at the time, and I remember, in those fateful summer days of 1862, when the Grand Army of Washington was being slaughtered in the swamps ai'ound Richmond, as it slowly fighting, retreated to the James river, that the good President used often to come quietly over to the Wax- Department and sit for hours in the office of the Secretary' of War — his trusted Secretaiy — and hsten to the painful tidings as they came from the field. I remember the awful anxiety that sat upon those plain, strong, homely features, and again lat<^r, in the succeeding winter, when Burnside led that fruitless and bloody, stonning of the heights at Fredericksburg, with that same noble army — and it seemed as if "Unmerciful disaster Followed fast and followed faster" its fortunes — I saw him once more with that look of ineifable sadness upon his face. It really seemed as if he bore within his great heart the burden of all our troubles, and as if he was of aU men the man you would point to and say that he was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." I have often thought I should have loved to see him after the great burden was lifted, when peace had come with victoiy and its laurels — to have seen him riding through the streets of conquered Hichmond, heard the glad acclaims of those sons and daughters of Africa, and seen that peculiar smile which used to fight up his face. And I remember, too, how gentle he always was, whether in the presence of a carping Senator, an arrogant General or a Department Clerk — always the most kindly, courteous gentleman was Abraliam Lincoln. Much as we abhor the crime of Wilkes Booth, I doubt if he were an enemy to the fame of Abraham Lincoln. That life which he cut off so crueUy and suddenly was a full-rounded fife. Abraham Lincoln had worthily won and worn the highest honors of the Repubhc. He had succeeded in a seemingly impossible task of crushing out the mightiest rebelfion kno%vn to history-, and he had been hailed by lour miUions of liberated souls as Emancipator. What more was there of human achievements for him? His work was done, and well done, and we might appro- priately apply the language of the poet when he speaks of a great Grecian hero: ; " We tell thy doom without a sigh. For thou art Freedom's now and Fame's — One of the few, the immortal names That were not bom to die." If we who are gathered here this morning can from these simple addresses, and irom these grand, noble, simple words of his, which we have heai-d recited, but 136 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. catch a little of the inspiration tliat illumined his life — a little of that all-embrac- ing eliarity, that unselfishness and that devotion to duty, lead the path whereat might, over primrose paths or by a thorny road, then our time will have been pro- fitably spent. President Dana then announced Clinton L. Conkling, a. member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. Me. Conkling said: To show that Mr. Lincoln fully realized the dangers which surrounded him when he became President, and that tlie ver^' death which came upon him at last, had been almost anticipated by liim from the first, and to show at the same time the Idndly feelings he had for those who so bitterly opposed him as well as the Nation which he represented, I have selected passages from a speech delivered by him in. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, where he stopped while on his way to Washing- ton, Februaiy 2, 1861, also the concluding portion of his lirst inaugural address.. In addressing the citizens of Philadelphia, Mr. Lincoln said : "I have often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who- assembled here and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence. I have pondered over the trials that were endured by the officers and soldiers of the army who adiieved that independence. I have often inquired of myself what great principle or idea it was that kept this confederacy so long together. It was not- the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the mother-land, but that sentiment in the Declaration of Indendence which gave liberty not alone to the people of this countiy, but, I hope, to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise tliat in due time the weight would be Ufted from tiie shoulders of all men. This is a sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence.. Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon this basis ? If it can, I will con- sider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help save it. If it can- not be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful. But if this country cao- not be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it. Now in my view of the present aspect <:)f affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war. There is no necessitj- for it. I am not in favor of such a course ; and I may say, in advance, that there will be no bloodslied, unless it be forced upon tlie government, and then it will be compelled to act in self defense." Standing upon the steps of the Capitol at Wa.sliington, in the presence of the vast audience, many of whom were seelving thedissoUitionof the ITuion, addressing more j)articularly this portion of his hearers, he said: "If it were admitted tliat you who are dissatisfied liold the right side in the dis- pute, there is still no reason for precipitate action. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a finn reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our difficulties. In your liands, my dissatisfi(>d coimtiymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without lieing yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to de- .stroy tlie govprmiicnt, wiiile I sliall liave the most solenm one to preserve, protect- and defend it. Iain loth to close. W(^ are not eiuMuies but friends. We must jiot l»e enemies. Though jjiussion may liave strained, it nnist not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 137 patriot grave to every living heai't and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." Kev. W. B. Affleck of York, England, who had electrified all hearts with his three minutes' speech at our first Lincoln Mem- orial Service, delivered his ADDRESS. Mr. President, Ladies and Genflevien : I only propose occupying one or two minutes, this cold morning, for two rea- sons—I don't want the good impressions destroyed from my own heart and mind, already made, and for another reason, I think we should consider the health of the people upon this ground. I am thankful for the opportunity, as an Englishman, to stand here and feel with you and to let you know that there is a percentage, at any rate, of humanity at the other side of the Atlantic that is greatly American in all American things that are good. The devil— I have always thought him a politician, but a bad one- there are lots hke him, though, and he is the father of a numerous family that are still living— but when he said, "Skin for skin and all that a man hath will he give for his life," it was the greatest falsehood that has ever been spoken in the uni- verse. Abraham Lincoln is an example of one to whom the love of God and man- kind was infinitely dearer than life, and he, too, is the father of a numerous family,, for there are tens and thousands in America to-day who love affection more than they love their life. In 1865, on the 15th of April, two very distinguished men were riding in a car- riage in England — two of the finest orators England has ever had — the one the- representative of the workingmen, Hemy Vincent, and the other a representative of all classes, John Bright. As they rode, conversing, they met a man who, with upUfted hand, stopped them and told them that Abraham Lincoln was dead. For many minutes neither of those men could speak, but sat. side by side and wept. Why? Because Lincoln was a kingly man — a man that was leading the vanguard in the great conflict for universal freedom — smitten down by the hand of hate. The first time I saw this monument I shall never forget, but I had already seen a monument to Abraham Lincoln before I saw this. We have a monument ta Abraham Lincoln at the other side of the ocean, and will have as long as we have a people who love libei-ty and struggle to achieve its triumphs. The first time I went into St. Paul's churchyard in London, I remember looking at that immense dome, rising over the Cathedral, and then I thought about its architect, Sir Chris- topher Wren, and I found a moldy tombstone with the simple inscription, "If you want the monument of Sir Christopher W^ren look around." So I say, if j'ou want a monument to Abraliam Lincoln, look around. There is a man whom I noticed as soon as I came upon this ground in the cold chilling wind of this morning, and whom I have watched ever since these commemorative services be- gan (pointing to an ex-slave, Jordan Richardson,) who has never covered that woolly head. We have stood with our hats on, but then we can't feel as his kind have felt. Abraham Lincoln led the great host that preserved our freedom, but he gave the inspiring watchword to that same conquering host that got them their freedom. The first picture that ever made me weep was an American picture. If —9 138 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF EONCE. I had not seen that I don't know that I should have ever seen America. That pic- 1;ure was a poor slave, kneeling with his hands manacled, looking up to the pioneer fighting for universal liberty and eiying. "Am I not a man and a brother?" He was neither a man nor a brother then, but since the great conflict crowned by the martyrdom of the great leader and chief of the change that has come to pass, he is both a man and a brother. I saw two colored men in the city of Xew York on Decoration day two years ago, in a squai'e in that city, where a platform had been erected at immense cost, and a monument to Lincoln had been wreathed of $500 worth of flowers by grateful people of color. There were to be orations delivered, and my wife and I went to hear them. A great procession passed, and when I looked upon those tattered and lacerated flags that were borne along I hardly cared to hear an oration — I rather felt like turning aside to weep and ease my sweUing breast. There were men with one arm and men with disfigured faces following — true heroes in the great battle for universal right,' and each brave soldier of the Republic as he passed that floral monument to Lincoln lifted up his hat. I would not mention the name of Abraham Lincohi with my hat upon my head — I would not mention the name of his good son with my hat upon my head. And there was one thought in the fine oration of Dr. Stertevant this morning that impressed me more than all the rest — the thought that though humanity had lamented over the death of monarehs, its great universal heart had never been stirred as it was by the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. There are reasons for that. There is not a country, however forlorn, under heaven to-day, but if it wanted another King or an Emporer he could be found at hand. Why, they can make a King out of any- thing that's mean. But they can't make a kingly man withcut the material, and that material was in Abraham Lincoln, and that is why men everywhere, all over the earth, felt that when Lincoln fell a nation must be in tears — when Lincoln fell a world in mourning. Not so when others fall — there are some sorrows that are not too grevious to be borne ; there are some whom, if the Lord should want to take away I would never .say don't; but, when he takes one we cannot see how we can do without, we pray, Lord, spare. But, as I was saying, the great procession passed, and we gath- ered as close to the platform there in Madison Square as we could, and a colored man came forward as the first orator. He lifted his hat, looked at the monument, his bosom heaved, the tears streamed down his cheeks and he said : "That was our friend," and that was the beginning, the middle and the end of his oration. A second man followed, whose wool had tunu'd wliito. lint whose eye, like Dr. Sturtevanfs, was still undimnied, and after a pause, whil<" his li]>s quivered, he simply add(!d : "Yes, he was our uni.-ham,'ing friend." And they were the only orations delivered on that occasion. I shall never for- get them. And that is the character of Abraham Lincoln — all sunnncHl up in those two eloquent orations by those two obscure colm-ed men. Look around, I say, when you want to .see a iiinmiiiicnt of A'lraliani Lincoln — look the world around. I have always felt a grateful Invt- for America because of her magnanimity. They were not all alike at the other side of the sea — we know that. We had tsvo parties of widely differing opinion ; we were not so much divided there, perhaps, as you were here, ami no doubt you thought it wai? a strange thing that we should be divided at .ill at ilir oth.T side, hut I never thought so, for I knew that all the good at the otlu'r side wcni with you. ami I knew tliat all who were not THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 139 good, but ought to have been, were against you, and that was just the division. But how has America requited that? We lost one of our fine philan- thropic men while he was trying to do the world good - lost him amid the jungles of .Yfrica, and America in her magnanimity said, we have pardoned all the rebels who fought against us and we will be equally generous to those who thought against us — they have lost Livingstone and we will send Stanley to fmd him. 1 hke America for that, for the great can always afford to be forgiving. May God bless America. I don't belong to it— I would like to. I like to hve in this land — I prefer to hve in it. I thought last year I would liKe to die in England, but now I think I would hke to die in America and to be buried over on yon hillside, for when the great tramp shall sound and the best shall rise first, if I could only lift up my ej'es fi"om that hillside and behold the loved form of Abraham Lincoln step forth and gloriously ascend. I, who never saw him yet, how would I hke to see him then. Mr. Affleck then recited the following inspiriting lines by Gerald Massej. "High hopes that burned hke stars sublime GrO down in the heavens of freedom, And true hearts perish in the time We bitterhest need 'em. Tet never sit we down to say There's nothing left but sorrow ; "We walk the wilderness to-day, The promised land to-morrow. Our birds of song are silent now, There are no flowers blooming. Yet life is in the frozen bough. And freedom's spring is coming. And freedom's tide rolls up alway, Though we may stand in soitow, And our good bark, aground to-day, WiU float again to-morrow. Through all the long dark night of years The people's cry aseendeth, And earth is wet with blood and tears, But our meek sufferance endeth. The few shall not forever sway, The many toil in sorrow. The powers of hell are sti'ong to-day, But Christ shall rise to-morrow. Oh youth, flame earnest, stiU aspire. With energies immortal ; To many a haven of desire Your yearning opes a portal. And though age wearies by the way. And heails break in the fuirow, We'U sow the golden grain to-day — The harvest comes to-morrow. 140 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Build up heroic lives, and all Be like a sheathen sabre, ^ Beady to flash out at God's call, O, Chivahy of labor. Triumph and toil are twins, and aye, Joy gilds the cloud of son-ow, For 'tis the martyrdom to-day Brings victory to-morrow." Continuing Us address, Mr. Aifleek said, "There is a better day coming, to- America, a better day coming for the world, and I am glad the Lord let me be bom in an age so near that coming. I said last night at the Congregational church — I loved the name of Lincoln because he had managed to die. Very few men have died, because very few men have Uved. They shuffle into the world, shuffle on awhile in it, and then shuffle out, but a man who rose up to be a prince of goodness, and then sealed the great mission of his life with a martyr's death, in him there is something we can think about, admire and imitate. " God bless the young men of America. Be good men. You cannot all become great. That was a fine distinction of Dr. Sturtevant's between Lincoln's great- ness and his goodness. A man asked me a few weeks ago if I thought Abraham Lincoln was a righteous man. I said, I thought he was better than that, infinitely better than that, he was a good man. There ai'e plenty of righteous men that are like sponges. Everything that is good they suck in, but when you would get auA^hing of them they have to be squeezed. But Abraham Lincoln lived for others, he got good himself and communicated it. A man asked me if I thought Abraham Lincoln had gone to Heaven. I said I thought so, never had any doubt of it, for he could pray and vote as he prayed, but I said if he has missed the road, the Lord is good, and wherever he has put Abraham Lincoln, I shall be thankful to be as near him as Lincoln is. The Lord of the whole eaith will do- right." The Call of the Roll on High, was then sung. Sadly from the field of confiict, Where the wounded and slain Lay with pale and upturned faces, Some in peace and some in pain. Slow we bore a dying soldier, Who liad fall(>n in in the light, And to us he faintly whispen^d, "Comi'udes, let me sleep to-night." On the ground we softlv laid liira. Thinking he no mon» will wake, AVhon with eye lids widely open. Pointing upwards thus he spake: Comra(h>s, listtm ! don't you hear it, Hcjir the roU call thereon high? Hark ! my n.-une the Saviour's calling, Jesus — Captain, here am I ! THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 141 from many a field of battle Earnest prayer has gone to God, From the Ups of djang soldiei-s, As their life blood drenched the sod ; And to many came the message : Son, thy sins are all forgiven, And their lips with joy responded, When the roll was called in Heaven. Eev. Roswell 0. Post, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, closed the exercises \Yith the following: PRAYER AND BENEDICTION. O, God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, be our God! Our contry's God! We pray thee that from these sei-vices so sad and solemn, that from this mount of .«acrifice, we may return to the duties of life stronger in om- fealty to our land more loving in our service to thee, our God. We thank thee for all thy great blessings. We thank thee for thy son, Jesus Christ, who brought immortality to light. We thank thee for all thy children who have lived upon earth, showing the good, the true and the beautiful, making life worth the living. We pray thee that thy blessing may be with us, that we may, as thy sons and as thy daughters, go forth to do thy will. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. And may the peace of God that passeth all understanding keep our heails and minds from evil, in oiu- Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. May 19, 1881, The Lincoln Guard of Honor held a meet- ing at the Leland Hotel and resolved to unite Avith the Grand Army of the Eepublic on Decoration Day, at the Lincoln Monument, and authorized President Dana to make necessary arrangements for decorating the sarcophagus. It was mutually agreed that all the members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor assemble at the gallery of J. A. W. Pittman, Monday, May 23, 1881^ for the purpose of having a photo- graph taken of themselves in a group. Monday, ]\Iay 30, 1881, Decoration Day, The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the catacomb of the monu- ment. Present: Dana, Reece, Power, McNeill, Lindley, John- son and Chapin. Absent: AVigg-ins and Conkling. Mrs. Dana, Mrs. Lindley, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Conkling and Mrs. McNeill, all wives of members, having previoush^ deco- rated the catacomb and sarcophagus, each of the members 142 THE LINCOLN GUAED OF HONOR. present filed into the catacomb, headed by President Dana,, and deposit€!d a boquet on the sarcophagus as they marched around it and out at the door. They were followed by Stephenson Post No. 30, Grand Armj^ of the Kepublic, mam^ of whom deposited flowers on the sarcophagus, and all others who had flowers were invited to deposit them on the tomb also. All then dispersed without formality. Pursuant to agreement the members of The Guard of Honor assembled at Pittman's gallery Maj 23d, and sat for a pic- ture, but the negative being unsatisfactory, they assembled again in June and had one taken with which all are satisfied. That picture is the frontispiece to this volume, and presents a remarkably good likeness of each and every member. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HO^'OR. I45 DIVISION NINTH. EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO. Historical Sketch Certiflcate of Honoran^ Membership and Circular-Election of Offieers-Seal-First Certificate of Houoraiy Membership-Circular- Third Memoria Semce, held in the Afternoon-Address on Temperance by Abraham Lincohi— Death and Funeral of Mrs. Lincohi. At a meeting, Jan. 17, 1882, the Secretary, at the suo-o-es-" tion of President Dana, was requested to write up a historical sketch of our soeietv in connection with the labors of its members to protect, from vandal hands, the remains of Presi- dent Lmcoln, and make that sketch a part of our records A lithographic plate of a certiflcate of honorary member- ship having been previously ordered, and a thousand copies printed at a cost of t^vo hundred dollars, Mr. Conkling was directed to send that amount to the Chicago Bank Not'e and Engraving Company in payment of the same. The price for a certificate of honorary membership was de- clared to be five dollars. ^ A committee was appointed to prepare a circular concern- ing honorary membership and the aims of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. This was done with the view of raising money in that way to defray the expenses of our societj^ The President and Secretary were constituted a committee to procure a seal for The Lincoln Guard of Honor. At a meeting Feb. 3, 1882, the Secretary reported a his- torical sketch of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, which he had been directed to write. After being read and modified in some points it was approved and ordered to be spread upon our records, where it may be found, beginning on page 88, and occupying eleven pages. It contains all the history we had made to that date. 144 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. At the third annual meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Monday, Feb. 13, 1882, Treasurer McNeill made his annual report in detail, showing receipts for the year to have been •146.80, and expenditures |44.55, leaving a balance in the Treasury of |2.25. The annual election of oflEicers was then held, a separate ballot being taken for each one, resulting in the election of Gustavus S. Dana, President. Jasper N. Eeece, Vice President. John Carroll Power, Secretaiy. James F. McNeill, Treasurer. President Dana, from the committee on seal, reported where it could be obtained with the price, and was directed to have one made without further delay. At a meeting held Monday, March 6, 1882, President Dana reported that the seal had l)een received, with bill $5.00 and transportation 35 cents, making $5.35, which was allowed and ordered paid. President Dana reported |5.00 received March 2, 1882, from Philander T. Pratt, of 932 North Halsted street, Chicago, for Certificate No. 1 of honorary membership. President Dana, from committee on circular reported the following: THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. Moved by a ■svann nffcction for the memory of Abraham LiNcoiiN, and desir- ing to aid in perpetuating the remembrance of his life and death, tlie founders of The Lincoln Guard or Honor formed themselves into an organization, Avhieh was instituted Februiuy 12, 1880, the sev(mty-first anniversary of th(? biith of the martyr President, and has been duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. The purpose of this Society * * * in part, are to pro\-ide for memorial services at his Tomb, and at other places, upon the anniversimes of his birth, death, or other important events in his life, as well as upon Emancipa- tion Day and Decoration Day ; thus keeping his life and eminent services fresh in the memoiy of the people. Since its organization, The Lincoln Guard of Honor has held, at tho National Lincohi Moiuiment, interesting Memorial Services on the lifteenth day of Ai)ril of <'ach year, tlie anniversary of tiie Pr(>sident's death, and upon J^ecoration Diiy. Tli(^ tw(5lfth of Pebniarj% the day of his birth, has also been appropriately remembered, and it is the desire of the Societj' that the observance of tlie anni- versary of his deatli may soon bo adopted liy th(^ whole country as a National Holiday. (We do not jiow think it woukl be ajiproiiriatc for a National Holiday, but the day of his birth would.) THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 145 Desiring to extend these services throughout the land, and to secure the co- operation of all patriotic citizens in its most laudable undertakings, this organiza- tion, regarding itself merely as a standing committee of the people, has provided for the admission of honoraiy members, and has procured finely engraved certifi- cates of such membership. Tliese certificates are printed upon fine paper, about fourteen inches wide and seventeen inches long, and contain a medallion portrait of Abbaham Lincoln, and con-ect views of his former residence in Springfield, and of the Monument beneath which lie his remains. Any person, upon the pay- ment of five dollars, or upwards, can become an honorary member, and receive one of these certificates, showing the name of the donor and the amount of his gift ; which certificate will be signed ^by the officers of the organization, under its corporate seal. The Lincoln Guabd of Honok, therefore, appeals to all who are in sympathy with its purposes, to assist in their accomplishment by enrolling themselves as honorary members, and lending their influence to the attainment of its objects. Neither personal nor mercenary interests are to be subserved, but the only object is to remember in a fitting manner the example and virtues of the immortal Lincoln. The Executive Committee of The National Lincoln Monu- ment Association, under whose supervision the splendid Mausoleum at Oak Eidge Cemetery, to the memory of Presi- dent Lincoln, has been erected, commands The Lincoln Guard of Honor as follows: Spkingfield, III., February 23, 1882. ''The organization of The Lincoln Guakd of Honor, and the action taken "by it in holding Memorial Services at the National Lincoln Monument, meets with the hearty approval of The National Lincoln Monument Association, and the public are assured that the gentlemen composing The Lincoln Guabd op Honor are reputable and patriotic citizens, whose object is to do honor to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. They are worthy of public confidence. Signed : John T. Stuart, James C. Conkling, John Williams, Ex. Com. Nat'l Lincoln Monument Ass'n." Apphcations for honorary membership may be addressed to any member of The XiiNCOLN Guard of Honor. G. S. Dana, President, J. P. Lindlet, J. N. Eeece, Vice-Pres't. Edward S. Johnson. J. G. Power, Secretary. N. B. Wiggins. Jas. F. McNeill, Treasurer. Horace Chapin. Clinton L. Conkling. The report was approved, and the committee directed to have one thousand copies printed for distribution. 146 the lincoln guard of honor. Our Third Memorial Service, Our two previous Memorial Services having been held tit seven o'clock and twenty-two minutes in the morning*, corres- ponding with the time of Mr. Lincoln's death, expressed our sentiments on the subject, but it was found to be too damp and chilly for the comfort of those in attendance, therefore it Avas Resolved, That the Memorial Services April 15, 1882, be held at two "o'clock in the afternoon, at the Catacomb of the Monument, and that Mr. Voluey Hickos be employed to report the proceedings at an expense not to exceed five dollars. At a meeting held Monday, May 10, 1882, the hour for memorial services was changed from two to half past two in the afternoon. The following was adopted as the PKOGEAMME OF MEMORIAL SERVICES. TO BE HEIiD ON THE SEVENTEENTH ANNIVEKSAEX OF THE DEATH OF ABEAHAM lilNCOIiN. Services will begin at half past two o'clock on the afternoon of April 15th. They will be held at the Catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, under the auspices of The Lincoln Guakd of Honoe. A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the city, to be present and unite in the services. OEDEE of EXEECISES. Peayee, By Eev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., of the Second Presbyterian Church. Singing, - - "In Memoriam, Abraham Lincoln," - - Keller. Geo. A. Sanders, - - - Conductor. double quaktette. Soprano. Alto. Miss Lizzie Hibbs, Miss Lulu Hibb?.. Mrs. ^V. L. Bai-low. Mrs. J. F. McNeill. Tenor. Bass. ]ilr. Geo. A. Sanders, Mr. Fred. Wilms, Mr. H. F. Velde. Mr. Hany M. Snape. Oeganist — Miss Minnie Goodwin. Addeess, By Shelby M. Cullom, Governor of the State of Illinois. Keadxng — ReminiHcences — Extracts from a Tompeianco Address by Lincoln, and Eulogy on him, by an ex- Confederate Soldier. By J. C. Power. SiNfirN'G, - "Our Xohlc Cliicf has Passed Au'aii," - J E. Thomas. Addeess, . _ - _ . By Hon. James A. Connolly. Eecitatioi*, . . ■ - - By !\lr.s. Edward S. Johnson. Singing, _.-_.-.- "Atnerica." Peayee and Benediction, By Kev. W. S. Matthew, of the Second M. E. Church. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 147 Five hundred copies of the programme were ordered printed for use on Lincoln Memorial Day. The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled near the catacomb at half past two o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, April 15, 1882, for our third memorial service. All the nine mem- bers of The Guard of Honor were present, and about one thousand citizens and strangers. The afternoon was clear,, warm and pleasant. The sarcophagus was covered with ever- greens and flowers, with a goodlj^ display of flowering plants. President G. S. Dana, as master of ceremonies, took the platform at exactly half past two o'clock, and called upon Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, who offered the OPENING PRAYER. Lord God, the God of our father's, and our God. We gather again beside the sacred dust of the great and good man, whose name the Nation reveres, and whose virtues we love to commemorate. Looli upon us in mercy we beseech Thee, as our tears flow afresh at the remembrance of his sad and sudden departure from the midst of the people, and comfort us with the renewed assurance that he still lives. We thanlc Thee that, though good men ai'e taken out of the world, their character and influence are an abiding legacy, — that " Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust." We praise Thee for Abraliam Lincoln, whom Thou didst raise up in the Nation's^ great trial time, and for the principles of truth and justice and mercy and liberty which he so nobly upheld and advanced, and which remain for us to cherish this day. Now we pray, Father, that Thou wilt visit the widow who, in weariness and lonehness, renews her deep sorrow to-day, and sustain and soothe her with thy grace. Have compassion upon the miUions whose fetters of slavery were broken by the great Proclamation, and speedily lift them up to the higher freedom which civiliza- tion and education bring. We recommend to Thee the soldier and sailor wlio have especial interest in the memories of this day, and all who with them and us hold sacred this anniversary. We commend also to Thy keeping the President of the United States and his Cabinet, the Congress of our Nation, and all who are entrusted with the responsi- bility of oflice. Help all to fulfill their trusts in thy fear and love. Be Thou, O God, our Guai'd and Protector, as Thou wast the defender of our fathers. Bless all the words we are about to hear to-day, and the thouglits that shall fill our minds, and the feelings that touch our hearts. May they be inspira- tion to us, prompting us, by Thy grace, to be ever ready to give ourselves in ser- vice and sacrifice, under Thee, for the good of om' couutiy and of mankind. Hear us for Jesus sake. Amen. 148 THE LI>X"OLN GUARD OF HONOR. The double Quartette continued the exercises by singing: "In Memoriam, Abraham Lincoln." National Chant. "Words by W. Dexter Smith. Music by Keller. Columbia weeps ! Columbia weeps ! Her cherished Son, who struck her fetters to the gi'ound — Who saved the land of Washington, — Has passed from earth's most distant bound. His spirit went to realms on high, — His dust alone, the earth could claim, — His memory wiU never die While freemen Uve to bless his name. Columbia swears anew her vow, To guard the birth-right of the free ; XTnsheathed her sword of Justice, now — Since Mercy fell by Tyranny. Our Nation's hopes and fears alilie Are with the land our fathers trod, — And while for Freedom now we sti'ike, Our future is alone with God. Address by Gov. S. M. Cullom. Gov. Cullom was then introduced, and after alhiding to his having been present upon each former occasion, in which memorial exercises had been held by The Guard of Honor, spoke as follows: Mii. Pkesident, Ladies and Gentleiten : — We turn aside to-day from our ordinary labors to again manifest our love for the illustrious dead, and to renew our faith in those principles of right and truth whicli were exem])liried in the life of Abraham Lincoln. The great of eailh do not belong to any age or clime, but are the common lun-i- tage of all nations and peoples. In jniying our tributes of respect and admiration for the noble lives of LaFayotto or Nelson, or Farragut, we do not ask when or where they lived, but think of what they did to make m;uikiud freer, braver and better. When the names of Burns THE LIXCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 149 and Scott, and Longfellow are spoken, we think of what they said, of the thoughts they made to breathe and bum in behalf of justice and truth and vritue, and our hearts at once respond — these were friends of the race. The world venerates the name of Washington, not alone because he was an American, but because he was a great and noble man, and a friend of the people. We stand here to-day under the shadow of this granite monument. It is right and proper that loving hearts and hands should build it. But, my friends, it is not necessaiy that the world should erect granite shafts or fashion marble tombs to perpetuate the memor>^ of the great of earth, — more lasting monuments are found in the hearts of the people, where are enghrined the virtues and heroic deeds of the honored dead, in ineffaceable and undecaying characters. We do not ask to behold the resting place of Epaminondas or Cromwell or Sidney or Jefferson— monuments raised to their memories will decay and crumble back to dust, but what they performed will remain as long as the everlasting hills. The Ufe of Lincoln belongs to the world, in the broadest sense. No State or Nation can claim him as its own. While we here, a few of his old neighbors, who knew him and loved him so well, are gathered around his burial place, this 17th anniversary of soitow will be observed in other States and other lands. Wherever men are struggling to be free, wherever the rights of man have been invaded, wherever the iron hand of despotism falls with violence upon the oppressed, there the heart throbs to the memoiy of him whose mortal remains rest here. Lincoln was a child of Providence, raised up at a period in our history when there was need for such a man. A pioneer, raised in a cabin, in his youth and early manhood laboring with his hands — acquainted with the woods and the fields, he communed with nature in all its grandeur and beauty, as it voiced itseK to this quiet man of destiny. With ease he took his place when he grew to manhood, among the strongest, wisest and most cultured of his time. He was not a wanior, though brave as Caesar. He was not a statesman in the sense that Pitt and Clay were statesmen. Lincoln's power lay in his wonderful insight of the truth and his courage to proclaim it against all opposition to a listen- ing world. In this he was more powerful and eloquent than Clay, or Webster, or Calhoun. In the conviction that he was right, and in a persistent advocacy of what he believed to be right, he rose above all paity claims and methods. In the famous controversy over slaveiy in this countn,', he took for his text a truth two thousand years old, and with it he met the great Douglas, in a field peculiarly his own, that of forensic debate. "A house divided against itself can- not stand"— not that the house would fall, but it must become all one thing or all the other — either slavery must stop where it is, or spread alike to the States. This was the key note to that brilliant campaign, which ended only with his elevation to the Presidency ; nay, it heralded the downfall of slavery, and strength- ened the arms of our brave volunteers in that second contest for our National In- dependence, in which union and liberty so gloriously triumphed. He was a man of singleness of purpose, and to its accomplishment he devoted all his great powers. It absorbed his every thought, and intensified his ven*- being. "Yes," said he, on one occasion, "we will speak for freedom against slaveiy so long as the constitution of oiu' country guarantees free speech, until everywhere, in all this broad land, the sun shall shine, the rain shall fall and the wind shall blow upon no man who goes forth to unrequitted toil." Lincoln was a pure man, far above any deceit or dishonest act." 150 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 1 see before me old men who have known Lincohi in his lifetime — perhaps for torty years lived side by side with him — who will testifj' with me that he was a pure man, far above any deceit or dishonest act. We stand here to-day, young and old, by the side of this monument, erected to his memory by a loving people. We can add nothing to his imperishable renown, but we can renew our own devotion to the right and to those principles of liberty and good Government for which he gave his life. It is a grand thing for our country, when the lives of our pubhc men ai'e so pure as that we may challenge the closest scrutiny, and no wrong doing be found in all their histor\% The world is made better by recounting the virtues of such men. Tennyson somewhere speaks of the fierce light which beats upon a Throne— a fiercer light than was ever turned upon the Throne of a King exposes to view the acts of a President of this Republic. Let the light be thrown upon the deeds and the life of Abraham Lincoln — the first of our Nation's martyrs — the stronger the light the grander will his noble character appear to the world. It is said, "the story of human Ufe, if rightly told, may be a useful lesson to those who survive." There are none whose life teaches to Americans a grander and more profitable lesson than the fife of Abraham Lincoln. The study of his life will conduce to private and public virtue, to correct ideas of our relations to each other, and moral courage to stand by our convictions of duty. Fellow citizens, the men in public affairs to whom we have been accustomed to look, in times of emergency and trial, within the last quarter of a centuiy, have nearly all passed away. It is but a little time since Lincoln and Douglas and Greeley, and Yates, and Sumner, and Stephens, and Fessenden, and Todd, and many more of their time and class were before us as examples of statesmenship and pubhc virtue, with great intellectual power to point the way of duty. They have gone, and but a few months ago anotlier, the executive head of the finest and greatest Repubhc on eaith, whose hfe was as pure as the best, and whose briUiant career and giant intellect attracted the attention of an admiring world, was taken away in the noon time of life. The cause of hberty and truth has one more mart^T — a noble victim of dut>'. Wher(;, among the living, shall we look for counsel when danger and trials come? It becomes us, as citizens, some of us holding trusts placed in our hands by a con- fiding p(>ople, to study the lives of tliese great men as a means to aid us to a cor- rect uuderatandiug of our duty as citizens of this ItepubUc. Address and Reading by J. C. Power, Secrfitary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor and Custodian of the Monument. Ladies and Gentleman :— The LincDlii Guard of Honor regard llu'iuselvos int'rely <"is a st;xnding committee to arrange for and conduct these Memorial Ser- vic<;s. We are not a band of orators, but we propose to press into our service the best talent we can find, that wo may properly observe what we regai'd jis an impor- tant occasion. At the same time, however, we think it best that some one of our jmmber should each time take some part in the exercises of the hour, and the lot this time falls to me. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 151 The editor here takes the hberty of transposing some of i:he matter of his address and readings on that occasion, in order to present first Avhat he regards as a perfect gem in the way of eulogy. About two years ago, just as I was dismissing a party of visitors from the door of the catacomb, a very plain, modest looking man of middle age, approached and said he had come to see and learn all he could about the monument and Lincoln. I proceeded in my usual way, when visitors ai'e much interested, and completed my explanations on the terrace in front of the statue of the President. From the general beai'ing of the visitor, I should have taken him for a son of an original New ■ England AboUtionist. When I left oif speaking he remained and seemed reluctant to take his eyes from the statue. After several minutes spent in silent meditation he astonished me by saying substantially: "I was a soldier in the Confederate army and spent four years doing my utmost to defeat all that Abraham Lincoln was trj'ing to accomplish. He succeeded and I have no regrets on that account." After a brief interval of silence the visitor assumed a tragic attitude, and raising his right hand toward the statue, said with deliberation and emphasis: "He was an infinitely greater man than George Washington ever was." With his eyes still fixed on the statue, and as though his whole soul was in his words, he continued: "Washington had no difficulty in determining who were his friends and who were not. His enemies were principally on the water, on the other side of it, or in the garb of officers and soldiers sent here to enforce the mandates of a tyrant. His friends were his neighbors, who, in addition to their struggles for existence in a new coimtiy, were oppressed by taxation without representation. The hne was clearly drawn from the beginning. With Lincoln it was different. His enemies were in every department of the Government. They filled the ci^il offices, they commanded his skeleton of an army, they trod the decks of his ships, such as they were. Where they could with impunity be open, they were bold and outspoken. Where it was poUcy they were wily, complaisant and cautious. It required two years, or half his first term, to learn who were friends and who were enemies, but lie was equal to the emergency. And the most beautiful thing about it was, that through it all, a little child could approach him with perfect confidence and make known its wants, while at the same time the most wily statesman could not swerve him a hair's breadth from what he believed to be right ! " On the morning of March 6, 1879, a company of ladies, composing a committee of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, under the leadership of the Presi- dent of the Union, Miss Frances E. Willard, visited the National Lincoln Monu- ment, and held a prayer meeting on the terrace, under thd'shadow of the statue of Lincoln. As many of them had never visited the monument before, I, at the close of the meeting, invited all into Memorial HaU. In explaining to them the circumstances under which the bust of Mr. Lincoln was taken, I showed them a cast of his right hand, and in giving an account of the manner in which Mr. Volk, the artist, ob- tained it, incidentally remarked that it was a cast of the hand tliat afterwai-d untied the hardest knot we ever had in this country, alluding, of course, to slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation. After a momentary silence, seemingly to divine my meaning, one of the ladies said : "We understand you; slavery was a very hard knot, but it was only local. Whisky is a much worse one, for it is every- where, no family is safe. We are tiying to untie that." This impressed me as. 152 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. putting the question with great force. The ladies went from Memorial Hall direct to the State Capitol and presented to the Legislature of Illinois their great peti- tion, supported by 100,000 names, asking for Home Protection by gi^'ing the ballot to women, where the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks is the question. In view of later developments, their action in coming to Lincoln's tomb to pray for the success of the cause of temperance, was more appropriate than they at the time knew. The full copy of an address on temperance by Mr. Lincoln has recently been discovered. It appeared March 26, 1842, in the "Sangamo Journal," of which the present Illinois State Journal is the successor. The editor feels sure that the friends of Lincoln, rather than see the selections he read from that paper, would prefer to see it in full and have it preserved in a permanent form, therefore it is given entire. Previous to delivering that address Mr. Lincoln had served three terms in the lower house of the Legislature of Illinois. During those terms he was remarkable for speaking little and listening much. If newspaper reporters had been as numerous then as now, there is little doubt that many wise sayings of his would have been preserved that are now forever lost; but we are amply compensated for the loss in having escaped the report- ers. This is believed to have been the first speech of Mr. Lincoln that was ever printed : AN ADDRESS. Delivered before the "VVashingtonian Temperance Society, at Springfield, Illinois, on the 22d day of Februaiy, 1842. BY ABBAHAM LINCOLN, ESQ. Although the Temperance cause has been in progress for nearly twenty years, it is afjparent to all that it is just now being crowned with a degree of success hitherto unparalleled. The hst of its friends is djiilj' swelled by the additions of fifties, of liundreds and of thousfmds. The cause itself seems suddenly transfoi'med from a cold, abstract theory, to a living, breathing, active and powerful chieftain, going forth "conquering and to conquer." Tlie citadels of its great adversary' lu'o daily Ix^ing stormed and flismantled ; his temples and his altiirs, where the rites of his idola- trous worsliip have long been jiei'formed, and where human sacrifices have long b<3cn wont to be made, are daily desiderated and deserted. The trump of the con- queror's fame is sounding from hill to liill, from sea to sea, and from land to land, and calling millions to his standard blast. For this new and splendid success, we heartily rejoice. That that success is so much greater now, than heretofore, is doubtless owing to rational causes ; and if we would have it continue, we shall do well to enquire what those causes ai-e. The warfare heretofore waged against the demon intemperance, has som(>how or other been erroneous. Either the chanqiions engaged, or the tactics they THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 153 adopted, have not been the most proper. These champions, for the most part, have been preachers, lawyers and hired agents. Between these and the mass of mankind, there is a want of approachabiUf y , if the term be admissible, partial at least, fatal to their success. They are supposed to have no sympathy of feeling or interest with those veiy persons whom it is their object to convince and persuade. And again, it is so easy and so common to ascribe motives to men of these classes, other than those they profess to act upon. The preacher, it is said, advo- vates temperance because he is fanatic, and desires a union of the church and state ; the lawyer from his pride, and vanity of hearing himself speak ; and the hired agent for his salary. But when one who has long been known as a victim of intemperence, bursts the fetters that have bound him, and appears before his neighbors "clothed and in his right mind," a redeemed specimen of long lost humanity, and stands up with tears of joy trembling in his eyes, to teU of the miseries once endured, now to be en- dured no more for ever ; of his once naked and starving children, now clad and fed comfortably ; of a wife, long weighed down with woe, weeping and a broken heart, now restored to health, happiness and a renewed affection ; and how easily it is all done, once it is resolved to be done ; how simple his language, there is a logic and an eloquence in it, that few with liuman feelings can resist. They cannot say he is vain of hearing himself speak, for his wliole demeanor shows he would gladly avoid speaking at all ; they cannot say he speaks for pay, for he receives none. Nor can his sincerity in any way be doubted ; or his sympathy for those who would persuade to imitate his example be denied. In my judgment, it is to the battles of this new class of champions that our late success is greatly, perhaps chiefly owing. But had the old school champions themselves been of the most wise selecting, was their system of tactics most judicious? It seems to me it was not. Too much denunciation against dram- sellf^rs and dram-drinkers was indulged in. This I think was both impolitic and unjust. It was impolitic, because it is not much in the nature of man to be driven to anj'thing ; still less to be driven about that which is exclusively his own busi- ness ; and least of aU, where such driving is to be submitted to, at the expense of pecuniary interests, or burning appetite. When the dram-seller and drinker were incessantly told, not in the accent of entreaty and persuasion diffidently addressed by erring man to an erring brother, but in the thundering tones of anathema and denunciation, with which the lordly judge often groups together all the crimes of the felon's life, and thiiists them in his face just ere he passes sentence of death upon him, that they were the authors of all the vice and misery and crime in the land : that they were the manufacturers and material of all the thieves and robbers and murderers that infest the earth ; tliat their houses were the workships of the devil ; and that their persons should be shunned by aU the good and virtuous, as- moral pestilences. I say, when they were told all this, and in this way, it is not wonderful that they were slow, very slow, to acknowledge the truth of such denun- ciations, and to join the ranks of their denouncers, in a hue and cry against them- selves. To have expected them to do othenvise than they did — to have expected them not to meet denunciation with denunciation, crimination with crimination, and anathema with anathema — was to expect a reversal of human nature, which is God's decree and can never be reversed. When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind unas- suming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and true maxim, "that —10 154 THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall." So with men. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that j^ou are his sincere fri<^d. Therein is a drop of honey that touches his heart, which, say what he will, is the great high road to his reason, and which, when once organized, you will find but httle trouble in convincing his judgment of the justice of your cause, if indeed i that cause really be a just one. On the contrarj^ assume to dictate to his judg- ment or to command his action, or to mark him as one to be shunned and despised, and he will retreat within himself, close ail the avenues of his head and his heart ; and though your cause be naked truth itself, transformed to the heaviest lance, harder than steel, and sharper than steel can be made, and though you throw it with more than herculean force and precision, you shall be no more able to pierce him, than to penetrate the hard shell of a tortoise with a rye-straw. Sucli is man, and so must he be understood by those who would lead him, even to his own best interests. On this point, the Washingtonians greatly excel the temperance advocates of former timps. Those whom they desire to convince and persuade are their old friends and companions. They know they are not demons, nor even the worst of men ; they know that generally they are kind, generous neighbors. They are practical philanthropists ; and they glow with a generous and brotherly zeal, that mere theorizers are incapable of feeling. Benevolence and charity possess their hearts entirely ; and out of the abundance of their hearts, their tongues give utter- ance, "Love through all their actions run, and all their words are mild ;" in this spirit they speak and act, and in the same they are heard and regarded. And when such is the temper of the advocate, and such of the audience, no good cause can be unsuccessful. But I have said that denunciations against dram-sellers and di'am-drinkers are unjust, as well as impohtic. Let us see. I have not enquired at what period of time the use of intoxicating liquors com- menced ; nor is it important to know. It is sufficient that to all of us who now in- habit the world, the practice of drinking, then, is just as old as the world itself — that is, we have seen the one just as long as we have seen the othei\ When all such of us as have now readied the years of maturity, first opened our eyes upon the stage of existence, we found intoxicating liquor ; recognized by everybody, used by everybody, I'epudiated by nobody. It commonly entered into the first draught of the infant, and the last draught of the dying man. From the sideboard of the parson, down to the ragged pocket of the houseless loafer, it was constantly found. Physicians prescribed it, in this, that and the other disease ; government provided it for the soldiers and sailors ; and to have a log-rolling or raising, a husking or "hoe-down" anywhere a1)Out, without it, ^\i\s posit ii'eli/ iDtnujri'rabh'. So, too, it was everywhere a respectable article of manufacture and of mercliandise. The making of it was regarded as an honorable livelihood, and he who could )iiake most was the mo.st enterprising and respectable. Large and small manufactories of it were everywhere erectt^d, in whicli all the earthly goods of their owners were in- vested. Wagons drew it from town to town; boats bore it from clime to clime, and the winds wafted it from nation to nation ; and merchants bought and sold it, >»y wholesali! and retail, with precisely the same fet^lings on the part of the seller, ' buyer and by-stander, as are felt at the selling and buying of plows, beef, bacon, > or any other of tlie real necessaries of life. Universal public opinion not only tolerated, but recognized and adopted its use. It is t.rue, that even then it was known and ackiiowl<>dg(Hl that many were greatly injured by it ; but none seemed to think the injury arose from the use of THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 155 a bad thing, but from the abuse of a very good thing. The victims of it were to be pitied, and compassionated, just as are the heirs of consumption, and other hered- itary diseases. Their failing was treated as a misfortune, and not as a crime, or even as a disgrace. If, then, what I have been saying is true, is it wonderful that some should think and act now, as all thought and acted twenty years ago, and is it just to assail, condemn, or dispise them for doing so ? The universal sense of mankind, on any subject, is an argument, or at least an influence not easily overcome. The success of the argument in favor of the existence of an over-niling Providence, mainly depends upon that sense ; and men ought not, in justice, to be denounced for yield- ing to it in any case, or giving it up slowly, especially when thej^ are backed by interest, fixed habits, or burning appetites. Another error, as it seems to me, into which the old reformers fell, was the posi- tion that all habitual drunkards were utterly incorrigible, and, therefore, must be turned adrift, and damned without remedj^ in order that the grace of temperance might abound, to the temperate then, and to all mankind some himdr'eds of years thereafter. There is in this something so repugnant to humanity, so uncharitable, so cold blooded and feelingless, that it never did, nor never can enlist the enthu- siasm of a popular cause. We could not love the man who taught it — we could not hear him with patience. The heart could not throw open its portals to it, the generous man could not adopt it, it could not mix with his blood. It looked so fiendishly selfisli, so like throwing fathers and brothers overboard, to lighten the boat for our security — that the noble-minded shrank from the manifest meanness of the thing. And besides this, the benefits of a reformation to be effected by such a system, were too remote in point of time, to warmly engage many in its behalf. Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity ; and none will do it enthusi- astically. Posterity" has done nothing for us ; and theorize on it as we may, prac- tically we shall do veiy little for it, unless we are made to think we are, at the same time, doing something for ourselves. What an ignorance of human nature does it exhibit, to ask or expect a whole community to rise up and labor for the temporal happiness of others, after them- selves shall be consigned to the dust, a majority of which community takes no pains whatever to secure their own eternal welfare at no greater distant day ? Great distance in either time or space has wonderful power to lull and render quiescent "the human mind. Pleasures to be enjoyed, or pains to be endured, after we shall Ibe dead and gone, are but little regarded, even in our own eases, and much less in the cases of others. Still, in addition to this, there is something so ludicrous in promises of good, or threats of evil, a great way off, as to render the whole subject with which they are connected, easily turned into ridicule. "Better lay down that spade you're steaUng, Paddy — if you don't you'll pay for it at the day of judgment." "Be the powers, if ye'll credit me so long I'll take another jist." By the Washingtonians this system of consigning the hal)itual dnmkard to liopeless ruin, is repudiated. They adopt a more enlai-ged philanthropy, they go for present as well as future good. They labor for all now Uving, as well as here- after to live. They teach hope to all— despair to none. As applying to their cause they deny the doctrine of unpardonable sin, as in Christianity it is taught, so in this they teach — "While the lamp holds out to burn. The vilest sinner may return." 156 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. And, what is a matter of the most profound congratulation, they, by experiment upon experiment, and example upon example, prove the maxim to be no less true in the one case than in the other. On every hand we behold those who but yes- terday were the chief of sinners, now the chief apostles of the cause. Drunken devils are cast out by ones, by sevens, by legions ; and these unfortunate victims, like the poor possessed, who was redeemed from his long and lonely wanderings inthe tombs, are pubUshing to the ends of the earth how great things have been done for them. To these new champions, and this n^w system of tactics, our late success is mainly owing ; and to them we must mainly look for the consummation. The ball is roUing gloriously on, and none are so able as they to increase its speed and its bulk — to add to its momentum and its magnitude — even though unlearned in let- ters, for this task none are so well educated. To fit them for this work they have been taught in a true school. They have been in that gulf, from which they would, teach others the means of escape. They have passed that prison wall whictt others have long declared impassable; and who that has not, shall dare to weigh opinions with them as to the mode of passing ? But if it be true, as I have insisted, that those who have suffered by intemper- ance personally, and have refonned, are the most powerful and efficient instru- ments to push the reformation to ultimate success, it does not follow that those who have not suffered have no part left them to pei-form. Whether or not the world would be vastly benefited by a total and final banishment from it of all in- toxicating drinks, seems to me not now an open question. Three-fourths of man- kind confess the affirmative with their tongues, and, I beheve, all the rest acknowledge it in their hearts. Ought any, then, to refuse their aid in doing what the good of the whole de- mands ? Shall he, who cannot do much, be, for that reason, excused if he do- nothing? " But," says one, "what good can I do -by signing the pledge ? I never drink, even without signing.". This question has already been asked and an- swered more than a million of times. Let it be answered once more. For the man to suddenly, or in any other way, to break off from the use of drams, who has indulged in them for a long course of years, and until his appetite for them has grown ten or a himdred fold strong^, and more craving than any natiu'al appetite can be, requires a most powerful moral eft'ort. In such an undeitakiug lie needs every moral support and influence that can possibly l)e brought to his jiid and thrown around him. And not only so, but every moral prop should be taken from whatever argument might arise in his mind to lure him to his backsliding. When he casts his eyes around him, he should be able to see all that he respects, all that he admires, all that he loves, kindly and anxiously pointing him onward^ and none beckoning him back, to his former miserable "wallowing in the mire." But it is said by some that men will think and act for themselves ; that none will disuse spirits or anything else because his neighbors do ; and that moral influence is not that powerful engine contended for. Let us examine this. Let me ask the man who could maintain this position most stiffly, what compensation he will accept to go to church some Sunday and sit during the sermon with his wife's bon- net upon Ills head? Not a trifle, I'll venture. And why not? There would be nothing irreligious in it; nothing inmioral, nothing inn-omfortable — then why not? Is it not lifcauso tln'rc would be something egrcgiously uiifasliional)l(> in it? Then it is th*^ inllui'nce (if fiishion; imd what is the influence of fashion but the influence that other jjcojile's actions have on our own actions — the strong inclination each of us have to do as we see our neighbors do? Nor is the influence of fashion con- THE LINTOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 157 iined to any particular thing or class of things. It i,s just as strong on one sub- ject as another. Let us make it as unfashionable to withhold our names from the temperance pledge as for husbands to wear their wives' bonnets to church, and instances will be just as rare in one ease as the other. " But," say some. " we are no drunkards and shall not acknowledge ourselves as such by joining a reformed drunkards' society, whatever our influence might be." Surely no Christian will adhere to this objection. If they believe, as they profess, that Omnipotence condescended to take on Him- self the form of sinful man, and, as such, to die an ignominious death for their sakes, sm-ely they ynll not refuse submission to the infinitely lesser condescension, for the temporal, and, perhaps, eternal, salvation of a large, en-ing and unfortunate class of their fellow creatures. Nor is the condescension very great. In my judg- ment, such of us as have not fallen victims have been spared more from the absence of appetite than from any mental or moral superiority over those who have. In- deed, I believe, if we take habitual drunkai'ds as a class, their heads and their hearts will bear an advantageous comparison with any other class. There seems ever to have been a proneness in the brilliant and warm-blooded to fall into this vice — the demon of intemperance ever seems to have delighted in sucking the blood of genius and of generosity. What one of us but can call to mind some relative, more promising in youth than all his fellows, who has fallen a sacrifice to to his rapacity? He ever seems to have gone forth like the Egyptian angel of Death, commissioned to slay, if not the first, the fairest born, of every family. Shall he now be aiTested in his desolating career? In that arrest, all can give aid that will; and who shall be excused that can, and wiU not? Far around as himaan breath has ever blown, he keeps our fathers, our brothers, our sons, and our friends prostrate in the chains of moral death. To aU the living elsewhere, we •cry, "Come, sound the moral trump, that there may rise and stand up an exceed- ing great army." "Come from the four winds, O breath! and breathe upon these slain that they may hve." If the relative grandeur of revolutions shall be estimated by the great amount of human misery they alleviate, and the small amoimt they inflict, then, indeed, will this be the grandest the world shall ever have seen. Of our political revolution of '76 we are all justly proud. It has given us a de- gree of poUtical freedom far exceeding that of any other nation of the earth. In it the world has found a solution of the long-mooted problem as to the capabilitj^ of man to govern himself. In it is the germ which has A^egetated, and stiU is to grow and expand into the universal liberty of mankind. But, with aU these glorious results, past, present, and to come, it had its evils, too. It breathed forth famine, swam in blood, and rode in fire; and long, long after, the orphans' ciy and the widows' wail continued to break the sad silence that en- sued. These were the price, the inevitable price, paid for the blessings it bought. Turn now, to the temperance revolution. In it we shall find stronger bondage broken, a viler slavery manumitted, a greater tyrant deposed— in it, more of want supplied, more disease healed; more sorrow assuaged. By it, no orphans starving, no widows weeping. By it, none wounded in feeUng, none injured in interest; even the dram-maker and dram-seller will have glided into other occupations so gradually as never to have felt the change, and will stand ready to join all others in tlie universal song of gladness. And what a noble ally this to the cause of politi- cal freedom. AVith such an aid, its march cannot fail to be on and on, till even*'- son of earth shall drink, in rich fruition, the sorrow- quenching draughts of perfect lib- erty. Happy day, when, aU appetites controlled, aU poisons subdued, all matter 158 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. subjected mind, aU-conquering mind, sliall live and move, the monarch of th&- Iworld. Glorious consummation! Hail, fall of furj^! Eeign of reason, all hail! ^ ; And when the victory- shall be complete— when there shaU be neither a slave nor a drunkard on the earth-how proud the title of that Land which may tmly claim to be the birthplace and the cradle of both those revolutions that shaU have ended ' in that victory. How nobly distinguished that people, who shall have planted, and nurtured to maturity, both the poUtical and moral freedom of their species. This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of Washington. ■. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the mightiest name of earth- long since mightiest in the cause of civil hberty, still mightiest in moral reforma- tion. On that name a eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun, or glory to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let none at- tempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on. The Choir then sang— OuK Noble Chief has Passed Away. An Elegy on the Death of Abkaham Lincoln. ^ Words by Geo. Cooper, - - - - Music by J. E. Thomas. Our Noble chief has passed away! pis form is lying still and cold, And hearts that have the bloom of May Park sorrow's wings in gloom enfold. A great and mighty Nation mourns! We bless his loved and honored name, O brighter than a million dawns Forever more shall be his fame! Chokl's: We weep for him! But far along the years to be, Shall gleam with years that none may dim, His glorious immortality! Now calmly moulder in the dust The gentle heart the kindly iiand, And purpose ever true and just. That freedom gave to all our land! Our Father hear a Nation's pray'r, And shield his loving ones who mourn! O heal the bruised hearts they bear. And from the darkn(;ss wake the dawn! ChobXJS: We weep for him! ADDKESS BY HON. JAJIES A. CONNOLLY. Mb President, Ladies AND GENTLE5iEN:-Seventeen years ago T chanced to bo in the city of New York on the occasion of the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. Being then away from my post wth Shearman's army, I chanced to be the only volunt<5er officer from the State of IlUnois, perhaps, and was detailed upontlio- guard that took charge of the remains of the departed Pn«sid(>nt in llie City Hall of New York. I remtiined on lliat duly from mi(hiight until 3 o'clock m the mom- THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. I59.. ing, and there saw what I never expect to see again in this country, the entire t^^S^T'^'"''''''''''''-^' ^^-'^'-^ andwi.te,toth^.e.o.y of Jo!!ulT^ '""'^ l?r' V7 '"^""^ '''^^ ^^ '^' ^'^^^ ^" *^^ ^^P^« ^^ ««^«"teen years I bt tt . "n 't r ''''"'' '" ""^'^'°'^ "* ^^^ °^^ ^^-^^^^^ ^^d "«iS'"bors, standing by the side of his tomb upon an occasion of this sort, to commemorate the virtues and ' worth of that great man. But so is it with men like him, as the vears pass by and their personality recedes into the past, their greatness rises more and more to view and the generations that are to follow us will doubtless look with more admiration and greater wonder upon Lincoln and his fame than we do to-day For the same reason that Governor Cullom reduced to writing\vhat lie proposed to say, to keep from tiring you, I, too, have put on paper some of the thoughts that I have thought worthy to be pronounced on this occasion by the side of the tomb 01 Abraham Lincoln. But little more than twenty years ago, Abraham Lincohi was quietly living with his httle family in a plain home in this city, going his daily rounds among people who had known him from his earliest manhood, his angular form and homely pleasant face known to all. None too poor or plainly clad to be beneath his notice -every one sure of a greeting that came bright and spontaneous as the ghtter of the sunbeam. Men gathered around him as the particles of metal around a mag- net-he was a human magnet, not in a mere physical sense, but in a higher more subtle, more elevated sense. He charmed and attracted in a way that made men wonder as they felt the speU, were swayed by its potency, and hfted bevond them- selves by the marvelous fertiUty and creative power of his inteUect. As he went from county to county on his wide circuit, men followed him without knowing why When the night fell, and the bar gathered to make a night of it with wit and song and story, the gathering was sure to be where Lincoln was, and while the rest of the company burnished their wits, after the fashion of the Knights of the Bound Table, Lincoln, abstemious as an anchorite, seemed to draw from an inexhaustible fountain such rich treasure of wit and story that the rest of the company always crowned him king of the carnival; and yet, when they looked upon that sad, homely face in repose, they wondered whence came his magic spell tiiat so enthralled them. And so the years went on, from early manhood to middle life and a little beyond —his name and fame always growing stronger and coming closer to the firesides and the hearts of the plain people who knew him. He was the friend of the humble —the champion of the weak— the idol of the bar— the sunshine of the court, and, finally, the north star of l^is party. No high, vaulting ambition disturbed him. the accumulation of wealth had no charms for him, but he devoted himself to his fam- ily—his profession— his friends. To-day, how great the change we find the twenty years have wrought. The, genial, kind-hearted, sad-faced Lincoln is in his tomb. The familiar friends, whose toiUng fives he brightened, have nearly all gone to join him on the shining' shore; the family, to whom he was devoted, all gone but a single son, whom the Nation honors for his father's sake, and hopes stiU further to honor for his own, and the heart-broken wife left to finish life's journey alone, for— " The mossy marbles rest On the lips tliat she has pressed In their bloom. And the names she loved to hear Have been carved for many a year On the tomb." , 160 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. But while the years liave brought physical death to Lincoln, and grief too deep for Tvords or tears to his family and friends, yet they have brought to him tliat immortality for which, in vain, soldiers have fought, kings have conquered, poets have sung, and statesmen have labored, and to-day, wherever civilization reigns, the name of Lincoln is a household word. His greatness insensibly stole upon the Nation and tlie world as the flowers breathe their fragrance on the senses. His fame came to him as life comes to the child, without effort on his part. Like the flower that blooms in the night, his forces were held in check while his ■countiy was bright with the sun of prosperity, and it was only when the night of adversity came to that countiy, that Providence permitted his wondrous intel- lectual force and Vjeauty to unfold itself. But then, when the night came, and the darltness appalled the stoutest heart — when the storms of war were let loose, and our whole political firmament was black with the gloom of death, rayless and starless — when fhe leaders who marched in the front of the people when all was holiday parade, shrank back from their posts of honor and duty — when the plain people found themselves standing by the open grave which slavery and treason had dug for their loved nation, and when the un- disciplined valor of millions of free men cried out in agony for a leader with cour- age and wisdom to lead them aright — then it was that the same God that raised lip a Moses for the children of Irael— the same God that directed the sling of a David against a Goliath — the same God that created a Washington to direct the councils and to lead the armies of a young republic to victorj^, raised up our Lin- cohi and gave him wisdom and courage to purge the Nation of its fearful crime and save it from destiniction. A contemplation of his quiet courage when all others were appalled, the steady faith in ultimate triumph that inspired him, the appai'ent ease with which he bore the heavy burdens of his countiy through all the clouded years of war, the subtle wisdom with which he guided all the deheate affairs of State, and the skill he dis- played in reaching the chords of the people's hearts with his plain but touching words, must make the veriest caviler and skeptic exclaim: " Wlio but a God could have made a Lincoln!" Who, that had reached the yeai's of manhood in 18G1, that does not remember that marvelous inaugiu'al address ? What a pause its Delphic language caused in the plots of the conspirators. It had the same effect upon them tliat the blazing torch of the deer-stalker has upon the deer in the night time. They paused in their dark work to look upon, scrutinize, digest that wonderful, ingenious production of Lincoln's brain. They expected an inaugural of bluster and bludgeons, but this one was fair to look upon, its polished blades so covered with velvet phrase that it forced the con- spirators, and the thoughtless, careless citizen, to pause, examine, thiiik. That pause, brief though it Wiis, gave reason and ])atriotism time to be heard at every lireside in the Nortli, and then came the uprising, and who shall describe it? The son left the corpse of the parent by llu> grave; the bridegroom huixied from his bride by the alt^ir; the husband Icissed a hasty good-bye to the wif<>; no dila- tion of life was found strong enough to restrain the manly man from nishing to his <:'Ountry's standard sifter Lincoln had unfurled it, and with quiet heroism called them to his side. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. IGl The Story of all these years of marching, camping, fighting, of wounds, priva- tions, hxmger, cold, prison, victory, defeat, and heroic death, cannot be written Tvithout the stoiy of Lincohi being interwoven into its wai-p and woof Those days that now seem to us shrouded in a wondrous unreality. Men sud- denly found themselves transported from the quiet of a country fireside to the leadership of charging battaUons; from the quiet of the plowboy's Ufe to the active tireless, reckless life of the cavahy scout; the teacher suddenlv exchanged the children under his caxe for the company of armed and bearded men each with his life in his hand; the boy who had rarelv spent a night awav from his father's roof, scai-ce knowing how he got there, found himseK in uniform with musket on shoulder, marching over strange roads and in eager haste with his comrades to reach the noise and tumult and roar of battle tliat he heard ahead • he who had been tenderly reared, and still feeUng the wai-mth of a good-bve kiss upon his hps, finds himself alone at night, wet with the falling dew, chiUed with the night winds, lying in the pale moonlight, parched with the wounded sol- dier's learful thirst, and weak from loss of blood. Dead comrades he around him but none to give him help or hope. All ages and classes and ranks and professions are suddenlv found on the battle's penlous edge, and Uves go out, and heroes are made, and fame is won, out of which a future Homer, yet unborn, shaU write Columbia's lUad, and the master spirit, the chiefest hero of the Iliad, wiU be Abraham Lincohi. But oh, how inexpressibly sad was the tragic ending of it all! That April morning shone out bright and beautiful, and in its sunshine brought promise of better things. The men of the North, with their swords, had cut an open pathway to the guK, and the Mississippi's waters once moi-e rolled unvexed to the sea; Yicksburg's rugged heights had suiTendered to the Union ai-mies- the cloud-capped summit of Lookout had been glorified bv the staiTv flag floatin- from Its misty summit ; ilission Eidge haxl been passed ; the dark valley of Chicka- mauga was ours; and Sherman, with his victorious legions, had peneti-ated the land of the conspirators and met his welcoming comrades on the Atlantic coast, while Sheridan had finished his Winchester ride, and Grant had ended his war- rior's work in the tangled brakes of the wilderness bv the famous surrender at Appomattox. AU was hope of peace and joy for work weU done. From every home through- out the North the prayer of thanks and song of joy swelled out. A race of dusky men was free, their shackles broken, and themselves Hfted into the bright sunli^-ht of manhood, where God intended them to be. The camp-fii-es were lighted by the joUy soldier boys, and around them they sang and talked of peace, of home wife, childi^en and friends ; the night skies under the southern cross were vocal with the shouts and songs and meny-makings of a miUion northern men, who were boys again, and singing their songs to Father Abraham and cheering for Lin- cohi, for victory and the giris they left behind them. But, suddenly, amid all this glad acclaim, when the angrv passions of the battle days were subdued by the gentle influence of the new-bom peace, the pistol shot of Booth rang out to startle the Nation, the army, the world! And so came Lincohi's end suddenly, when his work was done, when his Nation was cleansed through his efforts from its great crime, when all he set out for was accomplished, he stepped "from the topmost round of Fame's ladder" to his place immort^ in the skies, and his Ufe, in all its story, recalls those lines of that famous American, now sleeping in his fresh -made grave: 1Q2 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. " Lives of great men all remind us We can malie our lives sublime, -«• And departing leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." Mrs. Edward S. Johnson then read the poem, by H. H. Brownell, on the death of Abraham Lincoln : Dead is the roll of the drums, And the distant thunders die, They fade in the far-off sky; And the lovely summer comes. Like the smile of Him on high. For the kindly seasons love us; They smile on trench and clod, Where the brave and true he sleeping There's a brighter green of the sod. And a hoher cahn above us In the blessed blue of God. The ravage of war has ceased; And nature, that never yields. Is busy with sun and rain At her old sweet work again In the lonely battlefields. And the bee hums in the clover, As the pleasant spring comes on. And the ci-uel war is over, But our good Father is gone. There was a trembling of traitor fort, Flaming of ti-aitor fleet — Lighting of cit>^ and port, Clasping in square and street. 'There was thunder of mine and gun. Cheering by mast and tent, ■^lien, his great work all done And liis high fame full won, Died the good President. In his quiet chair he sate. Pure of malice or guile, Stainless of fear or hate. And there played a pleiisant smile On the rough and careworn fju.^e. The brave old flag drooped o'er him A fold in the hard hand lay. He looked, perchance, on th<' play, But the scene was a shadow bi'fore him. For his thoughts were far away. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. ^ 1G3 'Twas dying, the war's dread clang, But forever the blessed ray Of peace should brighten the day, Murder stood by the way ; Treason struck home his fang— One throb— and, without a pang, That pure soul passed away. Idle, in this our blindness. To mai-vel, we cannot see Wherefore such things should be. Or to question Infinite kindness Of this or that decree. Kindly spirit! Ah, when did treason " . Bid such generous nature cease. Mild by temper and strong by reason, But ever leaning to love and peace. Patient when saddest, calm when sternest. Grieved when rigid, for justice sake; Given to jest, yet ever in earnest, n aught of right or truth were at stake. But, Lincoln, 'tis well with thee; And ever since, when God draws nigh, Some grief for the good must be. It was well even so to die— 'Mid the thunder of treason's fall, The yielding of haughty town, The crashing of serfdom's wail, The trembling of tyrant crown! Dost thou feel it, oh, noble heai-t? So grieved and so wronged below, From the rest wherein thou art? Do they see it, those patient eyes? Is there heed in the happy skies For tokens of world-wide woe. How, imder a nation's pall The dust so dear in our sight To its home on the prairie passed The leagues of funeral ; The myriads, mom and night. Pressing to look their last. But— perished? Who was it said Our Leader had passed away? Dead? Our President dead? He has not died for a day ! i64 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. We moum for a little breath, Such as late or soon dust yields, But the dark Flower of Death Blooms in the fadeless fields, He never was more aUve, Never nearer than now. As our aching hearts look upwards, To a fairer than summer lands, With his own brave staff around him, There our President stands. The stainless and the true, These by their Hero stand, To look on his last review, Or march with the old command. And lo, from a thousand fields, From all the old battle haunts, A greater army than Sherman wields A grander review than Grant's! Gathered home from the grave, Eisen from sun and rain, Rescued from wind and wave, Out of the stormy main, The legions of our brave Are all in their lines again. A tenderer green than May The Eternal season wears. The blue of our summer's day Is dim and pallid to theirs— The horror has faded away. And heaven comes all unawares! Tents on the Infinite shore, Flags in the azure sky, Sails on the seas once. To-day in the heaven on high, All under arms once more. All the ships and their men Are in line of battle to-diiy, All at quarters, as when TlK'ir last roll thundered away- All at their guns as tlien. For the fleet salutes to-day. The armies have broken camp On the vast mid sunny plain ; With steady and measured tramp, Thoy m-e all m;ax4ung again. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 165 In solid platoons of steel, Under heaven's triumphal arch, The long lines break and wheel. And the word is "Forward, march." The colors ripple o'er head, The drums roll up to the sky, And, with martial time and tread. The regiments all pass by — The ranks of our faithful dead, Meeting their President's eye. With soldier's quiet pride, They smile o'er the perished pain, At thy call, Great Captain, we died! And we did not die in vain. Mai'ch on, your last brave mile! Salute him. Star and Lace : Toi-m round him, rank and file. And look on the kind, rough face ; But the quaint aud homely smile Has a glory and a grace It never had known erewhile^ Never, in time or space. Close round him, hearts of pride ! Press near him, side by side — Our Father is not alone ! For the holy right ye died — And Christ, the Crucified, Welcomes His own. Tlie choir then led in singing onr National h^^mn, America. (Words on page 126.) The exercises were brought to a close with the following prayer and benediction by Kev. Winfield Scott Matthew, Pastor of the Second M. E. Church, Springfield. We thank Thee, God our Heavenly Father, for the privilege that we have just enjoyed. We thank Thee for these brave and true words which have been spoken; for these inspiiiting songs to which we have listened. We thank Thee for the spirit of this occasion ; and we thank Thee most of all for the brave and true life that was lived, and for the noble name that we commemorate this day. We bless Thy name, God, that Thou hast never forsaken those who have trusted in Thee, and that Thou hast always raised up defenders for the right. We pray for Thy blessing and protection, therefore, as we leave this place. Re- member the people of this land, and, as in the past, so we beseech Thee, that in all time to come Thou wilt watch over us and preserve us and defend us. Go with this company to their homes. Be with us in hfe's journey. Bless the Na* ion; and the Lord grant that true Liberty ma^' advance in all the earth, and that Thy Kingdom may come and Thy will be done among all men. And now, O God, again we commend us to Tliee. Be with us and save us, for. Jesus sake. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us forever. Amen. 106 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. That ends the third memorial service. At a meeting- of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, May 2, 18S2, bills were allowed and ordered to be paid, for the use of seats and hauling them to the monument and back, for printing, for flowers, for music, etc., etc., amounting to f 33.65 as part of the expenses of Lincoln Memorial Day. May 30, 1882, The Lincoln Guard of Honor united inform- ally with the Grand Army of the Republic in decorating the tomb of Lincoln. Wednesday, July 19, 1882, all the nine members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the monument. Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln died Sunday evening, July 16, 1882, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Ninian W. Edwards, in the house where she had been married Nov. 4, 1842, to Abraham Lincoln. We had with others aided in making preparations for the funeral, under the direction of the citizens committee of arrangements, and at the monument quietly attend to such things as were likely to be overlooked by others, especi- ally guarding the entrance to the catacomb, that the magnifi- cent floral tributes might not be disturbed or thoughtlessly marred in any way. Each of us wore tlie badge of our society which led many to suppose that we had charge of the funeral, but that was not the case. The remains of Mrs. Lincoln, in a double lead lined, air tight coffin, were deposited that day in the crypt No. 4, interior of the catacomb, but the panels were only in part put in. Friday, July 21, 1882, in the forenoon Hon. John T. Stuart, chairman of the executive committee of the National Lincoln Monument Association, made known to both the president and secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, that it was the desire of Hon. llobei-t T. Lincoln, that we should assemble quietly in the night time, take the remains of his mother out of the crypt and de])osit them beside the body of his father. Notice was accordingly given to the members and that eve- ning at ten o'clock we assembled at the monument. A full account of our labors on that occasion is recorded in Division Sixth. THE LLXCOLN GUAED OF HO.XOR. 167 DIVISION TENTH. EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-THREE. fourth Annual Meeting— Names of the First Honorary Members— Certificates of Honorary' ]\Iembership— But a small number sold— Others were issued gratu- itously—Officers re-elected for another year— Fourth Memorial Semce, the only one held on Sunday— Greetings from California— Original poem read by a brother of WiUiam CuUen Piyant, The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Leland Hotel, Monday, February 12, 1883. 7:30 o'clock p. m. fourth annual meeting. Present— Dana, Keece, Power, McNeill, Lindley and Chapin. Absent — AViggins, Johnson and Conkling. Minutes of May 2, 1882, and intervening meetings, read and approved. Treasurer McNeill made his annual report as follows: President and members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor: Gentlemen: — Herewith I respectfully present my report as treasurer for the year ending to-night. Eeceived from sales of certificates of Honorary Membership. P. T. Piatt, Chicago |5.00 W. A. McNeill, Oskaloosa, Iowa 5.00 A. E. Robinson, Springfield, Illinois 5.00 Franklin McVeigh, Chicago 5.00 Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron, Ohio 10.00 Prank F. Dana, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 5.00 168 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. The following is a copy of the CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP, Having paid the sum of „ „ Dollars,. Mr , is herehy constituted an Honoraj'y Member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, An Association incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, February 12, 1880, by John Carroll Power, Gus- tavus S. Dona, Jasper Jf. Beece, James F. McKeill, Joseph P. Lindley , Edward S. JoJmson, Horace Chapin, JVoble B. Wiggins and Clinton L. Conkling , and having for its objects the raising of a fund with which to purchase and hold in trust for the public, the foriner Home of Abraliam Lincoln,, and to observe the anniversaries of his birth and death by appropriate Memorial Services. Springfield, m., 188 O. S. DAJVA, President. J. C. POWEB, Secretary. The certificate is handsomely embellished with a portrait of Lincoln, and pictures each of the National Lincoln Monu- ment and the Lincoln Home. The total receipts from all sources for the 3'ear amounted to |;57.25, and disbursements the same. Part of it was raised by an assessment of .f3.50 for each member, in order to de- ,fray running expenses. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 16^ When the certificate of Honorary Membership was ordered to be Hthographed, and one thousand copies printed, early in 1882, the sum of two hundred dollars was borrowed, for which a note was given, signed by all the members. At a meeting, April 3, 1883, it became apparent to all that the effort to defray our expenses by the sale of certificates of Honorary Membership would not be successful. Soon after we organized, it was ascertained that the Lincoln Home was not for sale, and we were thus relieved of the necessity of raising money for the purchase and maintainance of it, which has been fully alluded to in a former division, and would not be mentioned here but for the fact that it is part of our cer- tificate of Honorarj^ Membership. We could readily have sold certificates of real membership for ten dollars each, and would have found no difficulty in raising an^^where between one thousand and ten thousand dollars in that way, but our trust was felt to be too sacred to extend the secrets we held to an indefinite number, and each member preferred to keep them within the limits fixed at our organization, and raise the money we needed from time to time by assessments among* ourselves. The note given for two hundred dollars, with the accrued interest, would require $24.14 to be paid by each member. It Avas determined to meet it at once and cancel the obligation, which was done. The entire sale of Honorary Memberships never brought a sufficient amount to refund the cost of them. Having abandoned the idea of selling Honorary Member- ships, we issued a number of certificates to parties who had rendered us special ser^aces, without naming a price, though in most cases we received more benefit than if the regular price had been paid. Unfortunately, there was not a com- plete record kept. The Secretary can only remember the fol- lowing parties to whom they were issued, although there were a number of others: Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., of Newton Centre, Massa- chusetts, author of "America." Mrs. Leila P. Roby, and her husband, Hon. Edward Roby,. of Chicago. Gen. Joseph Stockton, of Chicago. Hon. John R. Walsh, of Chicago. —11 170 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Louis Ottofy, Grand Forks, Dakota. Gen. Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal. Mrs. John A. Nafew, of Spring-field, 111. Mr. Dodd, of Orleans, 111. Miss Josephine P. Cleveland, Springfield. At this meeting a communication was received from Bro. James F McNeill, regretfully tendering his resignation of the office of treasurer, with a statement of his accounts and a check for the balance in his hands. He had determined to remove to Oskaloosa, Iowa. A paper was prepared and signed by all the other members, expressing our regret at parting, asking him to retain the office to the end of the lerm, for which he was elected. Of course his removal did not effect his membership. By common consent Bro. Lindley discharged the duties of the office to the end of Bro. McNeill's lerm. The entire board of officers were re-elected for anothor y^ear, and preparations made for Our Fourth Me.morl\l Service. Programme of Memoeial Services, to be held on the Eighteenth Anni- "VERSARX of the DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Services will begin at haK-past two o'clock on the afternoon of Sunday, April 15th. They will be held at the Catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, tinder the auspices of The LiNCOiiN CtU.\rd of Honor. A cordial invitation is -extended to all citizens, and strangers who may he in the citv% to be jiresent and unite in the services. As it is desired to make this, in part, a Children's Day, all Sunday Schools are incited to join in the exercises. The representatives of each school should be ac- companied by the superintendent and teachers. order of exercises. Ppayer, _ - - By Rev. B. F. Grouse, of the English Lutheran Church. Singing, ... - - Under direction of Geo. A. Sanders, Esq. Address, - - By Hon. James A. Connolly. (Mr. Connolly was unavoidahly absent, and his place lilloil by Gen. T. J. Henderson.; Keading— An original Poem, - - - By Jolui H. Bryant, of Princeton, 111. Address to the Children, By Rev. E. 0. Post, of the Congregational Church. PiKADiNG — President Lincoln's Sunday Order to the Army and Navy, By Clinton L. Conkling. Singing — Prayer and Benediction, By Rev. G. E. Scrimgor, Of the Second M. E. Cliurch. .\ftcr the benediction, the catiicoinb will be ojiencd for the cliiMrcn to pass in an' child in Spring- field is bom — the possession of a patron name free from taint of personal impurity and of pubhc corruption ! If he had looked upon the wine when it is red, it is not of supposition to say that 1,000 more young men, during the past score of years^ would have felt the bite of the serpent and the sting of the adder, so strong for good or ill is the force of illustrious example. Or, if through pohtical wiles, he had reached the Nation's helm, many, ambitious of public honor, would be seeking preferment tlirough craft, rather tlian thiough the grades of statesmanship. The dut>' of the day is one of pleasure, in that the lustre of name and the love of memory shine from the Ufe and twine round the heart of one true as flint to the right, and tender as love in its maintenance. Pleasant it is on this day of sad memory to recall the Airtues, to recount the kind deeds, and to enumerate those elements of greatness that have and give and ever shall give to our city its highest renown. Pleasant to instruct the young, gathered here for a labor of love, in a subject so rich in worth, so exalted in station, so dear in your heaits' affection. I repeat, that it is a cause of supreme gratitude that the character of Abraham Lin- •cohi was as good as it was great ; for here on Oak Eidge is the Mecca of the Jlississippi Valley as Mt. Vernon on the Potomac ; as this shaft rises massive and majestic, it tells of one who received the highest honor in the gift of the proudest nation the wide world over and far time back, and toward it turn the eyes of the coming generation, whose hands shall shortly administer the affairs of the govern- ment. Blessed be this country in that those who follow are led along paths of righteousness and tmth. Young man, whose eyes ai"e fixed on the laurel, listen to the voice of the monument that speaks no uncertain word to-day ; be true to the truth, be vahent toward the right. Young woman, whose eyes are homes of silent prayer, whose heart a temple sacred to puritj', hear ye the words, "A sincere Ufe reUant upon God can never die." Out from the sad, dark shadows of the past, which still hover round and give infinite pathos to this place, comes forth the voice of instruction to us all ; "I was nothing, save as used in the hands of God to accomplish His own high ends." But this is a day of recollection. Here Ues the mortal frame of one who not only reached the zenith of power in life, but lives in the loving hearts of loyal milUons in death. Bare virtues as well as rare abilities must have been possessed, to give him sucli mortahty and immortality. What shall we say? Was he more than man? Was the plane of his life above that we dai'o walk upon? Was his divine endowniient in nature so wondrously large that he is set apart among men, unapproachable, to be revered and iiot imitated? I read not thus his life. I see him greater than his fellows in the iiroportit)n that he was more perfectly human, and humanly perfect. There is notliing in his life to disiippoint our high ambitions, nothing to quench our holy asi)irations, eveiything to elieei' and encourage the humblest in station, the poorest in ad\ant;iges, if their cliariot be hitched to a star. He lives and ever shall live in history, because obe- dient to its law. "I crown those upon earth who do Heaven's will." Not those bom to high degree, not those endowed witli maiTclons minds, but those who are co-workers witli God in upbuilding mankind, receive the lasting plaudits of earth and have their names engrossed upon the tablets of story. The great in station, the great in brain, who were little in character, ere now are dead-weights on the flight of time, and as she voyages toward the eternal port, they, one by one, are THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 177 cast silently over to sink into the forgetting sea ; while those who have lived for the bettering of man, still live, with the lamp of experience making plain the chart, the pointings of the compass and the pathway safe and onward. Here we may find the secret of Lincoln's immortahty. He allied himself to the purpose of God in the destiny of the race. His inspiration and his strength lay in this, his adopted creed. For right is right since God is God, And right the day shall win ; To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin. With the march of right down the years, goes the name of Lincoln in most illus- trious company, still primus inter pares. [Chief among equals.] To this tomb let the boys and girls of America come, bring garlands of flowers and carrj'ing away lessons of life. I know of no shrine more worthy of a devotee; of no academy of the porch or grove where is taught so simply and so grandly the principles of greatness. He was a martyr upon his countiy's altar, but, rather, he lives in the embodied quahties of a man than in the ultimate fate of a martyr. Strew flowers, gUstening with tears, for he, our chief, was stricken down by the cruel assassin; but 0! bear away not the flower blooming in death— not the wreath twined for burial, but the hving imprint of his life — the flower of manliness and the wreath of honor. Turn the Ught upon whatsoever side of his chai-acter you may, and you find him there a man. No man is great to his valet de chambre, said Chesterfield. True, when applied to the English coxcomb; false, of the American son of the soil. The closer you come to Abrliaam Lincoln, the more you admire. How sweet the glances we have preserved for us of his life within the home. I see him now on an early morning, after a wearying night of anxiety over the armies at bay, seated by a window overlooking the Potomac, an arm around Tad, standing by his side, a book open upon his knees -he is reading the oracles of God. I see him, as a loyal friend, and hear the famihar address " Jake," as a former mate from Sangamon is welcomed within the White House, or he gives you his heart on departing for Washington : "My Friends: No one, not in my situation, can ap- preciate my feeUng of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried." When, all along his route, ovation followed ovation, I see the beau- tiful humiUty of the man, shorn clean of all arrogant pride, as he responds in these words : " I am unwilling, on any occasion, that I should be so meanly thought of as to have it supposed for a moment that these demonstrations are tendered to me personally." On the other hand, there never was any touch of Uriah-Heep meek- ness, he beUeved in his mission, and believed it to be the greatest conferred by the Supreme Euler upon any American since the calhng of Washington, and in the greatness of his work he rose to the conscious fullness of stature. Where can we look without beholding his humanity? How fatherly to the travel- "bewildered girl from Vermont, pleading for the fife of her condemned brother ; how filial to the mother asking the boon of taking her wounded boy from the hot hospital to the mountain home. You know those stories, so full of tenderness and tears. I need not repeat them ; we have his words, which epitomize his character' in this respect, " mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." It has been said that he stretched mercy to the point of weakness, that his will was impotent in the 178 THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. presence of grief ; I read not thus his acts; I see him the man of will incarnate^ immovable, when set for the preservation of right. A mother often says, of a way- ward, stubborn and selfish child, "What a will he has!" when eveiy act indicates the absence of will and the presence of caprice. True, Mr. Lineohi had none of the willfulness of a spoiled child desiring to have his own way, regardless of an- other's rights, wholly selfish to his own whim; but, when a principle was at stake, he stood, a Gibraltar — unchanging sentinel of the seas. During the dai'k hours of defeat, when timorous patriots prayed for peace with tears, and noisy Knights of the Golden Circle clamored for peace with threats, although every field of battle was his Gethsemene, he yielded not; nor when foes, protesting, said, " You pass the bounds of constitutional right," and friends besought him not to bring the paity to defeat, did he falter in sending forth the edict to the brother in black — "Ye are free"; to that hour had he come, to that end was he born, that God's will might be worked out through him. We often see, as a motto, those golden words of his second inaugural, " with malice toward none, with charity for all," omitting^ the still grander words, " with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right." Omit these, never! They are the shaft of prin:.iple which the others merely adorn_ Surely, ray young friends, I can commend to you a will so unswening from the right, so loyal to God. But what of Mr. Lincoln's religious belief ? In preparation for this day, I have read and re-read his speeches, as they are preserved to us, and anew they have awakened amazement in me at the man's supreme trust in God. Distinctly seen underlying and sustaining every sentence, is Christian dependence; from the fare- well to his neighbors, invoking their prayers, to his last public address, I find naught but the spirit of a child sitting at the Master's feet. Said he to Xoah Brooks: " I should be the most presumptuous blockhead upon this footstool, if I, for one day, thought that I could discharge the duties which have come upon me since I came into this place, without the aid and enlightenment of One who is stronger and wiser than all others." I do not think that he was a Christian, as we use that term, till after the death of Willie; but for long years he had been seeking the way of life. In his conversation with Dr. Bateman, in 18G0, he acknowledged that for years he had thought more upon religious truth than upon all other sub- jects. The following years led him through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and tried him in the furnace of affliction, heated seven-times hot, till, reaching the light beyond the shadow, coming forth purified from the fires, he could say to a lady of the Christian Commission: " I hope I am a Christian ; it has been my in- tention for some time, at a suitable opportunity, to make a public religious profes- sion." Such, in rude outline an' at birth, presen-ed 1 )y the man at maturity. Lincoln died a very child in guile, and so a very man in honor. Oh, you who are forming cluirac- tei" in time for the judgment of et<>rnity, learn the lesson of the monument as it speaks to-day. "I presiTve the name and the moi-tal dust of Abraham Lincoln ; for he was true to himself, his country and his God ; a true child of earth, sincere in purpose as the hillside brook hastening down to gladden the valleys, rich in THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 179 humanity as the fruitful fields luippy in their bountj-, strong in principle as the granite rocks holding the hills; trustful in God as the lofty mountain forever gazing into the heavens, such a man I delight to honor." The following executive order, with reference to the observ- ance of the Sabbath in the army and navj, was read by Clinton L, Conkling-, a member of The Lincoln Guard of^ Honor: Executive Mansion, WASHiNaiON, Nov. 16, 1862.— The President, Comman- der-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, desires and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath bj^ the officers and men in the mihtaiy and naval service. The im- portance for man and beast of the prescribed weekly rest, the sacred rights Of Christian soldiers and sailors, a becoming deference to the best sentiment of a Christian people, and a due regard for the Divine will, demand that Sunday labor in the army and navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity. The disci- pline and character of the National forces should not suffer, nor the cause they defend be imperiled by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High. At this time of public distress, adopting the words of Washington in 1776, "Men may find enough to do in the service of God and their country without abandoning themselves to vice and immoraUty." Tlie first general order issued by the Father of His Country after the Declaration of Independeuce indicates the spirit in which our institutions were founded and should ever be defended: "The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and Uberties of his country." Abraham Lincoln. Closing- prayer and benediction by Rev. Geo. E. Scrimger^ Pastor of the Second Methodist Church, Springfield: O Lord, Thou ai"t high above aU Nations, and Thy glory is above the heavens. Thine eyes are upon nations as well as indi\iduals ; and as we come into Thy presence this afternoon we are profoundly impressed with the fact that Thou hast dealt with no Nation as with ours in the fullness of Thy blessing and the smiles of Thy love. But pre-eminent among Thy rich gifts to us as a people Thou hast blest us with good and great men whose greatness has been but the intelligent and forcible putting forth of their own inherent goodness. We thank Thee for their lives. We would cherish their memoiy and emulate their virtues. And among the foremost of these Thou hast given us Abraham Lincoln, and while we gather at this tomb in the shadow of a Nation's great loss, we feel that his memory will never cease to be one of the rarest treasures of our hearts, to be kept for coming- generations and to be to all American youtli a grand prophecy of possible achieve- ment and inspiration to heroic deeds. We thanlc Thee, God, for his great life, so fen-ent in patriotism, so clear-sighted in statesmanship, and so loyal to conscience. Grant, God, that we as a people may ever be true to the sacred trust here im- posed. May we, Heavenly Father, not merely coimnemorate and pay honor to him by enshrining his name in inspiring poems, or rearing to it imperishable shafts of granite around which to speak impassioned words to patriotic auditories, but may we still more honor it by li\ing true to the noble example he set of fidelity to right and justice. May we keep true to him by wise and just legislation. May we keep true to his noble memorj^ by ever guarding sacredly the rights of those he 180 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. died to free. May we keep inviolate that freedom, and above all may we be true to him by remembering tiiat righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproacli to any people. O God, we pray Thee bless our common countiy and hasten the glad day when we shall no more be called on to mourn for those cut ofT by war's red hand in the noontide of their usefulness, but when universal peace shall invite all lands to rivalry in the achievements of art, science, Uterature and religion, and when nation shall no longer lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Hear us in this our praj'er. Sanctify these our memorial exercises to the good of us all and to the divine glory, and graciously accept of us as a nation and as in- dividuals through the ric^hes of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us evermore. Amen. The cataeoiiib was then opened and all, not children only, but men and women, passed around the sarcophagus and dropped flowers and evergreens on it as they went by. THE LLNCOLN GUARD OF HOiNOR. 181 DIVISION ELEVENTH, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR. Fifth Annual Meeting — Re-election of Officers — Fifth Memojial Service — Reminis- cence of and Poem by Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., Author of "America," — ^A remarkable poem on the Death of Lincoln. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Leland Hotel, February 12, 1884. TEN o'clock a. M. FIFTH annual MEETING. Present — Dana, Power, Lindley, Johnson and Chapin. Ab- sent — Reece, Wiggins, jMcNeill and Gonkling. President Dana called the meeting to order, and Treasurer pro tern. Lindley made the annual report of the finances, which showed that the total receipts for the year had been 129.90. With the exception of |10.00 each contributed by the two street railroad companies, the remainder had been raised by assessments from the members. All bills were paid, leaving |2.25 in the treasury. The secretary reported that the note given by The Lincoln Guard of Honor for |200.00 had been paid, canceled, and was in his possession. The following officers were elected for one year: G. S. Dana, President, J. N. Reece, Vice-President, J. C. Power, Secretary, J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. The following telegram was received. San Frakcisco, CaIj., Februaiy 12, 1884. GusTAVUS S. Dana, President of The Lincoln Guard of Honor: Your CaUfomia brethren send you greetings on this anniversary of Abraliam Lincoln's birthday. Esto Perpetua. (Let it be perpetual.) Edwin A. Sherman, Commander-in-Chief Lincoln Guard of Honor. Washington Ayer, President of Lincoln Association. 182 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. The telegram did not arrive until the morning of the thir- teenth, too late to reply in the same way, and an answer w^s sent by mail on the fourteenth, with kindly greetings. Our Fifth Memorial Service. A meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor was held at the Leland Hotel, April 7th, to make arrangements for the proper observance of the fifteenth of the month. It was de- cided to hold the services at the south end of the monument, near the entrance to Memorial Hall. Mrs. Dana and Mrs. Lindley were authorized to expend a sufficient amount of money for appropriately decorating the catacomb and sar- cophagus with flowers. President Dana was commissioned to invite the Grand Army of the Republic, Governor's Guard, Knights of Pythias and Knigts Temj^lar, to join in the parade on Memorial Day. The following was arranged as the Pkogeamme of Memokial Sekvices to be held on the Nineteenth Anni- versary OF THE Death of Abraham Lincoln. Sei*vices will begin at half past two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, April loth. They wiU be held at the National Lincoln Monument, under the direction of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. An earnest invitation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the city, to be present and unite in the sen'ices. The military companies and societies participating in the ceremonies will leave <3r. A. E. Hall, corner Fifth and Monroe streets, at half-past one o'clock, and space in front of the speaker's stand will be reserved for them. Should the weather pre- vent the services being held at the monument, they will take place in Representa- tives' Hall at the State Capitol, at half-past two o'clock. ORDER OF EXERCISES. Prater, - By Rev. W. H. Musgrove, Pastor of the First M. E. Church. Singing, Under direction of Prof. L. Lehman, "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Address, . . . . By Ex-Govemor JdIih ]\1. Palmer. Reading, By Miss Annetta Howard, "APoem on the Death of Lincoln." By J. T. Goodman. Reading, - - By J. C. Power, "A Spe(>ch by Abraham Lincoln." E,eading, By Mrs. Lelia P. Roby, a Po(Hn writteji for the occasion by Rev. Dr. S. F. >imilh, aiitlidr of "America." Singing, ...... By the Choir, "America." Address, - . . . . By Judge J. H. Matlieny. Reading, By Prof. J. H. Rayhill. ■'President Linculn's Remains in the ('ajiitol." Singing, .... By tiie Choir, .\n Ode, by E. -V. Sherman. Prayer akd Benediction, .... By Rev, A. H. Ball, Pastor of the Fii-st IJajitist Church. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 183 OUR OWN "AMERICA." As Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., author of "America," had tindlj written a poem, to be read as part of our service, it seemed liighly appropriate that the people should be prepared to receive it. There cannot be a man, woman or child in our country, ^vllo has not, some time during- the last half century, heard the singing; of this very patriotic hymn. The writer prepared the following article, which appeared in the Illinois State Journal, at Springfield, April 14, 1884. The Lincoln Guard of Honor thought well enough of it to have it spread upon our records, and this will permanently associate it with our history. To the Editor of the State Journal: MEMOKiAii Hall, National Lincoln Monument, April 11. — A few days be- fore our Memorial services last year, I received a letter from a lady friend in Chi- cago, the wife of Mr. Edwai'd Eoby, informing me that she had been appointed by the Abraham Lincoln Post, Grand Army of the Republic, to see to the permanent beautifying of the soldiers' lot in Gale AVoods Cemeteiy, and asking the donation of a few plants, after our having used them at the tomb of Lincoln, in connection with our Memoiial services on the 15th of April. The request was most cheerfully complied with. The plants were sent, by direction of Mrs. Eoby, to the care of Mr. William Dennison, superintendent of the cemeteiy, and on Decoration Day, May 30th, they were placed on the soldiers' lot by Abraham Lincohi Post. In one of her letters, Mrs. Roby remarked that she was enteitaining Rev. Dr. S. P. Smith, author of our national hymn, " America," and that, at her request, he had written a poem for Decoration Day, and read it as part of the Decoration ser- vices. Mrs, Eoby also told me she had induced Dr. Smith to write for me an entire ■copy of his National hymn, and attach his name, with the date wlien it was first wiitten, 1832, and the then present date, 1882. Accompanying this inestimable autogi'aph document, came a photograph Ukeness of the author, cabinet size. Both picture and docuuK^nt have been placed in dainty frames, and may be seen to-day in the care of Mr. C C. Howorth, at Hart's bookstore, and after that in Memorial Hall at the Monument. This was a revelation to me. If I had given the subject a thought, I would have supposed that the author was singing in a higher sphere; but these mementoes were tangible evidence that he was yet living, and that, after the hymn had been sung for half a century around the world, it was still capable, with the tune of " God Save the Queen," of stirring the depths of patriotism in the breasts of fifty millions of Americans. I wrote to Mrs. Roby confessing my ignorance of tlie his- tory of the author, and asked to be enhghtened, when I received substantially the following : "Samuel Francis Smith was bom October 21, 1808, in Boston, Mass.; graduated at Hai'vai'd in 1829, and at Andover Theological Seminaiy in 1832, and that year, at Andover, wnrte " America" and " Morning Light is Breaking," and many others. He was pastor of the I'irst Baptist Church at W^atei-ville, Maine, from 1834 to 18-il; 184 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. pastor of First Baptist Church at Newton, Mass., from 1842 to 1854. In the latter year he received the degree of Doctor of Divinit\'. He was editor of the Christian Review from 1842 to 1849 ; editor of the Baptist Missionaiy Magazine from 1854 ta 1869. He has been a busy minister of the Gospel and literaiy worker for more than half a century, and during that time he has, on more than twenty occasions, read original poems on anniversary days. In 1875-6 he spent one year in Europe. In 1880. he. with his wife, visited their son. Rev. D. W. Appleton Smith, D. D., mis- sionary at Rangoon, Burmah. They also visited Calcutta and Madras, in India, the Telegue countiy, Ceylon, Malta, It^ly, Sicily, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Greece, Spain, England, Wales and Scotland, returning to the United States in 1882. During all his travels he wrote extensive correspondence for the Watchman, of Boston, the most influential Baptist paper in New England." In the fall of 1882, Dr. Smith and his wife came to the Western States, visiing- their son at Davenport, Iowa. In January, 1883, they visited another son at Engle- wood. 111. They, witli that son, visited Mr. and Mi's. Edward Roby and otlier friends in Chicago until after Decoration Day, May 30, when they returned to tlieir home at Newton Centre, Mass. Not the least interesting episode connected with the correspondence is tlie fact that, with the mementoes of Dr. Smith, came an autograph of "the great ex- pounder of the Constitution." It is an envelope bearing his frank, " Daniel Web- ster, U. S. Senate." It came into the possession of Mrs. Roby as his kinswoman, and, having other mementoes of him, she has kindly donated it to me. The thought came up during his visit to Chicago that it would be grand to have the author of "America" read an original poem at the tomb of Lincoln. Upon the subject being mentioned to him, he received it favorably, and gave some reason to hope that it would be so. Bearing tliis in mind, I wrote to Dr. Smith, early this- year, on behalf of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. He replied, as follows : "Newton Centee, Mass., Januaiy 25, 1884. — My Dear Sir: Mmiy thanks for your letter dated January 19, and its several inclosed scraps, which gave me infor- mation such as I was glad to receive. I am an admirer of that great man, "Sir. Lin- cohi — who could hel[) being so?— and I should gladly, in any way in my power, do- him iionor. I will write a poem in reference to your celebration, Avhich, I under- etiind from our mutual friend, Mrs. Roby, fihe will read at the Memorial services. So far away from you am I, that I can hardly think of taking such a journey in April next, and I imagine that, with her efficient presence and aid, I shall hardly be missed. I shall look with great intci'est for an account of your ceremonies. If,. at any time hereaft<3r, life being spared, I should be at the West at about the period of the usual celebration — as I may be — I should not fail to be one < if your com- pany. Praying that you may long continue to watch over the precious mi-morials and remains to which you are devoting your life, I am, my dear sir, very faithfully yours, S. F. Sjiith." The poem is writh'ii and in Mrs. Roby's possession. She will come and read it. \Vc will liave "America" sung as a pait of the exercises at tlie ^loiniment on Tues- day afternoon, April 15, the nineteenth anni\-ersaiy of the death of Lincoln. J. C. POWEH, Secrctaiy of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 185 The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the south side of the Monument. Present^Dana, Power, Lindley, AVig:oins, Conkling, Chapin and Johnson. Absents — Reece and McNeill. The Grand Army of the Republic, including Prisoners of War and Sons of Veterans, the Governor's Guard and Knig-hts of Pythias and citizens composed the procession, headed by the Watch Factory Band. President Dana was chief ma^rshal of the day. That made it necessary for another member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor to act as master of ceremonies, which was done by Clinton L. Conkling. Before the services commenced, the following telegram was sent from the Monument: ' E. A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal.: As the people assemble at this shrine of patriotism. The Lincoln Guard of Honor sends greeting to their brethren toward the setting sun ; though the fame of Lin- coln never sets, but encircles the eaith. J. C. PowEB, Secretaiy. The following response was read by Mr. Conkling from the speaker's platform : Oakland, Cal., April 15, 1884. — To The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Springfield, Til.: God bless Abraham Liucohi's memorj'. Two thousand people ai'e holding memorial services here. Edwin A. Sherman, Lincoln Guard of Honor . Mr. Conkling ascended the platform at exactly half ]3ast tAvo o'clock and introduced Rev. W. H. Musgrove, who offered the opening INVOCATION. O Lord God, the Creator of all things, the Presei'ver of all flesh, and the Dis- poser of all events, we bow before Thee. The history of the past is before us. As individuals, as a people, as a nation, we have cause to praise Thee; Thou hast been our defense in the days that are gone; Thou didst deliver us from the hands of our enemies a hundred years ago, and later still, when, in order to repress wrong and overthrow the giant evil that had been the curse of our land for so many years, when blood was to flow freely, and lives were to be sacrificed by the thousands, then Thou didst i-aise up and bring to the front a man with a heart full of sym- pathy and withal so wise and stem that he ruled justly and guided the ship of State safely through its perils and disasters to sure and certain victory. We thank Thee that he lived to see the termination of the teiTrible struggle, and to issue the Emancipation Proclamation which liberated, from worse than Egyptian bondage, 4,000,000 of the human race. But a bullet, fired by an assassin's hand, did its fatal work. He dies the friend of millions, dies, and the country is in mourning — teai-s —12 186 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. fall from eyes unused to weep. We are here to-day to remember the sad event. As christians we venerate the names of a Luther, a Knox, a Whitefield, a Chalmers. a Wesley, we cherish their memories and keep their mantles with care. And as men and women, as patriots, as citizens of this great country, we venerate the name of Abraham Lincoln, we cherish his memorj'^ and would keep his mantle with 'red President is to-day, be our heritage. Bless those who constitute The Lincoln Guard of Honor, and at whose call we meet to-day. May they, like him whom they honor, be true to themselves, true to their country, and true to God. Bless this vast assemblage of persons, bless the exercises of this hour, keep us all by Thy power and bring us at last to reign with Thee forever. The choir composed of Mrs. Harrj Thayer, Mrs. Samuel Orubb, Mrs. Joseph Grout, Mrs. Fred. Smith, Miss Holcomb, Miss Lizzie Hopping, ]\Iiss EHa Smith, Miss Lou Hibbs, Miss Lucy Young, Messrs. Charles Schick, A. Hig-g-ins, M. F. Sim- mons, Prof. Smith, Charles S. Crowell, Harry Snape, John Ruckel, Thomas Bryce and Charles Bobbins, all under the direction of Prof. Louis Lehmann, sang that grand patriotic emanation from the Supreme Euler, through the heart and brain of Mrs. Julia Ward HoAve. THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored ; He hath loosed th(; fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword ; His truth is mai'ching on. I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a huiKh'iMl circling camps ; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and liuring lamps ; His day is mai'ching on. I have read a fieiy gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel ; "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my gra'.^e shall deal ;" Let the hero, born of woman, crush the serp(Mit with his Ikh-I, Since God is marching on. He has soimdnl forth his ti'nmp(4 tliat siiall m-vrr call rctrc^at; Hi- is sifting out th(> hearts of men brfmi' his jiidgnit'iit seat; Oh, be swift, my soul to answer hiiiil l^' jubilant my feet! Our God is marching on. In the Ix-auty of the lilies Christ Wiis liorn across Ihe sea, With a glory in liis l)osom that transfigures you and me ; As lie di(>d to lunke men holy, lei us (li(> to make men free, A\hile < io sought them openly and manfully. That was the sort of life for life that Americans believed in, assassination not an Ameri- can vice or an American crime. But assassination of the President — the most blameless, the most generous, the most forgiving of all the statesmen of the country, a man bom south of the Ohio river, who loved his native State as few men can understand — a man who, after the war, would be the friend of every man who submitted to the authority of the Gov- ernment, a man who had no resentments and no hates, but who simply wished to save the Union for the sake of the people of the Union. That he, above aU other men, should have been the victim of assassination, I could not understand. If Stanton had been assassinated, it would not have seemed so man^elous, for Stanton was the representative of the power, the force, and the vengeance of the country — a man who waged war because he believed war to be the only means by which the authority of the Government could be restoi'ed. But Mr. Lincoln was the repre- sentative of the generosity, the forgiveness, the nationahty of the American people, and that he should be selected as the victim of assassination seemed to me to be one of those unheard-of things that no man can account for. There I read it. It came from official sources, and I started. I went about three or four hun- dred yai'ds to where I had soldiers in camp, put them under arms, and ordered the artillery horses harnessed and the guns limbered up. I took a couple of soldiers with me and went about two miles to a couple of baiTacks in the neighborhood of XiOuisviUe, where I had other soldiers, and ordered them also under arms. I tele- ^•aphed to all paits of the State; to Bowling Green, Lexington, Frankfort, Camp 188 ^ THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Nelson, even'where where we had troops, for I believed then that the assassination of Mr. Lincoln was a part of a great scheme among the disloyal, North and South, to involve us once more in strife. I ordered troops under arms everj^where. Af that time I believed the whole country would become involved, North and South, and that there would be bloodshed everywhere all over the State of Kentucky. In two hours, therefore, we were under arms, artillery horses were harnessed, and guns and men in position. I ordered batteries to take possession of Louisville, and to plant themselves where they could sweep the streets, if necessary. \\Tien this was done, I went back to my quarters, and when I got there I found three or four thousand people assembled, for the headquarters of the depailment had at- tracted event'body. But, when I got there, I saw also in the crowd the leading rebels — those who opposed the Government. Until I saw their faces, I was at a loss; but when I looked around upon the scene before me, I then began to realize that there was no insurrection, nor anything of the sort in contemplation. The act of violence which had been done was but the act of a single assassin, who represented nobody and nothing but the father of aU evil, the devil. I then under- stood that Mr. Lincoln had fallen a victim to no uprising. There, in front of my headquarters, where the flag still floated, stood thousands, I cannot undertake to- say how many, men, women and children, white and black; they pressed themselves upon me, and the leading rebels said, " What shall we do ? This man upon whom we had depened to protect us, after the war was over, has fallen; what shall we do? Johnson will be President, a Tennessean, full of vengeance." They all dreaded him, but had such implicit confidence in the charity, purity and forgiveness of Mr. Lincoln that they had relied on him for protection after the strife was done. They thronged into my quarters — I have no power to describe the scene, it would be folly to attempt it. And they said to me: " Will you now, can you, after this man has been assassinated, can you save us from your soldiers? Will they not in- sist that all of us who have been involved in the rebellion are responsible, and so devfistate and burn the city ? " "No," I said, "you are my countiymen," for by that time I discovered that nobody was responsible. But throughout that whole day in Louisville there was more than a Sabbath stillness. Men and women ever>'- where were mourning the loss of Lincoln as if they had lost their dearest friend; mothers and wives, as if they had lost sons and husbands; fathers, as if they had lost their sole support. Nay, it was deeper than a Sabbath stillnc^ss, it was the stillness of a univei-sal sorrow. Everybody, Union men and Union women and rebels, all together, nunirned for one they felt was their best and most generous friend. In a little whiles after that, my police began to bring in persons charged with saying that they thanked God Lincoln was killed; and I n^member one that they brought in was a woman whom I knew, and they told me she had said slio was glad that Lincoln Wiis killed, and the woman came before mo in a spirit as if ready to light it out. I simply said to her: "My dear madam, you have said something so nmch more wicked than I can imagine any woman could say, that you may go home — if you can bear it, I can." She burst into t<>ars and she said: ''I did ssiy it, but God knows if I could giv(> my own life to bring this man biick to this country, I would do it." Nineteen years ago to-day all tliis tnuispired. TliiiiU of it. On that day I issued an order, not -altogether insi)in'(l iiy my confidence, liut in ,-i gr(>at mca.sure dictated by my hopes. I issued a general order, to be ciiculnlcil t lirougliout tiii' State, say- ing, notwith.staiKliiig the fleath of Mr. Lincoln, as great jiw he wiis, no man is so great that his di;ath can disturb the progress of this country toward peace, pros- THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 189 perity and fraternal union. I said to the people: " Go back to your employments, jmoum over the loss of this great man, but remember that even death cannot check the tide of union and progress in this grand countrj- of ours." And, my friends, standing here to-day, nineteen years after that sad event, reflect what this country is, and think also, while we can raise monuments that perish, and can cherish fitly the memoiy of this great and noble man, yet no single man is essential to the prosperity of this country. We build monuments and cherish the names of those who have done great service for the Eepublic, but time moves on, time builds up and time destroys. This monument, built here to the memory of this great man, whom we knew in his hfetime and revered so much, will crumble away, but we may believe that the Nation, for which he gave his life and to which he consecrated his best service, for which he was raised up as the Almighty raised up Moses for the deliverance of His favored people, though these stones perish, this Nation, with its intelligent, noble people, will live on after all such monuments are gone forever. The lesson of to-day, then, is this: As that man dedicated himself to his country, as that man died for his country, so should each one here. While nineteen years seem nothing to youth, it changes the vigorous, athletic soldier into the grey- haired old man. Time is doing its work. The lesson of to-day is that each one of you, men and women, forgetting the prejudices and passions that have controlled the past, shall this day dedicate your best thoughts, your most earnest purposes, to the welfare of your countiy. Think of your responsibilities ! This is the only country in the world that we know anything about, the government of which is devolved upon each man and woman within its ten-itory, and the responsibilities of every man and woman in the land are exactly alike, black and white. With these magniflceut interests and this great destiny, tlie lesson of the day is that, as Lincoln, and not only as Lincoln, but as the thousands of soldiers who took part In the struggle Avhieh preceded his death — for on the night before his death the bells were ringing all over the land because the flag had been restored to Sumter, the authority of the Government re-estabhshed — as on that night he died for his ■countiy, so ought you, each one, feel bound to dedicate yourself to-day to its ser- vice — not to the service of party, not to the service of mere personal interest, not to the service of prejudice, but unremittingly, each man and woman, this day, in this presence, with these inemories around you, dedicate yourselves anew to this country, whose government Divine Providence has deposited in your hands. Ladies and gentlemen, I have said all I can. The memories of the past crowd upon me. Nineteen years are gone. The country is making its history, and you and I — you and not I, for my work is substantially done — you, and not I, are re- sponsible to God and your country for the future. It is not surprising that the death of Lincoln should have stirred the poetic spirit in heart and brain, wherever it slum- bered in our broad land, whether in palace or hovel; but of all places a mining camp would seem to have been the most unpropitious for the muse. Virginia City, Nevada, was one of the wildest and wickedest of those camps. May 4, 1865, while the heart of the nation was drawn towards Oak Ridge Cemetery at Springfield, Illinois, and the true and tried from [ all parts of the country were assembled around the receiving 190 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. tomb, tryino- if possible to hear the words of the distino-nished diviue, Bishop Simpson of the M. E. Church, who was deliwjr- iiig the funeral oration, the miners in that far away camp were holding a funeral service also. A young- man wrote and read a poem on that occasion. He was the editor of the Territorial Enterprise. The reading of it created intense enthusiasm in camp, and the author, T. J. Goodman, pub- lished it in his paper. That for a long time seems to have been the last of it, probably because it was overshadowed by so much other matter on the same subject. One young man in camp at the time, was so impressed with the poem that he memorized it. Eighteen years alter, in the summer of 1883, that 3^oung man, ^Ir. Alfred H. Nelson, a lawyer, be- came the host of Miss Frances E. Willard, at his residence in Ogden, Utah, while she was on a tour as a temperance evangelist, to the Pacific States. Mr. Nelson incidentally recited part of a poem about Lincoln in her presence. She expressed her adnnration for it and requested a copy. Mr. Nelson had retained it all those years in his memory only, and could not at once com})ly with her request, but after she had gone, he made a copy and sent it to her at Evanston, Illinois. Miss AVillard sent it to Mrs. George Clinton Smith, of this city, with instructions to have it published in the Springfield papers, with its history, and to deposit the origi- nal copy in the archives of the National liincoln Monument. Mrs. Smith placed it in the hands of tlie writer of this sketch, Avho prepared a copy, and it was first published in the Illinois State JournaJ, Sept. 26, 1888. Miss Willard's criticism of the poem is that, "Barring a few lim])iiig ])()etic feet, easily cured, it is, in conception, imagery, mid bold. lofly flight, worthy to live beside the best tluit has been written about our Illinois and the world's brotherly hero." Prolonged efforts were made to get a ])i'int('d coj^v into the hands of the author, in order to obtain his corrections and the stamp of his ap])roval, but failed. H(» was then in San Ei-;in<-isco. Miss \\'ili;ird made some coi-r(>ctioiis. luit^ not as much as she would have done! with more time. It is hoped that it will not again come so near being lost. THE LINCOLX CxUARD OF HONOR. I91 Miss Annetta Howard, of Spring-field, was introduced and read, impressively and artistically; the poem ^,,'^°'^'^^ ^"^ THE DEATH OF LINCOLN. BY T. J. GOODMAN. A nation lay at rest. Ttie mighty storm That threatened their good sliip with direful harm Had spent its fury ; and the tired and worn • Sank in sweet slumber, as the Spring time morn Dawned with a promise that the strife should cease • And war s grim face smiled in a dream of peace. O ! doubly sweet the sleep when tranquil hght Brealcs on the dangers of the feaiful night, And, full of trust, we seek the dreamy realm Conscious a faithful pilot holds the helm, ' Whose steady purpose and untiring hand, With God's good grace, will bring us safe' to land. And so the Nation rested, worn and weak From long exertion:— God ! What a shriek Was that which pierced to farthest earth and sky As though all Nature uttered a death ciy ! Awake ! Arouse ! ye sleeping warders, ho ! Be sure this augurs some colossal woe ; Some dire calamity has passed o'erhead— A world is shattered or a god is dead ! What, all the globe unchanged ! The sky still flecked A\ith stars? Time is? The universe not wrecked? Ihen look ye to the pillars of the State ' How fares it with the Nation's good and' great? Smce that wild shriek told no unnatural birth Some mighty Soul has shaken hands with earth. Lo ! murder hath been done. Its pui-pose foul Hath stained the maVble of the Capitol Where sat one yesterday without a peer; Still rests he peerless— but upon his bier' Ah, faithful heart, so silent now— alack ! ' And did the Nation fondly call thee back, And hail thee truest, bravest of the land,' To bare thy breast to the assassin's hand? And yet we know if that extinguished voice Could be rekindled and pronounce its choice Between this a^\'ful fate of thine, and one— Eetreat from what thou didst or wouldst have done In thme own sense of duty, it would choose This loss— the least a noble soul cculd lose. 192 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. There is a time when the assassin's knife Kills not, but stabs into eternal life ; •* And this was such an one. Thy homely name Was wed to that of Freedom, and thy fame Hung rich and clustering in its lusty prime ; The God of Heroes saw tlie harvest time, And smote the noble structure at the root, That it might bear no less irmnoi-tal fruit. Sleep ! honored by the Nation and mankind ! Thy name in History's brightest page is shrined, Adorned by virtues only, shall exist Kright and adored on Freedom's maityr list. The time will come when on the Alps shall dwell No memory of their own iminoital Tell ; Eome shall forget her Ctesars, and decay % Waste tlie Eternal City's life away ; And in the lapse of countless ages, Fame Shall one by one forget each cherished name : But thine shall live through time, until there be No soul on earth but glories to be free. Mr. J. C. Power, secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, then read a speech delivered by President Lincoln under rather peculiar circumstances. The causes which lead to the brief thou^i-h pointed address are as follows: On Thursday, December 1, 1864, two ladies from Tennessee appeared before President Lincoln, asking- the I'elease of their husbands who were held as prisoners of war, on Johnson's Island. They were put off until Friday and again until Sat- urday, when the I*r(^sident ordered the men released. At each of the interviews, one of the ladies was very urgent in pre- senting her case, telling Mr. Lincoln with all the impressive- ness she could command, tlmt her husband was a "i-eligious man." After the prisoners were released, Mr. Ijincolu de- livered what he afterwards said was llie shortc'st and best speech he ever made, and shows 1liat his abiHty to ])iHU'ture shams was never excelled. Addressing the lady he said: Mapam: — You say youi' liusliund is a religions man. ti'll liini when you meet lilm, tiiat I say I am not much of a jmlge of religion, but tiuit, in my ojiinion, the religion that sets men to rebel and tight against th(ur Government, because, .as they tliink, that Govennnent does not sufliciently help.sozHc men to eattheir br(>iul in ihc. sweat of other men's faces, is not the sort of religion upon which people can get to Heaven. Mi-s. Lelia, P. Poby of Thicago, on being inti-oduced, read by j)i-oxy, — tlu^ jjroxy being her husband, Hon. Edward Roby THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. 193 — a poem on the life and death of Lincoln, written for the occasion by the author of our National hymn "America," by the venerable and Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., of Newton Centre, Massachusetts. Grandeur and glory wait around the bed, Where sleeps in lowly peace the illustrious dead ; He rose a meteor, upon wondering men. But rose in strength, never to set again. A king of men, though born in lowly state, A man sincerely good and nobly great ; Tender, but Ann ; faithful and kind, and true, The Nation's choice, the Nation's Savior, too ; Schooled through life's early hai-dships to endure, To raise the oppressed, to save and shield the poor; Prudent in counsel, honest in debate, Patient to hear and judge, patient to wait ; The calm, the wise, the wittj' and the proved. Whom millions honored, and whom millions loved ; Swayed by no baleful lust of pride or power, The shining pageants of the passing hour, Led by no scheming arts, no selfish aim, Ambitious for no pomp, nor wealth, nor fame, No planning hypocrite, no pliant tool, A high-bom patriot, of Heaven's noblest school ; Cool and unshaken in the maddest storm, For in the clouds he traced the Almighty's form ; Worn with the weaiy heart and aching head, Worse than the picket, with his ceaseless tread, He kept —as bound by some resistless fate — His broad, strong hand upon the helm of State ; Nor turned, in fear, his heart or hope away. Till on the field his tent a ruin lay. The tent, a ruin ; but the owner's name Stands on the pinnacle of human fame. Inscribed in Unes of light, and nations see. Through him, the people's fife and liberty. What high ideas, what noble acts he taught! To make men free in life, and limb, and thought, To rise, to soar, to scorn the oppressor's rod. To live in grander life, to Uve for God ; To stand for justice, freedom and the right, To dare the conflict, strong in God's own might ; The methods taught by Him, by him were tried, And he to conscience true a martyr died. As the great sun pursues his heavenly way. And fills with light and joy the livelong day, Till, the full joui-ney, in gloiy dressed. He seeks his crimson couch beneath the west ; 194 THE LIXCOLxX GUARD OF HONOR. So, with his labor done, our hero sleeps ; Above his tomb a ransomed Nation weeps ; ■* And grateful peans o'er his ashes rise — Dear is his fame — his glory never dies. Bring flowers, fresh flowers ; bring plumes with nodding crests^ To wreath the tomb where our great hero rests ; Bring pipe and tabret, eloquence and song, And sound the loving tribute, loud and long ; A Nation bows, and mourns his honored name, A Nation proudly keeps his deathless fame ; Let vale and rock, and hill, and land, and sea, His memory swell — the anthem of the free. The choir then sang that old, but ever new, hymn b^' the' same author. AMERICA. By Kev. S. F. Smith, D. D. IMy countiy 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee we sing ; Land where mv fathers died ; Land of the pilgrim's pride, From ever\' mountain side Let freedom ring. ^ly native countrv-, thee. Land of the noble free. Thy name I love. I love tliy rocks and rills. Thy woods and templt'd hills, My heart with rapture thrills, Like tluit above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet frecMlom's song ' Let moilal tongues awake. Let all that breathe partake, Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers God— to Theo, Author of Liberty', To Thee we sing ; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light — ri\)t<'et us by thy might. Great God our king, THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 195 Men who knew Lincoln well, when they come to deliver a public address about him find in it a great temptation to be garrulous. Here is a man who knew Lincoln almost as in- timately as though they had been brothers. He could talk a month about him from personal knowledge and not re- peat himself, and yet he gives us here in the smallest space, a true and complete delineation of the character of his hero. It is a perfect gem, both in eloquence and brevity. Address by Judge James H. Matheny, of Springfield. It is a grand thing to liave ever lived. It is still a grander thing to have so lived, that our names grow brighter and brighter and our memory more fondly cher- ished, as tlie years roll on apace and number themselves with the shadowy past. Of all the countless millions, who have hved, moved and acted their parts in the wonderous drama of human life, how very few have inscribed their names, in im- perishable characters upon the record of time, — many thousands blazed out for a brief moment, as stars of the first magnitude, in the constellation of earthly great- ness but soon faded away into tlieir original nothingness. Call the roll of the truly great, those who left the world better than they found it, and the responses will be "few and far between." Upon that roll, no grander name can be found, than Abraham Lincoln. He is one of the "Few immoi-tal names, that were not bom to die." He filled to its utmost capacity the measure of human greatness. He rose with every occasion, however trjnng, and was more than equal to every emergency. In the midst of the awful storm that darkened around him, he developed chai'acteris- tics whoUy unexpected, until even Ufe-long friends gazed upon him in utter be- wilderment and his bitterest foe bowed before an inexplicable mystery. The most remarkable of the many admirable characteristics of Abraham Lincoln was his wonderful calmness in ever\^ emergency. When the storm of war was upon us in all its maddened fun', others of om- great men yielded to the passions incident to human nature and stained the bright escutcheon of our National glory ■with acts, over which we had better throw the broad mantle of forgetfulness. Not so with Abraham Lincoln, amid it all he stood cahn and unmoved, however wild the storm, however black the cloud, however rayless the night, with a firmness bom of an unyielding patriotism, an unwavering faith in the triumph of the right, with a courage, God-hke in its grandeur, he braved the storm, he rose above the cloud. He saw the stars stiU shining beyond tlie night, and although clothed with almost limitless power was still the calm, unpassioned Patriot, never forgetting for a moment, the one great purpose of his soul, the salvation and perpetuitj'^ of the National Union, upon the broad basis of universal liberty. To the reaUzation of this one great hope, every other impulse was made subservient. On he moved to the fulfillment of this great end, undetered by assailing foes, undisturbed by the clamor of complaining friends. Search all history and you will scarcely find a parallel to Abraham Lincoln. Never once, through all the trying scenes of many years of civil war, was he guilt>' of a single act of inhumanity or oppression. He seemed to move in a plane far above the frailties of common hmnanity. When the fearful conflict was nearing its close — when the cloud was breaking awav — 196 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. ' when the dawning of morn was scattering tlie shadows of night, he stood in front of the National Capitol, in the presence of the assembled people, and with worcls characteristic of him who said : "Father, forgive thena, for they know not what they do," he closed the a-n-ful drama of war with the GodUke sentiment of '"maUce toward none but charity for all." Mr. J. H. Rayliill, Professor of Elocution iu the Young Ladies Atheneura, and Illinois College, both at Jacksonville, was next introduced and read PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S REMAINS AT THE CAPITOL. Gaze and pass on ! Ye who but yesterday shared his fond greeting, Solemnly gather at this the last meeting. Look once more on the care-furrowed brow * Stamped by the seal of eternity now ! Gaze and pass on ! Life is not there ! Think not to catch the old echoes of cheer, List not the step ye shall never more hear, Seek not the smile from the lips chill and wan. All of him earthly is faded and gone. Life is not there ! All is not dead ! Still in yom* midst the best lingers to-day, Of the loved and departed untouched by decay, The virtues he cherished yet live, and will last . "When the scenes of the present are lost in the past. All is not dead ! rndauntcd he fell ! Not in the winter of age, bending low, "Wasted and worn in the summer's waiTU glow ; Strong in his manhood, hope gilding his sky. In the pathway of duty he sank down to die. Undaunted he fell ! Chant the sad dirge ! Ere he goes forth to his eartlily rest. Sing 'round his coHin the songs of the blest ; 'Mid silence and sjuhiess the sweet strains will rise Like flowers bearing incense to him in the skies. Chant the sad dirge ! Pause now aixl weep ! "Weep for the President lost to our sight ; Nobly he toiled for us — gave of his might. Ye may s(>areh for his like ius long as years circle round, 15ut a jollier sjiirit will never be found. Pause now and weep • THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 197 Bear him away ! ' A Fatherly Euler is laid on the bier ; Slowly, for thought gioweth wearj' and drear, Sadly, with measured funeral tread. Soldiers and citizens, on with the dead. Bear him away ! Christian, farewell ! As ready for death, as true in thy life, No danger appalled in fratricidal strife ; With tcais we commit the dear form to the sod, The dust to the earth, the spirit to God. Christian, farewell ! The choir then sang the foUowing- ode, by Edwin A. Slier- man, of Oakland, California. It is being sung at the nineteenth anniversary services, to-day, in Oakland and San Francisco, along the valleys of the Sacramento and Columbia Rivers, in Melbourne, Australia, the Sandwich Islands and other places. I. Martyr Spirit, from the skies. Hear our requiem arise. Listen to our sorrow-song. While we mourn thy awful wrong ; Thou "the noblest work of God," Pouring out thy precious blood On the altar of thy love. While thy spirit soared above. II. Lincoln, Savior of our Land, Guiding by thy faithful hand, Thou didst lead us safely through Crimson seas of blood and woe ; Broke the chains of slavery. Gave the bondman liberty, Made the Union strong and great, Bringing back each erring State, III. When the song of victory For the Union and "Glory," Rose from mountain, hill and plain. Murder laid thee 'mong the slain. Hushed were then triumphant cheers, Hearts did bleed while flowed our tears. Cries of "Vengeance ! oh our God !" Fiercely rose from Freedom's sod. 198 THE I.I^'COLN GUARD OF HONOlt. IV. "Vengeance mine ! I will repay !" ^ iy'Keep thou this Atonement Day !" Yes! we'll keep it wkile the sun Year to year his course doth run ; While our heroes bear their scars ; Floats our Stripes and gleams our Stars, In our Martyred Chieftain's Name We'll renew our altar-flame. Rev. A. H. Ball, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Spring- field, closed the services with the benediction: May the Lord grant His blessings on these tributes of respect that we bring to that just and true man — His gift to earth. And may we be dismissed now to our homes, with an added love for our countiy and for humanity, in the name of Christ. Amen. Gen. Joseph Stockton, on behalf the Lincoln Park Commis- Bioners, of Chicago, presented the beautiful basket and floral cornucopias. It was designed b}^ Mr. DeFrey, the gardener of Lincoln Park. The South Park, Chicago, through Joliii R. Walsh, its president, presented the circle of flowers, with star in the center containing the initial letter "L," together Avith the ferns and palms. Mr. Frederick Kanst was the de- signer of this floral offering. It being the desire of those contril)uting these beautiful flowers that they should be placed around the statue of Lin- coln in the State Capitol, notice was accordingly given through the papers to that effect, and large numbers of citi- zens visited them there in the forenoon of Tuesday. At one o'clock they were taken to tlie Monument and placed on and around the sarcophagus, where they will remain as long as they retain th(Mr beauty. The Liucold Guard of lloiioi' l.-ikc this incthod of express- ing their thanks to all who coiitrihiitt'd to this memorial ser- vice. To Mr. and Mrs. B()l)y, througli whose devotion to the memory of our Martyr-President we aie indebted for the floral display, we despair of fluding words to express the obliga- ti(jiis we feel. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 199 DIVISION TWELFTH, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE. Sixth Annual Meeting of Tiie Lincoln Guard of Honor, and Election of Officers — Sixth Memorial Service, in which the Post of Honor is yielded to the German Turners and German Singing Societies— Appeal to the Citizens of Spring- field, and their Liberal Response — Rain interferes with the Sen-ices. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Leland Hotel, Office of Our Vice-President, Gen. Reece, Thursday, Feb. 12, 1885, 7:30 p. m. SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING. Present — Dana, Eeece, Power, Lindley, Chapin and Johnson. Absent — McNeill, Wiggins and Conkling. President Dana assumed the chair, and called for the read- ing of the minutes. The Secretary read the minutes of the last annual and in- tervening meetings, and all were approved. Treasurer made annual report, which was approved and ordered to be spread upon the record. The receipts had been tifteen dollars each from the two street railroads. That, with the small balance on hand, making a total of .f33.75, had been sufficient to pay all expenses and leave a balance of #5.05. Thei'e was a much larger expenditure for flowers by citizens of Chicago, but that did not come into our accounts. The election of officers resulted in the re-election of the old board, each upon separate ballots: G. S. Dana, President. J. X. Reece, Vice-President. J. C. Power, Secretar^^ J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. Adjourned, to meet nt the call of the PresidtMit. 200 • THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. OUR SIXTH LINCOLN MEMORIAL SERVICE. In December, 1884, correspondence between some GeniMin- American citizens in St. Louis and in Springfield developed the fact that the Turners and German singing- societies of St. Louis Avere desirous of holding a service of song and ora- tory at the Tomb of Lincoln on the twentieth anniversary of his death. A public meeting was called in Springfield for the evening of December 16, for the purpose of ascertaining* if the people generally would take an interest in the matter. Gen. J. N. Reece, the Yice-President of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, was elected chairman of that meeting, and the Sec- retary of the L. G. of H., J. C. Power, was chosen one of the secretaries, with AVm. L. Gardner as a repi-esentative of the Turners and singing societies. The members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, by common consent, agreed to forego, for the coming anniversary, their own distinctive sei'vice, and join with the singing societies and Turners in observing Lin- coln Memorial Day. Gen. Reece was continued chairman of the Citizens' Committee of Arrangements, into which the meet- ing resolved itself that evening, and was subsequentl}' elected president of the day for the Anniversary. Invitations were sent out from St. Louis to nearly all the German singing and Turner societies in the United States, asking them to meet at the Tomb of Lincoln on the fifteenth of April, being the Twentieth Anniversary of his Death, there to pay their respects to his memory. As the time approaclied, the indications wei-e that there would be from eight hundred to one thousand voices join in the singing, and that the assemblage would number many thousands. When it Ix^came evident that there would be an unusually large number of visitors, the Citizens' Committee a])])oiiited a special commit- tee of four, consisting of two membei-s of Tlie Lincoln (luard of Honor and two other citizens, to ])i-epare an adih-ess to the pe()])le of S])i-ingfield, urging tliem to give a suitable re- ception to the expected visitors. ]<\)llowing is the APPEAL TO THE CITIZENS OF SPI{IN(i FIELD. It is known to you all that for five succossivc returns of that imnivcrsan', Tho Lincoln Guard of Honor haw, with hut little outside help, except at the la-st one, when they received valuable lussistaiice Ironi citizens of Chicai,'o, inaugurated and conducted these beautiful services with increa-siuK' interest to the people of Spring- THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 201 field and strangers ■who at the time happened to sojourn here. This year they had determined to make the services more simple and less expensive than ever before, but a new element has voluntarily entered into it. It is a part of undoubted historj^ that, when armed treason assailed our GK>vem- ment in April, 1861, the German-American citizens of St. Louis were found to be loyal to the Government under whose wing they had sought shelter as an asylum for the oppressed cf all lands. And while the great mass of the native bom citi- zens, among whom they lived, were plotting with its enemies, or taking up arms for its destruction, the German Turners and Singers went almost en masse before the proper officers and were sworn into the service of the United States Govern- ment as Union soldiers. This patriotic and prompt action by the Germans and a small number of Ameri- cans, on the border line between freedom and slavery, rescued a large quantity of muskets and other arms stored in the United States arsenal in St. Louis, by load- ing them on steamboats in the night time and running to a place of safety' on the IlUnois side of the river. They also either dispersed or captured a large number of insui'gents in Camp Jackson, on the outskirts of the city, thus moving the line between Secession and Union farther south, and early in the war saved Missouri to the Union. As part of the great Union army, these Germans did their full share, leaving their dead comrades on almost every battle field in the south and west. At the end of four years' war, with all opposing forces dispersed, with slavery' abohshed, the Union of the States restored, and, on the other hand, the head of the Government slain by treason in its dying throes, those of the Germans who sum-ived the struggle, returned battle-scarred and otherwise injured in health, and with mingled feelings of gladness and sorrow - gladness that there was na longer an armed foe, and son-ow for the loss of their great leader — resumed their fonner peaceful avocations and industrial pursuits. After a score of years engaged in restoring the waste of war, in adding com- forts to, and beautifying their homes, and seeing the coffers of the nation they love, changed from a condition of total collapse at the beginning to one that may be likened to that of the husbandman who is under the necessity- of tearing down his barns and building greater, because we have the best and most abundant cur- rency of any nation on the globe; the sm-vivors among these same German Turners and Singers of St. Louis, consult among themselves and determine that, on the twentieth anniversary of his martyrdom, they will visit the mausoleum of their great Commander-in-Chief, under whose wise and patriotic administration such beneficent and far reaching results were achieved, and in oratory and song express their love and veneration for his memoiy. They have invited their brethren in other cities to meet them here, and they are coming, citizens of Springfield, whether you welcome them or not. They are coming from St. Louis. They ai'e coming from Chicago. They ai"e coming from Cincinnati. From In- dianapoUs. From Milwaukee. From Davenport, and from many smaller to\\-ns and cities. They have marched into hostile cities and been received in suUen silence. Shall their advent here remind them of that? We would aU feel degraded if it were so. The welcome that will gladden their hearts will be to see the Monument appro- priately decorated, and a proper degree of interest manifested by our citizens on the occasion. These things can not be done without some money. It will re- quire about $1,000. If you are willing to contribute to extend such a welcome, —13 202 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. liand your offering to any one of the finance committee, or receive tliera cordially' wtien tlaey call for your contributions. A small amount from each citizen would give us ample funds, and we can make it an occasion that will be remembere(T*with pleasure by eveiy visitor and citizen. It should be understood that the expenses for the observance of the day are borne by the gentlemen who are the originators of the movement. We simply ask the citizens of Springficild for their assistance to properly receive our expected guests and to decorate worthy of the occasion. F. Gehbing, H. S. Welton, J. C. Power, J. N. Reece. March, 1885. The following is the programme agreed upon In- eoriespon- •deuce between the St. Louis and Springfield committees. 1865—1885. Obsektance of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Death of Abraham Lincoln, Under the auspices of the German Turners, St. Louis District. The Lincoln Guard of Honor for this day yield the Post of Honor to their St. Louis Visitors. Wednesday, April 15th, 1885, At the National Lincoln Monument. PROGRAMME— ORDER OF PROCESSION. The procession will form at the Court House Square, and will move at 1 o'clock P. M. sharp. Grand Marshal — M;i.ior-G(>neral A. J. Smith. First Assistant Grand Marslial— Gen. John A. McClornand. First Assistant Chief Aid-de-Camp — Major Eugene F. Weigel. ASSISTANT MAKSH.\LS. O-^n. D. P. Grier, Captain J. C. Ining, Gen. D. C. Coleman, Capt. W. C. Knispel, Gen. W. C. Kui>ffner, Hon. John Mayo Palmer, Col. Chas. G. Stifel, Hon. J. E. Hill, Col. Da\-id Murphy, Porter Yates, Col. Edward Rut z. Dr. Chas. Ryan, John Cook, Jr. Major Otto Lad<'niann, Maj. Bluford Wilson, . Jacob Bunn, Jr. Captain W. F. Smith, Statins Kelinnann. Ill Carrlag<'s: Hon. R.J. Oglesby, Gov.'iiior of Illiiiuis. ami Stair OIIumm-s; ;M('inlK'rs of the National Lincoln Monument Association. Memljcrs ofTlii* Lincoln Guard of Honor; Members of the General .Vssembly ; Speakers imd Executive >Conmiittoo. I'IKST DIVISION. General J. W. N'ancc. ('(iiimian.liiiL:, ;iih1 Staff. Baud (.r Musi.'. DetacliMii'iits (>r Illinois ;ui(l .Missouri National (iuards. THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. 203 SECOND DIVISION. General John W. Noble, Commanding, and Staff. Band of Music. First Brigade, G. A. E. of Illinois, General W. W. Berry, Marshal. Second Brigade, G. A. K. of Missouri and other States, Gen. Nelson Cole, Mai'shal. THIRD DIVISION. Louis Nettelhorst, Marshal, and Staff. In Carriages— Fxecutive Officers of the North American Turner Bund. Memorial Tablet on Decorated Wagon, on each side of the Escort of Honor. Turner Veterans of 1861. First Eeg't Mo. Vol., Co's A, B and C. Turners from all parts of countrj^ as District Representatives. Band of Music. 1. Turner Societies from about 40 cities. 2. Singing Societies from about 20 cities. FOURTH DIVISION. Colonel H. S. Welton, Marshal, and Staff. Band of ISIusic. First Brigade— Ex-Prisoners of War, Col. L. D. Rosette, Commanding. Second Brigade— Sons of Veterans, Illinois and Missouri, Colonel E. V. Mallory. FIFTH DIVISION. Lieut.-Gov. J. C. Smith, Marshal, and Staff. Band of Music. National Americans, Lodges, Benevolent Societies and German Societies. SIXTH DIVISION. W. L. Gardner, Marshall and Staff. Band of Music. Fh-e Companies, and Citizens in Carnages. The Memorial services will begin at 2 o'clock p. m., at the National Lincoln Honument, under the direction of Gen. J. N. Reece, Vice President of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Master of Ceremonies, assisted by Major G. S. Dana, President of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. Order of Exercises. PRAYER, By Rev. Francis Springer, D. D., Chaplain of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., Springfield. 1. Music, - . - - Knight Templar Band, St. Louis. 2. Welcome Address, - - By Governor R. J. Oglesby, of Illinois. 3. Singing, " Memorial Song," . . . . Grand Chorus. 4. Oration, in English, . - - Hon. J. C. Conkhng, Springfield. 5. Singing, "Lincoln Hymn," .... Grand Chorus. [Written expressly for this occasion by E. A. Zuendt.] Music by Prof. Oscar Schmoll. {5. Oration in German, - - By Dr. H. M. Starkloff, of St. Louis, 7. Dedication of the Memorial Tablet, - By the President of the North American Turner Bund, John Toensfeldt. 8. Oration, - - - - - Hon. John A. Logan. 9. Flower Decoration, ... - . By the Public. 10. Reading or Letters, - From President Cleveland, Ex-President Arthur, and Hon. Robert T. Lincoln, by the Corresponding Secretary. 204 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 11. Singing, " My Countiy, 'Tis of Thee," - - Grand Chorus.. The Audience joining in the Chorus. 12. Music, - . . U. S. Cavalr>' Band, Jefferson Barraclis. Capt. Lewis, Leader. The Lincoln Guakd of Honor. G. S. Dana, President. J. N. Eeece, Vice-President. J. C. Power, Secretary. J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. J. F. McNeill. E. S. Johnson. N. B. Wiggins. H. Chapin. C. L. Conkling. executive committee. Francis P. Becker, President. H. W. Ocker, Vice-President. ^ John J. Linck, Secretaiy. Eniile A. Becker, Cor. Secretary. Ernst Sschmann, Treasurer Gen. A. J. Smith, Grand Marshal. Eugene F. Weigei, Chief Aid. Louis Duestrow. J. B. Gandolfo, J. Nolte, Geo. Bamberger, Frederick Pfisterer, Ernst Gieselmann, Adolph Kleinecke, A. L. Bergfeld, Chas. Bieger, Chas. StiTjebing. Musical Director — Prof. Oscar SchmoU. local executive committee, of SPRINGFIELD, ILLns'OIS. Gen. J. N. Eeece, Master of Ceremonies and President of Committee. Major G. S. Dana, Assistant to Gen. Keece, Charles Herman, Chairman Committee on Finance. C. A. Gehrmann, Chairman Committee on Decoration. F. Gehring, Chairman Committee on Address. C. U. Kettler, Chairman Committee on Music. Hon. H. D. Dement, Chairman Committee on Reception. The people of Spriii<:^'field res})()ntled liberally to the appeal of the coniniittee for funds, and nniiiei-oiis arches were planned for s])anning the streets at diffei-ent points. The south g-ate to Oak Kidge Cemetery was removed and a number of the tallest telegraph poles set in the ground, preparatory to l)uilding a grand triumjjhal arch over the entrance. Other tck'gra])h ])oles, not so t;d], wci-e planted near the Catacomb, at the Monument, in (jidcr to su|>|)ort a grand canopy over tlie entrance. Every movement indicated that the people of Springfield had, with the utmost enthusinsm, entei-ed into the spirit of 11m' occasion, but the work li.id to bi' siisjx'ndcd in an unfiiiislicd condilioii. W'Ikmi the time arrived for foT-niing llic procession, at noon ^^'('dncsd;ly. the l."th. v:\'\u li;id fallen in torrents for forty hours, rciidrriiig the uiii»;i\t'il streets THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 205 utterly impassable. Notwithstanding- the unfavorable condi- tion of the weather, the people had been pouring into the city on every train, hoping that the rain would cease, but it still continued. Most of the organizations assembled at their places of rendezvous, preparatory to forming the procession, but all thought of marching to the Monument, where the services were to have been held, was abandoned, because there was no paved street extending so far out, and those Avho had formed in line were permitted to break ranks. Ar- rangements were speedily made to hold the exercises in the laasement of the State Capitol, the Legislature being in session precluded the possibility of occupying the halls above. A temporary stand had been erected, to be used in the event of the weather being unfavorable. The stand was occupied by Gen. John A. Logan, Gen. W. T. Sherman, Gen. A. J. Smith, Gov. R. J. Oglesby, Ex-Gov. John M. Palmer, Gen. John A. McClernand, Col. Richard Rowett, Dr. H. N. Starkloff of St. Louis, Gen. Edwin A. Sherman of San Francisco, Hon. J. C. Conkling of Springfield, and others. At half-past two o'clock, the assemblage was called to order hy the Pi'esident of the day, Gen. J, N. Reece. After music Ijy the bands, the services were opened with PRAYER, BY REV. FRANCIS SPRINGER, D. D. ! God, most merciful, be pleased to answer the prayers of the thousands of devout supplicants who, all over this broad land, often pray to Thee for blessing to this greatest of the Republics. If, at any time,' war must come, do Thou, O Lord, as Thou hast done in the past, raise up able leaders and brave men, who may bo qualified and willing to do the right in the day of peril as Thou shalt show them. Eut we pray that henceforth the counsels of Christian truth and reason' and not the sword, shall decide between parties at vaz'iance with each other. We beseech Thee, O Lord, so to bless the exercises of this memorial occasion as to impress on ail who are present a proper sense of obligation to God for the privi- leges and enjoyments of this day. W^e call to mind the declaration of Divine wis- dom that righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people; and that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. We devoutly entreat Thee, therefore, that no other but an upUfting and ennobling influence may be wrought throughout the land by the reports of this day's services commemorative of the virtues and achievements of the Martyr-President. And now, Lord, let thy spirit dwell richly in each mind, and the joy of Thy good presence fill ciich heart. All this we ask in the name of Clirist, our Redeemer. Amen. Gov. Oglesby was then introduced, and delivered the fol- lowing very appropriate 206 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. ADDRESS OF WELCOME: PrLGBIMS TO THE SHEISE OF OUK COUNTKYS Pa^EON SAINT, WhO COSIE 'TV'ITH: Sacred Devotion to Renew Heee YorR Fe.\XiTy to Love of Country, TO Liberty, and to Those Exalted and Inestimabl.e Principles of Patriotism, Peace and Good Government His Life so Admirably Lllfsteated: On the twentieth anniversaiy of this solemn and awful day, which first recorded in our country's history the crime of political assassination, here at the tomb of the great martyr to liberty and Union, with saddened heart and heavy weight of woe, I welcome you — welcome you to the solemn rites and sei'V'ices which will for- ever mai'k the return of that sad hour when fell the Great Liberator, fell that great light, who, under Providence and the guidance of his own wonderful, almost infin- ite, genius, directed our way through the darkest hour to befall any Nation, and sureh' the darkest and saddest hour to our own beloved country ever scored by the cruel finger of time, whose inextinguishable influence, radiant with hope and promise, still leads us to the sweeter and purer Ught of a broader liberty and a higher manhood. In behalf of all the people of his State, I welcome you to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln. THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL SONG, OR LINCOLN HYMN. Written for this occasion by E. A. Ziiendt, in German, and translated into English by I. D. Fonlon. Music by Prof. Oscar Schmoll. It Avas then sung in German by a Grand Chorus composed of all the singing societies present. Follow- ing is the translation: Mysterious murmurs fill the air, A thrill runs through creation ; He comes, the chief beyond compare, To look upon his Nation. He was a hero in the strife. In p(>ace he did not falter, As pledge of love, his precious life He lay on Freedom's altar — His noble life, his jirecious life, He lay on Freedom's altjir. "We gazed on him with love and trust, On him, the noble-hearted — "Who trampled treason in the dust, Y'et dried each tear that start<.'d. How great, liow simple, stands he there, Our banner's guard supernal; So far, yet here, for everywhere, Like yonder stars eternal — He looks on us, he looks on U3, Like vtmder staj'S eternal. THE LLXCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 207 From sea to sea a song is heard, The Nation all rejoices That Freedom is the dearest word To fifty milUon voices. Hai-kl Lincoln speaks : " Be henceforth one And love ye one another! " The answer rings from sun to sun: " Our neighbor is our brother! " " From sea to sea, the land is free, Our neighbor is our brother." His dust is here, his spirit soars Aloft on eagle's pinions. As we lay near this temple's doors Fresh flow'rs from song's dominions. See! there's the flag he loved, unfurled. Which Freedom's winds are kissing. Let Lincoln's name ring through the world, For not one star is missing ; Come, cast your flow'rs in fragrant show'rs, For not one star is missing. Hon. James C. Conkling. of Springfield, was then introduced, and delivered the following ORATION : Twenty years ago this day, Abraham Lincoln became immortal. The pistol and the dagger of the assassin secured for him an eternal fame. " The deep damnation of his taking off " not only startled and astonished all mankind, but encircled his- brow with the halo of a martyr. Since that memorable day, the language of eulogy has been exhausted in endeavoring to portray the character and the virtues of the Great Emancipator. No genius, however sublime, has disdj;ined to lay its tribute at his shrine. No statesman, however exalted, has refused to recognize him as the peer of the most distinguished men of any age. The historian will search in vain among the records of the past for a human character more unsullied, an intellect more comprehensive, a sagacity more unerring, and a wisdom more profound. Poetry has gracefully intertwined its numbers with his praises, and has embalmed his memoiy in immortal song. Had he died eai'lier, he would not have filled the full measure of his fame, and the gi"and object of his mission would not have been accomplished. But he lived to see the dissolution of the rebel armies ; to hear the exultant shouts of our vic- torious legions ; to grasp the hand of the slave redeemed by the genius of emanci- pation; to see the star-spangled banner floating gloriously over every fort and every citidel that had belonged to the government ; to behold treason crushed, the Constitution preserved, and the Union saved. The carnage of war had ceased. The terrible stmggle of contending armies had stopped. The homd implements of destruction no longer hurled the missiles of death upon opposing ranks. The rattle of rausketiy and the roar of artillery no longer shook the earth. Peace, white-robed peace, with all its heavenly and puri- fying influences, had come, and come to stay. The patriotic soldioi- had discharged 208 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. his obligations to the tlag. And now, the liusbandman prepared to return to his farm ; the mechanic to his worlvshop ; the scholar to his study ; and the merclftint to his counting-i'oom. The duties of the citizen, the love of home, the affection for wife and children, caused those vast armies to disappear Uke the mists of the morning and the clouds upon a summer sky. In the midst of universal rejoicing among patriots, men looked forward to a long period of prosperity, in which they expected to recuperate from the ravages of -war; when the Nation, under the influence of better counsels, and a purer patriot- ism, and a richer experience, would commence a more glorious career. The mar- trs'red President himself fondly anticipated the time when he could retire from the cares and responsibilities of official station, and enjoy, in quiet retirement, the love and gratitude of the people, whom he had so well and so faithfully served. The dai-k clouds of sorrow were passing away from his brow. The radiant hopes of the future filled his soul with joy, and spread like a halo of glor^' over his .sad- dened features. He had arrived at the very summit of personal and political am- bition. With the eye of faith he could see the increasing grandeur of this mighty, ocean-bound Repubhc ; could witness, in the near future, a hundred millions of industrious and intelligent freemen spread over this vast continent; could behold the tide of emigration rolling westward with tremendous rapidity, founding pow- erful States, astablishing prosperous and magnificent cities; constructing railroads from ocean to ocean; developing fabulous mines of gold and silver; and filling ten thousand channels of commerce with the productions of our luxuriant soil. He could see this united peo[ile proudly and majestically ascending in the scale of nations; commanding the respect and admiration of all mankind; paying off its vast national debt with unexampled rapidity; inaugurating reforms; administtn-- ing the laws with impartial justice without respect to persons, and then transmit- ting this rich inheritance to their descendants through unnumbered generations. In the midst of all these glowing anticipations; in the presence of wife and friends and a crowded assembly; without a moment's warning; with no opportunity for defense, or chance of escape, the bullet of the assassin crushed through his care-worn brain. He lingered for a few hours. The tide of life slowly ebbed away. And on the morning of this day, twenty years ago, the faithful husband, thf affectionate father, the devoted friend, the honest citizen, the eminent lawyer, tilt' wise legislator, the martyred President, lay cold in the embrace of death. The shock was felt to the remotest extremities of the eaith. Eveiy civilizt>d pec pie recoiled with iiorror and execrated the dastardly act. Even barbarism shuddered at the enormity of the crinje. Crowned heads shed tears of grief, and the poor down-trodden sl.avi^ uttered the wailiiigs of despair. All classes of society experienced, in this terrible blow, a personal afiliction. This Nation was draptnl in mourning. The habiliments of woe appeared on every side. Strong men's hearts were crushed, and they wept like children. Across this widespread continent a prolonged wail of agony ascended to heaven, as if the world's final catiistrophe had arrived. But it is appointed unto men once to die. Dust to ilust is the conunoii destiny of all humanity. For six tliousand years, and more, the tmmp of unnuinbenHi millions has beim stt^adily pressing onward to the grave. Generations rise and nourish and disappear before the remorseless scythe of time. Human ambition has n', civic associations, clerks of departments, vast delegations from vailous States, and lai'ge numbers of colored men, marched amidst the tolling of bells, the flring of cannon, and the solemn strains of martial music. At the rotunda the casket was deposited upon a magnificent catafalque. A continuous throng passed through the Capitol fi'om early mom until late at night on the 20th, and more than twenty-five thousand persons took a long, last, lingering look at the well-known features of their maitj'red President. Upon the next day began the longest, saddest funeral procession that was ever recorded by the pen of the historian. Four years previous, on the 11th day of February, he had left his home in this -city to assume the duties of the Executive of this great Nation. He was not in- sensible to the hea\-y responsibilities which devolved upon him, nor to the dangers by which he was surrounded. I heard him utter the parting words of his pathetic and memorable fai'ewell, in which he said : " My Friends : No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sad- ness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe eveiything. Here I have hved a quarter of a centur>', and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been bom, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him. who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care -commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." And thus he departed from his friends and neighbors upon fiis grand mission to the Capital of the nation. It was a triumphal progress amidst the enthusiastic ■cheers of immense multitudes. Thirty thousand welcomed him at IndianapoUs. 210 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. One hundred thousand greeted him at Cincinnati, inchiding two thousand liberty loving Germans amidst the roar of artillery' and profuse decorations. At Colmu- bus he addressed a vast concourse. Thence through Cleveland, Buffalo and Albany to New York citj', it was one continued ovation. At this great metropolis more than a quarter of a million of people strove to catch a glimpse of him, who expected to assume the reins of government, and control the destinies of this grand Republic. One hundred thousand persons lined the streets of Philadelphia^ where he had agreed to raise the American Flag, on Independence Hall, on Wash- ington's birthday. In his address on that interesting occasion, he referred to the sentiment of liberty, that was in the Declaration of Independence, and said : "Can this country be saved upon this basis? If it can, I wiU consider myself one of the happiest of men, if I can help to save it. If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful. If this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say, I would rather be assissinated on this spot than surrender it." "Who shaU say that he was not then concious of the dangers by which he was- suiTounded, and had not then a presentiment of an awful and violent death? With his visit to Harrisburg, his ratum to Philadelphia, his passage through Baltimore, and his arrival at Washington you are all familiar. The 4th of ISIarch arrived. At the front of the Capitol, in the presence of loyal friends and glowering foes, he delivered his inaugural address. He denounced, in emphatic language, the doctiine of secession, and declared it to be his duty to stand by the Constitution and the Union. He said : "I consider that, in view of the constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, as the Constitution expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union shaU be faithfully execut(?d in all the States. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose of tlie Union, that it will constitutionally defend and maintain itself." But how inexpressibly tender were the closing words of this remarkable addi'ess. He said: "I am loth to close. Wo are not ejnemies but friends. W<> must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break oiu' bond of affection. The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and pa- triot grave, to every hving heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorous of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will lie liy the , better angels of our nature." How prophetic was this language of the uKniiories wliicli now linger around a hundred battlefield.s, and the gr .ves of more than two hiunhcd tliousand patriots, who died that tlie nation might live. How prophetic of this period, wlion a grand chonis of patriotic song ascends from eveiy portion of the land, botli north and south, when earnest i)rayers arise, like; incf'nse, from the grateful hearts of fifty millions of p)eople. in favor of tlie con- tinui.'d and perpi-tual existence of the Union ; when the bt>aut,iiul (lowers t)f spring are scatten-d by loving hands upon the sticred ground where slunibrr botli friend and foe alik(i. It is not my purpose to enter into the details of this gigantic rebellion. It is sufflcient to say that above the carnage of battle; above the torriffic shock of armies ; above the awful destruction t)f life and property ; above the throes of an agonized luition struggling for life, .stood the tx)wering intellect of Abraham Lin- coln, cahuly surveying the widespread and terrible scene. By his appeals to the THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 211 people he created vast armies. By his extraordinary sagacit>' and intuitive knowl- edge of men, he selected successful commfinders and able counsellors. By his kindness and cheering words, he stimulated the ambition and kindled the patriot- ism of the private soldier. By his wisdom, he aided in devising the ways and means of defraying the enormous expenses of the government ; and by his practi- cal common sense, and excellent substitute for dipjomatic skill, he successfully avoided any conflict with unfriendly nations. Amidst the discouragements of defeat he never yielded to the sentiment of dis- pair. Amidst the shouts of triumph he was never unduly elated by success. Though opposed to slavery, he preferred the Union. But when the auspicious moment arrived, he issued the proclamation which struck the chains from four millions of human beings ; "and upon this act, sincerely beUeved to be an act of justice, war- ranted by the constitution, upon military necessity', he invoked the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God." Six niohths afterwards, the siege of Vicksburg was crowned with victorj', under the skillful management of Grant and his illustrious Generals ; and the battle of Gettysburg was successfully fought and won by Meade and his gallant soldiers. These were fearful blows to the Confederacy, but when Sherman pierced its heart, and accompUshed his grand and glorous march to the sea, he demonstrated its weakness, and foretold its speedy dissolution. But Mr. Lincoln was elected for another presidential term. In his second in- augural address he exhibited the same generous sentiments towards the nation's foes which he hatl formerly displayed, and the same characteristics of God-Uke and magnanimous spirit. Said he, "with maUce toward none, with charity for aU, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in ; to bind up the nation's wounds ; to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphans ; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and Avith all nations." Such were the sentiments expressed by this magnanimous President but a few weeks before his death. Such a spirit of forgiveness had never been exhibited among the civilized governments of the earth. In other lands, treason would have been punished by slaughter of whole hecatombs of victims. But Lincoln abhored the shedding of blood. No traitor, with his permission, had expiated his crime upon the scaiYold. "Sic semper tyrannis," had no apoligy for its utterance, in any act of his life or in any trait of his character. But now that gentle, forgiving spirit had been driven from its tenement by the hands of an assassin. His mortal remains had commenced the most solemn and most remarkable funeral procession ever described on the pages of history. For more than sixteen hundred miles they were tenderly and lovingly carried from city to city, from State to State, by lofty mountain peaks, through deep gorged valleys and over extensive prairies to his western home. During the silent hours of night and under the glaring rays of the noonday sun, those precious relics passed through continuous throngs of men, women and children, who reverently stood with tearful eyes and uncovered heads and throbbing hearts as they gazed upon the gloomy panorama. Amidst the tolUng of bells, the booming of cannon, and the mournful tones of the funeral dirge, they were transported from Capitol to Capitol until they reached this sacred spot and were deposited within these consecrated grounds. Here many thousand had assembled to witness the last obsequies of the iUus- ti-ious dead. Here his old friends and neighbors had gathered to honor his memory 212 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. amidst profound grief and loud lamentations. Thej' had known him in his youth and early manhood. They had witnessed his successful struggles in professional life, and his honorable career as their public servant. They had listened to his sparkUng wit ; his jovial ancedotes ; his convincing logic and his powerful argu- ments, when a candidate for poUtical preferment. They had reposed upon his judgment with implicit confidence. They had trusted without hesitation to his stern integrity. They had selected him as their champion in their memorable con- test of 18.58 in whicli he achieved a national fame. They had helped to elevate him to the Presiedntial chair, and had seen him fill, with destinution, the highest ofBce in the gift of mankind. But now the closing scenes in the drama were about to occur. The sad rites of sepulture were about to be performed. The last funeral dirge was sung. The last oration was deUvered in the eloquent language of the giftt'd orator. The last bene- diction was pronounced, and all that was mortal of the illustrious Lincoln was cou- Higned to the silence of the tomb. Yonder stands his statue, a faithful representation of his person and his feat- ures ; the same calm and majestic mein ; the same peaceful and contemplative look ; the same thoughtful and patient appearance. Me thinks he looks down upon this vast assemblage, like the presiding genius of this united and prosperous na- tion, with an approving smile, while h-e holds in his hand that grand proclamation which is destined to make his name immortal. Here, too, is a monument worthy of his fame. Erected by the vohmtaiy contribu- tions of the people, aU over this broad land, we trust it will last for ages, to com- memorate his virtues and testify their gratitude ft>r his sendees ; that it will become a Mecca, toward which the lovers of freedom, throughout the world, will annually make their pilgrimage to drink deep of the spirit of Liberty and renew their alle- giance to its cause ; and that all races of men, without distinction, will bow rever- ently before this shrine and ascribe praise and honor to the great Emancipator. May the affections of the people cluster forever around this monument from foundation stone to turrent top. May its obelisk continue firm and unshaken so that succeeding generations from age to age. may be reminded of the character and virtues of Abraliam Lincoln. IT. M. Starkloff, :M. D., of St. Louis, ex-PrPsiflent of the Nortli Ainerican Tunipr-Biind (Union), Avas intrcidiicod, and delivered an oration in (lerinan, of whicli tli(» following- is a translation, by Mr. C. A. Gehnnann, of Spi-ingfield, who assures the editor that it uinivoidal)ly loses soineof its cnNnn in the translation. In its oi-iuiiial Innu-uage, it must he i-ich, indeed. OR.\Tro\ n\ DR. S'r.VHKI,(^FF. Twenty years have i)assc(i sinci' tlif ball iif a mwardh- iiiurdcror severed tiie life-thread of the man (•hos<'n by the American people for tiieir supn^me leader; he wiio, in tlie greatest national danger and ralamity, nm-er failed to justify (he ctJU- jideiice ]ilacelace in tlie hearts of all, to I'einain foi'e\er. We have assembled hereon the anni- ver.saiy of i»is death, re|)re8entative of our great Nations, to give expressions wor- thy of his memoiy, and to review the life of him whose noble work is already THE LINTOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 213 engraved in golden letters on the world's history. AVe come, not to pay tribute to the dead in words alone, but to impress upon our minds that beautiful moral pic- ture which his pure and conscientious life has shown to us; to take it as a guide to our own actions; to use his virtues and noble deeds as a historic banner, to be pointed out to our children as worthy of imitation, and as a precept by which future generations may estimate their progressive ideas and the growth of their excellen- cies. Abraham Lincoln, whose violent death Was a calamity to an entire Nation, was bom in Hardin county, Kentucky. The restless Ufe of his father, who moved from place to place, in the vain hope of finding land which would support him without much labor, deprived young Abe of a regular school training, and only under great difficulties he learned to read and write. His desire for knowledge caused him to read and study every book he could lay his hands on. A history of the life of George Washington, which he borrowed of a farmer friend, was a special favorite, and he carried it with him wherever he went. Soon he be- gan to write short pieces. At the age of fifteen, the rudeness of some of his asso- ciates caused him to write an article about cruelty to animals. Taking the position of clerk in a store, he soon became popular with his patrons, who considered him the ne plus ultra of learning and honesty. When about nineteen, Mr. Lincoln tried his fortunes on a New Orleans trading or flat-boat as pilot and salesman, or supercargo. After making a successful trip, he returned to New Salem, (now ex- tinct) Illinois, where he came in contact with many rude and rough people, who, knowing his great lundness and his peaceable disposition, imposed upon him, and often made him a target for their jokes, until one day, to the surprise of all, and at the expense of his tormentors, he made use of his fists, and speedily terminated his troubles of that kind. This intrepidity caused him to be elected captain of a militaiy company organized to fight the Indians, who were committing depreda- tions against the frontier settlers. Returned home, he took a position as assistant to the county sun-eyor, and later was appointed postmaster at New Salem, and in that position found time to take up the study of law, and was finally admitted to the bar. Falling in love with an estimable young lady ai'oused his ambition. He became a candidate for a seat in the legislature of Illinois and was elected. His popularity with the people grew from day to day, and it was he alone who could stand up and offer an energetic protest against slavery. In the meantime, he gained great reputation as an attorney, as he principally took up none but just and honest cases, and prosecuted or defended them vigorously and with success. No slanderous tongue dared to impeach his integrity, and the popular name, " Honest Abe," remained with him till death. When the great statesman, Stephen A. Douglas, presented his Nebraska bill, by which attention was called to the im- portance of the slavery question in relation to the Territories, the strife began. Party ties were severed, and a new part>% the Republican, came into existence^ and Abraham Lincoln became the western leader. The struggle for the seat about to become vacant by expiration of the tenn of Stephen A. Douglas in the United States Senate, illnstrates the greatness and honesty of Lincoln's character. His friends, fearing he would go too far, pressed, and even implored, him to be more reserved in his expressions with reference to the abolishment of slavery. Being thoroughly convinced of the sountiness of his views, he could not be induced to proclaim that slavery was in harmony with republican principles. Lincoln was defeated in the Senatorial contest, but in the year- 1860 he was nominated by the Republican party as their candidate for President of the United States. From this time a new era began; but his expected elevation by no means made him proud. 214 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. but, on the conti'an^ he appreciated the responsibihty plaeed upon him. He was ■careful and moderate, devoting himself entirely to the various duties resting upao him. In his exterior and private life he remained the same, simple and cordial. ' Tisitors found in him the same old, honest soid as before. The door was open for eveiybody, and his hand extended to all in friendship and sympathy. Numberless are the anecdotes told of him and his easy and popular manner towerd all. He would receive callers at the White House in the same cordial way as at home. His hands were always cheerfully extended toward the needy and unfortunate. Shoilly before his election, the cry for secession became louder and louder. Slan- der imd menace were hurled against him, and all that lying and meanness could do to harm him came into requisition. Lincoln saw the storm brewing, and felt that it would break soon with the greatest fury, but he kept self-control. No word of ^'indictiveness was spoken. Solid he stood on the platform of his party, which he had accepted. A cry of disappointment from the South, and of joy in the North and West, greeted the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States. The poor, simple backwoodsman was elevated to the supreme office of the coun- trjT. To the critics it was a peculiar picture to see this man, who hai'dly knew how to place his hands and feet, put in the fii'st position in the land. It is true his hands were large, but they remained clean to his death. His feet were heavy, but, in {he race for greatness, they outran the swiftest. If personal appeai'ance brought him no admirers, his kindness of heart drew them by millions. The con- spiracies against his life, instigated by the followers of Jefferson Davis, were fre- quent. Numerous letters of intimidation arrived, and whenever he was warned to take more care of himsi^lf, he would reply that, in case he should be murdered, his successor would finish what he had Ijegun. With his inauguration, the gigantic woik of his life commenced. He formed a Cabin(>t, of which eveiy member was destined to perform herculean work. Every department was corrupt, eveiy officer antagonistic to the Government, and everj'thing done at the Executive Mansion was speedily betrayed to the South. To clean the Augean stable wlpless for defense, surrendered the next day. The fall of Fort Sumter finally iu-oused the jiatriotism of our people. The flag was in- ftult<'d. A ciy of indignation w(Mit through the land. All disloyalty vanished. Defense and self-prot(^ction were the watchwords of the Nation, and the war be- gan, with all its hoiTors and sacrifices, not to end until the stars and strip<>s ju-oudly floated again, undi8turl)ed, over the United States of Ameiiea. Lincoln was now at the zenith of his glory. He who advanced from the most primitive social position to the highest in the land; wlio. with clear eyes and elastic step, was ready to advance on the path of national gre:itiu:'ss, nearer the sun of gloiy, who shed iier Itlended raysal>ove, wiiile tlio admiring ma.'^sc's unlf to a work in their behalf. When elected President of the United States, he entered ujion the duties of that olTlce "with malice toward none, with charity for all," and althougii the circum- stances were of the most trying character that ever surrounded ;uiy man in imder- taking to administer the affairs of a Nation, yet he grasped a firm hold of the hehn of the ship of state, aii riglit filing. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 217 as was exemplified by his proclamation of emancipation, giving freedom to an oppressed race. He met all questions at an opportune moment, and seemed ever full of hope as well as confident of the ultimate success and complete i-estoration of the Union. Twenty years ago to-day, eai'ly in his second term as President, and just as his proud anticipations and fondest hopes were being realized, he fell at the hands of an assassin, a martj^r to the cause of human freedom. As the tallest oak in the forest falls, causing the earth to tremble at the shock, so his fall caused the Nation to tremble; stalwart men cried aloud and wept; women wrung their hands and ap- pealed to Heaven to know why this great wrong should have been permitted. This people mourned and would not be comforted; all civilized countries were saddened; a deep gloom covered the whole land; and in grief and sorrow we mourn him still. In the Ufe of this man there is a lesson that ought to be taught the present and future generations, which would be of more value than the gold that glistens. Coming from the lower walks of life, without any of the advantages now within reach of all, he struggled through poverty along the rugged pathway of life, over- coming aU obstacles that opposed, until he attained the highest position among men. His great heart and mind were directed on the fine of doing good to his fel- low-man. Entirely absorbed by this tliought in favor of strugghng humanity', he had no time to devote to the accumulation of wealth. The benefits showered upon op- pressed man, by his great ability and kind heart, by far outreached those which could have been accomplished by the riches of a Cra?sus. Wealth revels behind, while poverty follows us to the grave, but the wealth that leaves its lasting impress upon mankind is that store of kindness which fills the human breast, and the great resources of a giant intellect, whose thoughts and good works live on through time. "So let it be" with Abraham Lincoln. He ascended to the topmost round of fame's ladder, and from thence stepped into the mansion on high prepared for the good and true. If we could but see him as his sainted spirit stands to-day, not in the blood- besmeared temple of human bondage, but radiant with the fight of human Uberty and the glory of God playing around him, with shattered fettere and broken chains at his feet, we would behold one of the noblest spirits that ever passed through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem into the presence of the great white throne of our Heavenly Father. Gen. Wm. Teciimseh Sherman was not on the programme^ because it was not certainly known that he would be present, but, in response to repeated calls, he made the following ex- tempore address: . CoMBADES AND Fkiends: I am here to-day as one of a delegation from your neighboring State of Missouri to pailicipate with you in these exercises, both of a sacred and patriotic character. We come to manifest our love and respect for Abraham Lincoln, and to lay a simple tribute, our simple chaplet, upon his tomb, and, until I got upon this stage, I had not the least intention of saying one word ; but I have been requested to speak by my friends from Missouri, and, therefore, I —14 218 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOIL speak in their name. Nothing that I can say can add one particle of fame to Abra- ham Lincoln. He, himself, in life, did his work nobly, and with his own hands penned his name high upon the temple of fame, where it stands to-day in splen- dor,- seen by all men, and becoming brighter and brighter each year, as the mists of passion are dispelled by time. Since the days of Demosthenes, no man has spoken mere eloquently than he spoke at the battlefield t)f , Gettysburg. Since Washington spoke of his favorite States, no man has spokim more kindly than Abraham Lincoln at his first inaugu- ration. Within the last few days, I have received from Washington a fac-simile of the original letter written l)y Mr. Seward to Charles Francis Adaais, our minister to London, which had been overhauled by President Lincoln within a few months of his incoming administration. A word erased here, and a paragraph crossed out there, an insertion of a word where needed — eveiy one shows that no man was his superior in the knowledge of the English language, and that he was a great statesman and a great man. He was such when he lived with you here as a civil citizen, reared in your town of Springfield. You, young men, who have never seen him, have heai'd your fathers speak of this beloved hero. There are some gray heads on this stand who knew him well. You have in your <.'harge a sacred trust. You are the custodians of his grave. All that remains of him now are in your keeping. We come here to worship at his shrine, and will return to our homes carrying with us the influences that we receive here. He stands now^ at tlie pinnacle of fame. We can heed his counsels and live up to his ■direction, and dedicate our own lives to the principles whicli brought his death, for our work is not yet finished. Let us go forth from this place to our calUngs and missions, earning influences such as he did wherever he went. Let us tr>' to act as he did, for the good of mankind and the everlasting glory of our country. I thank you. Mr. E. A. Becker, Corresponding Seoretary, read letters re- ceived from prominent persons, in the following order: Executive M.^nsion, Washington, D. C, MtU-eh21, 1885.— J/;; Dear Sir: The President is in rcK-eipt of your letter of the 13th instiint. inviting him. on behalf of the committee ha\ing the matter in charge, to visit Springfield on the loth of Ajiril, for the purpose of attending the anniversary mcMiunial services of the di\ith of President Lincoln. It would be gratifying to the President to be able to be present on the occasion re- ferred to, but he regrets that his oflicial engagtiments, which require his presence in Washington at the time named, will prevent his participation in the ceremonies of the day. Expressing his tliauks for the courtesy of the invitation. I am, very truly yours, DANiEii S. Lamont, Private Secretar)-. Wasuinoton, D. C, ;March 21. Emil A. BecJar, Dear Sir: I have your letter of the Sd insUmt, inviting me to be present at tl>e memorial ser\-ices to commem- onito the twentieth annivei-sary of the death of Pn>sident Lincoln, and bid you to ^q., Dear Sir: I thani you for advising me of the memorial exercises proposed to be held by your Asso- ciation on the aunivei'saiy of my father's death. I am not certain that I will be at home in Illinois at that time, and I can, therefore, only express my grateful appre- ciation of the feeUngs which cause you to do my father's memory this exceptional honor. Believe me sincerely yours, Robt. T. Lincoln. Kev. Dr. Samuel Francis Smith, the venerable and illus- trious author of our National hymn, "America," (see page 194,) was unexpect?dly present. He was then in his seventy- seventh year. The patriotic hymn which he had written fifty- three years before, had been sung in his hearing, during his missionary traA'els on nearly all sides of the earth. By invi- tation, he recited this hymn, after which it was sung by tfie Grand Chorus, thus closing the exercises at the State Capitol. The singing of America was highly- appropriate, and served well in place of a benediction. Dr. Smith had written a poem, expecting it to be read that day by his friend ^Irs. Roby. Before that was known, the programme was already too full, especially as every move- ment had to be made through rain and mud. He then wrote the following dedication, which it is thought proper to insert here, preceding the poem: 220 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. PRESIDENT LINCOLN— A POEM FOR THE OCCASION. To Mrs. Lelia P. Koby, the noble, generous woman, and the soldiers' true- heai-ted friend, this poem, written for the celebration of April 15, 1885, is respect- fully and heartily dedicated by the author, S. F. SsnTH. Springfield, 111., April 15, 1885. I. Heroic statesman, hail! Thy honored name With instrument and song we laud, And poets' lays ; Blow, ever}' mountain top, and sheltered vale, And rock and stream — And Usping tongue of infancy, and age, And manhood's prime and woman's love, . Combine, that honored name to praise. II. As to Anchises' tomb, "With reverent love, pious ^12neas came, Intent, with festal rites. To cro^^^l his father's fame ; So we, with grateful reverence, come to pay This loving tribute at the sacred shrine WTiere sleeps the patriot bold, The statesman wise, the martyr prince. The peerless man. And on this shrine our fragrant garlands lay. III. Like the wild eagle's flight, Wiien from his rocky height, Down on the plain ho swoops, free as tlie air^ Bom with a soul of fire. Bom to be free. Patient in toil, and danger, and alarm, He ventured all for lov(> of liberty. And helped the lowly in that bliss to share. IV. Grandly he lovetl and lived. Not his owTi age alone Bears the proud impress of his sovereign mind; Down the long march of history, Ages and men shall see What one great soul can Ije, What one great soul can do To make a Nation true — To raise the weak, The lost to seek, THE LIXCOLX GUAED OF HONOR. 221 To be a i-uler and a father, too, No scheming tool, No slave to godless rule, . Gracious, elReient, meek, sublime, refined. V. Ambitious— not of wealth, Nor power, nor place. His aim, a nobler race; His title eminent— an honest man ; * His, to lift up the rude ; His, to be gi-eat and good. And good as great ; : His, to stem error's flood — His, but to help and bless; His, to work righteousness — And save the State. VI. Brave, self-reliant, wise, ' Ciilm in emergencies. Steady, alike, to wait, and prompt to move; In counsel, great and safe, Prudent to plan. Eighteous to deal with sin. Prone, less to force than win. Strong in his own stem will, and strong in God, Conquering, alone to bless — A loving man. Tir. Finn, but yet merciful, In pity bountiful, Calmly considerate, serenely just; Nobly forglAdng to the fallen foe, He, the meek sufferer from oppression's blow, Eepaying ill with good. E'en as the sandal wood Bathes with rare perfume the sharp axe that smites; Unflinching for the right, Whate'er might come. And, until death. Fervent, decided, faithful to his trust. vui. Great souls can never die — Death and decay's damp fingers Waste but the mortal; A nobler life spreads its far vista wide.. Beyond death's portal;' Like an unfading light The fife work fingers; 222 THE LI>'COLN GUAKD OF HONOR. The hero dies; statesman and soldier falls ; The Nation finds new life, And i^rosperous years, and wealth, and peace; And hearts at rest, and grander aims, And righteousness. And souls that dare to be Just as God made them — free ; And he who faUs, crushed in the bitter strife, Lives, magnified, exalted, ever hves; His work bears fruit immoilal. IX. So the great sun, majestic, plows his way Through clouds, and storms, and dim eclipse, And winter's cold, and summer's heat ; And nightly dips His flaming disc in the broad western sea, But scatters light and pleasure all the day ; Setting, he leaves the world Eicher and better for his fight and love ; Warmer, more fertile, more benign; Sets but to rise, on other lands, and shine Forever, in the galaxy divine. As stated in an earlier part of this article, preparations ■u^ere commenced at the Monument, for decorating- on a mao-ni- ficent scale, but the torrents of rain caused ever^^hino• on the outside to be left in an unfinished condition. The floral offer- ings filled the catacomb to overfiowinii'. They were arranged in the most artistic manner by the committee of ladies, con- sisting of Mrs. John A. Xafew, Mrs. M. J. Stadden, Mrs. E. E. Roberts, Mrs. E. L. Higgins, Mi-s. A. E. Bcntly, and Misses Josephine P. Cleveland, Mamie Xafew and Blanche Bentley. On approaching the entrance to the catacomb the visitor was met by sucli a volume of perfume from the flowers as to cause one to feel that the olfactoT-irs constituted the principle oigans of sense. This feeling was heightened by the exquisite scent from the attar of roses spriidvled on some of the earth from the grave of (Jen. E. 1). liaker, in Lone Mountain Ceme- tery, at San Erancisco. Tlie earth was brought by (Jen. Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, ('alifornia, wlio made the pil- grimage, in order to lie at the toud) (^f Lincoln, on the twentieth anniversary of his death, and to lay this tiilnite of affect ion nil Ills sarcophagus. The lloral Irilaites from Oakland I'ai-k, California, Chicago, St. L(juis, (2uinc\-, Kockford, I'eoi-ia. Ottawa and smaller NORTH AMERICAN TURNER BUND- (See 1'a<,e 2J3.) THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 223 cities, were bewildering in their numbers, beauty and fragrance. To describe them all and name the parties who sent them would occupy several pages of this book. The schools in Springfield nearly all sent flowers. We will have to be content with a drscription of one onh', that from the High School. It was a ladder of green, with a calla lily on each round, and this stanza attached to it: -"For the staxs in our countiy's banner grow dim, Let us weep in our sadness, but weep not for liim ; 'Not for liim wlio lias died full of honor and years, Not for him who in going leaves millions in tears. Not fcr him who has climbed Fame's ladder so high, From the round at the toi? he has stepped to the sky." The Turners of St. Louis, as a memento of their visit and of the occasion, prepared an elaborate OAKEN TABLET, Five feet across and seven and a half feet high. It consists of base, columns and crown, is of heavy carved oak of gothic design. The carving is in wreaths and drapery, an eagle in bas relief on the crown and an owl on the base. Across the upper part, just beneath the eagle is the inscription in letters raised in the wood, "pro patria mortuus." The centre is of white satin, about three b}^ four feet, all under glass, bears the following inscription in gold and black lettering : In Honor of our beloved Martyr President ABEAHAM LINCOLN, Whose life was sacrificed in the triumphant execution of our grand principles, — the presentation of the Union and' the abolition of human slavery. This memorial is dedicated on the Twentieth anniversary of his death, as a token of undying love and reverence, by the North American German Turner Bund. ApkHj 15, 1885. John Toexsfeldt, President. H. CoiiiiMEE, Secretary. 224 THE LINCOLN GUAIiD OF HONOR. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF GERMAN TURXEES. F. P. Becker, G. Bamberger, ^ J. J. Linck, E. Gieslmann, E. Esehmann, A. L. Bergfeld, E. F. Weigel, H. W. Ooker, J. B. Gandolfo,. E. A. B(^eker, D. Denstrow, A. J. Hmith, J. Nolte, A. Kleinecke,, F. Pfisterer. C. Kieger, The inscription, with the names of officers and executive committee, is surrounded by wreaths of laurel, each with a bow of white ribbon bordered with black, and the name of each organization represented, with the initials, T, B., Turner Bund, or Union, as follows; New York T. B. Minnesota T. B. Chicago T. B. Ohio T. B. Central Illinois T. B. West New York T. B. Hocky Mountain T. B. Lake Erie T. B. Connecticut T. B. Central New York T. B. Upper Mississippi T. B. Missouri Valley T. B. New England T. B. Upper Missouri Valley T. B. New Orleans T. B. Northwestern T. B. Indiana T. B. Pitts))urg T. B. 'Wisconsin T. B. South Atlantic T. B. Southeastern T. B. Central Michigan T. B. Long Island T. B. Paritic T. B. New Jersey T. B. Philadelphia T. B. St. Louis T. B. In all twenty-seven districts, bunds or unions are repre- sented, constituting the whole North American Turner Bund. During the services at the State House it stood on a float, on trucks, in the sti'eet in order to give as many as i)ossil)le an opportunity to see it. It was about two o'clock in the afternoon when the tablet reached the niomiiucnt. having been h;ni](Ml through niin and mud. Its weight is about five hundred pounds. It was first carried into the catacomb, and placed by the side of the sarcophagus, by tlie Turners, all of whom were A'etei-au Tnion Soldiers. It was then^ dedicated in a noai-d of Directors proceeded to organize, which re- sulted in the election of — (}. S. Dana, IMcsident; J. X. Reece, Vice-President; J. ('. Power, Secretary; .1. 1'. Liiidlcy, Treasurer, of Till' Lincoln Guard of Honor for one year from this date, or until their successors are chosen. Adjourned, to meet at the call of the President. the lincoln guard of honor. 22t Our Seventh Lincoln Memorlil Service. The Lincoln Guabd of Honok, Revere House, Monday, April 12, 1886, 7;30 O'clock P. M, called meeting. Present— Dana, Power, Lindlej, Johnson, Coukling and Wig- gins. Absent^Reece, Chapin and McNeill. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. Reports from all the committees preparing for Memorial Day resulted in the following— LINCOLN MEMORIAL DAT. Pkogkamme of the Seventh Memorial Service, To be held on the Twenty-first Anniversary of the Death of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Services will commence at half-past two o'clock, on the afternoon of Thursday April, 15, 1886, at the National Lincohi Monument, under the direction of THE LINCOLN GU.iRD OF HONOR. A cordial invitation is hereby extended to aU citizens, and the strangers who may be sojourning in the city, to be present and unite in the services. If the weather is inclement, the programme wiU be carried out at Grand Army Hall, at the same hour. ORDER OF EXERCISES. Prater, - By Rev. Frances Springer, D. D., a retired Lutheran Clergymait, and Chaplain of Stepenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., Springfield. Singing, - - By the Apollo Club, Fred. F. Fisher, Musical Director, with fourteen voices. Address, - - - . Hon. James A. Connolly, Springfield. ^^(i^^(^' By the Apollo Club. Reading, - By James H. Rayhill, Professor of Elocution in Illinois CoUege JacksonviUe. An original Poem by Miss Ida Scott Taylor, of Jacksonville, HI ' Reading, - . By Mr. George H. Balch, of Lerna, 111., an original poem, " Is Lincohi Dead ? " Singing, By the Apollo Club.. Reading, - By Clinton L. Conkhng. a member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Springfield, a selection from Lincohi. Prayer and Benediction, - By Rev. Charles Austrian, Minister of B'rith Sholom, Hebrew Temple, Springfield. 228 THE LINCOLN G'UARD OF HONOR. ' The Lincoln Guaed of Honoe, Thursday, April 15, 1886, 2:30 o'clock. -* Instead of meeting at the mouiinieut, the falling rain made it necessary to accept the alternative ])rovided for in the programnie, and assemble at Grand Army Hall, east side of Fifth street, between Monroe and Adams streets. Present — Dana, Lin die v, Jolnison, Wiggins and Conkling. Absent — Our Vice-President, Gen. J. X. Reece, in conimand of our citizen soldiers at East Saint Louis, to ])revent law- lessness by the striking railroad em])loyes; Col. James F. McXf'ill was at his home in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Captain H. Chapin was at his home in Jacksonville, 111., and J. C. Power, Secretary, was detained by his duties at the monument until nearly the close of the service. There was also present a fair audience of citizens and strangers, Avitli all who had accepted invitations to take part in the exercises. G. S. Dana, the President, as blaster of Ceremonies, promptly at the time for opening the service, introduced Rev. Francis ]\L Springer, D. D., a retired Lutheran clergyman, wlio was an army chaplain during the war to suppress the i-cbellion, and is Chaplain of Stephenson Post X'o. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, who offered the following fervent INVOCATION : Thou Infinite Ono, our Creator ; Thou art revealed to the human race, but to none else, as "Our Father who art in Heaven." To Thee, therefore, Dear Father, is our worshipful approach at this liour. To Thee is the uplifting of our thoughts in thanksgiving praytn*. We thank Thee, Lord, for tlic glance of Thhie omniscience, the care of Thy wise providence, the favor of Thy forbearance, the condescension of Thy love, tho grace of Thy forgiveness, and the assurance of everlasting life in Heaven. We thank Thee for country, this country, this feilile, varied, sunny land which Thou niadt'st long ages ago, countless as tho stjirs. To Thee is due also devout thanks- giving for the disi'oveiy of -America, at that juncture of human affairs wherein Christian faith drew upon its possessor th<^ tortur(\ the flame and the axe of per- secution. Hither didst Thy ])rovidenco guide thi> frail fle(>t of Columbus; that in j^euerations srM)n coming, there might be asylum in the wilderness for Tiiy faithful ones hoMing fiust the d(K-trines and promises of Thy Woid. With sincerest thanks, O Lord, we recognize Thy good hand in raising up pru- dent, (viurageous, hoiK'st men, true to their fdkjw-mcn, and true to Thee, wiio, at t^undiy times uiul in divers emergencies, led the way of human jirogress tol)roast alone, with hand on helm ixnd watchful eye, when night and stonn and darkness, in their wondrous strength, tlireateiKvl destruction. His simple faith in the triumph of the right had come to be to the people "as the shad throne, and with him came the tears of joy and songs of praise for their deliverance from millions of God's Siililc ciiildicu on earth." The .\])])ollo ('lull tlioii s.ni^' ".Viiiciic.r' wit li the finest effect. •liiiiics II. liayliill. of JacksoiiNillc, ri-otcssoi* of I^locutioii ill Illinois College, also in llic Vouiili" Ladies .VtlKMUMiiii, tlieii lead an oiiLiinal jtocin writ ten I'oi- 1 ln' occasion. He ])refjicetl the i-cadin^- by statin^- that lie had called on a yonnr our land Since he was cut down by a nmrciless hand! We niounicsman and ruler! Slet?p on in thy tomb, While .\pril is bursting witli leaf an is glowing 'mid sunlight and tear. Sl<'fp on ; take thy rest; for thr l.urdt'ii of life Shall never oppress tliee witli sorrow and strife, But peacefid and calm, as a river tliat flows, Thy sleej) shall go on in its silent rejiose. We'll ncfViT foiget Ihee, tho' seasons decay; Our love shall iiK-rea.se a.s tlie years drift away, And turning our eyes to the records of Fame We'll feel the old thrill, as we glance at thy name. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 235 Yes, lift up the flag! Let its stripes and its stars Be heralds of peace — and not bloodshed and ■war! Again let its colors be loyally spread O'er Abraham Lincoln, our eloquent dead! jACKSONViLiiE, III., April 15, 1886. Major J. A. Connolly called the attention of The Lincoln Guard of Honor to the fact that there was a gentleman residing at Lerna, Coles count\^, Illinois, who had written something worthy to be read at the tomb of Lincoln, and form part of our Memorial service. We extended to him an invitation to come and read it. We all feel like thanking Mr. Connolly for his intervention. This gentleman was next in- troduced, and read: IS LINCOLN DEAD~? BY GEO. B. BALCH. Is Lincoln dead? "What means this solemn throng? This drapeiy and this fuueial song ? What mean these gathering bands of soldiers brave? Come they to weep around their chieftain's grave? And is he dead? 'Tis true the crumbhng urn In which his loftj' spirit used to bmn. Within this mausoleum vast must stay, 'Till angels come and roll these stones away; But even death is powerless to bind With bolts and granite walls so great a mind ! The vile of oaith in unknown graves may he, But Lincoln and his deeds wiU never die. He lives in ever}' patriot's heart enshrined, A stai" of hope to all as slaves confined, Inspiring all the weaiy sons of toil To win the race and gain the victor's spoil. His deeds, deep burned on history's fairest page. Will Jjrighter shine in each succeeding age, And nations yet to be wiU shout his name, And future bards ai'ise to spread his fame. "Lincoln" will be the watchword of the brave On even,' field where freedom's flag shall wave. And down thro' all the cycles yet to come. His name will gladden many a heart and home. When fi-eedom's bells rang out upon the aii- Like roar of lions in some lofty lair, Proclaiming loud to all beneath the skies That_ "Truth, 'tlio" crushed to eaith, would soon arise:" 236 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Pealing in r\^thmic notes, from shore to shore, The joyful news that treason was no more; That God, by him, a wondrous work had done — A house, divided, had been joined in one — 'Twas Lincohi's voice we heard, the bells were still Had he possessed a less heroic will. And down among the fields of cane and corri The hounds are hushed, and hushed the waking horn; Decay and nist have claimed the cruel chain. At rest the lash, and crushed the cries of pain. The hoimd, tlie horn, the lash, the cries, the tears, Were buried 'neath the sweeping flood of years; And shouts as if the brazen gates of hell From off their massive hinges swung and fell. And those so long in chains and darkness there, Had once more l:>reathed sweet freedom's balmy air, Arose from all the liberated throng "Like sound of many waters" joined in song. ^ 'Twas Lincoln's voice, the slave were still a slavo Had he not stretched his generous arms to save! His voice still rings in Freedom's jubilee, • As simg by those his matchless will made free. Our starry- flag were in the dust to-day, Had he, like others, basely turned away. Its stars were wandering orbs in unknown space. Had he not fixed them in their cliangeless place; The brightest gem in all the shining host, Without his matchless power the rest were lost, But now they brightly beam o'er all the land, He Orion fair, tliey his shining band. But here he sleejis the sleep that waits us oil, That knows no waking till the tmmiiet call. "Walk softly, then, for here the angels stay, ■\Vhom Heaven appoints to watch the sleeping clay. Here love keeps constant vigil o'er his dust, And guards with sleepless eyes her sacred trust; And it is well to keep, with ceaseless care, A casket which contains a gem so rare. At morning's early dawn, may sweet perfume From fragrant flowt-r eiiiViiilm this honored tomb, ■\Vliile warbling wild birds' swei^est songs arise In mt)rning anthems to the bending skies, Els\e ; ■■J'hen \vh\ shmild anguisli, why slimild it reign on earth? THE LINCOLN GrARD OF HONOR. 24:1 In compliance with the established rule that at least one member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor shall take part in «very memorial service, Clinton L. Coukling read the follow- ing from Raj^mond's Life of Lincoln: ' On the 21st of March, 186-4, a committee from the Workingmen's Association of the city of New York, waited upon the President and delivered an address, stating the general objects and purposes of the association, and requesting that he would allow his name to be enrolled among its honorary members. From the President's reply to this address I make the following extracts : (He himseU" quotes largely from his message to Congress in December, 1861.) "Gentlemen of the Committee: The honorary membership of your associ- ation, so generously tendered, is gratefully accepted. ***** "There is one point to which I ask a brief attention. It is the effort to place capital on an equal footing, if not above labor, in the structure of government. It is assumed that labor is available only in connection with capital ; that nobody labors unless somebody else, owning capital, somehow by^the use of it induces him to labor. This assumed, it is next considered whether it is best that capital shall hire laborers, and thus induce them to work by their own consent, or buy them, and drive them to do it without their consent. Having proceeded so far, it is natm-ally concluded that all laborers are either hired laborers, or what we call slaves. And, further, it is assumed that whoever is once a hired laborer, is fixed in that condition for Ufe. Now there is no such relation between capital and labor as assumed, nor is there any such thing as a free man being fixed for life in the condition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are false, and all inferences from them are groundless. "Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deseiTes much tlie higher consideration. Capital has its lights which are as worthy of protection as anj' other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always will be, a relation between capital and labor, producing mutual benefits. * * * * "There is not, of necessity, any such thing as the free hired laboi'er being fixed to that condition for life. Many independent men everywhere in these States, a few 3'ears back in their Uves, were hired laborers. The prudent, penniless begin- ner in the world labors for wages a while, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for himself, then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him. This is the just and generous and pros- perous system which opens the way to aU, gives hope to all, and consequent energy and progress, and improvement of condition to all. No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poveity — none less inclined to touch or take aught which they have not honestly earned. Let them beware of suiTendeiing a poUtical power they already possess, and which, if sm'rendered will surely be used to close the door of advancement against such as they, and to fix new disabihties and burdens upon them, tiU all of liberty shall be lost. * * * "None are so deeply interested to resist the present rebellion as the working people. Let them beware of prejudices, working division and hostility among themselves. The strongest bond of human sympathy, outside of the family rela- tion, should be one uniting all working people, of all nations, and tongues, and kindreds. 242 THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. "Nor should this lead to a war upon property, or the owners of property. Prop- erty is the fruit of labor ; property is desirable ; is a positive good in the wortd. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industr>- and enterprises. Let not him who is houseless puU down the house of another, but let him labor diUgently and build one for himself^ thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built." On being' introdnced, the closing prayer and benediction Avas offered by Eey. Charles Austrian, Rabbi of the B'rith Sholom congregation, Hebrew temple, Springfield. Teai's are aU in vain over the remembrance this day recalls. They cannot efface the soitow, nor heal the wound father Abraham's death left on our hearts. Our thoughts are especially directed towards him on this day ; his love and his kindness are again vividly presented to our minds. We will ever devote this anniversary to honor his memory, and render it useful to us by deeds of charity, compassion and mercy towai'ds others, and by offering fervent prayers to Almighty God for the happy repose of his spirit. And Thou, God of mercy, who ait the Lord of the hving and the dead, deign to hearken to thy children's prayer for the repose of this great father's soul. We beseech Thee, Lord, extend to him Thy mercy and forgiveness, since the most righteous are not without sin. Recei^•e him in Thy dwelling place among those who have done Thy will, so that he may enjoy the blessings reser\'ed for Thy holy ones, who have lived on earth. Monu- ments of stone may decay and vanish, but his illustrious name will be forever en- graven in the deepest rcesses of our hearts. 0, may there also be repose granted to all the dear and beloved souls gathered in yonder fields. The spirit of God may lead them into the fields of eternal happiness and peace. May the blessing of Divine Providence rest upon you all congregated here. The Lord bless and pre- serve you. The Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance and grant you peace. May peace abide within your walls, prosperity and hajipiness within your habitations. Amen, The Lincoln Gu.^kd of Honor, Leland Hotel, Mond.\y, .\pfiiii 19, 1886, 7:30 o'clock P. M. CALLED MEETING. Present — Dana. Power, Liiidlcy. Johnson. AA'iggins and Conkliug. Absent — Reeee, ^IcXeill and Ciiapiii. liills for printing jjrogranunes and for flowei-s, nmoiiiil iiig to f5.50, w«'i-(' ordered to be ])aid. Secretary w;is ord('i-e(l 1o transmit a resolution of tluniks,. ■with our seal alta(lie(l, to each, for the assistance i-endered in our late Memorial Service, to Rev. Francis Springer, D. D.^ THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 243 to Fred. F. Fisher, musical director, and the members of the Apollo Club; to Hon. James A. Connolly; to Miss Ida Scott Taylor; to Prof. James H. Ray hill; to^ Mr. Geo. B. Balch; to Rev. Charles Austrian; and to the Grand Army of the Republic for use of their Hall. The feeling was unanimous that, before another annual meeting, a public statement should be made of the causes (heretofore secret) which led to the organization of The Lin- coln Guard of Honor, and that we should either discontinue some of our arduous labors or increase the number of our members. 244 THE LLXCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. DIVISION FOURTEENTH EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SEVEN. Eighth Annual Meeting, and Eighth Lincoln Memorial Se^•^-ice — The Lincoln Guard of Honor Assess Themselves Five Dollars Each to Defray the Expenses — Lincoln Monument Assoeiation give Their Assent to the Proposition to Exhume the Body of the President from its Temporary Burial Place and to Buiy it Permanently — Programme — Oration by Bishop Seymour — Oration by Hon. W. H. Collins. The Lincoln Gfaed of Honor, Revere Hofse, Saturday, Feb. 12, 1887, 7:U0 o'clock P. M. EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING. Present — Dana, Power, Lindley and Johnson. Absent^ — Reece, Wiggins, Conkling, Chapiii and McXoill. All the officers were re-elected for one year, or until their successoi-s are chosen. G. S. Dana, President. J. N. Reece, Vice-President. J. C, Power, Secretary. J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. It was mutually agreed that we would observe the twenty- second anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln, April IGtli next, as Lincoln Menioral Day, ])ut l(\-ive Ihe hour and prograiiiiiir to be deterniinc(l ;il a Hiliire meel inn-. It wa>* also niutnally agreed, at the suggestion of ^^r. Lind- ley, by the members present, that with Die eoncni-rence of the absent ones, each of our nine mi'inlicis will ronl rihiite five dollars to defray the exjiejises of our IjgliOi .Memorial Service. Adjourned to meet at the call of the I'resident. the lincoln guard of honor. 245 Our Eighth Lincoln Memorial Service. The LiNcoiiN Gtjakd of Honor, Leland Hotel, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 1887, 7:30 o'clock P. M. CALLED MEETING. Present — Dana, Reece, Power, Lindley, Chapiu, Wiggins and Johnson. Absent — JMcNeill and Conkling. Minutes of our last, which was our eightli, annual meeting read and approved. The Secretary reported that, with the approval of President Dana, he had invited Bishop Seymour, of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, to deliver the principal ad- dress at our next Lincoln Memorial service, and that the in- vitation had been accepted. The Secretaiy was instructed to send an invitation to Hon. W. H. Collilis to deliver the second address on Memorial Day. He Avas also instructed to extend an invitation to Mrs. E. S. Johnson to read a selection of her own on Memorial Day. The Secretary reported that he had obtained written eon- sent of every member of the Executive Committee of the Lin- coln Monument Association, to have the body of President Lincoln exhumed and buried in the catacomb under the sar- cophagus, and the bodj^ of Mrs. Lincoln by his side on the east. He had done this in order that The Lincoln Guard of Honor might be relieved of any further care, responsibility or secrecy in the matter. His actions were approved by the members present, and the hope expressed that the re-burial might be accomplished before Memorial Day. In view of the probability that the remains of Mr. and Mi-s. Lincoln would be re-buried, making more or less rubbish in and about the catacomb, and to avoid being driven to seek shelter, in the event of the weather being stormy, the Secre- tary was instructed to prepare a paper, under seal of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, asking for the use of Representa;- tive Hall, in the State Capitol, in which to hold our memorial service April loth. Mr. AVigg-ins was made a special commit- tee to present the paper and secure the Hall. It was ascertained that all the members approved the propo- sition to contribute five dollars each to defray the expenses 246 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. of our approaching memorial service. The amounts were tp he paid to the Treasurer without further delay. Adjourned to meet at the call of the President. The LiNcoiiN Guabd of Honoe, Leland Hotel, Monday, April 8, 1887, 7:30 O'Clock P. M. CALLED MEETING. Present— Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Chapin, Wiggins and Conkling. Absent — Dana and McNeill, both out of the State. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Secretary reported that Hon. W. H. Callins had accepted the invitation to deliver the second address ; that Mrs. John- son had accepted the invitation to read a selection of her own; and that the use of Representatives Hall had been granted by a vote of the House, to The Lincoln Guard of Honor, for holding our Eighth Memorial Service. Secretary reported that Rev. Dr. McElroy of the First M. E. Church had been invited to offer the opening prayer, and Rev. Dr. Johnson of the Second Presbyterian Church had been invited to offer the closing prayer and benediction, on Lincoln Memorial Day, and that both had accepted. The following progTamme was arranged, and 500 copies ordered to be printed: LINCOLN MEMORIAL DAY. Programme of the Eighth MEMOKi.Ui Service, To bo held on the Twenty-second Anniversary of the Death of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Services will commence at two o'clock, on the afternoon of Friday, April l.j, 1887, in Representatives' Hall at tlie State Capitol, under the direction of THE LIN(^OLN GUARD OF HONOR. A cccs(' ol' S(iringll«'ld. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 247 Heading, - - By Mrs. E. S. Johnson, wife of one of our Members. .Solo—" The Tear," ..--.- Stigelli. Mrs. E. Huntington Henke. Address, - By Hon. W. H. ColUns, of Quincy, a Member of the IlUnois House of Representatives. Heading, ... By Chnton L. Conkhng one of our members. A historical paper on the labors of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, in guard- ing against vandal hands the remains of Abraham Lincoln. Duet — " Abide With Me," . . . . . Donizetti. Mrs. Henkle and Mr. Frank Jones. Peayek and Benediction, - By Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Springfield. The Lincoln Gcaed of Honor, Memorial Hall, National Lincoln Monument, Thursday, April U, 1887, 9 o'clock A. M. SPECIAL MEETING. Present — Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Wiggins, Chapin, and Conkling. Absent — Dana and McNeill. Arrangements were previously made between The Lincoln Guard of Honor and the Executive Committee of the Lincoln Monument Association, for exhuming and reburying the bodies of President and Mrs. Lincoln. In pursuance of that object, the Secretary of the L. G. of H. sent a written notice -of the hour to begin the removal, to each member of the Lincoln Monument Association. The Secretary, as Custodian of the Monument, had previously caused a vault or receptacle to be prepared in the catacomb for the bodies. In addition to our own seven members, and six members of the Monu- ment Association, there were present, our Secretary, being the Custodian of the Monument, and his assistant, Geo. W. Trotter; the sexton or superintendent of Oak Ridge Cemetery, Mr. Meredith Cooper; the undertaker, Mr. Thos. C. Smith, who prepared the body for sepulture when it was put in the Monument in 1871; Leon P. Hojjkins, a plumber; J. O. Irwin, the builder of the receptacle in the catacomb, with his ine- €hanics and laborers — in all about twenty persons. When everything was ready. The Lincoln (juard of Honor led the way to the spot marked B, in the ground plan, where the bodies were exhumed and conveyed to Memorial HaU. 248 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. The Lincoln Gnard of Honor, in a bi-ief address by Vice Presi- dent Reeee, formally returned the bodies to the Lincoln >ronu- ment Association. The Monument Association then and there caused the coffin of President Lincoln to be opf»ned, ^vh^^n the features were identified, beyond a doul)t, by every one present who had ever seen him in life. A certihcatp to that effect was prepared and signed by the six members present of the Lin- coln Monument Association. That terminated what had been for years a sacred trust on the part of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. Under direction of the Lincoln ^lonument Association, all present joined in conveying the bodies to the catacomb, lowering them into the vault, filling it with concrete, relaying the tesselated marble floor over them, and returning the empty sarcophagus to where it had stood for nmny years. The Lincoln Guard of Honor then dispersed without formal adjournment, to meet next day at the State Capitol to conduct the Lincoln Memorial Services. A com]:)lete history of the removal may be found in the sixth division of this volume. The LiNX'oiiN Guard of Honok, State Capitoi. of Illinois, Hall of the House of Kepkesentatives, Friday, April 15, 1888—2 o'clock P. M. EIGHTH LINCOLN MEMORIAL SERVICE. Present — Reece, Power, Liiidley, Johnson. rha])iii and Conk- ling. Absent— Dana and McNeill (both out of the State). I'oth Houses of the Legislature having a.djourncd for the day. a large number of the members joined in the services. The weather being i-emarkably fine, thei-e were many citizens and strangers, both ladies and gentlcMuen. in atten(hince. I*recisely at the time for opening, ^'ice-Tresidenl {{eeee. act- ing master of ceremonies, inti-()duc<'il I\e\-. N. W. .Mcllhoy. D. I)., Pastor of the First M. 1'.. Chnrch, Springlield, who offei-ed the following i.woc.vrio.v : oil. Tlinu God (if till' liuiiibli'st iiKllvidiiiils, of .-ill iii(li\ idiials. of all iiafions and projilcs, i){ all at,'»'S tif tilt' uuiversf! Thou who art Supn'mt' overall! The King of anwlw and of nn>nl Tin- lioly, jnst Lord and Rider of all! Holp lis to submit to Thy authority, to ho olicdient to Thy laws, to 1m' loyal to Thy govcnunoiit, to love and sorve Thoe with pfrfoct hcaits and willing minds. Thou luust said, "The THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 249 righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance," and we gather here to-day in fulfillment of this promise. We thank Thee for Abraham Lincoln. He was Thy gift. We thank Thee for his providential history, for the life of hardship in his earlier years, for the rough discipline of his life conflict; for his sympathy with all humanity and our civil institutions; his oneness with the people; his peerless abilities; his great mind and greater heart; his sterling integrity; his profound common sense; his patriotism; his private virtues and pubUc deeds, "The mem- oiy of the just is precious." Help us to cherish his memory, " The lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime." Help us to imitate his virtues, and to cherish the institutions he loved so well, and for the perpetuation of which he gave his life. Forbid, we pray Thee, that in our land should be repeated the history of the nations who have forgotten Thee; that, through our vices, should be forfeited the priceless bo9n for which Abraham Lincoln died. May we not be unworthy sons of noble sires — the ignoble simili- tude of fathers who were men in reality, and not the likeness of men without pro- found convictions and moral character. Help us to foster all those institutions and influences which develop manly character, like that of our martyred leader, whose virtues we celebrate in these Memorial services, and to do all we can to banish from our land every influence of an opposite character. May the heritage of our liberties, God's richest political gift to man, watered by the blood of patriots and martyrs, be perpetuated to the latest generations of men. May "Liberty, frater- nity, and equality," in the true and divine sense, become speedily the heritage of all peoples. Presen-e our land from civil strife, fropi foreign war, from plague and pestilence, from droiight and famine, aad especially preserve us from those vices which are more destroying than all these combined. Help us to truly appreciate and honor our great and good men ; help us to rev- erence their memoi'ies, to prize their virtues, to heed their counsels, to strive to be like them. Perpetuate our civil and social institutions, and may we be indeed a nation whose God is the Lord ! Let Thy blessing rest upon the exercises of this hour. Bless the words which may be spoken, accept our praises, forgive our sins, and bring us at last to eternal life, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The quartette, Mrs. E. Huntington Henkle, Mr. Frank H. Jones, Mrs. F. W. AVellman and Mr. Charles S. Crowell. then chanted COME UNTO ME. " "(Tome unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give yoa rest.'' "The spirit and the bride say come, and let him that heareth say come, and let him that thirsteth come, and whosever will, let him take of the water of life freely." I. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, 0, Lamb of God, I come, I come. —16 250 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. II. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O. Lamb of God, I come, I come. III. Just as I am Thou wilt receive, "Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe, 0. Lamb of God, I come, I come! Amen. Right Rev. George F. Seymour, S. T. D., LL. D., Bishop of the diocese of Springfield, on being introduced, delivered the following ORATION : Fellotv Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen : I am here at the request of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, to address you on this occasion, the anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln. I come to you from duties multiform and onerous, and I must hasten to a con- clusion, because the train will soon be here, which will bear me away to discharge other duties, which await me on the morrow. I have had no leisure to put on paper what I am about to say to you. I must speak without any special preparation, and I must therefore crave your indulgence, if there should appear that lack of finish in my remarks, which time and labor alone can bestow. Beyond this I have no apology to offer, since I hold that every American citizen should be so conversant with the history of his native land, that he ought to be able, on a moment's notice to give a creditable account of himself on any important subject, or in reference to any illustrious character, to which his atten- tion might be called. Especially should this be the case in regard to him, whose raemoiy we are met to-day to honor. The years are not so many, nor have we drifted so far away from our civil war but that a large proportion of us, who are assembh^il here, may be able to recall as a part of our personal experience the recollection of tliose trying times. It would b<; more than a thrice told tale to repeat in your hearing tiie story of Lincoln's life, and the tragic incidents of his death ; it would be superfluous to attempt to delineate his character, and mark him off from ordinary men, by exhibiting ihoso q alities and traits, which so eminently fitted him for the position and the trusts to which God called him. To undertake to do any one or all of these things for the benefit of the younger portion of my audience would now be unnecessary, since competent hands are en- gaged in preparing for the press memoirs of Lincoln, wtiicii in part are already in possession of the public, and which, when completed, will leave scarcely anything to be desin^ I in preserving for tlie futun^ a faithful .-uul appreciative sketch of his life an07i the ocean as tvell as upon the land, and so our independence complete and entire was secured. 5. The Mexican war involvarned their politics, resistence to the encroachments of centralized powri- trnm Great Britain. Considering the environment by which they were surrounded in their friends and allies, the Frenchmen of that day ontiieir march to anarchy, it is indeed wonderful that they elaborated an instrument so conservative and admirable in its ])rn introduced in coioni!!! days, and represented a large iinminit n\' wlial men were jdeased to call "property." It would iiave been iminacl icihle to le^'islate itont of existence, or ignore it; it nuist be recognized negatively, if not |K>sitively in spite of itsabsolute inconsistency with the emphatically avowed princii)les of our Declaration of In- THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 253 dependence. Accordingly it was bom with our birth as a nation, and after irritat- ing our system from our infancy up until we were more than three score years and ten old, it involved us in our latest and most distressing war, most distressing, be- cause it was a war between brethren. We need not trace the causes which led up to this most fearful outbreak. We hoped, we trusted, we prayed that it might not come, but when the flag of our country was dishonored at Fort Sumter, the great mass of, the people in the north were united as one man, and Springfield sent forth her Lincoln, to be Presi- dent of the United States, just as the shock of the conflict began How heroic he was, how strong, how gentle and patient, because he was so strong, how wise and sensible and well balanced we all very well know. It seemed as if God had raised him up to be our leader at this supreme exigency in our nation's career. We feel, some of us, if he had been spared that the delicate task of reconstruction would have been conducted on broader, sounder principles, and that wounds would have sooner healed and fraternal comity have been sooner restored. Asitis, wc are one peojilenoic. Slaverj' is gone, the poison is expelled from our system. Our constitution has been amended, historj^ has fixed its meaning on vital issues, which once divided us. It seems as though we were destined to hve on as a happy, united nation, but we must not suppose that all perils are past, that all perplexing questions are settled. This in the nature of things cannot be. We are advancing with too rapid strides in eveiy element of growth to lead an easy, indolent life, free from care and responsibility, and possibly from struggle. Ah'eady we are in the midst of social problems, which may assume, ere we aye aware of it, proportions and relations perilous, not only to our political fabric, but to our famihes and homes. They involve the rel: tion of capital and labor, and deeper than this they reach to the ver^' foundations of social and domestic Ufe. The watchword, we may say, of this country is labor. Our immense resources are yet, comparatively speaking, undeveloped. We have still thousands of square miles to appropriate and occupy, forests to fell, cities to build, railroads to con- struct, mines to dig, ships to launch, besides providing supplies for the millions of population already dwelling on our soil. Our land invites the immigrant to come here and labor, with the promise of ample remuneration for his toil. In response, they have come in great numbers, and are still pouring in with ever-increasing volume. We welcome them, for the most part, heartily, because they form a valu- able contribution to our nation, and we have to thank them for having furnished us with some of our foremost men in every sphere of hfe. But with this most re- spectable and useful class of immigrants, there comes to our shores the scum of European cities, the outcasts of society, whose hearts are fuU of hate for order, and society, and govei'nment of whatever name; whose hands are against every man ; who make war on all settled institutions— on marriage, on home, and on family Ufe ; who are the foes of property, and courts of justice, and penal restraints; who impiously say there is no God — the anarchists, the communists, the nihilists, the atheists. The danger lies not simply in these men coming to our soil to , dwell ; it is not simply the poison of their presence and the contagion of their ex- ample and speech which we have reason to dread, but it is that we speedily incor- porate them into our system, we take the virus into our national blood, by giving them the franchise. Other nations do not thus imperil their safety, nay, their veiy existence, by allowing the avowed enemies of God and the Bible, and marriage, and home, and the oath, and the bonds which hold mankind together, by allowing them, I say, to vote, and hold office, and, as far as they can, control the State for 254 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. its destruotion, and not for its presen-ation. Here lies our present peril, and we are wise if we arouse ourselves to its threatening aspect. Whenever the relattons of society are strained, as now labor and capital seem to be arrayed against each most .significant event of the LSth «'eiituiy. It was followed by great liistoric results. A virgin territory of va.st ex- tent was secured for the use of tlie ptjople, who alone thus far in histoiy, had THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 257 shown a capacity for self-government. A vast ocean lay like a moat about the land, so that people jealous of new ideas and not in sympathy with free forms of government, could not interfere. A few savages only were to be brushed away from the advancing frontier. A fertile soil and bountiful harvests, with peace, gave the people leisure for the study of the art of government and experiments with this principle. The war with the mother country was unlike the war which ended with the vic- toiy of Wolfe (a war of two people with antagonistic ideas), it was a war sustained by a part of the English people in behalf of principles time has shown to be equally dear to aU. It left the people absolutely free to tn' the experiment of Federal government. This principle is, that States have exclusive jurisdiction in their local affairs, while, upon the questions of common concern between groups of States, decisions shall be reached by the legislation of the central government represented by States and by the whole people. It is only by this principle that, it is possible to hold together groups of men spread over vast areas, with diverse local interests, in orderly and peaceful relations, without a sacrifice of their free- dom. The adoption of this principle, and the working of it into the Constitution of the Government, was the most perfect piece of constructive statesmanship the world ever saw. Gladstone might well say : " The American Constitution is, as far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man." As it was the task of the fathers of the Kepublic to inaugurate this principle, it became the work of Lincoln to cany it through a crucial and exhaustive test. He could not have had a grander opportunity or a more conspicuous theater of action. It would seem that the institution of slavery was introduced into this country by Providence, so that the Federal principle might be subjected to a su- preme trial. Only such an interest could ever have inspired eleven States with a supreme devotion to the heresy of " States Rights." This enUsted their pride of patriotism and the consecration of their religion. For this they organized their entire military power as a unit. For this they organized all the moral and physi- cal power of caste prejudice, intensified by the strongest possible contrasts of color and physical feature, deepened by the intellectual and moral debasement of centuries of barbarism. These States had been governed by men who for long years had a definite and determined policy of nationaUzing slavery, with secession and the overthrow of the Federal princeiple as the alternative. They held close economic relations to England and hoped for her naval support. Even among his closest advisers, there ■were those who were in doubt about the right of coercion of a State by the cen- tral government. It was somewhat of a problem whether the great mass of .the people would fight for the principle. There never was a greater problem or a severer task. Yet Mr. Lincohi organized the moral and material resources of the country, beyond all the precedents of history, and achieved an absolute victoiy. Many ardent haters of slavery were impatient with him because he put the main- tenance of the Union first. Time has shown his deeper wisdom. The destruction of slavery was incidental. He knew that if the Union was presented, with the principle of local self-government, emancipation would be the sure result. Eman- cipation was a priceless blessing. But more vitally interwoven into the very fiber of the national life was this principle of Union, with local independence. Would it be overthrown by the first serious social problem it had to meet, or would it be an example of a successful experiment in self-government to other ages and all lands? 258 THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. If the adoption of this principle is essential to freedom, peace and the highot^t civilization, then the war, terrible as it was, was worth, to the nation and -fclie world, the blood and treasure of generations. Mr. Lincoln so believed. He be- lieved that victory, so purchased, would be the earnest of the future peace and freedom of mankind. As expressive of his theory of the war, and of his belief that this prmciple was the issue, what more conclusive than his o-mi words of matchless eloquence on the battlefield of Gett>'sburg : "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us,, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly i-esolve that these dead shall not have died in vain ; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth." In his letter to Mr. Greelv he said : "My paramount object is to save the Union and not either to save or to destroy slavery'. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it. If I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that. I intend no modification of my oft expressed per- sonal wish that all men everywhere might be free." The victory of this principle in its supreme test, marks an epoch in history. As the.ages recede, it will be more and more sharply defined. And he who guided its progress and made it tilumphant, will be the man of the epoch. "When there is to be a marked movement of progress. Providence always raises a man for the task. Such an one was the Semitic genius who came up out of the swamps of the Nile, to organize a swarm of slaves into a nation. Such was Socrates — out of his poverty enriching the world as the father of intellectual life. Such was the carpenters Son — who established the spiritual republic of God, with liberty and love as its law. Such was Luther — who broke the shackles which des- potism forged for the human intellect. Such was Shakespeare — who translated the world's wisdom into matchless song and filled it with music. Such was Washington — who organized peasants into armies, and won the victories of progress and of peace.. Such was Lincoln— solving the profoundest problem of civilization and touching with the leaven of peace and freedom the life of the race. For I do not doubt that as self-government in righteousness is the highest law of the individual life, so self-government in justice, among the nations, is the highest law of national life. Evolution working by this principle and under the Divine direction, justifit's th(> expecUition that the nations of the earth will yet disband their armies luid abandon the military for the industrial type of civiliza- tion. Disputes wiU not be settled by war. The wage of battle will be as obsolete between nations as betvveen individuals. International questions will b(^ settled by federal tribunals. Their decisions will be sustjiiiied by the public opinion of the world. All possible groups of men ileveloped to the self-guverning grade, will cumbine under federal systems and attain the largest possible life. Tlie wonderful weapons of modi.'rn warfare, the immense s ructures of military art on laiul and sea, will be gazed on with wonder as the monuments of a civilization long passed away. As histoiy develops alongthis lino towards this consununation ; above the levels of con unon huniiuiity, across the intervening distiuices of history, the ser- vice ajid fame of Lineohi, will stand out in glorious majesty as the mountain. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 259 stands out from the interminable forests, its grand lines clearly defined and its sublime peak, by day, bright with the splendor of the sun ; at night crowned with the stars ! Emerson says, that when the Architect of the Universe has points to cany in his government he expresses himself in the structure of minds. I shall briefly allude to Mr. Lincoln's personal endowments. He had the power of seeing truth with the clearness of absolute vision. He saw principles in their prof oundest and lai-gest relations. As the eye is made for hght, his mind was made to comprehend truth. Tinith was to him "A thing of beauty and a joy forever." In his earliest intellectual awakening, the theorems of Euclid were his favorite study. The mental exercise of solving these by original solution, was to him a sort of creative'ecstacy. I saw him once when the simple statement of a scientific truth new to him, kindled him with child-like enthusiasm, which flashed in his eye and suffused his face with a radiant glow. His humor was the reUef which comes in waving and undulatoiy lines to a mind which first sees things with absolute directness, on "the shortest line between two points." He relished stories because they were diagrams which pictorially illustrated tnith. To him all visible things were language. He saw through things to principles. When the pohtician wove his sophistries and delusions to tangle the pubhc mind for the sake of cheap and temporary results, he cut through to the fundamental principle. So he showed the difference between a politician and statesman. As a bee, guided by divine instinct over all the fields, gathers its treasure; so he, amid all the illusions, confusions, sophistries, passionate enthusiasms, party CFies and tangling subtleties could ever discern the truth. A lie or a sophism was revolting to his soul. The spirit of truth led him upward to the loftiest elevation and clearest atmosphere of inteUectual life, as in Dante's great poem, the poet is led by the gentle and sainted Beatrice, who comes from heaven to be his help; and through all the ascents of pai-adise, interprets for him all truth and leads him from star to star. He had also the prophetic quality of mind. The logical and prophetic gift are closely associated, if not one. The intellect which sees truth in its absolute rela- tions sees equally its logical applications, hence it sees not only its relations to the present, but to the future. Like Moses, Mahomet, and others, he had the prophetic prepai-ation. Great heroes come out of the wilderness to society; not out of universities. The loftiest peak rests on invisible pillars in the common earth. Genius comes from the common people. Epochal heroes come from the fife of the shepherd and the frontiersman. Face to face with themselves and with God in nature, they learn the heart of God and the heart of man, and can speak from one to the other. In soUtude, great souls are visited with great thoughts and become conscious of a mission to men. As the Hebrew came down from the mountion, his face luminous with the reflected light of the mysterious theopliany he had witnessed, Lincoln came from the rude wilds of the Sangamon, with the light of a divine vision in his soul. He had met face to face, the triune theophany of eternal truth, justice and love. Henceforth, his life was under the spell of a subUme consecration. Henceforth, he felt the sovereignty of conscience. Eight and wrong rose up in his mind in sharp and eternal contrast. Without any sub- tleties of philosophy he appealed to the moral sense and the common sense of the people, assailing wrong with a ten-ible earnestness. He seemed to have no per- sonal ends. Fortune, honor, fame, was nothing. Truth, right, justice, was every- thing. And so when his greatest task began, he seemed only to seek to establish 260 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HOXOK. in the hearts of the people a love for the federal union with all its implications^of justice and liberty. His grasp of the real issue, his prophetic vision of results, his lucid analysis, his axiomatic statement, his elevation of thought, the overmaster- ing energy of his large and magnetic nature, gathered men about him as a leader. He loved men as men. No splendor of position, advantage of relation, persistence or plausibility of claim, could bUnd him to absolute justice. His insight pierced to the heart of things and men. The hearts of men were his books. Events were his insti-uetors. To the mass of men, the stars ai-e stars and nothing more. Kepler climbed the ladder of their rays and read their secret, the law of their life and motion. To Lincoln, men were not mere units and nothing more, but per- sonal centers of thought, passion, joy, hope, aspiration and despair, and he entered into sympathy with them. His heart was timed to beat with the heart of man- kind, and so he lived and thought and wrought for man as man. Like a bugle blast sounding a charge, was his utterance on the eve of the war. LTttered at this Capitol, they make it seem as Holy Ground. "The doctrine of self-government is right, absolutely and eternally right. When the white man governs hims(4f, that is self-government, but when he governs himself and also governs another man, that is more than self7government, that is despotism." " Slavery is founded in the selfishness of man's nature, opposition to it in his love of justice. These principles are in eternal antagonism . I oljject to it (the Nebraska Law), because it assumes this, that there can be right in the enslave- ment of one man by another. I object to it as a dangerous dallianc(> for a free people ; a sad evidence that, feeling prosperity, we forget right ; that lib(!rty, as a principle, we have ceased to revere . " " Our republican robe is soiled and trailed in the dust. Let us repurify it, let us turn and wa.sh it white in the spirit, if not in the blood, of the revolution. Let us turn slaverj' from its claims of moral right back upon its existing legal rights and its argunKmts of necessity. Let us re-adopt the Declaration of Independence and practices and policies which harmonize with it. If we do this, we shall not only save the Union, but we shall have so saved it as to make and keej) it forever worthy of the saving. We shall have so saved it that the succeeding millions of free, happy people the world over shall rise up and call us blessed t' and confusion of war, could ever detect the "still small voice" of wisdom. He saw, a.s a funda- mentiil principle, that a policy, to succeed, must have the support of public opinion. It was this common senses which, beyond other gifts, iKified him to solve the pR)b- lem. He liad to direct th(5 vuiwise zeal of friemls and the jealousy of rivals, the treason of covert enemies and schemes of fon>ign nations, while he encountered the most p<>r8ist<'nt and powerfully organized niilitaiy force of all time. He had to harmonize all varifties of opinion — love for the Union, hatred for slavery. He had to repress anti -slavery zeal. He had to yield doubtful points and g.iin the ud vantages of compromise without concessions of prini'ii)le. He comprehended the temper and prejudices of the people, mid led them while he seemed to follow. THE LINCOLN GUATiD OF HONOR. 261 To the over-zealous, he seemed slow. To the eonsei-\'ative, rash. Those who- thought only of emancipation feared, at times, that he was disloyal to liberty. He knew that premature action in the direction of emancipation would cripple his- armies. A logical result of the struggle, he knew it could abide its time. The exquisite delicacy of adjustment of his pohcy to the development of public senti- ment, under the stern tutelage of war, will ever challenge the admiration of man- kind. He followed it, yet he led it. He restrained it, yet he nourished it. He curbed it, yet he crowned it . In relation to which we may apply the simile of the poet : " As unto the bow the cord is, So unto man is woman. Though she bends him, she obeys him ? Though she draws him, yet she follows." He was, in the largest sense, a religious man. Loyalty to the law of rectitude and love is the consummate and perfect flower of religion. He sought absolute harmony with his environment. Not that he accepted, as a complete explanation of life, the tenets of any sect, but he had that absolute loyalty to the Highest •which transcends creeds and forms. " Our little systems have their day. They have their day and cease to be." He walked with God. He was so much larger than other men that, in his high- est, he needed God for a companion. All the world's greatest men have had a reverent spirit and beheved that the Supreme mind worked and spake through them. Lincoln felt, with reverent awe, that he was an instrument of the divine purpose. So absolute was his loyalty that the perfection and strength of his action was one with the lift of the tides and the roll of the world. Under his grand life was ever the solid earth ; over it, the arch of the infinite heaven. He stood firmly on the one ; he looked steadfastly into the other. When deputations of good men, representing their orders or sects, presented to him their measures of duty and their standards of action, he listened ; but all the while, at the other end of the line, he was in converse with God as his chosen son, and from whom, in the con- fidence of mutual trust, he received his commissions. What finer scorn and fiery moral anger than his at the slightest hint of unfaith. " There have been men base enough to propose to me to retm-n to slavery our black warriors of Port Hudson and Olustee, and thus win the respect of the raaste s they fought. Should I do so, I would deserve to be damned in time and eternity. Come what will, I will keep my faith with friend and foe." It sometimes seems that Mr. Lincoln was not an actual character, but an incar- nation or embodiment of the nation's spirit and life. If at any period during the war, the question had been asked, how does the loyal element of the nation feel ? What does it seek ? What is its spu'it ? The answer would have been found in his mind and heart. As the nation thought, he thought ; and as it felt, he felt ; he was timed to its spirit and in affinity with its inmost secret. The North was not warlike by nature, nor was he ; it shrank from prosecuting the war, but it con- scientiously persisted to the end ; so did he. He was the key to the war. He moderated passion, and kept pity and humanity at the front. He was not rigid in discipline, for the armj^ was fighting its own battles. With charity for all and malice toward none he fought with his great heart brooding over the whole nation, and with tears of love and compassion for both 2(32 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. sides. Civil wars are generally vindictive. He was tender hearted and liad infinite patience. He looked upon all men in weakness or in wrong, with a pity, pi-ofound to the degree of melancholy. Helen of Argo had such universal beauty that everA'body felt related to her. There was significance in the popular expression, " Father Abraham." The nation felt for him fihal affection. While the dutiful sons fought for the integrity of the home, it was only a question of time, when the foohsh prodigals, their heritage wasted, would come to themselves and return. \\ ith as strong an arm as ever struck for the right ; with as clear an eye as ever took in this world ; with as keen an eye and just a judgment as ever weighed human hfe ; with as pure a heart as ever throbbed with human sympathy ; he saved his nation, freed the slaved, estabUshed the principle on which alone the nations of the earth can dwell in peace and freedom, and so solved the problem of civihza- tion. The man by whose monument we stand has been lifted by his service and character up out of a single nation's homage and love. He belongs to mankind. The granite will crumble. The beautiful and eloquent bronzes will vanish under the touch of time and change ; but the beauty of his devotion, the grandeur of his service and the exaltation of his life will forever hold the heart of mankind, and no shadow will ever dim the splendor of his fame. Clinton L. Conkling, one of our members, then read a brief historical paper on the labors of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, in ouarding against any further attempts that mig-ht be made to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln. A full history of the attempt that was made, is recorded in the sixth division of this volume, beginning on page seventy-five. Mrs. E. Huntington Henkle and Mr. Frank H. Jones, then sang the duet ABIDE WITH ME. I. Abide with me! fast falls the eventide, Tlie darkness de(?pens — Lord, with me abide! Wlieii other helpers fail, and comforts Uee. Heij) of the helpless, oh, abide ^^ith me. II. Swift to the close ebbs out lif.''s little day ; Eartlis joys grow dim, its gioi-ies ptuss away; Cliaiige and decay in all around I see; O, tliou wiu) cliangest not, aliidi' with me! III. I nerd Thy presence each jiassing iiour. What but Tliy grace can foil the tempti'r's power? Wiio, like 'J'hyst'lf, my guide and stay can be? * Thro' clou«l and simshine, oli, abide witli nie! THE LINCOLN GUARD OF UONOR. 2G3 Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; • Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee! In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., pastor of the Second Presby- terian Church, was on the progTamme, but sickness pre- vented his being- present. Rev. Francis Springer, on being invited to do so, offered the following very appropriate PRAYER AND BENEDICTION. Our Father who art in Heaven, to Thee is our thought in reverend words of worship. We thank Thee for this auspicious occasion which awakens in us the memory of the innumerable and rich blessings with which Thou hast favored us and the land wherein Thou hast given us inheritance. Thou, God, dost wisely and beneficently hold sceptre over the nations. With sincere and devout thanksgiving we gladly accept the truth that Thou art our Ood, the Father of this National Repubhc, the most equitable, humane, and be- loved government on earth. In aU the trying experiences of this Nation, Thou, Heavenly Father, hast raised up able, brave, upright and patriotic men to lead in statesmanship, to command the armies, land to give their lives if required, for the deliverance of the Nation and to perpetuate political and reUgious libeitj' and equal rights among men. We thank Thee for the bright galaxy of heroic and virtuous characters which adorn the pages of our history';— for the Washington who broke the sword of the oppres- sor and led on our forefather's to National independence; — for the Abraham Lin- coln whose gentle, courageous and wise spirit inspired his coimtrymen to preserve and continue the National Union which their fathers had begun, and to widen the area of freedom. O, Dear Father in heaven, be Thou always our shepherd. May Thy presence never cease, as a conscious and precious influence in the minds of all our people, to the end that, with increasing generations, they may be increasingly upright and loyal to Thy throne; and that this christian country — land of the free and home of the brave, — may ever be the morning star of hope and happiness to aU the world. And unto Thee, Divine Parent, be due homage, obedience and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lincoln Gxjabd of Honor, At the Lel-Ustd Hotel, Friday, April 22, 1SS7, 8 oclock p. M. Present — ^Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Wiggins, Chapin and Conkling. 264 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Absent— Dana and McNeill, both out of the State. Yice-Pre.sident Reet-e called the meeting to order. Reading- of minutes of last meeting, which was our eighth Lincoln Memorial Day, was dispensed with. All bills for expenses connected with our last memorial ser- vice, amounting to $45, were audited and ordered to be paid. Adjourned. J. C. Power, Secretary. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Leland Hotel. Monday, Feb. 13, 1888—8 o'clock P. M., (Sunday, the 12th, being the Anniversary.) ^ NINTH ANNUAL MEETING. Present — Dana, Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson and Wiggins. Absent — McNeill, at his home in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Chapin, at his home in Jacksonville, Illinois; Conkling, at his home in this city, convalescing after sickness. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. (Jn motion of J. C. Power, it was Resolved, That the entire nine members — Gustavus S. Dana, Jasper N. Reece, John Carroll Power, Joseph P. LintUey, Edward S. Johnson, James F. McNeill, Noblo B. ■\Vif;gins, Horace Chapin and Clinton L. Conkling — be, and they are hereby elected a board of directors, to ser\-e one year, or until their successors are chosen. The board of directors proceeded to organize by reelecting the outgoing officers for one year, or until their successors are chosen. The election resulted in the choice of G. S. I);ina, President. J. N. Reece, Vice-Pn^sident. J. r. Power, Secretnry. J. !*. Lindley, Treasurer. Tlu' following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adoj^ted : Whereas. The members of our Rocietv, aftor the attempt of demons in human form to steal the body of our martyriMi rn-sidcnt, ,\braham Lincoln, tliat they init,'iit, by the possession of it, extort gain, liiixin^,', at tlic suggestion of an oHiccr of tlie Lincoln Monument Association, lirst made tlic remains temporarily secure. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HOIsOR. 265 we organized under the laws of the State of IlHnois as The Lincoln Guard of Honor, that we might more effectually guard against an}' further attempts that might be made by vandal hands to rob his tomb ; and Whereas, It was obviously indispensable that we should shield the real ob- jects of our origination from the public as the only sure way of accomplishing them, for that reason one of them was made to institute and maintain memorial services on the anniversaries of his birth and death ; and Whereas, We have eight times, from 1880 to 1887, inclusive, arranged for and conducted, on the anniversary- of his death, each, an increasingly beautiful and impressive memorial service, so that the day has become known as Lincoln Me- morial Day ; and Whereas. The exliuming of the body of President Lincoln, by The Lincoln Guard of Honor, from the grave where they had secretly buried it years before, and delivering it, April 14, 1887, to the Lincoln Monument Association, before whom it was identified, as attested by a large number of witnesses, and the burial of it with that of his wife, in our presence, in a recentacle prepared under the supervision of our Secretary (as the Custodian of the monument), and encasing them in con- crete six by five feet and a half, and eight feet long, with a wall one foot and a half thick of hard burned brick, laid in Portland cement, around that, making the whole equal to a solid mass of stone six feet deep, eight and a half feet wide and eleven feet long, terminates our labors and responsibilities ; therefore. Resolved, That the directors and officers elected at this meeting, being fur one- year or until their successors are chosen, we will consider their term of office per- petual, if there is not another election ; that we will retain our oganization under its corporate name as long as there is a member living, and will meet for social or other purposes on the call of any two members, or on the death of a member, as- it was, early in our history, mutually agreed that upon the death of any member^ the survivors will act as pall-bearers. Resolved, That we will not again conduct Lincoln Memorial Services, but wiU leave that to the citizens, or to a new society under another name, and we will heartily join, as citizens, on any Lincoln Memorial Day that they may inaugurate- Resolved, That our Seeretaiy be, and he is hereby instructed, to have a neat casket made, of sufficient size to contain our record book, certificate of incorpora- tion, seal and press, gavel made of live oak from the steam ship of war Kearsarge, crimson silk velvet collar covered with patriotic emblems in gold, sent to our Sec- retary by friends of Lincoln in California, as a mai'k of their approval of his efforts as Custodian to protect the tomb from desecration, and any papers that it may be desirable to presei-ve — put all in the casket and keep it in IMemorial Hall of the National Lincoln Monument, that they may be left there as mementoes when we cease to use them. On the death of any member, it shall be the duty of any sur- viving member or members to see that the fact is entered on our record book. On motion of J. P. Lindley, it was resolved that we now adjourn. J. C. Power, Secretary. 266 THE LLXCOLN" GUARD OF HONOR. DIVISION FIFTEENTH, MEMBEllSHIP OF THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. Before closing the account of our labors, it is thought to be no more than is due to all parties that a bi-ief, individual .statement concerning each of our members should l)e placed upon record; therefore the following sketches are prepared, beginning with our President. GUSTAVUS SULLIVAN DANA, Gustavus S. Dana was born October 3, 1839, at Hartford, Connecticut, his parents having, not long previous, moved there from Worcester countv, Massachusetts. From some time in the first half of the seventeenth cen- tury, the name of Dana has been quite numerous in the New England States, and is borne by many men distinguished for literary, scientific and professional attainments. They were patriots also ; many of them served their country in diplonmcy, statesmanship, or as soldiers. Mr. Joshua Hill, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the Revohitionary army from the colony of Massa- chusetts. He served under General Sullivan, which fact is commemorated in the christian name of Mr. Dana. G. S. Dana came to Illinois with his father's family in 1855, and served an a]ipT'enti('eslii]) of three years to th(^ trade of a machinist, in Sjtiingfirld. He i-cturned to Ilnrtfoi-d in 18.")8, and was quietly working at his trade wlim the lebelhou opened. He enlisted there, April 18, 1861, in tln^ First Kegi- ment (Connecticut Vobinteer Infjintry, for three months. At the end of that tcnii of service, he aji'ain enlisted in the Sixth roiincclicnt \'()liiiitcei' Infantry for thrci^ y(>ars. in thai rcgiiiifiil hi' brcaiiir scrgcant-maior. second lieutenant and first lieutenant. Ivieutenjint Dana wa.s promoted Maicli -vi, 1H()3. to captain in the Signal ("oi-jis of the I'niteil States THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 267 Army, He served in that position until September 21, 1864-, when, in consequence of faihug- health, he resigned. Gustavus S. Dana and Miss Alice Overand were married, July 12, 1864, at Hartford, Conn. In October, 1865. thev moved to Springfield, Illinois, where he was engaged in mer- cantile business twenty-two years, until the spring of 1887. From the autunm of 1887, for about one year, he was su- perintendent of one of the numerous coal mines in and about Springfield. Always taking a deep interest in military affairs, while en- gaged in mercantile pursuits Mr. Dana found time to serve as Inspector-General of the Second Brigade of the Illinois National Guard from 1874 to 1881, inclusive, and is now, 1889, Assistant Adjutant-General of the Second Brigade. i\Ir. a,nd Mrs. Dana have not any children. They reside in Spring- field, Illinois. Mr. Dana was one of the nine men who assembled in Me- morial Hall of the National Lincoln Monument, February 12, 1880, and there organized The Lincoln Guard of Honor. That day he was elected President, and, by reelections, has been continued in office to the present time. It is part of his na- ture to be prompt in the discharge of every duty connected with an3'thing he undertakes. He has been our only Presi- dent, and unless there is a change not now contemplated, he will remain so for life. JASPER NEWTON REECE. Jasper N. Reece was born April 30, 1841, at Abingdon, Ivnox county, Illinois. At the age of fourteen years both his parents died, leaving him to take his chances for acquiring an education in the common schools of the State. When the call Avas made by President Lincoln, in April, 1861, for 75,000 volunteers to aid in suppressing the slave- holders' rebellion, the quota of Illinois was quickly filled, leaving thousands of men ready to battle for their country. Young Reece, with others, went to Missouri, where the people were not so loyal, and there enlisted in a regiment for that State. In May, 1864, he became captain of Co. C, 138th Illinois Volunteers, in which he served until October 14, 1864, when he was mustered out with an honorable discharo-e. 268 THE LIXCODX GUAKD OF HONOR. September 19. 1861, Jasper X. Reece was married to ^Ijss M. J. Allen, at Abingdon. Illinois. They have three children. The eldest, Edwin A. Reece, is married. He is connected with the Northern Pacific Express Company, and Ui located at Phillipsburo-, Montana. The other son, Roy R., and daughter, Cora, reside with their parents. In 1871 Mr. Reece was elected first assistant clerk in the House of Representatives of the 27th General Assembly of Illinois. From 1873 to 1879 he acted as chief clerk in the office of Secretary of State, under Col. George H. Harlow, who was twice elected for four years each term. Mr. Reece served as chief clerk in the office of U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, from July, 1880, until January, 1883. He was private secretary to Governor John M. Hamilton from January, 1883, to Januar^^, 1885. Having a fondness for military life, early in 1877, Mr. Reece- became a member of Battery B, in the IHinois National Guard. In July, that year, he was promoted to Assistant Adjutant General, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, on the staff of General Erastus N. Bates, commanding the Second Brigade. In that position he assisted in sup])ressing the riots at East St. Louis in July, 1877. In November following General Bates resigned, and Colonel Reece was promoted Brigadie^r General, to fill the vacancy^ his commission dating- November 2(), 1877. Gen. Reece was ordered l>y Hie (Jovei-nor of Illinois to East St. Louis, on 1lie breaking out of the strike by the raihoad operatives in Ai>iil. 1nn(). For six weeks he held the reins witli such a iiiiii liand as to l)ring order out of the wihiest confusion, without firing a gun. .When The Lincoln Guard of Honor was organized, (ien. J. N. Reece was elected Vice President, and by continuous i-e- elections li;is held ihi' oHice 1o llie ])i-esent time— 18(S9— and will doublless(h) so as h)ug as he li\-es. He retains Ills fai-ni- in*** interests in Warren (•()unt_\'. lie is also interested in coal mining near the city of Si)ringlield, Illinois, where he i-esides. THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 2G9 JOHN CARROLL POWER. My grandfather, Joseph Power, was the Youngest of seven brothers, who were all soldiers from Loudon county, Virginia, in the patriot army during the American Revolution. His ^second son, John Power, Avas born in Loudon county in 1787. When he was six years of age the family moved, in 1793, to what became Fleming county, Kentucky. The Power family were among the earliest colonists in Vir- ginia, and were quite numerous in the counties of Loudon and Norfolk. Eev. F. D. Power, of Washington, D. C, who was chaplain of the U. S. House of Representatives during the administration of President Garfield, is a native of the latter €ount^^ He came to Springfield a few years ago, and in an interview, we, from various causes, came to the conclusion that we were both descendants of the same early colonists. But at what time the M^"^ family came from Europe, neither -;..,iF/^& of us have anv knowledge. From ^0/^^ him I learned that the accompany- ^^^^ ing COAT OF ARMS was brought fi'om Wf^^ Ireland by the earliest emigrants of g'W^^ /• the name, and has been in possess- ~-^DE^ "~ tions. Not being versed in heraldry, jPoUJEt. I do not know the significance of it, but insert it here as a family curiosity. Other accounts of the Power family say, that with a little different spelling, the name came to England with William the Conquerer, and was taken to Ireland with some military expedition. There are families of the same name in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Some of them spell it Powers. We who adhere to the.shortest orthography, believe that ours was the origiual, and that others have carelessly permitted the addition of the letter s, for it seems easier for the average citizen to say Powers than Power. I was one of the original movers in organizing the Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. As a com- mon sense precaution, each applicant for membership is re- quired to furnish documentary^ evidence that one or more of 270 THE LINTOLX GUARD OF HONOR. his ancestors aided in some wa}' to achieve the Independence of the United States of America. When a boy. I heard mv" grandfather, hundreds of times, relate incidents of his army hfe but he had no record of it so far as I knew To what extent the Government kept a record, I was not informed. In February, 1890, I wrote to Hon. AVm. M. Springer, mem- ber of Congress from my own district, giving a brief state- ment of what I knew on the subject, and asking him to put me in the way to learn more. In due time a communication came to me from Hon. Green B. Eaum, Commissioner of Pensions, who informed me that all the records of the Revo- lutionary War, in possession of the Government at Washing- ton, were in the custody of the Pension Bureau. Gen. Raum caused a copy to be made from the records, which shows that my grandfather, Joseph Power, was born March 11, 17G4, near Leesburg, Loudon county, Yirgiuia; that in November, 1780, he was drafted for two months, and was not required to do any service, except to march to Fred- ericsburg and return home to await further orders. In February, 1781, he Avas drafted for three months, marched to Williamsburg, to Yorktown, back to Willliams- burg and Jamestown, guarding places and watching the move- ments of the enemy. In the latter ])art of August, 1781, my grandfather, .loscpli Power, enlisted for three months, under Capt. Augustus Kliiin, to serve in the Battalion commanded b^' Major George West, marched to Yorktown, joined the main army, participated in the Siege of Y'^orktown, and the capture of the British army and its commander. Lord Cornwallis, October 19, 17S1. March 19, 1890, a full copy of the transcript fi-oni the recoi'ds at Washington, was filed with the Secretary of th<> Illinois Society of tlie Sons of the American Revolution in Chicago, and upon that evidence my name was enrolled as a member, only a few days before the death of the Presi- dent of the Society, (ien. (Jeoi-ge Ci'ook. M_\- HI a 11(1 fa I hei', .lose|(li rowel-, (lied in I'ieming County, Kent lick w . I line 1. L'^C), in the eighty-sixth year of his age. 'riiere is a curious family tradition on the nia lenial side of my ancestois. IMie story is, tiiat sonietiiiie dining the si.x- teenth century, aftei- a great stofiii. in which many shij)s wei-e wi-ecked off the cost of Holland, a lar^e wooden liowl was J. C. POWER. CUSTODIAN NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT, AS AN lloNdKAKV MK.MKKH iiK 'l 1 1 K LINCOLN GRAND GUARD OF HONOR, CALIFORNIA DIVISION, I'liulij^^raphcd on his 70th Birthday, l)y I'llTMAN. THE LLVCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 271 foiinil afloat, with a boy babe in it, quietly sleeping. He was ver\^ appropriately christened "Sea Bowl." He became a strong, healthy man, married, and raised a family. In time the two words constituting his name became one, and with a little difference in orthography, constituted the surname of his descendants. One of them, Jasper Seybold, found his way into the colony, now State of Maryland, and there married a Miss Carroll, belonging to one of the numerous Carroll families of that State. Jasper Se^^bold and his wife moved to Flem- ing county, Kentucky, also, where they raised a family of six sons and six daughters. John Power, from Loudon county, Virginia, when he grew to manhood, married one of the Seybold daughters — Sally Seybold. They were my parents. I was born in Fleming- county, Kentucky, September 19, 1819, and supplied with the name at the head of this sketch. John Carroll Power and Sarah A. Harris were married May 14. 1845, at Aurora, Indi- ana, her native place. Her father, William Tell Harris, who died many years ago, was an accomplished linguist. He Avas a native Englishman. His grandfather, William Fox, founded the first Sunday School Society in the world, in the city of London, September 7, 1785. Mrs. Power's grandfather on the maternal side was Rev. John Wads worth, a clergyman of the Church of England. He was rector of one parish near the city of Manchester for about forty years. Mrs. Power was educated at Granville, Ohio, in an institution conducted by the Protestant Episcopal Church, of Avhich her parents were members. The attempt to steal the body of Lincoln attracted almost universal attention, and was commented on in ways almost Innumerable. Being then, as now. Custodian of the Monu- ment, my name w^as often mentioned. Before that I had formed a very pleasant acquaintance with General Edwin A. Sherman, while he was in the U. S. Government service at Reno, Nevada, and after the removal of his headquarters to San Francisco, and his residence to Oakland, California. He had visited the Lincoln Monument, and is at the head of The Lincoln Grand Guard of Honor, which holds Lincoln Memorial Services in man^' towns and cities on the Pacific slope. We have kept up a pleasant correspondence from our first meet- ing to the present time. Gen. Sherman prepared a beautiful 272 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. testimonial in recoringfield, also. They have three cliildren — Ldward Rus- sell, Robei-t Stanton and Mary Clinton. Mr. Joel Johnson, the father of Edward S., was a native of Massachusetts. In 1 S.'l.") he eoniiuenced keej)ing hotel in S])i-ingfiel, and llic desire to get out of the suffocating atmosphere in which Ave were comjx'lled to labor, it was not com])leted that night, ])Ul llie grave was left al)ont niiihiight for the Custodian to fill u]>. The next day Mi'. Liiidhy was nmrried, and was away on his wedding lour, when the Custodian rt'ceived warning, through the l. S. mail, of possible danger on the night of November 21. M'he al)sence of Mr. Lindlev on his |)leasant mission, the demands on the time of .McNeill, elohnson and THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 279 the Custodian, by the "Teat number of visiting Odd Fellows in the city, made it devolve on Dana and Reece to fill up the grave on November 22, as will be seen by the reference above. Joseph P. Lindley was one of the nine men who, by mutual agreement, assembled in Memorial Hall in the monument and organized The Lincoln Guard of Honor. As a member of that organization he has ever been true and faithful in the dis- charge of every duty. When Mr. McNeill moved to Iowa in 1883, thus vacating the office of Treasurer, Mr. Lindley, at the informal reques-t of the other members, discharged the duties of the office pro tew. to the end of Mr. ■McNeill's term. At the annual election in 1884, Mr. Lindley was elected Treasurer, and has continued by reelection to the present time — 1889. He will doubtless fill the office, the duties of which are now nomi- nal, to the end of his life. NOBLE BATES WIGGINS, Noble B. Wiggins was born October 21, 1841, on a farm at Newburgh, near Cleveland, Ohio. His remote ancestors were from England and AVales. His father was a native of Montpelier, Vermont, and his mother of Newburgh, Ohio. N. B. AViggins was brought up to farm labor in summer, and attending district school in winter. In the fall of 1859 lie was placed in the educational institution at Hiram. Ohio, presided over b^' James A. Garfield. After two years devoted to study he enlisted, September 19, 1861, at Newburgh, Ohio, in Co. G, 42d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. The 42d regiment was commanded by Col. James A. Garfield until he Avas promoted to Brigadier General, in the line of promotion that led up to the office of President of the United States. In order that the reader may understand something of the hardships endured bj^ the young men who volunteered to sus- tain the government of our country, while others under just the same obligation to sustain it, were in armed rebellion against its lawful authority', I will give a brief synopsis of what one of the most fortunate of those young men endured — fortunate because he got through without the loss of life or limV). After Private AViggins' enlistment, the regiment went into Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, October 8. The men were emploj'ed iii constant drilling until the last of December, when 280 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. the regiment was ordered to Big Sandy river. West Virginia, Twelve days after leaving Cam]) Chase, January 10, 1862, the}^ were led into the battle of Middle Creek b^' Col. Garfield. The rebels were commanded b\^ Humphrey Marshall, of Ken- tucky. In February' the regiment made a forced march of tAventy-five miles in one day and captured Pound Gap, an important strategic point. A month or two later, the 42d was sent to Louisville, and from there to Lexington, Ken- tuck3^ From there they marched across the State to Cum- berland Gap, another important point, arriving in July. There Private Wiggins was promoted to corporal, and assigned to color-guard of the regiment. In August they were in the battle of Tazewell, Claibourne county, Tennessee. In Septem- tember the 42d left the Gap for a march across the State of Kentucky to Greenupsburg, on the Ohio river, one of the hardest marches recorded during the war, and their only sub- sistence for sixteen days was parched and grated corn. The regiment crossed over into the State of Ohio, and after three weeks rest in camp, were ordered up the Kanawha valle.\' to Charleston, West Virginia. In November, the 42d went down the Kanawha, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Me'mphis, Ten- nessee, and from there to the mouth of the Yazoo river, arriving December 25. On the moi-ning of the 2Gth the}' left their boats. From that to the f:U)tli they were in one con- tinuous battle, ending in the charge of Chickasaw Bayou, one of the hardest fought battles of the war. In this sei-ies of battles the entire forces on the Union side were commanded by Gen. AV. T. Sliti man. January 1, 1863, the 42d went down th<^ Yazoo to th<' .Mississi])pi river, and went into camp at Young's Point. Januai-y 10 the 42(1, with other forces, were ill the battle of Arkansas Post, under command of (ien. John A. McClernand, of S])ringfield, Illinois. After that battle thoy wcic oi-dcrcd Itack to Young's I'oint, and worked on thccjin.il in1('n. (^iiMrt US ('ha]>in aflerwai'ds inari'icd ItubySex- ton, of Somers, Connect lent. They lived many years in the town of Chicopeo, Hamden county, Massachusetts, mov- THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 283 iiig from there to Concord, Morgan county, Illinois, in 1853, where he was eno-ao-ed in farming until his death, which oc- curred in 1858. The son, Horace Chapin, was educated at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Massachusetts. In 1849, he went to Perrineville,. Monmouth county. New Jersey. There, and at two other points in the same county, he spent three years in teaching. From there he came to Morgan <;ounty, Illinois, in 1853, where, in company with his brother Lyman, they purchased laud, and opened successfully^ a large stock and grain farm. A part of that farm has become a villiage of four or five hundred inhabitants, and bears the name of Chapin. It is on the Wabash railroad, ten miles west of Jacksonville. Horace Chapin and Miss Augusta Swazey, a native of Buck- port, Maine, were married January 10, 1859, at Minneapolis, Minnesota. When the war of the rebellion opened, Horace Chapin was in full tide of his farming operations. He was importuned by ten or more of his workmen to go into the army, who said, '•If you will go, we will go with you." Hastily making ar- xangements for leaving his farming interests in the hands of his brother Lyman, he enlisted August 20, 18G1, in Co. K, 27th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and was soon after raised to the rank of First Lieutenant of the company. After the battle of Belmont, Missouri, November 7, 1861, he was promoted to Captain of Co. D, in the same regiment, which company he commanded in the battles of Union City, Island No. 10, and Corinth, Mississippi; Nashville, LaVergue and Stone River, Tennessee, and Chickamauga, Georgia. In the battle of Chickamauga, September, 20, 1863, he received a gunshot wound in the ankle joint of his right leg. Nine weeks later the leg was amputated about three inches below the knee. Capt. Chapin afterwards received a recommendation signed by Gen. Sheridan, his Division commander, Col. Bradley, his Brigade commander, and all the officers of his own regiment, for a posi- tion in the Invalid Corps, which he declined to apply for, but returned home and was honorably discharged, being mustered out of the service in Se])tember, 1864. He removed his family irom Chapin to Jacksonville, where he was appointed assistant United States assessor in the Tenth District of Illinois. He served in that capacity from July, 1865, to April, 1867, when 284 THE LINCOLN GTARD OF HONOR. he was appointed postmaster at Jacksonville, by President Johnson, and reappointed bv President Grant, serving, in all^ four years. In A[)ril, 1867, Captain Chapin purchased a two-thirds in- terest iu the Jacksonville daih^ and weekly Journal. He as- sumed the business management of the same in July, 1871. In April, 1875, Mr. M. F. Simmons purchased one-third in- terest in the paper of Mr. R. H. Hobart, the editor, and one- half of Captain Chapin's interest. By this transaction, Mr. Simmons became two-thirds owner, and assumed editorial control, leaving Captain Chapin one-third owner and business manager. In 1876 he disposed of his remaining interest, and in September, 1878, purchased an interest in the property and associated press franchise of the Illinois State Journal, at Springfield, the oldest newspaper in the State, and became its business manager. In February, 1885, Mr. Chapin sold out his interest in the State Journal, and has not since been in the newspaper business. Wliile Captain Chapin lived in Springfield, The Lincoln Guard of Honor was organized. The writer of this thought that a man who had made such sacrifices for the princii)les Lincoln died for, could be trusted to guard his tomb: he tlierefore called upon and invited the Captain to take part in instituting a society for that purpose. The invitation was. after du3 consideration, accepted, and every duty connected with it has been faithfully and patriotically discharged. He will doubt- less remain a mendjer for life. Captain Chapin has no children. Himself and wife are mcnilxTs of the Congregational church, and reside in Jack- sonville, Illinois. CT^LVTON LEVERING CONKLING. CHnton Ti. Coid-cling was born in Spiingticld. Illinois. Oct. K;. 1S|:?. His i-tMiiote anc<'si()rs, on his fatlici's side, came from llngiand aliout 1 (>."»(», and settled at Saiciii. Massachu- setts, and afterwards moved to Fast ]Tanii)ton, Long Island, New York, boni wliciicc the fainily sjircad llii-oiigh New York Stale ;ilii| elsewhere ill the colllitry. The Levering lamily .M-ttled. hefore the American Pevolu- tion, at (iei'inantown, now j)art of I'hila(leli)liia, I'ennsylvania. ; THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 285 Some of their clescendeuts moved into Maryland. James C. Conkliug, a native of New York citj, became a graduate of Princeton College, New Jersey, came to Springfield, Illinois, in November, 1838, and was admitted to the bar the following winter. He was married in Baltimore, Maryland, September 21, 1841, to Miss Mercy xi. Levering, a native of that city. They are the parents of the subject of this sketch. Hon. James C. ConkUng was cotemporary with Abraham Lincoln from the time they both began to practice law in Springfield, until Mr. Lincoln became President of the United States. Mr. Conkling now, after more than half a century of continuous practice in the State and Federal courts, and the administration of many public trusts, with snow-white locks, moves with a step as elastic as that of many a younger man. He continues to reside in Springfield. He was one of the ■original members of the National Lincoln Monument Associa- -tion, and is now a member of the same, reorganized as the Lincoln Monument Association. When Clinton L. Conkling was a boy there were no public .schools in Springfield, as we understand the term now; but through such public schools as there were, and private tuition, he acquired sufiicient education to prepare him for college. In 1860 he was admitted to Yale College, New Haven, Con- necticut, and graduated there in 18(34. He was admitted to practice law in the State and Federal courts in 1867, at Springfield, Illinois, and has since been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. A little episode in connection with his college days is indeli- bly impressed on the mind of Mr. Conkling. He was spending his vacation in the city of Baltimore, with relatives on his mother's side. On the ever memorable April 19, 1861, when the first Union soldiers from Massachusetts, passing through that city on their way to the capital of the nation, were as- sailed by a rebel mob with paving stones and gunshots, and .some of' their number killed. The soldiers, in return, fired on the mob, and killed some of their number. This was the first blood shed by the great slaveholder's rebellion. C. L. Conk- ling, then but little more than seventeen years of age, was on the"outskirts of the mob, whei-e people of Union and secession sentiments indiscriminately commingled. He saw that fight- ing was going on, and finally that lives had been lost on both 28G THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. sides. He remembers distinctly the impressious made upon his own mind, that war had actually commenced, but wli^re it would end, no mortal could tell. For ten or twelve days after that, he Avas unable to get a teleo-ram to his parents in Springfield, or to get out of the city. It is a memorable coincidence that this Avas the eighty-sixth anniversary of the first blood yhed in the American Eevolution, at Lexington, Massachusetts, April 19, 1775. Later in the war' when everything in Baltimore was completely under control of the government, it so happened that young Conkling was again there on a visit when a rebel raid under Gilmore, the famous cavalry leader, was made into Maryland and Penn- sylvania. Mr. Conkling remembers that the excitement was, for a time, almost as great as that of April nineteenth. Mr. Conkling has never been a seeker after official positions to any considerable extent, although he has discharged some important duties in connection Avith county affairs. He has been connected with the public city library of Spi-ingtield, for some years, as director. He is now President of the Board of Education for the city of Springfield, and is generally in- terested in public affairs. Clinton L. Conkling and Miss Georgie Barrell were married March 12, 1868, in Springfield. T^liey have two daughters, Georgie B. Conkling and Katharine L. Conkling. At the organization of the National Lincoln Monument Association, May 11, 1865, C. L. Conkling was elected Secre- tary, though not a member of the Association. He served through the time of and superintended all the heaviest work, such as preparing and sending out circulars and record ijig the contiibutions as they came in. In consequence of business engagements he tendered his resignation as Secretai-v Dec. 28, 1865, which was accepted Jan. 18, 1c- tioii of the body of President Lincoln against ghouls and vaiidiils was necessary, gi-eat caution was exei-cis.-d. in ot(],.i- that none but tiie ti'ustworl liy should be |il;iced on uiinrd. Clinton L. Coide one of the little bnnd. Upon the object mid nec<'ssity lor such ;in organization beinii' cxpliiined to him, he enteied hea'rtily into the spirit of it. .-m,! Avas one of the nine who, by mutual iiuiveinent . oiLi.mized THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 287 The Lincoln Gnard of Honor. As will be seen in the record, he has often aided very materially in our Memorial services, and always contributed liberally to defray the expenses. Al- though there is not likely to be anything further for us to do, he, with all the others, will remain a member for life. He is now — 1889 — a member of the law firm of Conkling & Grout, practicing attorneys of Springfield, Illinois. THE END. \\ \ '*imi