CHAPTER XXIX

The Last of Earth—­Events of the Last Day of Lincoln’s Life—­The Last Cabinet Meeting—­The Last Drive with Mrs. Lincoln—­Incidents of the Afternoon—­Riddance to Jacob Thompson—­A Final Act of Pardon—­The Fatal Evening—­The Visit to the Theatre—­The Assassin’s Shot—­A Scene of Horror—­Particulars of the Crime—­The Dying President—­A Nation’s Grief—­Funeral Obsequies—­The Return to Illinois—­At Rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

It is something to be ever gratefully remembered, that the last day of Lincoln’s life was filled with sunshine.  His cares and burdens slipped from him like a garment, and his spirit was filled with a blessed and benignant peace.

On the morning of that fatal Friday, the 14th day of April, the President had a long conversation at breakfast with his son Robert, then a member of Grant’s staff, who had just arrived from the front with additional particulars of Lee’s surrender, of which event he had been a witness.  The President listened with close attention to the interesting recital; then, taking up a portrait of General Lee, which his son had brought him, he placed it on the table before him, where he scanned it long and thoughtfully.  Presently he said:  “It is a good face.  It is the face of a noble, brave man.  I am glad that the war is over at last.”  Looking upon Robert, he continued:  “Well, my son, you have returned safely from the front.  The war is now closed, and we will soon live in peace with the brave men who have been fighting against us.  I trust that the era of good feeling has returned, and that henceforth we shall live in harmony together.”

After breakfast the President received Speaker Colfax, spending an hour or more in discussing his plans regarding the adjustment of matters in the South.  This was followed by an interview with Hon. John P. Hale, the newly appointed Minister to Spain, and by calls of congratulation from members of Congress and old friends from Illinois.  Afterwards he took a short drive with General Grant, who had just come to the city to consult regarding the disbandment of the army and the parole of prisoners.  The people were wild with enthusiasm, and wherever the President and General Grant appeared they were greeted with cheers, the clapping of hands, waving of handkerchiefs, and every possible demonstration of delight.

At the Cabinet meeting held at noon the President was accompanied by General Grant.  The meeting is thus described by one who was present, Secretary Welles:  “Congratulations were interchanged, and earnest inquiry was made whether any information had been received from General Sherman.  General Grant, who was invited to remain, said he was expecting hourly to hear from Sherman, and had a good deal of anxiety on the subject.  The President remarked that the news would come soon and come favorably, he had no doubt, for he had last night his usual dream