December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
General George Meade official document announcing the death of Abraham Lincoln. Handwritten by his aide, these original orders were likely scripted for transmission via telegraph. Meade's announcement eulogizing Lincoln is datelined Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 16 April 1865, just one day after Lincoln's demise. Text reads in full: ''General Orders / No. 15 / The Major General Commanding announces to the Army that official intelligence has been received of the death, by assassination of the President of the United States. The President died at 7.22 on the morning of the 15th instant. To this Army this announcement will be received with profound sorrow and deep horror and indignation. The President, by the active interest he ever took in the welfare of this Army, and by his presence in frequent visits, especially during the recent operations had particularly endeared himself to both officers and soldiers, all of whom regarded him as a generous friend, an honest man, a noble patriot and sagacious statesman, has fallen. No greater loss, at this particular moment, could have befallen our Country. Whilst we bow with submission to the unfathomable and inscrutable decree of Divine Providence let us earnestly pray that God in his infinite mercy will so order that this terrible calamity shall not interfere with the prosperity and happiness of a beloved Country.'' Signed by ''William V. Richards / A.A.A .Gen'l'' and by ''Capt. Manning Comd'g Cavl. Det.'' Manning was Captain in Command of Company M of the California Battalion, 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry when he was taken as a POW at Dranesville, Virginia in February of 1864. He likely received this order at Nottaway Station where the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry was located on the occasion of Lincoln's death. Signatures in the hand of the document's transcriber are included: ''George G. Meade'', Major General Commanding and ''Jno C. Youngman'', Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps. 2pp. document on 2 pages of ruled card-style stationery measures 7.75'' x 10''. Faint toning, creasing and very minor staining to right edge and verso. Separation to fold intersections and along fold lines on the second integral and to the right edge, else near fine.
Important Civil War Document by General Meade Announcing Lincoln's Death to Army -- ''...with...deep horror and indignation...intelligence has been received of the death...of the President...''
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