LOT #47134 |
Current Bid: $500
Civil War Letters (7) with Lincoln Assassination Content....
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Description
Civil War Letters (7) with Lincoln Assassination Content. Seven letters totaling twenty-five pages, written between April 15 and May 1, 1865, by Martin Luther Moore of the 94th Illinois Infantry and his wife, Joanna Moore, of Bloomington, Illinois. Together, these letters capture the emotions of a Union soldier still in the field and his wife at home in the days surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.The earliest letter, written by Joanna on April 15, 1865-the day after Lincoln was murdered-offers a striking firsthand account of the immediate public reaction in Bloomington. She describes the atmosphere of shock and grief that day: "When I went to the market this morning I heard the sad news of the death of our President...Oh what a reaction! For the last 10 days all has been joy over the success of our armies, but the sad news that comes today has covered the deepest gloom. All morning the bells were tolling, the stores are closed, every public building every store and shop draped in black, and many dwellings on our street...One man was arrested for rejoicing over the news, as he was about to be strung up, when he was taken from the cord...some say now that all hope of an end to the war soon are gone. I hope not. I only want the soldiers to have permission to exterminate the Southern people I have no confidence in any of them..."
Joanna writes again on April 17, discussing daily affairs and her husband's life insurance policy, before continuing the letter on April 21, noting that she attended a local funeral service for Lincoln held on April 19.
Meanwhile, Martin, still unaware of the assassination, writes from Spanish Fort, Alabama, on April 18. He provides a vivid account of the siege and capture of the fort earlier that month, detailing a run-in with Confederate guerillas, hidden torpedoes, the intense artillery bombardment, and more: "After the command reached Fish River a small Gurrilla party dashed upon the rear wagons...A Negro belonging to the captured party was taken at Blakeley who said that the drivers were taken to Mobile...the night before the road had been laid with percussion shells from 8 to 10 inches in diameter...This was first found out by the Artilery men watering their horses, after they had unhitched from their guns and caissons resulting in the killing of some 4 or 5 horses and wounding 3 men...on Monday I witnessed the first amputation of the siege, and I do not wish to see another...More heavy guns were mounted and on Saturday, April 8th at 5 PM Our Batteries again opened on them with about 120 guns lasting about 2 hours. This is thot to have been one of the most terrific Bombardments of the war."
By the time of his next letter, dated April 21, Martin had received word of Lincoln's assassination: "I have not words to express to you the grief and sadness of my heart caused by the sad news recd yesterday evening of the assassination of President Lincoln and Secty Seward...We have not only lost a great and good man in the person of President Lincoln, But his assassination by an enemy to the administration of our Govt is a dark blot upon our nations History..."
Joanna responds on April 22 with a brief but emotional note marking the anniversary of their separation: "I believe tis just two years to day since we parted...Is it possible I have not seen my dear husband for two long years..."
Despite his grief over Lincoln's death, Martin writes again on April 24, hopeful that the war is nearing its conclusion: "It is not expected that we will remain here more than 4 or 5 days, till we will be ordered to the city Genl Banks has assumed Comd in New Orleans, and it is expected that he will have the troops in this Dept Paid off soon 'So mote it Be'...while every one is ready to admit that the work of the Army and Navy has been great, and now appears to be so near the end with good results, that the work left for Christian heroes is an infinitely greater work..."
In his final letter, dated May 1, Martin responds to Joanna's reaction to Lincoln's death: "I was very much interested in Your account of the Experiences of your own mind and the Genl Excitement consequent upon the dreadful Event of the death of Our President; it is not strange that such is the case, and I believe it will be the cause of many a copperhead 'biting the dust'. I sometimes fear it may be used as a pretext for some to satisfy a spirit of revenge; while I am in favor of justice, which to traitors may be death, I am opposed to exercising authority even according to law with the spirit of revenge..."
Includes one original transmittal cover.
Condition: All letters somewhat toned with smoothed folds, scattered staining or foxing, and minor wear including a few small separations or chips. Crosshatching present on all pages of the April 18 letter. Heavy staining to the April 21 letter, though text remains very legible.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
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February
26th
Thursday
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February
26th
Thursday
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(Lots 47001-47282) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Thursday, February 26, 2026.
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