Thursday, April 13, 1865 – Met Lincoln this morning in LaFayette Square – the old man looked very happy and well this night; what a grad homely face he has, and how nobly and unselfishly has he carried himself during these terrible four years. Posterity will appreciate his services to the country, more even than we can.

Friday, April 14, 1865 – (a friend) and I were at the theatre, and sat in the Dress Circle only a few feet from the box; saw the assassin enter it, oh and saw him leap from the box on to the stage and dart behind the scenes. What an awful end to all the talk and hopes of re-union, peace and good-will between the two sections of our unhappy country.

Saturday, April 15, 1865 – Yesterday was a scene of universal rejoicing over the return of peace, is today immersed in gloom and clothed in mourning.

Saturday, April 15, 1865 – I cannot feel that the death of Lincoln, is an immeasurable loss to the country at this time and to no portion will his death be more serious than to the South. It will almost certainly change the temper of the North from kindliness to sternness if not vindictiveness. (Many a day will pass before we will again see in the White House, the peer of Lincoln.) In every sense he was a noble man, and in his life and conduct – well exemplified the remarkable words of his late Inaugural.

The change in the appearance of the City is startling. Andrew Johnson took the oath, and is now the President