Boys in Blue: Diary Entry, Pvt. Abner W Foreman, 7th Ill. Inf. Co. D

Two days after Abraham Lincoln’s death in Washington D.C., Pvt. Abner W. Foreman of the 7^th Illinois Infantry Company D “received the disturbing news” of the President’s death and wrote the following in his diary:

Beaufort, NC April 17, Monday

            The darkest day in the annals of our country. Just received the disturbing news that Abraham Lincoln has been assassinated. The numerous ships here in the harbor have the stars & stripes at haf mast as a token of National grief. The countenance of every union man is the very picture of grief. It seems to the me the darkest day I ever Saw. Wo be unto traitors is the but determined expression of all soldiers here

©2012 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum