Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The Civil War was beginning to wind down in March of 1865. In one month, General Robert E. Lee would surrender at Appomattox, the war would be over, and President Abraham Lincoln would be killed by an assassin’s bullet. On March 17, 1865, however, the Army of the Potomac gathered near Petersburg, VA for their annual and what would be their last St. Patrick’s Day celebration of the Civil War.

The above Programme, from the collection of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, details the schedule for the race events of the day. In addition, rules, instructions, fees and purses are all detailed for each race. The course description and a brief description of the races from the Programme can be found below:

The course selected by the Committee is near the Schenck House, and one mile in circumference, with three Hurdles, at least 25 feet long, and three feet six inches high, and three ditches, at least 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, to be divided at equal distances.

1^st—There shall be three Hurdle Races; the first limited to the officers of the Irish Brigade; the second to officers of the Second Corps; the third to officers of the Army of the Potomac.

2d—One Flat Race, open to the army.

3d—A Mule Race; open for all private mules in the Second Corps.

An excellent recounting of the day’s festivities, including the winners of each race, can be found at the Irish in the American Civil War blog

Letters from Home: Permilia Gordon to her husband Samuel.

On this Valentine’s Day we present a handwritten Civil War era valentine written by Permilia Gordon to her husband Samuel who fought in the 118^th Illinois Infantry Company C. Below, you will find a transcription of the valentine:

Your Valentine

your steps are so light your movements so rare

Wouldn’t wonder a bit if you lived in the air

Remember me When this you see

Roses red and Violets blue

Sugars sweet and so are you

If this paper should chance to roam

Box its ears and send it home

Samuel Gordon appears to have had a very loving family. You can read a letter written to him from his daughter, Ella, here.

Abraham Lincoln and his Emancipation Proclamation

Copyrighted and designed by Mrs. M. M. Pabor in 1888 this commemorative lithograph of the Emancipation Proclamation was printed in Cincinnati, Ohio and features the allegorical ladies, Justice and Liberty. Other symbols of peace and justice, the laurel leaves and grapes are featured on the print. Because not all slaves were freed immediately with the issuance of the Proclamation in 1863, Mrs. Pabor added a note to this copy: “The rest of the slaves were freed by legislation, and Constitutional amendments.” This statement refers to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

This lithograph is currently on display as part of our most recent version of our “Boys in Blue” exhibit currently on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library until March, 2014.

Boys In Blue: Diary entry from Sgt. Ashford H Magee of the 77^th Illinois Infantry Company E

In Memory

Dr. C.M. Colquet of leo “A” 1^st Ala Arty. Ft. Morgan age 40 years, Departed this life 4^th July 1864. If a man dies Shall he live again.

All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my chance comes

Rest, rest, rest in peace.

Camping Out with the Boys in 1894: 28^th National Convention, G.A.R.

There might not have been tents or sweet-smelling wood smoke involved, but the annual encampments for the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) were, like the act of camping, a celebration of nature—in this case, human nature. Established to recognize the efforts of Union soldiers during the Civil War, the G.A.R. brought men together from its inception in 1866 until its dissolution in 1956, under the watchwords of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. An annual encampment, or convention, was held every year through 1949 to honor those who died in the Civil War, and to foster comradeship among veterans. Each veteran in attendance received that year’s G.A.R. encampment ribbon badge.

The ALPLM has received hundreds of encampment badges and other G.A.R. memorabilia over the years from generous donors. Typically consisting of a top bar pin connected to a medal via a patriotic ribbon, G.A.R. membership badges resemble the military Medal of Honor, with its characteristic eagle and star. G.A.R. encampment badges on the other hand, showcase more creativity and, in some instances, even beauty. For example, the badge issued at Pittsburghfor the 28^th National Encampment in 1894, is striking not only for the level of detail inherent in its design, but the story behind the source materials is itself a work of art.

One of two such badges in the Library’s Artifacts Collection, the 28^th National Encampment badge came standard with three separate components: the badge, a protective case, and a paper pamphlet outlining the “History of the Old Cannon from Which This Badge is Made.”

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The Badge

This multi-part badge measures 4.25” x 2.25” overall. It features a top bar pin made of gold-tone metal, with the following engraved scenes: a fort to the left, and marching troops at right. A central inset reads: “GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC / 1861 VETERAN 1866,” around an image of two figures (Peace and Prosperity) shaking hands. Bar reverse has a straight pin with hook clasp, and this maker’s mark: “HEEREN BROS. & CO. PGH.”

A metal jump ring at bar front connects a small gold-tone medallion, depicting a building labeled “OLD BLOCKHOUSE.” Medallion reverse reads: “MEMBER / 28^TH NATL. / ENCAMPMENT / PRESENTED / BY / CITIZENS / EX. BOARD.”

The ribbon extending from the top bar pin to the medal proper is yellow, with a U.S.flag motif. The medal is shield-shaped, with a raised lip border and eagle embellishment at top. Border inscription reads: “28^TH NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT G.A.R. / SEPT. 1894.” At center is a castle-type fort with the label: “THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH.” Medal reverse shows City Hall and two tablet emblems. The inscription here reads: “HISTORICAL RECORD / OF OLD / CITY HALL / 1861-1865.” Inscribed on the tablets: “409745 / SOLDIERS / ENTERTAINED / IN THIS / HALL / 79460 / SICK & / WOUNDED / PROVIDED / FOR AT THE / SOLDIERS / HOME / TOTAL 489205.”

The Case

This metal case for the ribbon badge measures 4.5” x 4.5” overall, and mimics the shape of a cross-section of steel rail. It has a silver-tone steel lid etched with elaborate scenes and border insignia. Above one image of a factory, the case reads: “SOUVENIR / 28^TH NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT, G.A.R.” At center: images of the soldiers’ campsite, and a “GAS & OIL” refinery. At bottom: another factory, with the inscription: “PGH,PA.”

The lid opens on a hinge. Case interior is lined with plush wine-colored velvet and red ribbon. The case bottom is brass, painted black.

The Pamphlet

Cut to fit the case precisely, this slim sheath of papers recounts the way in which an old cannon belonging to the Allegheny Arsenal was donated, by Congress, to The Citizens Executive Board of Pittsburgh in 1893, for the express re-purposing of the weapon into commemorative badges. The pamphlet is addressed to “Comrades of the G.A.R,” and concludes with a list of the committee members for that year’s badge.

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It could be said that this single badge tells three distinct and equally valuable tales. Presented as a remembrance at the 28^th G.A.R. National Encampment, it echoes first and foremost with the sighs of the Civil War. Struck as it was from an actual cannon that had known battle, the second life of the badge recalls the cyclical natures of life, loss, and hope. Finally, a treasured museum artifact, the badge now shines as a real and present part of history for those who will carry the legacy of the past proudly into the future.

One hundred fifty years ago, on September 22, 1862, buoyed by the recent Union victory at the Battle of Antietam, President Abraham Lincoln announced his intention to issue an Emancipation Proclamation, which he did on New Year’s Day 1863.

The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the officially printed commemorative copies that Lincoln signed in full, along with Secretary of State William Seward andLincoln’s private secretary, John G. Nicolay. The President signed the original Emancipation Proclamation in private with only a few witnesses at his side – no “photo opportunity” as we like to say today.

It is fortunate that the commemorative printing was ordered, because Lincoln’s original manuscript was lost in the Chicago Fire of 1871.

Boys In Blue: Col. Daniel Brown Bush, 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment

Before Colonel Daniel Brown Bush, Jr. enlisted in the Union Army, he was the owner and editor of the “Pike County Journal” in Pittsfield, IL and was one of the first newspaper editors to endorse Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for President. On February 9, 1860 Daniel Bush published an editorial written by John Nicolay, who would go on to become one of Abraham Lincoln’s private secretaries. A section of the editorial read:

Give us Lincoln as the candidate and we can promise the electoral vote of Illinois for the Republicans as a sure result…He maintains the faith of the Fathers of the Republic, he believes in the Declaration of Independence, he yields obedience to the Constitution and laws of his country. He has the radicalism of Jefferson and of Clay and the conservatism of Washington and Jackson. In his hands the Union would be safe.

Certainly Daniel Bush believed in the cause of the Union because a year and a half later he enlisted as a Major in the Second Illinois Cavalry Regiment, taking part in the battles at Forts Henry and Donelson as well as Shiloh. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Bush commanded the Second Illinois at the Battle of Vicksburg. He was discharged as Colonel of the Second Cavalry on July 24, 1865 and would eventually find his way to Portland, OR where we would live until his death in 1913. Upon his death, the “Sunday Oregonian” wrote in his obituary:

For the past three months he has been almost helpless and, like our old friend, Colonel Newcomb, he has been living over again the stirring scenes of his early manhood, frequently imagining himself at the head of his loved regiment, and when the time came for him to answer the last roll call he answered is as placidly as did our old English Colonel, and slipped away from the troublous things of this lower life. He had fought the good fight, like the brave true soldier he was, and could well afford to go where alarums are never heard and conflicts never come.

Boys In Blue: Pvt. William Alphonso McLain

At the age of 15, William Alphonso McLain joined the Union Army for a one hundred day stint in the 9^th Illinois Infantry. The age listed on his papers? Twenty-two. Three years later, William mustered into the Army for another one hundred day tour, this time with the 135^th Illinois Infantry. The age listed on his papers? A more accurate eighteen.

Boys In Blue: 1st Lt. Michael F Swartzcope, 31st Illinois Infantry, Company A

Michael F. Swartzcope of Illinois stood six-foot-five and a half and at 41 years of age he mustered into the 31^st Illinois Infantry as a Private. Census records tell us that Michael worked as both a cooper and a surveyor before the war began. Over six foot tall and a surveyor…sound familiar? By the end of the war, Michael was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Michael’s Lincolnesque life continued after the war; Lincoln was a lawyer, and Swartzcope followed a law career as well, serving as a judge in Jackson County, IL from 1865 to 1869. Judge Swartzcope passed away on March 22, 1901 at the age of 80 at the Home for Disabled Veterans in Danville, IL.

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