Truly nothing is sacred to metal thieves, not even Abe Lincoln.

Thieves have nabbed a 3-foot-long copper sword atop Lincoln’s Tomb in what is believed to be the first theft at the site in more than a century.

An employee noticed last week that the sword was cut from a statue of a Civil War artillery officer, the (Springfield) State Journal-Register reported Saturday. Officials think the sword was stolen sometime between September and early November.

Apparently, though, this is not the first time the sword has been stolen, although the last time was a hundred years ago.

The headline screams that Bill O’Reilly’s book on the Lincoln assassination has been “banned” at Ford’s Theater. Well, not exactly—it’s just not being sold there. Presumably if you walk in with a copy the security guards will not take it away from you.

Why? Misteakes, and not just copy editing.

“Killing Lincoln” suffers from factual errors and a lack of documentation, according to a study conducted by Rae Emerson, the deputy superintendent of Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, which is a unit of the National Park Service. Emerson’s review recommended that the book not be sold at Ford Theatre’s store.

Having sold a few books myself at various sites I can tell you how the process works: NPS does not sell books but works through concessionaires, in this case Eastern National. In order to sell it you first have to convince EN, then have them submit the book to the Park Service for approval. NPS likes to have books that are factually accurate with lots of footnotes, but readable. Not all books are accepted as there is a limited amount of shelf space. It took me over two years to get my sharpshooter book approved for Manassas. Still, it’s surprising that O’Reilly’s book was not accepted, because it would generate a lot of money.

There is the usual kvetching from academics, who only wish (don’t we all) their books would sell as well.

Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

Lincoln Robbed, O’Reilly Banned

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3. 150th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Cooper Union Address

The venerable Scientific American magazine has its archives on line now, all the way back to the first issue in 1845. Normally it would cost you money to look, but for November only they have the 1845-1908 archives available for free. Unfortunately there is no universal search for these early issues altho you can search individual issues. Lots of good CW-related info there. In its early years SA was more like, say Popular Mechanics than the hi-toned scientific mag it is today.

Last week I mentioned than an American company is making a replica of Dr. Gatling’s 1877 Bulldog gun. There’s actually one up for sale now altho it’s pricey. One nice thing about a Gatling, however, is that altho you can pump out nearly a thousand rounds a minute it’s not considered a Class III machinegun by the BATFE, so there are no federal restrictions on owning one as long as you’re a citizen with no felonies.

On the auction front, Heritage Auctions in Dallas recently sold a Confederate bond worth $1000, altho presumably it would be paid only in graybacks rather than greenbacks. Never too late to invest in Our Sacred Cause.

Coming up at the end of the month is an auction featuring one of Matthew Brady’s personal cameras.

Quite possibly the wet plate camera he used to take his iconic photos of Abraham Lincoln! Although no manufacturer’s label is present, it is similar to cameras made by H. J. Lewis of New York circa 1860. The camera is made of dark wood and is fitted with a Petzval-type brass barrel lens bearing the serial number 1195.

The Brady provenance is iron-clad; it is accompanied by photocopies of original Bankruptcy Court records signed by Brady dating from April 1873 (Brady had filed for bankruptcy), listing this lens with its serial number in an inventory of Brady possessions.
…
It features a black fabric bellows, rack and pinion focusing, with wooden knob on rear of back section, and wide casement to accommodate side-loading plates. The camera is mounted on an 11″ x 15″ base rail. It is accompanied by a ground glass plate (glass replaced) for focusing, which allowed 10 3/8″ x 10 3/8″ exposures, as well as a dark slide.

Virtually every public figure of the Civil War era passed through Mathew Brady’s studio, and it is thrilling to imagine that many of his iconic photographs may well be have been taken with this very camera! A museum piece in the truest sense of the word.

Brady had hoped to make money selling his photos after the war but found no market for them. In 1873 he had to file for bankruptcy.

His collection of photographs and glass negatives were eventually sold to the United States government for $25,000 and currently reside in the Library of Congress. The enabling legislation was pushed through Congress by Benjamin Butler of Massachusetts. It is a little known fact that Butler extorted, and received, a $12,500 kickback from Brady for his efforts.

On Nov. 12 will be another auction of Civil War items including firearms, swords, uniforms, flags and much else, including an unusually large number of Confederate items.

UPDATE: Speaking of auctions, Rock Island Auctions is also having a big event in early December that will feature a number of Civil War arms, including quite a number of Confederate ones.

These include three original Blakeslee Boxes in three different configurations. The boxes were invented by Col. Erastus Blakeslee and issued to Federal cavalry late in the war, greatly increasing their firepower, and there was also an infantry model. The Blakeslee contained 6-13 iron tubes loaded with seven rounds of Spencer ammo, which could be quickly dumped into the magazine to reload. Troop reaction was mixed—some loved it but others thought it too heavy and cumbersome.

Also on the block is an H. E. Dimick rifle made in St. Louis. Altho this one has no Civil War provenance some Dimick rifles were used by Union sharpshooter units, notably Birge’s Sharpshooters (66th Illinois). They were later replaced with Henrys.

I’ve mentioned Gatling guns before, including a modern repro of the 1877 Bulldog model. Rock Island has a repro of the earlier model used in the Late Unpleasantness. Just the thing for that next re-enactment.

Not to be overlooked are a number of Volcanic rifles and pistols, including a rare .41 cal. carbine, as well as several S&W marked arms of the Volcanic pattern.

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Auction News and Other Takes

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“98.2% of celeb internet quotes are bogus” — Abraham Lincoln

Telegraph columnist Christopher Howse checks into yet another plagiarism scandal, then notes how many historical quotes just can’t be verified and are likely false. All the more reason to be suspicious. We are not amused, and they can eat…cake.

NOAA and the US Navy are looking for the remains of the USS Cumberland, a victim of the CSS Virginia (neé Merimack) at Hampton Roads in 1862, and the CSS Florida, a captured commerce raider lost in a collision.

Carolina Journal John Hood, a distant relative of the general by the same name, looks at his closer ancestors with the 26th NC at Gettysburg, where men fell “like wheat before the sickle.”

In Charleston, conservators have rotated the CSS Hunley to an upright position, exposing a side not seen since its last voyage in 1864.

American Rifleman looks at the Lefaucheaux pinfire revolver, the fourth most commonly used pistol by both sides in the Late Unpleasantness. The pinfire system used a small brass pin protruding at right angles to the cartridge. Although almost forgotten now, it was considered a reliable system in its day and superior to the cap-and-ball system. The famous LeMat revolver used this system.

Speaking of the LeMat, there is a short video about it, including a firing demonstration.

The same mag also has an excellent article on the guns of first Manassas and efforts by both sides to arms themselves, but it’s not online. Also of interest is an article on Abe Lincoln and rifles, including a look at his somewhat comic career as a militia officer.

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Civil War on the Web

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Take a look at the Heritage Auctions web site even if you’re not flush with cash. Lots of Civil War arms and memorabilia if you just won the lottery.

One is a “Morgan” rifle said to be a Union sharpshooter weapon and featured the Time-Life Echoes of Glory book.

Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

Heritage Militaria Auction

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Ben Steelman takes a look at pre-bellum Wilmington:

Wilmington was the largest municipality in mostly-rural North Carolina by a wide margin – New Bern, the next largest town, had only about 5,000 people – and it was growing fast. Its population had doubled in just 20 years.

NC was not a cotton state—most of its wealth was derived from mixed agriculture and forest products.

And then looks at NCs secession convention. The Old North State was the last to join the Confederacy, but after Lincoln’s call for 75,000 volunteers, it was only a question of which side you would be on. The call included demands for troops from the Upper South, including Virginia, NC, and Tennessee, to invade their neighbor South Carolina. It also didn’t take a military genius the see that any Federal army would have to come through those states to get to the already-seceded lower South. The die was cast, and the vote for secession unanimous. But the price would be very, very high.

In the mountains, mobilization was already beginning.

The Buncombe Riflemen, a militia group formed in December 1859, left Asheville for Raleigh on April 18, 1861.

“The town was perfectly alive with people who had come to witness the departure of these brave volunteers,” the Asheville News reported.

Not everyone was as happy as it might have appeared.

Asheville resident William John Brown wrote a son in New Zealand that two other sons had “gone to prepare to battle for one section of the country vs the other section & that section contains all our blood relatives save our four selves. It is awful.”

Soon much of western Carolina would be at war with itself.

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More from Carolina

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The newest secession news is from Arizona, where a group of liberals in Tucson (apparently a protected area) want to form Baja Arizona.

This is ironic since Tucson was a stronghold of the Confederate State of Arizona (not the same as the US state) and if you check the Wikipedia article there is a photo of their flag being raised over the city.

Mark Moyar, who holds the Kim T. Adamson Chair of Insurgency and Terrorism at the U.S. Marine Corps University at Quantico, VA, outlines the controversies between the orthodox historians and the revisionists over the Vietnam War. I mention this because it’s true of many wars, including the Late Unpleasantness. In fact, the struggle for the historical narrative is often nearly as intense as the war itself, with rivers of ink (or now, electrons) substituting for blood. It often comes down to a few dominant narratives, such as the Lost Cause or now All About Slavery. As Moyer concludes, it’s often more about the historians than the history, and never have we had a more unbalanced, left-leaning academy. Too often historians use narratives as political cudgels to beat their opponents, and too often history as it is written says more about them than the events they write about.

General Lee’s French-made, ivory-hilted sword will be going to Appomattox for display. It is now on display at the Museum of the Confederacy. It’s the same one he carried at the surrender and contrary to popular belief he did not offer it to US Grant, nor did the latter refuse to take it.

The sword, scabbard and the Confederate gray uniform Lee wore to his fateful meeting with Grant are all destined to be displayed about 75 miles west of Richmond when the museum opens next spring. Until then, the sword will be on display at the Richmond location, starting today.

Senior curator Robert F. Hancock said the Lee sword remains one of the Confederacy museum’s biggest attractions.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind piece,” he said. “There’s really no replacement, so you can’t put a value on it. It’s like putting a value on the Mona Lisa. It can’t be done.”

NPR has a nice quick piece about three ways our brains betray us. Meaning we all like to think we’re objective, but we’re not. Simply put, it comes down to confirmation bias and failure to consider alternative explanations. This haunts the social sciences as well as the historical community. Want to prove that slavery was the cause of the Civil War? Easy—you can find plenty of evidence to confirm your belief. Ditto with states’ rights. How about a pattern that engagements were close and that Napoleonic warfare was still possible? That’s easy too.

UPDATE: Some have claimed that Abe Lincoln was gay, but a more likely candidate was his predecessor James Buchanan.

What we do know is that Mr. Buchanan never married, and that he had a very close personal friend, Alabama Sen. Rufus King, who lived with him for years. Andrew Jackson sometimes called Mr. King “Miss Nancy” and “Aunt Fancy,” while others referred to “Buchanan and his wife.”

Which suggests that Mr. Buchanan’s contemporaries wondered about him. In those days, homosexuality was considered a vile perversion instead of a normal condition for some people.

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Around The Web

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First, a short primer.  Earlier this year, historian Tom Lowry was accused of altering a Lincoln pardon letter by the National Archives, who claimed Lowry grew “reticent” during what I assumed was a string of emails.  Lowry denied this accusation at a new blog, saying he had never been contacted about the pardon and had never changed his home phone or email address in over a decade.

I wondered aloud at the time where these emails were, as the actual text of such emails would shed some light on this matter.  In a comment on this earlier post, Tom Lowry writes that he has obtained the text of this email string through the Freedom of Information Act.  The contents of the two emails as Dr. Lowry posted them are repeated in full below:

Email #1 (from Mitchell Yockelson, Investigative Archivist, Office of the Inspector General, 9/14/2010): “Tom, Is this your correct e-mail? If so, I have some questions for you about court martial files.”

[Lowry] replied that the address was correct, adding “I hope I can help.”

Email #2 (from Mitchell Yockelson, Investigative Archivist, Office of the Inspector General, 9/14/2010, 64 minutes after the first email): “I am not sure if you are aware, but I no longer work in reference For the past few years I have worked for our Inspector General’s office looking for lost, stolen, or as we call it, alienated records. In any case my partner and I, Dave Berry, have been working on a complaint about a court martial that contains [a] Lincoln signature and the contents of the endorsement appears to have been altered. It is way to[o] complicated to explain by e-mail, but I would love the opportunity to visit you in person to discuss the matter. I have told Dave a lot about you and your books and he is anxious to meet you. Do you still live in Woodbridge?”

[Lowry] confirmed that I still lived in Woodbridge. (Same address, phone, and e-mail for thirteen years.)

In a follow-up comment, I asked Tom to provide the full text of his two replies for the record.  I wonder if the National Archives tried in any other way to contact Dr. Lowry about this matter other than through Mitchell Yockelson.  This one grows stranger and stranger every day.  What do you think?

Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

Tom Lowry Vs. the National Archives: An Emailgate Answer?

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The New York Times

March 5, 1861

WASHINGTON, Monday, March 4. The day to which all have looked with so much anxiety and interest has come and passed. ABRAHAM LINCOLN has been inaugurated, and “all’s well.” At daylight the clouds were dark and heavy with rain, threatening to dampen the enthusiasm of the occasion with unwelcome showers. A few drops fell occasionally before 8 o’clock, but not enough to lay the dust, which, under the impulse of a strong northwest wind, swept down upon the avenue from the cross streets quite unpleasantly. The weather was cool and bracing, and, on the whole, favorable to the ceremonies of the day. Mr. LINCOLN rose at 5 o’clock. After an early breakfast, the Inaugural was read aloud to him by his son ROBERT, and the completing touches were added, including the beautiful and impassioned closing paragraph. Mr. LINCOLN then retired from his family circle to his closet, where he prepared himself for the solemn and weighty responsibilities which he was about to assume. Here he remained until it was time for an audience to Mr. SEWARD. Together these statesmen conversed concerning that paragraph of the Inaugural relating to the policy of forcing obnoxious non-resident officers upon disaffected citizens When Mr. SEWARD departed, Mr. LINCOLN closed his door upon all visitors, until Mr. BUCHANAN called for him to escort him to the Capitol.

¹

From early daylight the streets were thronged with people, some still carrying carpet-bags in hand, having found no quarters in which to stop. The busy have of preparation for the parade was soon heard on every side. The New-York delegation; over two hundred strong, formed in procession on Pennsylvania-avenue at 9 o’clock, and proceeded in a body to Mr. SEWARD’s residence to pay their respects. J.H. HOBART WARD met them at the door, and JAMES KELLEY introduced the party to Mr. SEWARD in a pertinent speech. Mr. SEWARD, from the doorstep, responded as follows: FRIENDS, FELLOW-CITIZENS AND NEIGHBORS: I am very deeply affected by this unexpected demonstration of affection on the part of the people of the State of New-York. So many familiar faces, seen at this distance from my home, and under the circumstances which surround me, awaken memories and sympathies that I should find it difficult to describe. It is just twelve years since I came, a stranger and alone, to this Capitol, to represent the great State from which you have come in the councils of the Union. This day closes that service of twelve years — a period which now in retrospect seems so short, and yet it has filled up the one-sixth part of the Constitutional duration of this great empire. At this hour I appear before you a voluntary citizen, but, God be thanked! a citizen now as always, of the State of New-York — one of yourselves — your equal — no longer bearing the responsibilities of a representative. [Here one of the Deputy-Marshals stepped forward, and pinned a badge of the New-York delegation to Mr. SEWARD's coat, amid great cheering.] My public acts throughout that long, and to me trying period, are all upon record in the journals and debates of Congress. It is almost fearful to think that they are imperishable. Looking backward upon them, I will say and maintain here, and now, that I claim for them all the merit of good motives and honest intentions. Here in this presence, before you, a fair delegation of the constituency I have served, and in the presence of the God who is to be our Common Judge, I declare that there is not one word of that record which I desire should be obliterated. Although a representative of one State only, I have been all the wave conscious that I was also a legislator for all the States — for the whole Republic — and I am not ashamed to appeal to every citizen of New-York and ask him to say what I have neglected. I am not afraid to appeal to every section — to the East, to the West, to the North, and to the South, equally — and to every State in every section, and to every man, to every woman, to every human being, freeman or bondsman, to say whether, in any word or deed of mine, I have done him wrong. And in labors which demanded abilities I could not claim, and trials which exacted some equanimity of temper, I have here in this capital neither received nor given personal offence. I have not one enemy in this section to forgive. I knew of no one who will utter a personal complaint against me. I have done little good, indeed, — far less than I have wished, — but I have been sustained and supported-by the people of New-York with a generosity that is unparalleled. I know why this is so. The people of New-York are habitually constant, and faithful to conscience, to truth to liberty, to their country, and to their God. They have thought that I endeavored to be likewise faithful. I know their character well, and I know that in the new emergency which our country is now entering upon, they will be equally faithful I rely on their intelligence and their patriotism, as I do on the intelligence and patriotism of the whole people of the United States. They will preserve the inestimable legacy of civil and religious liberty which they have received from their heroic fathers. The administration which you have come here to inaugurate comes into power under circumstances of embarrassment and peril, never before known in the history of the Republic; but I believe I know the character and purposes of the Chief Magistrate: I believe that, while he will be firm, he will be also just to every State, and every section, and every citizen; that be will defend and protect the rights and interests, the peace and the prosperity, of all the States equally and alike, while he will practice the moderation that springs from virtue, and the affection that arises from patriotism in Confederated States. Under his guidance, and with the blessing of God, I believe and trust, and confidently expect, that an Administration that is inaugurated amid some distrust and painful apprehension, will close upon a reunited, restored, prosperous, free and happy Republic. The State of New-York, the greatest and most powerful of the States, will lead all other States in the way of conciliation; and as the path of wisdom is always the path of peace, so I am sure that now we shall find that the way of conciliation is the way of wisdom.” Mr. SEWARD was greatly affected during the delivery of his speech, which was frequently applauded, and followed by three hearty cheers. A gentleman standing near, who was evidently captured by the Senator, exclaimed: “I am a Virginian, and a Southern man all over, but I’ll trust that man anywhere. I’ve watched his course for a long time, and I know he’s honest.” Mr. SEWARD shook hands with the delegation and then retired. It was nearly noon when Mr. BUCHANAN started from the White House with the Inaugural procession, which halted before Willard’s Hotel to receive the President elect. The order of march you will get from other sources, and I will only observe that the carriage containing Mr. BUCHANAN and Mr. LINCOLN, was a simple open brett, surrounded by the President’s mounted guard, in close older, as a guard of honor. The procession, as usual, was behind-hand a little, but its order was excellent. Nothing noteworthy occurred on the route. As it ascended the Capitol hill, towards the north gate, the company of United States Cavalry and the President’s mounted guard took their positions each side of the carriage-way, and thus guarded the inclosed passage-way by which the President’s party entered the north wing of the Capitol to go to the Senate Chamber. The procession halted until the President and suite entered, and then filed through the troops aforesaid into the grounds. On the east front, the military took their positions in the grounds in front of the platform, but the United States troops maintained their places outside until the line took up the President and party again after the ceremonies were over, to escort them back to the White House. The arrangements at the Capitol were admirably designed, and executed so that everybody who was entitled to admission got in, and everybody who could not go in could see from without. The Senate Chamber was the great point of attraction, but only the favored few were admitted upon the floor, while the galleries were reserved for and occupied by a select number of ladies. The scene which transpired there was most memorable, producing a great and solemn impression upon all present. Mr. BRIGHT spent all the morning in talking against time on some Gas Company’s bill, greatly to the amusement of Senators, and the ill-concealed annoyance of spectators, who expected to hear some good speaking. A few moments before 12 o’clock, Mr. BRECKINRIDGE came in with Mr. HAMLIN upon his arm, and, together, they sat by the side of the President’s desk until noon, when, assuming the Chair, Mr. BRECKINRIDGE said: SENATORS: In taking final leave of this position, I shall ask a few moments in which to tender to you my grateful acknowledgments for the resolution declaring your approval of the manner in which I have discharged my duties, and to express my deep sense of the uniform courtesy which, as the presiding officer, I have received from the members of this body. If I have committed errors your generous forbearance refused to rebuke them, and during the whole period of my service I have never appealed in vain to your justice or charity. The memory of these acts will ever be cherished among the most grateful recollections of my life, and for my successor I can express no better wish than that he may enjoy the [???] of mutual confidence which so happily have marked our intercourse. Now, gentlemen of the Senate and officers of the Senate, from whom I have received so many kind offices, accept my gratitude and cordial wishes for your prosperity and welfare. The oath was then administered to Vice-President HAMLIN, who announced his readiness to take it in a full, firm tone. Mr. BRECKINRIDGE took him by the hand, and led him to the chair, after which, crossing over to Mr. SEWARD, he shook hands and extended greetings with him, and took his seat as the newly elected Senator. The Vice-President rapped to order, and addressed the Senate as follows: SANATORS: The experience of several years in this body has taught me something of the duties of the presiding officer, and with a stern, inflexible purpose to discharge these duties faithfully, relying upon the courtesy and cooperation of Senators, and invoking the aid of Divine Providence, I am now ready to take the oath required by the Constitution, and to enter upon the discharge of the official duties assigned me by the confidence of a generous people. The Senate now waited in silence for the President elect. Gradually those entitled to the floor entered. The Diplomatic Corps, in full court dress, came quite early. The Supreme Court followed, headed by the venerable Chief Justice TANEY, who looked as if he had come down from several generations, and finally the House of Representatives filed in. For at least an hour Mr. HAMLIN was acting President of the United States, but at length, a little after 1 o’clock, the doors opened, and the expected dignitaries were announced. Mr. BUCHANAN and Mr. LINCOLN entered, arm in arm, the former pale, sad, nervous; the latter’s face slightly flushed, with compressed lips. For a few minutes, while the oath was administered to Senator PEARCE, they sat in front of the President’s desk. Mr. BUCHANAN sighed audibly, and frequently, but whether from reflection upon the failure of his Administration, I can’t say. Mr. LINCOLN was grave and impassive as an Indian martyr. When all was ready, the party formed, and proceeded to the platform erected in front of the eastern portico. The appearance of the President elect was greeted, as he entered from the door of the rotunda, with immense cheering by the many thousand citizens assembled in the grounds, filling the square and open space, and perching on every tree, fence or stone affording a convenient point from which to see or hear. In a few minutes the portico was also densely crowded with both sexes. On the front of the steps was erected a small wooden canopy, under which were seated Mr. BUCHANAN, Chief-Justice TANEY, Senators CHASE and BAKER, and the President elect, white at the left of the small table on which was placed the Inaugural, stood Col. SELDEN, Marshal of the District, an exponent of the security which existed there for the man and the ceremonies of the hour. At the left of the canopy, sat the entire Diplomatic Corps, dressed in gorgeous attire, evidently deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occasion, and the importance of the simple ceremony about to be performed. Beyond them was the Marine band, which played several patriotic airs before and alter the reading of the address. To the right of the diplomats sat in solemn dignity, in silk gowns and hats, the members of the Supreme Court. Then came Senators, members of the House, distinguished guests and fair ladies by the score, while the immediate right of the canopy was occupied by the son and Private Secretaries of Mr. LINCOLN. Perched up on one side, hanging on by the railing, surrounding the statue of COLUMBUS and an Indian girl, was Senator WIGFALL, witnessing the pageant.

²

Everything being in readiness, Senator BAKER came forward and said: “FELLOW-CITIZENS: I introduce to you ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the President elect of the United States of America.” Whereupon, Mr. LINCOLN arose, walked deliberately and composedly to the table, and bent low in honor of the repeated and enthusiastic cheering of the countless host before him. Having put on his spectacles, he arranged his manuscript on the small table, keeping the paper thereon by the aid of his cane, and commenced in a clear, ringing voice, that was easily heard by those on the outer limits of the crowd, to read his first address to the people, as President of the United States. The opening sentence, “Fellow-citizens of the United States,” was the signal for prolonged applause, the good Union sentiment thereof striking a tender chord in the popular breast. Again, when, after defining certain actions to be his duty, he said, “And I shall peform it,” there was a spontaneous, and uproarious manifestation of approval, which continued for some moments. Every sentence which indicated firmness in the Presidential chair, and every statement of a conciliatory nature, was cheered to the echo; while his appeal to his “dissatisfied fellow-countrymen,” desiring them to reflect calmly, and not hurry into false steps, was welcomed by one and all, most heartily and cordially. The closing sentence “upset the watering pot” of many of his hearers, and at this point alone did the melodious voice of the President elect falter. Judge TANEY did not remove his eyes from Mr. LINCOLN during the entire delivery, while Mr. BUCHANAN, who was probably sleepy and tired, sat looking as straight as he could at the toe of his right boot. Mr. DOUGLAS, who stood by the right of the railing, was apparently satisfied, as he exclaimed, sotto voce, “Good,” “That’s so,” “No coercion,” and “Good again.” After the delivery of the address Judge TANEY stood up, and all removed their hats, while he administered the oath to Mr. LINCOLN. Speaking in a low tone the form of the oath, he signified to Mr. LINCOLN, that he should repeat the words, and in a firm but modest voice, the President took the oath as prescribed by the law, while the people, who waited until they saw the final bow, tossed their huts, wiped their eyes, cheered at the top of their voices, hurrahed themselves hoarse, and had the crowd not been so very dense, they would have demonstrated in more lively ways, their joy, satisfaction and delight. Judge TANEY was the first person who shook hands with Mr. LINCOLN, and was followed by Mr. BUCHANAN, CHASE, DOUGLAS, and a host of minor great men. A Southern gentleman, whose name I did not catch, seized him by the hand, and said, “God bless you, my dear Sir; you will save us.”To which Mr. LINCOLN replied, “I am very glad that what I have said causes pleasure to Southerners, because I then know they are pleased with what is right.” On the steps were Gov. KING, and many influential New-Yorkers; Govs. HOPPIN and SPRAGUE, of Rhode Island; BUCKINGHAM, of Connecticut, and the entire Cabinet of the outgoing Administration. In reply to questions, Mr. BUCHANAN said, with a wretched and suspicious leer, “I cannot say what he means until I read his Inaugural; I cannot understand the secret meaning of the document, which has been simply read in my hearing.” Mr. DOUGLAS said, “He does not mean coercion; he says nothing about retaking the forts, or Federal property — he’s all right.” Subsequently, to another querist, DOUGLAS said: “Well, I hardly know what he means. Every point in the address is susceptible of a double construction; but I think he does not mean coercion.” After delaying a little upon the platform, Mr. LINCOLN, and Mr. BUCHANAN, arm in arm, and followed by a few privileged persons, proceeded at a measured pace to the Senate. Chamber, and thence to the President’s Room, while the Band played “Hail Columbia” “Yankee Doodle” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” In a short time the procession was reformed, and in state, the President and Ex-President were conducted to the White House. After a few moments’ rest, Mr. LINCOLN granted an audience to the Diplomatic Corps, who with great pomp and ceremony, were the first to pay their respects to, and congratulate the President at his new home. Then the doors were opened, and the people, like a flooding tide, rushed in upon him. The Marshals, forming a double line of guards, kept all rudeness at a distanc, and everything went off with great success, and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. The thirty-four little girls who personated the several States of the Union, and rode in a gaily decorated car in the procession, halted at the door while they sang “Hail Columbia;” after which they were received by the President, who gave to each and all of them a hearty and good-natured salute. After Mr. LINCOLN had been well shaken, the doors were closed, and the Marshals of the day were personally introduced to him. He thanked them for the admirable arrangements of the day, and congratulated them upon the successful termination of their duties. They then retired, and the President repaired to his private apartment, somewhat overcome by the fatigue and excitement of the day, but thankful that all things had been so very pleasant, and that literally nothing had occurred to mar the perfect harmony of the occasion. While conservative people are in raptures over the Inaugural, it cannot be denied that many Southerners look upon it as a precursor of war. They probably will take a calmer view to-morrow. Mr. WEED is delighted with it, and even Mr. WIGFALL publicly declares it a most able paper, certainly. Its conciliatory tone, and frank, outspoken declaration of loyalty to the whole country, captured the hearts of many heretofore opposed to Mr. LINCOLN, and its firm enunciation of purpose to fulfil his oath to maintain the Constitution and laws, challenge universal respect. The arrangements for the preservation of the peace were admirable. A large special police, with conspicuous badges, were distributed all along the line of procession, and about the Capitol, but their mere presence was generally sufficient to insure order. In a few cases, where individual fights occured, they interposed so promptly as to prevent a collision becoming general. So, too, they immediately dispersed every gathering of people who manifested the least improper excitement, or attempted to vociferate sentiments intended to be offensive or incendiary. The several companies of United States Artillery, all under arms, were on the street near their quarters, with horses hitched up, and riders standing by their side, ready to vault into the saddle at an instant’s notice. Files of mounted troops were stationed at different points of the City to convey to Head-quarters prompt intelligence of any disturbance. The turn-out of the District militia was quite imposing. The Washington Light Infantry looked remarkably well. They are a fine-looking set of young men. The National Rifles, the corps whose secession sympathies are well understood here, failed to participate in the parade, but I understand they were on duty at the Armory, ready to turn out if needed to aid in the preserving of the peace. Early in the forenoon, when the flag was unfurled upon the Capitol, one of the halliards gave way, and, splitting in two, the flag flung out like a pennant. For a long while it could not be taken down, though finally an adventurous man climbed to the top of the staff, and, tearing away the ill-omened standard, replaced it with an entire flag of the Union. After the Inaugural procession dispersed, large numbers of strangers in town pulled out of their pockets, and mounted the peculiar cap-cover designating Wide-Awakes, thus demonstrating the fact that they are here in large force. There is a good deal of excitement in town to-night, but nothing angry or threatening. The substitution of JOHN SHERMAN for CHASE in the Cabinet is still agitated, and it is stated, apparently on good authority, that the Ohio delegation have presented SHERMAN to the President as satisfactory to them. SHERMAN, however, emphatically denies any knowledge of the probability of his selection. From another very high source, I know the opinion was expressed very positively to-night that the substitution of SHERMAN for CHASE will be made, in which event it is intimated, that CHASE may be sent to the London Court. The fact that the Cabinet nominations were not sent to the Senate to day confirms the rumors that changes in the programme are under discussion. Another rumor has it that WELLES will take the Navy Department, and BLAIR the Post office. PEACE CONFERENCE PROPOSITIONS. The Southern men express much regret at the failure to act upon the Peace Conference propositions, but think the passage of joint resolutions by Congress, and the positions taken by Mr. LINCOLN, will prevent all further trouble. Messrs. Crittenden, Johnson, Douglas, Clingman, Powell, and Breckinridge, all concur in this opinion, and also several Southern members of the House. The wisest among them say to-night that the action of the past few days, with the Inauguration to-day, means peace and a settlement of all the National difficulties. WIGFALL, however, says war is inevitable, and has telegraphed home to that effect. He has been very boisterous all the afternoon and evening. WHAT VIRGINIA WILL DO. Senator MASON says be is very agreeably disappointed, but thinks Virginia will not be satisfied, and will secede at once. He thought so four weeks ago. The disunion Congressmen from Virginia have sent home to advise secession immediately. THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. The passage of the joint resolutions, amending the Constitution, in the Senate, gives very great satisfaction to the outspoken Union men of the South. Mr. CRITTENDEN and ANDY JOHNSON say that in it they see great hope for the future of the country. The Republicans who voted against it all took the ground, as expressed by Mr. WILSON, that they intended nothing wrong, and preferred to show it by their actions rather than by declarations, and were opposed to useless amendments of the Constitution. There were no serious accidents, to-day, of any kind. There was some surprise expressed that no salute was fired, but I learn that it was dreamed inexpedient, as creating unnecessary confusion, noise and interruption. MR. LINCOLN AND MR. BUCHANAN. Mr. LINCOLN has invited Mr. BUCHANAN to remain at the White House some days. He probably declined, as be is stopping at the house of ROBERT OULDS, the District-Attorney. The unexpected and free intercourse between Mr. LINCOLN and Mr. BUCHANAN adds to the general tone of good feeling which prevails to-day. Hon. GEORGE ASHMUN was sent for to consult with the President, but is at Quebec upon legal business for BARING BROS., of London, in the great case of settlement with the Grand Trunk Railroad. He replied by telegraph that he could not be present for some time. NEW-YORKERS VISIT THE PRESIDENT. The New-Yorkers, numbering at least five hundred, proceeded this afternoon to the White House to call upon the President. Thurlow Weed, Gen. Scroggs, Amor J. Williamson, Justice John Quackenbush, Guy R. Pelton, D.D. Conover, and other prominent gentlemen, were in the procession. Mr. LINCOLN was at dinner, but on being informed of their visit, came out. STEWART L. WADFORD introduced the party, and the President replied as follows: FELLOW-CITIZENS: I thank you for this visit. I thank you that you call upon me, not in any sectional spirit, but that you come, without distinction of party, to pay your respects to the President of the United States. I am informed that you are mostly citizens of New-York. [Cries of "All, "all."] You all appear to be very happy. May I hope that the public expression which I have this day given to my sentiments, may have contributed in come degree to your happiness. [Emphatic exclamations of assent.] As far as I am concerned, the loyal citizens of every State, and of every section, shall have no cause to feel any other sentiment [Cries of "Good," "Good."] As towards the disaffected portion of our fellow-citizens, I will say, as every good man throughout the country must feel, that there will be more rejoicing over one sheep that is lost, and is found, than over the ninety-and-nine which have gone not astray. [Great cheering.] And now, my friends, as I have risen from the dinner-table to see you, you will excuse me for the brevity of my remarks, and permit me again to thank you heartily, and cordially, for this pleasant visit, as I rejoin those who await my return. At the conclusion, he was greeted with a hearty round of cheering, after which several gentlemen shook hands with him, but he found it necessary to break away from the company. THEY THEN VISIT MR. CAMERON, ANDY JOHNSON AND GEN. SCOTT. The delegation then reformed, and marched to the residence of Hon. SIMON CAMERON, who appeared in answer to their calls, and addressed them briefly. Upon motion of Judge QUACKENBUSH, the company then proceeded to pay their respects to Hon. ANDY JOHNSON, of Tennessee, at the St. Charles Hotel. He came out and made an eloquent, earnest Union speech, indorsing the President’s Inaugural without qualification. They also called on Gen. SCOTT. PAUCITY OF INCIDENTS. The day was barren of incidents, other than those noted above. During the Inaugural ceremonies, strangers were still moving about on the out-skirts of the crowd, carpet-bags in hand, and a long train left soon after, diminishing somewhat the crowd, which rendered so many unable to find a place to lay their heads. THE INAUGURATION BALL. The ball is a decided success. The room is very tastefully decorated with shields and flags, and is brilliantly lighted with gas. Dancing commenced precisely at 10 o’clock, at which hour the President had not arrived. ROBERT LINCOLN came in with Miss CAMPBELL, of Galena, Ill, accompanied by Col. LAMON, Col. ELLSWORTH, LOT TODD, and Private Secretary HAYS. The room is pleasantly filled, and toilettes of ladies are noticeable, with but few exceptions, for elegance and good taste. Capt. COMSTOCK, Capt. WOODHULL, of the United States Navy; J. WATSON WEBB, ABRAHAM WAKEMAN, JAMES HUMPHREY, wife and daughter; Gen. SCROGGS and wife; and Mrs. Chancellor WALWORTH, are among the prominent New-Yorkers present. Mrs. DRAKE MILLS is gorgeously attired in two thousand dollars’ worth of laces and twenty thousand dollars’ worth of diamonds. The army is well represented. Lord LYONS and other diplomats, in plain dress, are present. Senator HARRIS and lady, MARSHALL O. ROBERTS, EDWARD FISKE and CHARLES SEDGWICK, of New-York, are also here. Mrs. CASSON, of Iowa, presented Mr. SEWARD with an elegant, but chaste bouquet, which was the envy of the Senator’s confreres. Mr. SEWARD entered the room with his daughter-in-law. A queerly-dressed man, with a long shepherd’s crook, is on the floor endeavoring to find Mr. SEWARD. At 10 3/4 o’clock the Presidential party came in. Senator ANTHONY and Vice-President HAMLIN supported the President. Senator DOUGLAS escorted Mrs. LINCOLN; Senator BAKER Mrs. HAMLIN; Gov. YATES Mrs. BAKER, and Dr. BALOCHE Miss EDWARDS. The Band struck up “Hail Columbia,” and the party marched from one end of the hall to the other, amid inspiring strains of the national air, causing an era of tremendous good feeling. After a brief promenade, the President, with Mrs. HAMLIN, took stations at the upper end of the room, and a large number of persons availed themselves of the opportunity of being presented to Mr. LINCOLN, who shook hands with everybody. At 11 1/2 o’clock, the President and suite went into the supper-room, in the same order as they entered the hail. At 12 1/4 o’clock the quadrille of the evening was danced — DOUGLAS and Mrs. LINCOLN, HAMLIN and Miss EDWARDS, Mayor BERRET and Mrs. BERGMAN, Mr. HARRARD and Mrs. BAKER composing the set Miss EDWARDS, piece of Mrs. LINCOLN, is acknowledged to be the belle of the evening. The ladies of the Presidential party are dressed exquisitely, and in perfect taste. Half-past Twelve — The ball is progressing. Everybody is in fine spirits. The President has gone home, but the ladies and younger portion of the family remain, and are dancing merrily. The ball is in every way a great success.

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Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

The New York Times on Abraham Lincoln’s First Inauguration

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Historian Brooks Simpson at Crossroads today raised some good points here and here regarding Tom Lowry’s denial of National Archives accusations against him.  One key question is whether or not the National Archives tried to contact Dr. Lowry prior to knocking on his door one January morning.  Lowry says they did not at all contact him.  The NARA indicated in a press release that not only did they contact Dr. Lowry, but that he was also grew “reticent” during what was presumably more than one exchange back and forth of emails.  So where are these emails NARA?  Do you have them?  If so, produce them.  If not, Lowry’s case just got a lot stronger.  As Brooks mentions, this story is not going away any time soon, and it has the potential to get ugly for one or both parties.  I’m interested in the truth, as I have no dog in this fight.  If enough of us raise a stink in the Civil War blogosphere and other online outlets, maybe we’ll get closer to some real answers here.

Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

Tom Lowry Vs. the National Archives: Where’s the Email?

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Historian Thomas Lowry was accused of changing the date on a Lincoln pardon from April 15, 1864 to April 15, 1865, the day Lincoln was assassinated.  Fellow TOCWOC blogger Fred Ray wrote a post covering these events and the news cycle surrounding them.  Tom Lowry has since come out with a WordPress Blog describing in detail his version of these events, and in the interest of fairness and full disclosure, I wanted to make sure we linked to the blog here.  I don’t know exactly what happened, but I must say my first instinct upon hearing the news was disbelief.  I’m not entirely sure the National Archives is blameless here or that Dr. Lowry did what he has been accused of.  Lowry submitted samples of his handwriting to a certified forensic document examiner, and I’m interested to see the results of this investigation.  He at least deserves the benefit of doubt unless some proof of his guilt is found.  His allegedly coerced signed confession is the most confusing part of this to me.  If I hadn’t done something, no amount of pressure would cause me to sign my name to a confession.

Post from: TOCWOC - A Civil War Blog

Tom Lowry’s New Blog Denying Accusations Against Him

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