Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston Harbor S.C.

April 19^th 1865

 

Harry:—

            We are just the mournfull recipients of the horrible news: "The President assassinated". I have tried in many ways to relieve myself of the disastrous pictures the startling news forms in my mind, "The President shot, Sec. Seward mortally wounded", but all has failed, and I will try once more to divert my attention by writing to you, and can scarcely content myself even at that task which is always a source of pleasure.

 

            Ever since the news reached us all the flags of the different vessels have been at half mast and minute guns fired (21 guns from / each vessel) and the same number of guns are to be fired at sunset this evening by orders of the Admiral. The Admiral received the news apparently much effected. I am sorry to say however there were many smiles given by the ignorant and those who do not understand properly what has realy occured. For myself I can not see what will be the end of it. I am only afraid it will be the caus of much trouble and some times I think might prove ruinous to our cause and the day which all felt was dawning upon us might be only the bright moon appearing for a short period from behind the cloud in midnight. You may think Harry that I have lost all my confidence, but I can assure I have not. For I still trust to Him who has ever guided and protected since we have been a nation neither can I be infidel enough to think / that He will relinquish the government of the world and deliver it in the hands of devils.

 

I mourn more for Sec. Seward if such is possible, than the President, for in him we have lost a great and all important man at this period, and by his death I am much afraid a chair is left vacant which cannot be immediately filled. It would be a great pitty if the assassinators should ever escape and not only them but the aides in the plot. I have not seen full particulars of the assassination yet and I am in hopes we will not lose the Hon. Sec.

 

I think, I trust I may be mistaken, or wrong, that it should be a cause of much regret to everyone, that the Presidency falls in to the hands of one who has no better reputation. I hope however he may prove himself equal to the occation.

 

With all the reasons we have for / sorrowing yet we can rejoice for there is certainly glorious news from the army in every quarter. Richmond has not been only captured, but the Army of the South and in fact the rebellion has surrendered to Gen. Grant and I should not be surprised that by this time Johnson has done the same. Unless something unforeseen happens I do not think there is any thing to prevent a speedy restoration of peace.

 

            I was not at the Fort on the 14^th nevertheless I was where I could see the flag raised which was all I desired. there was great excitement in the harbor and the receipt of the glorious news of the surrender of Lee. the night before increased the glory of the days ceremonies. Henry W. Beecher made quite an excellent speech on the operation. On the 15^th I was in the city and heard several short addresses at Zion Church delivered by Wm L. Garrison, Senator Wilson of Mass, Geo. Thompson, Judge Kelly of our state and Theodore Tilton, Editor of the Independent. The audience was nearly all colored, and the addresses all of the same character and not exactly to suit the occation in my opinion, for in place of telling them what they realy are and what they should and must do to fit themselves for their new state and become better, they spoke to them in a manner that would cause them to believe, they are already fit for freedom and are scarcely second to any people, which in my opinion is a wrong mode of talking to them. It was an occation I think I shall not soon forget, for it was the first time I had ever seen the colored Major Delany and I must say it 

 

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was a sore sight to me. Not because the man was a negro but I think the experiment was to premature and one which I am afraid may cause trouble for it does not meet the favor of but a small portion of those in the service. And at all events a man in his position should at this time have experiance, something more than common mind, with education all of which he lacks from what I am able to judge of what I have seen of him and heard him say. My humble opinion, Harry, (if I am wrong, I am willing to be corrected) is, that too wrap such a bundle of ignorance in a coat which could be so properly filled by so many deserving men who has fought and fought hard for four long years is something but little less than a disgrace to our country and particularly those who had him commissioned. It is certainly a cause of great indignation through the soldiers of the Army and it is not to be wondered at when properly looked at. The day for such things may come, but the colored man requires a preparation in every way before such responsability can be placed upon him, and the people also require the requisite preparation for such a change, which no one is prepared for at presant.

 

            I received your letter yesterday and must say I was surprised that it was not yourself for I was expecting to see you every day. I hope you will be at liberty by the time this reaches you. as for myself I have no idea whether I will be kept here or sent away or in case the latter where I will be sent too. I will now close hoping to hear from, or see you soon.

                                                                                                           

Charley.

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