Flag St^mr "Philadelphia"

Charleston Harbor S.C.

April 22nd 1865

 

            Little did I think, Sis, that about the time I was closing my last to you, that so horrible and disgracefull an act in the history of our country was being perpetrated.

 

            On the morning of the 19^th the terrible news reached us, "The President shot & Sec. Seward dangerously wounded". Immediately every countenance (always joyful) showed an expression of grief and every heart grieved bitterly the mournfull news

 

It was immediately the subject of a general order from the Admiral ordering the flags to be half masted and minute guns to be fired, which was put immediately into effect. In a few minutes the banner / that was raised so high in the morning bowed beneith the weight of grief and the regular and mournfull sound of the minute guns fell heavily upon us, and stired every patriotic heart with feelings of revenge.

 

The news affected the Admiral very sensably, and the regret he felt could be seen in every action, in every expression of countenance, and every word he uttered. Since Officers generaly wear crape on their left arm, the excitement occationed by the news has subsided, but everyone is ancious to hear further and more satisfactory accounts. Yesterday we where relieved by hearing the joyfull news of the recovery of Sec. Seward. At noon yesterday the citizens of Charleston met for the purpose of showing their feeling to the public as to the manner and death of the President. I was at the meeting a portion of the / time but I was not very favorably impressed with the proceedings. The hall was crowded & several short speeches where made. Charleston is evidently teeming with rank traitors and time only will be able to wear the feeling out. There are a few who have right feelings and among them is Dr. Mackey who I am told has maintained his Union feelings through the war.

 

The excitement here occationed by the ceremonies on the 14^th has subsided, and all the distinguished visitors have returned to their homes or are on a pleasure tour further south.

 

The news from the Army is glorious we have just heard of the capture of Mobile and through a very reliable source the surrender of Johnson to Sherman. They will surely now give up, another effort on their part would be neadless. We have beaten the armies of rebellion and with them falls rebellion itself. 

 

There has been nothing of any importance going on here since the 14^th. They have commenced to day again with new pumps at the ram in Cooper river and expect in a short time to have her afloat as she was once before but the pumps giving out she again settled.

 

There is two monitors laying at the mouth of the harbor in readiness for the Rebel ram, but I do not think any one need be much alarmed at one ram coming to fight the U.S.

 

As you seem to prise the pamphlets I sent you, I will send some more. I might fill the house with relicks but I have seen so many I do not think it worth while taking any of them. Wheather this will be in time enough for the mail tomorrow I cannot say, I think it will.

 

            I received a letter from Harry of the 11^th he was then well. I am beginning to think he may have the pleasure of going home on land by way of Richmond yet. I hope he may.

 

            I am well.

            Charley

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

            Leaman Place

                        Lan^c Co.

                                    Penna.

 

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Leaman Place

            Lancaster Co

                        Pennsylvania

                                    U.S.A. North America

                                                Western Hemisphere

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