"But Fannie, in the midst of all this triumph—in this hour of exultation, in this day of power + joy + hope, when our starry flag floats amid the stars of Heaven, suddenly it falls to half-mast—"Darkness sweeps athwart the sky", + the President of the United States, with his heart full of conciliation + charity + forgiveness is struck down by the assassin's hand. Words will not tell the feeling with which this Army receives this news.
I wish you could have been present today at my funeral service for the President—this field—the drooping flags—the dirges of the bands—the faces of the men—the words of the chaplain from his text—"Give me here the head of John the Baptist in a charger"! You should have been here. You of all, I missed. The chaplain is an Irishman, + the celtic soul took fire to day you may, be sure. I ordered this service on my own responsibility, as it is the day of the Presidents funeral, + all duties of a military character are suspended. It will take a life time to tell you all I have to tell. These are terrible times, but I believe in God, + he will bring good at last. We march at 7 in the morning, to make a camp + rest for a little, when I shall write you more fully.
God bless you, sweet love; I thank you for your letters. I learn that some of the { . . . }commend me. For your sake I am glad. I receive many congratulatory letters. Give my love to Auntie, + all , especially to your dear Father. I enclose $10 for you to give Helen. Sae speaks of your "most sweet + beautiful of letters." Thank you darling. What is our baby's name? With a good night kiss + a long one. "
Joshua Chamberlain
http://learn.bowdoin.edu/joshua-lawrence-chamberlain/documents/1865-04-19.html
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