Kreutzer, William, Notes and observations made during four years of service with the Ninety-eighth N. Y. Volunteers, in the war of 1861. Philadelphia: 1878

[pp. 319-320]

President Lincoln had been at City Point since March 24, in communication with Gen. Grant at the front. He at once telegraphed the fall of Richmond to Washington, and soon far and near the news was sent over the loyal states, and the feeling of gratitude and joy was not less exuberant and demonstrative in the Northern cities than in Richmond. In most of these all business was suspended, and the public offices closed. The people burned bonfires, fired salvos and shouted themselves hoarse.

In the afternoon, the President came to Rocketts with Admiral Porter in his flag ship, the Malvern. Thence they went in a rowboat to the foot of 17th street. Landing there, and, accompanied by six or eight of the crew armed with carbines and revolvers, they walked to Weitzel's headquarters in the Davis mansion. His [320] arrival was soon known by all, and the greater part of the city thronged about the Capitol and the City Hall to see him. He soon after rode around the Capitol grounds and through the more crowded streets, in an open wagon drawn by four horses. Wherever he passed the people made the wildest demonstrations of joy; they shouted, sang and threw up their hats, and rushed towards him. In the evening he returned to City Point.

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