Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Black bordered document, two pp., printed on first page, 6-7/8" x 8-3/8", April 15, 1865, fine. A rare proclamation issued by the Governor of Rhode Island, James Y. Smith, declaring a day of mourning due to the assassination of President Lincoln. The proclamation gives details of the assassination, in part: "Our venerated and beloved President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, is now no more! The hand of the assassin had been laid upon him! He was shot last evening, and expired this morning at 7.22 o'clock! An attempt to assassinate the Secretary of State of the United States was made at the same hour, and his son, Assistant Secretary of State, was severely wounded in the defense of his father, and has since died! And these terrible crimes committed at the Capitol of the nation!". Typical of first accounts of the assassination, Frederick Seward was not killed, and did survive his wounds. A rare assassination / mourning document. We only know of two other examples extant, one being in the Lincoln collection at the John Hay library at Brown University.
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