Rejoice Lee's Army is Captured but now the great woe that our president is dead. Our VP is a drunk.
Author
Recipient
Date Written
April 16, 1865
Member of Series
Atwilda Rose Andrews was 19 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Joseph Albert Penly, was 24 when it was received.
It was written 157 years, 11 months, 15 days ago.
It was a Sunday.
Paris
April 16, 1865
Friend Alfred,
Your letter was received some time ago, but really I have had so many letters to answer that I have not had time. Please excuse me this time and I will try to be more prompt in the future.
What glorious news we heard last week. Lee’s Army captured and Richmond fallen. The people of Paris had a jubilee or celebration on the hill last Tuesday Night. Bonfires were built, cannons fired, and every house illuminated excepting the Copperheads and the Citizens formed in a procession two by two headed by fife and drum. And they marched to every house and gave three cheers. When they got to Samuel Carters, Mrs. Carter (his Mother) came out and said “Three Cheers” they prepared & cheer when she said “Three cheers for the Southern Confederacy.” Then they hissed at her if it had been a man they would have tarred and feathered him, and done rightly too.
But now the Nations rejoicing seems turned to mourning for yesterday the news came that our President is dead. Isn’t it terrible? And to die in such a way too. He was murdered Friday evening about 10 while at the theatre. A great woe seems to have fallen upon our nation. And it is said that our Vice President Andrew Johnson was drunk the day he made his, “Inaugural Address”. He must be a nice man for the future President. A drunkard is bad enough at all times. But a drunken President is worse yet. But perhaps I have written enough on the subject so will close.
I am not going to stay here but five weeks longer. I am going to teach the Billing’s School. I suppose you know where that is, in Woodstock. Don’t you think II will make a capital School Marm. I expect I shall be quite dignified.
You wrote that I must not get to playing with the boys for they would learn me bad habits. Thank You. I consider myself capable of taking good care of myself while with the young men. I am aware that they are not to be trusted and when they do not conduct properly. I shall withdraw from their society, I wish you to plainly understand this.
I would like your picture very much. Are you not going to send it? And I would also like to see you very much. Hope you will come home soon. I think this war is about done with, please write immediately, direct as before.
Your affectionate friend,
A. R. Andrews
Paris Hill, Me.
Rosie to Alfred
Forget not, Oh forget not me
When evening shades descend
For then my heart still turns to thee
My fondly cherished friend
Rosie
Alf Penly
Scans of Letter
