Here is a transcript, mainly thanks to my eagle eyed wife, Kim.
Sunday Evening
Pittsburgh April 16 1865
My Dear Sister Lizzie
I received your letter last evening
was glad to hear all was well, and that Brother Derick had
arrived home safely.
This has been a gloomy day reminding me xx
xxx of the gloomy Sunday when we heard of the death
of President Harrison. Yesterday when the terrible news
came that President Lincoln had been shot by an
assassin it felt like a thunderbolt upon us, and
caused great excitement in the city. The Mayor xxx
immediately issued a proclamation that all stores
should be closed and draped in mourning. This morning
we went in to church, I never saw so many sad faces
Our church was draped in mourning. Mr Washington
got up looking the picture of sadness, said he felt
unxxxx and unfit to preach the words make a
few remarks suitable to the occassion. He read the
37 Psalm, which was very appropriate and made his
remarks from the 7 verse of the 39 Psalm. I never heard
a better address in my life. At times he was quite
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xxx and I was almost afrid he would break
down from excitement he expresses the sentiments of
any loyal heart, that the xxx leaders should be punished
For Lincoln the only fault he had was that he was
too lenient with the xxx hoping that Johnson
will hang any leader in this awful rebellion.
We were all rejoicing over the surrender of Richmond
in a moment our joy is brought to sorrow. We heard
last evening that there was great excitement in Baltimore
and some were fearful of a mob as the secessionists
seemed to express great joy that Lincoln had been murder
ed and the loyal xxx would not stand any such expressions
is this the case? or is it only a newspsper report, I hope
brother Derick will be very careful as he has taken such
an active part and the secessionists would delight to
injure any loyal man. Benjamine thinks the stores
will be closed until Lincoln is buried.
I recieved a letter last week from Sara stating
they would not be out with you on account of having
so much extra baggage that they would pay us
a visit later in the summer. I answered it on Friday
letting her know she could check her baggage from Baltimore
to Zanesville, but if they would prefer coming later in the
season it would make no difference to me as I did not
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expect to leave home this summer, but if she comes
with you it would be shxxxxby since and they
would have an opportunity of enjoying them
I think if you make tight coatsleeves to your
dress you will find them very warm in warm weather
probably you had better wait to make it until you
get here as I intend getting one made very soon and
may get something new. I have one dress xxxx with
plaited crepe you can buy it ready made. I have
not got anything for a evening yet, when I get something
will let you know.
You wished to know when it would suit me best
for you to come, it will suit us whenever you are
ready to come. Seely cleaned hers and Mary’s room week
before last. This week we will clean the garret and tower
room and hxxx if all kept xxx until we are
through, which I suppose will take us four weeks.
Sally returned from Harrisburg last Tuesday. Cousin
Louisa told her that her xxxxxxxxxx Mrs Kurtz when she
tasted the cxxxxx the sent for Dr Krump? he ordered
something for her to take which they say would have
relieved her at once but Mrs Kurtz said I won’t take it
as Dr Krump always gives such strong medicine they
then sent for another physician. When he
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came he said it was too late he could not do anything
for him if she had taken what Dr Krump ordered it would
have relieved her.
Sally also told me to tell you that Sybil told her
how much pleased she was with you. Sister Sarah
says no doubt she will send? her father out to see
you when you get here. she says how much she
would enjoy it. Des Luse
Today we had lettuce, asparagus and xxx
out of our garden as early I guess as the Baltimore.
Cousins Alice Clara Lou & May have gone
East. They spent last week in Philadelphia. They
will return to Lancaster, then visit Cousin Clara’s
father in Bucks County. They expect to be absent
three weeks, she got a girl from Lanchaster who is
keeping house for her.
As Hattie expects to leave home next month,
she said Benson must not lose time in music so he
has engaged to commence tomorrow with Miss Dedham
Hattie says she will be glad to accept sister Lucinda’s
invitation and wishes to be taken as one of the family
Benjamin and sister Sarah unites with me in love to
dear Mother as all the rest as if named. The
children send kisses to all. Do write very soon
I remain your affectionate
Sister Mary
President Lincoln has been assinated. The author, Mary, has heard reports that the secessionists have been celebrating in Baltimore. We think Mary is writing from Pittsburgh to her sister Lizzy in Baltimore. Their brother Derick is there in Baltimore and sister Sarah is with Mary in Pittsburgh.