A Very Grand & Impressive Ceremony

March 1865 started out very wet. In each of Philip's diary entries for March 1st through the 4th, rain is one of, if not the first or only thing he mentions. On the 2nd, he received a letter from home and mentions “splendid news” but doesn’t elaborate. Perhaps just receiving the letter is the splendid news.

On March 4th, Philip traveled to Washington, D.C for President Lincoln’s second inauguration. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 people were assembled at Capitol Hill on that rain-soaked morning for the inauguration. The day began with the swearing in of newly elected Vice-President Andrew Johnson. Unfortunately, Johnson had been out drinking the night before and then unwisely stopped that morning on his way to the inauguration and reportedly consumed 3 glasses of whiskey. The obviously intoxicated Johnson proceeded to deliver a strange, rambling speech that subsequently prompted some senators to call for his resignation.

Lincoln's Second Inagural Address

After a gray, wet dismal morning, as Lincoln approached the inaugural podium on the grounds of the Capitol, the sun burst forth and shone on the podium. Reportedly, Lincoln later said that the sun “Made my heart jump.” Lincoln proceeded to deliver what some consider to be one of the finest speeches in American history. Although short, at 700 words, his speech was powerful and effective, calling for and end to the war and a peaceful reconciliation of the nation.
President Lincoln photo from February 1864 with the concluding lines from the Second Inaugural Address.

Source:
________

MARCH 1ST 1865
The weather is very wet. Heavy rain been falling for 48 hours.

MARCH 2ND
Still raining. Read a letter from home. Splendid news.

MARCH 3RD
Was sent on picket. Still is raining. The paymaster paid us off. Received 4 months pay.

MARCH 4TH
The rain has been falling all last night. We had a very hard time on picket. Came in at 10 o’clock. Got ready & went to the city of Washington to see the President’s Inauguration for the second time. It was a very grand & impressive ceremony. I seen … the Philadelphia fire corps in the parade. The President looked very well. Our army’s doing well on all accounts.

MARCH 11TH
Was down to Alexandria. Expressed $50.00 home to mother. Bought a watch for $20.00. We are having splendid weather. The mud is very near all gone.

MARCH 13TH
Was on guard. Pleasant time. The news is very good from the army in N.C. We are whipping the Rebels in every fight. Lieutenant Jacobs was dismissed from service for neglect of duty. He was a very good officer and feel very sorry to see him leave us after being with us for three years. Three of our men went home on furlough this morning. The guerrillas are constantly troubling our line, picking up all who venture beyond the lines. They had a skirmish with our cavalry a few nights ago, the last 4 men wounded 1 killed. Our last two killed, four wounded. We put them to rest and one in that pursuit.

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