Mary Watson to Rev. George Whipple, May 1, 1865
- Title
- Mary Watson to Rev. George Whipple, May 1, 1865
- Date
- 05-01-1865
- Creator
-
Mary Watson
- Recipient
- Rev. George Whipple
- Description
- Mary Watson writes to Rev. George Whipple of the American Missionary Association about her students joyous reaction to the news of the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee's army, and how it turned to sorrow upon the news of President Lincoln's assassination.
- Related Financial Supporters
- American Missionary Association
- Transcript
-
Norfolk May 1st 1865
No. 61 John St
Rev. Geo. Whipple
Dear Friend
The month has been mingled with joy, and sorrow and although my pupils were small, they seemed to participate heartily in both
It was truly affecting to see their joy and to hear their expressions when the news came that Richmond was ours[.] I asked why are you so glad? one and another, would exclaim, “I'se got a Father there,” “I'se got a Mother” or a “Brother or a Sister there” and now I shall see 'um. One little boy, seemed not as jubilant as the rest said I? Are you not glad? yis marm; I'se glad Uncle Sam, beat the Secesh. To hear from childish lips how the ties of nature, had been ruthlessly severed, told anew the tale, of the horrors of Slavery. Then again the News of the Surrender of Lee's Army, the anticipation of the Parade, that the schools were to be represented in; seemed to fill them with delight. But in a short time, our rejoicing was turned into mourning the loss of our Noble Presiden[t] equally sincere, was their grief and the smallest, and poorest, child wore some badge, however inferior, as a mark of respect; and to Him, the name of Abraham Lincoln is sacred.
Respectfully
Mary E. Watson
rejoicing- mourning-
