[9]The foregoing statement has been verified by Mr. Bateman as substantially correct.
[9]The foregoing statement has been verified by Mr. Bateman as substantially correct.
Perhaps in all history there is no example of such great and long continued injustice as that of the British press during the war toward Mr. Lincoln. His death shamed them into decency. While he lived they sneered at his manners. Let them turn to their own Cromwell. They said his person was ugly. Has the world recognized the ability of Mirabeau, or that of Henry Brougham, notwithstanding their ugliness? They made scurrile jests about his figure, as though a statesman must be necessarily a sculptor's model! They were facetious about his dress, as though a greater than a Fox or a Chatham must be a Beau Brummel. They were horrified by his jokes. If the same had been told by the patrician Palmerston, instead of the plebeian Lincoln, they would not have lacked the "Attic salt," but would have rivaled Dean Swift or Sidney Smith.
It has been truly said there is one parallel only, to English journalism's treatment of Lincoln, and that is to be found in their treatment of Napoleon. "The Corsican Ogre," and the "American Ape," were phrases coined in the same mint. But the great Corsican was England's bitter foe; Lincoln wasnever provoked either by his own or his country's wrongs, to hostility against Great Britain. Yet at the great Martyr's grave, even this injustice changed to respect and reverence; even "Punch" repented and said—
"Yes he had lived to shame me from my sneer,To lame my pencil, and confute my pen;To make me own this hind, of princespeer,This rail-splitter a true-bornKingof men."
"Yes he had lived to shame me from my sneer,To lame my pencil, and confute my pen;To make me own this hind, of princespeer,This rail-splitter a true-bornKingof men."
The place Mr. Lincoln will occupy in history, will be higher than any which he held while living. His Emancipation Proclamation is the most important historical event of the nineteenth century. Its influence will not be limited by time, nor bounded by locality. It will ever be treated by the historian as one of the great landmarks of human progress.
He has been compared and contrasted with three great personages in history, who were assassinated,—with Cæsar, with William of Orange, and with Henry IV. of France. He was a nobler type of man than either, as he was the product of a higher and more Christian civilization.
The two great men by whose words and example our great continental Republic is to be fashioned and shaped are Washington and Lincoln. Representative men of the East, and of the West, of the Revolutionary era, and the era of Liberty for all. One sleeps upon the banks of the Potomac, and the other on the great prairies of the Valley of the Mississippi. Lincoln was as pure as Washington, as modest, as just, as patriotic; less passionate by nature, more of a democrat in his feelings and manners, with more faith in the people, and more hopeful of their future. Statesmen and patriots will study their record and learn the wisdom of goodness.
END OF BOOK ADVERTISEMENTS
ENGRAVED PORTRAIT OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
The Portrait of Mr.Lincoln, accompanying this book, has been engraved, for the Publisher, expressly for it. No labor or expense has been spared to produce a First-Class Engraving. It was executed byH. B. Hall, Jr., Esq., who unquestionably stands in the front rank of American Engravers. The great Painting of
"The Last Hours of Lincoln,"
is now being engraved by Mr.Hall, in the same style.
ThisPortraitof PresidentLincolnis pronounced by all to be the most life-like—the best ever engraved of him. It may not be improper to state that I have a letter from his family to that effect, which I refrain to place in print. I will, however, publish a few from persons intimately acquainted with him, selecting from the large number that I have received.
Engraved Portrait of President Lincoln.
Opinions of his Friends.
Washington, D. C.,June 22, 1868.
"Dear Sir:—
"I have examined with interest the steel engraving of PresidentLincolnpublished by you. I knew him intimately more than thirty years, being at times a member of his family.
"I regard this portrait the happiest likeness—and it conveys to me the most pleasing recollection ofAbraham Lincolnof any that I have seen.
"Very truly yours,"J. B. S. TODD.
"Col. John B. Bachelder."
Treasury Department, Washington, D. C.,July 30, 1868.
Dear Sir:—
"I have carefully examined the portrait of the late President, Mr.Lincoln, engraved by Mr.H. B. Hall, Jr., and published by yourself. The engraving is exceedingly fine, and thelikenessis superior to any that I have seen. As a work of Art, it is in the highest degree creditable to Mr.Hall.
"Very respectfully,"Hugh McCulloch,"Secretary of the Treasury.
"Col. John B. Bachelder."
War Department,July 30, 1868.
"* * * It is one of the most truthful likenesses of the late President that I have seen. * * *
"Yours very truly,"J. M. SCHOFIELD,"Secretary of War.
"Col. John B. Bachelder."
"Navy Department,July 30, 1868.
"* * * I think it a correct and satisfactory likeness in all respects.
"GIDEON WELLES,"Secretary of Navy.
"J. B. Bachelder, Esq."
"Head-Quarters, Corps of Engineers,"Washington, D. C.,July 30, 1868.
"* * * It is a beautiful piece of Art, indeed it is I think quite remarkable, presenting, as it does that characteristic expression of the eye as well as of the features and lines of the face. * * *
"I am very truly yours,"A. A. HUMPHREYS,"Major-General."
A quarto edition of this Engraving has been published, suitable to frame, which will be sent free by mail to any part of the country on the reception of the price.
STYLE AND PRICES.
Print,$1.00;Plain Proof,$2.00;India Proof,$3.00;Artist's Proof(selected and signed by the engraver, and tastefully framed in apasse-partout),$5.00. (Express delivery extra.)
Orders Addressed toJOHN B. BACHELDER, Publisher,59 BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK.
Prospectus of Works
PUBLISHED BYJOHN B. BACHELDER,
59 BEEKMAN STREET,NEW YORK.
COL. MORROW, with the COLORS of the 24th MICH. VOLS.
COL. MORROW, with the COLORS of the 24th MICH. VOLS.
GETTYSBURG.
When a person is desirous of procuring a published work upon any subject, it is natural for him to inquire for the sources of information from which the author has compiled that work. I have, therefore, without wishing to be considered egotistical, concluded to issue this prospectus to such as have an interest in the Battle of Gettysburg, that they may know what I have already done, and what I yet propose to do, to eliminate the history of that battle.
ISOMETRICAL DRAWING OF THE GETTYSBURG BATTLE-FIELD.
In compiling the Isometrical Drawing of the Gettysburg Battle-field, it was first necessary to establish its extent and boundaries. When I arrived at Gettysburg thedebrisof that great battle lay scattered for miles around. Fresh mounds of earth marked the resting-place of the fallen thousands, and many of the dead lay yet unburied. It therefore required no guide to point out the locality where the battle had been fought.
As the termfield, when applied to a battle, is generally used figuratively, and, by the general reader, might be misunderstood, it is well to consider at the start, that the battle-fieldof Gettysburg not only embraces within its boundaries manyfields, but forests as well, and even the town of Gettysburg itself is included in that battle-field. The formation of the ground and the positions of the troops, favored the plan of sketching the field while facing the west. Consequently the top of myDrawingof it is west: the right hand, north; the left, south, &c. There was no point from which the whole field could be sketched, nor would such a position have favored this branch of Art. On the contrary, it was necessary to sketch fromeverypart of the field, combining the whole into one grand view.
DEATH OF GEN. ZOOK.
DEATH OF GEN. ZOOK.
Having located its boundaries, I commenced at the southeast corner, and gradually moving toward thenorth, I looked toward thewest, and sketched it carefully, as far as the vision extended, including fields, forests, houses, barns, hills, and valleys; and every object, however minute, which would influence the result of a battle. Thus I continued to the northeast boundary, a distance of five and a half miles. The next day I resumed my work at the south (having advanced to the point where my vision had been obstructed the preceding day), and sketched another breadth to the north, as before: and so continued, day by day, until I had carried my Drawing forward four and a half miles, which included within its limits the town of Gettysburg. When the Battle-field had beenIsometricallydrawn. I sketched in thedistanceand added a sky.
This Drawing was the result of eighty-four days spent on that field immediately after the battle, during which time I sketched accurately the twenty-five square miles which it represents.
I spent two months in hospital writing down the statements of Confederate prisoners, and as they became convalescent, I went over the field with many of their officers, who located their positions and explained the movements of their commands during the battle.
I then visited theArmy of the Potomac, consulted with its Commander-in-Chief, Corps, Division, and Brigade commanders, and visited every Regiment and Battery engaged, to whose officers the sketch of the field was submitted, and they, after careful consultation, located upon it the positions of their respective commands.
PHILLIPS' 5th MASS. BATTERY
PHILLIPS' 5th MASS. BATTERY
From the information thus obtained, I have traced the movements ofevery Regiment and Batteryfrom the commencement to the close of the battle, and have located on the Drawing its most important position for each of the three days.
Since its publication I issued an invitation to the officers of the Army of the Potomac to visit Gettysburg with me, and point out their respective positions and movements, thus giving an opportunity to theactorsin this great drama to correct any misapprehension, and establish, while still fresh in memory, the facts and details of this most important battle of the age. This invitation was responded to by over one thousand officers engaged in the battle; twenty-eight of whom were Generals commanding. And it may be interesting to those who possess the Drawing, to know thatbut one solitary Regimentwas discovered to be out of position on it.
Many thousand copies of this work have been sold, yet the demand still continues, and orders are constantly coming in from all parts of the country. Though complete in itself, it is really but theintroductionto other works yet to be published on this battle, and will be considered almost an indispensable companion to the history of it.
It can be furnished at the following:
PRICES.
Colored Proof, on heavy plate paper, carefully finished in Water-Colors, $15.00Proof, printed in tints, on paper as above, with positions of Regiments, colored, 10.00Tinted, printed with one tint, on lighter paper, 5.00The above styles have a sky, and are suitable to frame, and are accompanied by a key.Plain, on lighter paper, without sky, $3.00
CAPTURE OF THE 8th LA. COLORS BY LT. YOUNG, ADG'T 107th OHIO VOLS.
CAPTURE OF THE 8th LA. COLORS BY LT. YOUNG, ADG'T 107th OHIO VOLS.
The original plate has not been used except to print copies fortransfers. Thefirstimpressions from each transfer are reserved forPROOFS. Therefore the quality of the print can never materially change, as the original plate would furnish a thousand transfers. ThecoloredPROOFSare carefully colored by an Artist. TheTINTEDandPLAINeditions are next printed, and when the plate is worn a new transfer is made.
To any person remitting the money, for either of the above styles, I will forward the print by mail, to any part of the United States,Free of Charge, carefully packed on a roll: or, I will send it by express, at their expense, with bill for collection. I have sent hundreds by mail, to all parts of the country, and have yet to hear of the first copy being lost or injured, while it is quite a saving of expense. AKey, embracing a brief description of the battle, accompanies each print without extra charge. I have hundreds of letters of indorsement from which I select the following:—
TESTIMONIALS.
"Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac.Feb. 11, 1864.
"I have examined Col. Bachelder'sIsometrical Drawingof the Gettysburg Battle-field, and am perfectly satisfied with the accuracy with which the topography is delineated, and the positions of the troops laid down. Col. B., in my judgment, deserves great credit for the time and labor he has devoted to obtaining the materials for this drawing, which have resulted in making it so accurate. * * * * I can cheerfully recommend it to all those who are desirous of procuring an accurate picture and faithful record of the events of this great battle. * * * *
"I remain most truly yours,"GEO. G. MEADE,"Maj.-Gen. Comd'g. A. P."
"Head-Quarters Second Army Corps.Dec. 29, 1863.
"The view of the Battle-field of Gettysburg prepared by Col. Bachelder, has been carefully examined by me. I find it as accurate as such a drawing can well be made. Andit is accurate, as far as my knowledge extends.
"WINF'D S. HANCOCK,"Major-General Comd'g 2d Corps."
"Col. Bachelder's Isometrical View of the Battle of Gettysburg is an admirable production, and a truthful rendering of the various positions assumed by the troops of my command.
"A. DOUBLEDAY,"Maj.-Gen. Vols., Comd'g 1st Corps."
"Boston,Sept. 23, 1964.
"Col. Bachelder:—I have examined your beautiful drawing of the Battle-field of Gettysburg and vicinity. The certificates of Gen. Meade and the Corps Commanders, which appear on its face, establish its accuracy on the highest authority. Your personal explorations, and your inquiries of all the commissioned officers in command of the Union Army, and of the Confederate officers made prisoners, have furnished you means of information not possessed, I imagine, by any other person. Such opportunities of observation as I had during three days passed at Gettysburg satisfy me of the fidelity of your delineation of the position of every regiment of the two armies on each of the three eventful days. * * * * I may add, that the engraving is beautifully executed and colored. Wishing you ample remuneration,
"I remain sincerely yours,"EDWARD EVERETT."
"Head-Quarters Fifth Army Corps.Sept. 28, 1864.
"Mr. Jno. B. Bachelder:—
"Dear Sir:—I am exceedingly gratified with receiving a finished copy of your print of the Battle-field of Gettysburg. I am familiar with your long and untiring labors in all the fields where truth could be reached, and know that your efforts were crowned with a success that leaves nothing more to be desired. You are authorized to add my name to those who bear testimony to Its accuracy.
"Very respectfully your obedient servant,"G. K. WARREN."Maj.-Gen. Vols., Comd'g 5th Corps."Ch. Eng. at Gettysburg."
"Orange,Oct. 1, 1864.
"Jno. B. Bachelder, Esq.:—
"My Dear Sir:—I have carefully examined your Isometrical Drawing of the Battle-field of Gettysburg, with great interest and much profit. Never having been on that field, of course I can not express an opinion as to its accuracy—so abundantly indorsed for, however, by most competent judges: but I can say that it has given me a much clearer idea of the battle than I had before, and I earnestly hope that you will find it convenient to illustrate others of our great battles in the same manner.
"I am very truly yours,"GEO. B. McCLELLAN."
"Head-Quarters Dep't and Army of the Tennessee.Oct. 24, 1864.
"Mr. Jno. B. Bachelder:—
"My Dear Sir:—I was much gratified on receiving a copy of your beautiful drawing of the 'Gettysburg Battle-field.' I have never seen a painting or topographical map that could give so vivid a representation of a great battle. I regard it as an honor that you have associated my name with those of other corps commanders in your historical picture. Be pleased to accept my kind regards.
"Respectfully yours,"O. O. HOWARD,Major-General."
"Col. Jno. B. Bachelder:—
"Dear Sir:—I have examined with care your Isometrical Drawing of the Gettysburg Battle-field, and can cheerfully bear testimony to the accuracy of the position of the troops on the right of our line.
"Yours very truly,"H. W. SLOCUM,"Maj.-Gen. Vols., Comd'g Right Wing at Gettysburg."
WOFFORD'S FLANK ATTACK ON SWEITZER'S BRIGADE, DEATH OF COL. JEFFERS 4th MICH. VOLS.
WOFFORD'S FLANK ATTACK ON SWEITZER'S BRIGADE, DEATH OF COL. JEFFERS 4th MICH. VOLS.
HISTORY OF THE BATTLE.
During my consultations with officers at the front, as well as on the Battle-field, I noted down with great care their conversations, and have books full of material thus rescued from oblivion.
STANNARD'S BRIGADE OPENING ON PICKETTS' DIVISION.
STANNARD'S BRIGADE OPENING ON PICKETTS' DIVISION.
Since the publication of the Drawing, and even before, I have been steadily engaged in compiling the History of the Battle of Gettysburg. I have traveled many thousand miles to add to my knowledge. I have received a great number of letters relating to it, and the Government have very considerately placed at my disposal the entire Reports of both the Union and Confederate officers; and have also given me access to the archives at Washington. They have recently ordered a re-survey of the field, which is now being done by Government Engineers in the most complete and scientific manner. A fine Topographical map is to be compiled and engraved, copies of which I have arranged to have to illustrate my History of the Battle. This book, in addition to the maps, which will cost several thousand dollars, will also be illustrated with Steel Plates and Wood-Cuts in a manner second to no book heretofore published in this country. Over $7,500 worth of illustrations are already engraved to embellish it, including fine Steel Portraits, executed by the best engravers in America, in line and stipple, of Generals Reynolds, Doubleday, Newton, Meredith, Stannard, Hancock, Gibbon, Zook, Hays, Webb, Hall, Sickles, Birney, Humphreys, Berdan, Sykes, Barnes, Tilton, Wright, Bartlett, Wheaton, Howard, Ames, Slocum, Williams, Geary, Kane, Pleasanton, Butterfield, Warren, Hunt, Ingalls, Randolph, Martin, and McGilvrey. Several others are in hand, and undoubtedly more will be added to the list. In addition to these the Portraits of leading Confederate Generals will be engraved. Many of the prominent scenes of the battle have already been beautifully designed and engraved on wood, samples of which embellish this circular, others are to be added, and to those interested I shall be pleased to furnish full information regarding either portraits or wood-cuts.
I shall publish aPopular Editionof the history, with portraits printed from transfers, and bound in cloth. Price. $7 50
The next will be theLibrary Edition, royal octavo, printed on good fair paper, good plates, and substantially bound in sheep. $12 00
The same size printed on fine paper. Proof Portraits—bound in half morocco, beveled boards. $17 50
A Fine Editionon tinted paper. Proof Portraits. Full morocco, gilt, beveled boards, gilt edges. $25 00
A Large Paper Edition(limited) will be printed from new type, and the original wood-cuts in the best style of modern hand-press work, on heavy toned paper, with the finestIndia Proof Portraits. In Sheets, stitched, uncut, $100.00
Elaborately bound. Full levant morocco, gilt. $125.00
I have now devoted five years and a half to collecting material for the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, but until quite recently I have felt unwilling to commence to write, knowing that other matter existed which it was important for me to have, and which, when obtained, might make a material change in the account. This reason no longer exists, though I shall still thankfully receive suggestions from any participant in the battle.
Within another year the Government will have completed the Topographical Map of the field, by which time I hope to be ready to publish my work. As a publisher I would have done so long ago, but as a historian not until I feel that I have written the truth—the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
PAINTINGS OF THE BATTLE.
I have also in progress, the finest Collection of Oil Paintings executed of any battle in this country. The whole to be known as
"THE GETTYSBURG ART GALLERY."
I have divided the Battle into a series of episodes, beginning with its commencement and continuing to its close, each to embrace such movements and operations as of themselves form a complete unit. Of each, I make an accurate historical design, which design I place in the hands of some eminent battle-scene painter, who will be responsible for the artistic rendering of the subject. Each painting is to be 7 × 4 ft., and when completed, will be exhibited in the places where the regiments represented in it were raised. The whole, together, will form a most complete and graphic representation of the Battle from its commencement to the close. Each of these paintings will be engraved on steel, and hereafter engravings may be had representing actual scenes, which, having been designed under the personal direction of the participants themselves, will possess the merit of historical truth.
REPULSE OF LONGSTREET'S CHARGE.
REPULSE OF LONGSTREET'S CHARGE.
It must not be understood that this whole work is to be put in hand at once. It will be taken up in detail, and continued as rapidly as I have time and means to attend to it. I shall be happy to correspond with those interested in any portion of the Battle. When convenient, it will be better to call a meeting, at Gettysburg, of the officers of the command to be represented, before commencing a painting, that all the details may be properly arranged. I have already made a design, representing the "charge" of the 6th Wisconsin, 95th N. Y., and 14th N. Y. S. M., on the first day, resulting in the capture of the 2d Mississippi Regiment, which is now being painted by Alonzo Chappel, Esq., the eminent historical painter. I have recently met, at Gettysburg, the officers of the 3d Division, 1st Army Corps, and under their direction completed a design of their engagement on the afternoon of the first day, which will also embrace the movements of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division. This picture is now being painted by the distinguished battle-scene painter, James Walker, Esq.
Fine Steel Engravings will be published from these paintings. Size (engraved surface), 12 × 21 in.
PRICES:
Prints, $5.00; Plain Proofs, $10.00; India Proofs, $15.00; Artist's Proofs, $25.00.
DEATH OF MAJOR FERRY, 5th MICH. CAV'Y.
DEATH OF MAJOR FERRY, 5th MICH. CAV'Y.
Mr. Walker has just completed for me, his graphic representation of
THE REPULSE OF LONGSTREET'S CHARGE,
on the afternoon of the third day, which will be exhibited in the principal cities of the country. This is also from my historical design, and has been painted under my immediate direction. Mr. Walker spent weeks at Gettysburg, transcribing the portraiture of the field to canvas, which has been done in the most pleasing and lifelike manner. We have received in this matter the kindest support and co-operation of the officers of the army, engaged on that portion of the field.
Many distinguished general officers, on my invitation, visited Gettysburg, and went over the field with us, and pointed out all the details of this great turning point of the Rebellion; each explaining the movements of their several commands. Among those present at different times, were Generals Meade, Hancock, Gibbon, Howard, Doubleday, Stannard, Hunt, Warren, Humphreys, Graham, Burling, De Trobriand, Wistar, and Dana; together with a large number of Field, Line, and Staff-Officers. Most of these gentlemen have since kindly called at Mr. Walker's studio, and aided the work with their advice. Many others, who were unable to meet with us at Gettysburg, have, at considerable trouble, visited the studio in New York; among them, Generals Webb, Hall, Newton, Hazard, Sickles, Ward, Brewster, Berdan, and Gates, and Generals Wilcox and Longstreet, of the Confederate Army; the latter taking great interest in the painting, and leaving me a fine letter indorsing its accuracy. This painting has been designedstrictlyin conformity to the directions of these gentlemen, given on the field for that purpose, and from the Reports of the Confederate Commanders, furnished to me by the Government.
This great representative Battle-scene has not its equal in America, for correctness of design or accuracy of execution. Gibbon's and Hays's Divisions and the Corps Artillery, occupy the immediate foreground. It is on a canvas 7-1/2 × 20 feet, and represents, not only every Regiment engaged at that portion of the field, but where the formation of the ground would admit, the entire left wing is shown.
It presents such an accurate and lifelike portrait of the country, that on it the movements of the first and second day's operations can readily be traced. No important scene has been screened behind large foreground figures, or, for the want of a knowledge of the details, hidden by convenient puffs of smoke; but every feature of this gigantic struggle has, in its proper place, been woven into a symmetrical whole.
A fine steel plate is also to be engraved of this picture, which will be accompanied by aKey, by which the position of every Regiment and Battery can be determined.
PRICE OF ENGRAVINGS.
Print, $10.—Plain Proof, $25.—India Proof, $60.—Artist Proof (limited to 200 copies), $100.
The following gentlemen, intimately identified with the Battle of Gettysburg, and exercising the highest commands at the battle, kindly furnished me these letters, as indorsements to an application to examine Confederate Reports of the Battle of Gettysburg at the War Department.
"Philadelphia,Nov. 3, 1867.
"General:—
"* * * * Mr. Bachelder has accumulated a vast amount of official and reliable testimony on our side, and I am of the opinion his work will be as truthful as the data in his possession will admit; I am greatly interested in his application being granted, and would most earnestly recommend permission being given him to examine the Confederate Reports, in case you do not see any strong reasons preventing it.
"Very truly yours,"GEO. G. MEADE,"Major-General, U. S. A.
"General U. S. Grant."Sec. War, ad interim."
Permission Granted.
[Extract of a letter from Major-General Humphreys, Chief of the Corps of Engineers.]
"Washington, D. C.,Nov. 14, 1867.
"General:—
"* * * The information which Mr. Bachelder has collected concerning the Battle of Gettysburg, is extraordinary in amount and correctness. So far as I am able to judge, there is no battle of any war respecting which so many truthful accounts, so many exact details, have been collected and compiled. From every source, from the private to the general commanding the army, facts have been collected, and where discrepancies were found, evidence was multiplied, and in this way errors have been dissipated.
Mr. Bachelder has peculiar qualifications for the task he has undertaken, and has devoted four years to it. * * *
"A. A. HUMPHREYS,Major-General.
"General U. S. Grant."Sec. of War, ad interim."
DEATH OF PRIVATE RIGGIN, GUIDON BEARER, RICKETTS' (PA) BATTERY
DEATH OF PRIVATE RIGGIN, GUIDON BEARER, RICKETTS' (PA) BATTERY
Note.—The wood-cuts interspersed through this circular have been engraved to illustrate scenes in the Battle of Gettysburg, and with many others will appear in the History of that Battle.
"THE LAST HOURS OF LINCOLN."
ORIGIN OF THIS HISTORICAL PAINTING.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, was assassinated byJohn Wilkes Boothon the night of April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theater, Washington, D. C. This night, fraught with woe to the peoples of two continents, sombered by its halo of diabolism, must forever remain the Golgotha of American history.
At the threshold of the temple of peace—the High Priest was stricken down—and the great heart whose every throb was a pulsation of love for his country's enemies, was robed in silence. In company with Mrs.Lincoln, MissHarris, and MajorRathbone, Mr.Lincolnhad sought a brief respite from the iron wheel of State toil, and in the search, through the medium of the assassin's bullet, found a respite for all time.
Immediately after the fatal shot was fired, and under direction of Assistant-SurgeonsLealeandTaft, he was removed to a private house, and placed upon a couch in a small bedroom.Robert Lincoln, GeneralTodd, and Dr.Todd, cousins of Mrs.Lincoln, and other personal friends, speedily arrived. His family physician, Dr.Stone, and Surgeon-GeneralBarnes, accompanied by Asst.-Surgeon GeneralCrane, were in early attendance, and later he was visited by Drs.HallandLiebermann, and other eminent physicians, all of whom agreed that the wound was unto death. The bullet had entered the back of his head, and lodged behind the right eye.
Mr.Lincolnwas visited during the night by Vice-PresidentJohnsonand the entire cabinet, except Mr.Seward, including SecretariesMcCulloch,Stanton,Welles, andUsher. Postmaster-GeneralDennison, and Attorney-GeneralSpeed, together with Asst.-SecretariesField,Eckert, andOtto. There were also present SpeakerColfax, Chief-JusticeCartter, SenatorWilson, RepresentativesFarnsworth,Arnold,Marston, andRollins, GovernorOglesby, accompanied by Adjutant-GeneralHaynie, MajorHay, GeneralsAuger,Meigs, andHalleck, Ex-GovernorFarwell, Rev. Dr.Gurley, and CommissionerFrench, ColonelsVincent PelouzeandRutherford, and MajorRockwell. Early in the night Mrs.Lincolnsent for Mrs. SenatorDixon, who was accompanied by her sister and niece, Mrs.Kinneyand daughter. There were also a few others present during the night, but never more than half of those represented on the painting at any one time.
By the publicity of the assassination it was soon known throughout the city, and thousands crowded the avenues leading to the house where the President lay.
The news of this tragic event flashed with the speed of lightning throughout the land. From Maine to California consternation reigned, and feelings of surprise and grief were depicted on every face. The great man now martyred had for more than four years held the highest place in the gift of the American people, and on him their hopes had centered. The designer of the painting of
"THE LAST HOURS OF LINCOLN,"
Jno. B. Bachelder, arrived in Washington on the night of his death, and being impressed with the historic importance of the event, at once determined to collect such materials as should be necessary for an historical picture commemorating that sad scene, and should the demand warrant it, to publishing a steel-plate engraving from it. The design for the painting was soon completed, and arrangements having been made withBrady & Co., Photographers, as soon as the remains of the President left the city each of the persons represented were visited, and at their convenience wereposedand photographed in the position which they now occupy in the painting. It being important that the best possible original should be had for the engraver's use, the design was placed in the hands ofAlonzo Chapel, Esq., the historical painter, to whose genius the painting is to be credited. Much of its completeness is due to the kindness and attention of the persons represented; as all cheerfully gave their time for frequent sittings, both to the designer and painter.
No expense has been spared to produce a work worthy the scene it represents, and the high encomiums given it by eminent judges is the best proof of the result.
To publish any thing now short of a first-class copy of such a painting would be a breach of confidence to those who have so kindly aided in its production. The proprietor has therefore decided to have this picture engraved in the finest style of line and stipple, the engraved surface of the plate to be 18 × 31 inches; believing that nothing short of agenuine work of artwill meet the approval, and secure the patronage of the American people, and to those interested the proprietor can most confidently promise a suitable memento of their departed chief.
The engraving is being executed byH. B. Hall, Jr., Esq., the eminent engraver upon steel.
PRICE OF ENGRAVINGS.—Prints,$15.00;Plain Proofs,$35.00;India Proofs,$60.00;Artist's Proofs(limited to 200 copies which will be numbered and signed by the artist and engraver),$100.00.
A beautiful engraved and photographicKeyto the Engraving will be presented to the subscribers. It is a complete picture of itself, and may be had in advanceby subscribers only.
JOHN B. BACHELDER,Publisher,59 Beekman Street. New York.
The Last Hours of Lincoln
The Last Hours of Lincoln
KEY1 Pres. LINCOLN.2 Mrs. LINCOLN.3 Vice Pres. JOHNSON.4 Maj. RATHBONE.5 Mr. ARNOLD. M.C.6 P.M. Gen. DENNISON.7 Sec. WELLES.8 Atty Gen. SPEED.9 Dr. HALL.10 Dr. LEIBERMANN.11 Secy. USHER.12 Secy. McCOLLOCH.13 Gov. OGLESBY.14 Speaker COLFAX.15 Dr. STONE.16 Surg. Gen. BARNES.17 Mrs. Sen. DIXON.18 Dr. TODD.19 Asst. Surg. LEALE.20 Asst. Surg. TAFT.21 Asst. Secy OTTO.22 Gen. FARNSWORTH. M. C.23 Sen. SUMNER.24 Surg. CRANE.25 Gen. TODD.26 ROBT. LINCOLN.27 Rev. Dr. GURLEY.28 Asst. Secy FIELD.29 Adjt Gen. HAYNIE.30 Maj. FRENCH.31 Gen. AUGER.32 Col. VINCENT.33 Gen. HALLECK.34 Secy. STANTON.35 Col. RUTHERFORD.36 Asst. Secy. ECKERT.37 Col. PELOUSE.38 Maj. HAY.39 Gen. MEIGS.40 Maj. ROCKWELL.41 Ex Gov. FARWELL.42 Judge CARTTER.43 Mr. ROLLINS, M. C.44 Gen. MARSTON. M. C.45 Mrs. KINNEY.46 Miss KINNEY.47 Miss HARRIS.
Brief Sayings of Eminent Men.
Surgeon-General's Office, }Washington City,March 20, 1867. }
Col.J. B. Bachelder.
Sir:—The picture of "The Last Hours of Lincoln." painted by Alonzo Chappel from your design, presents, with remarkable fidelity, the portraits of those in attendance at various times during the night of April 14, 1865, preserving truthfully the principal features of that most sad event.
Very respectfully yours,J. K. Barnes.Surgeon-General, U.S.A., Brevet Major-General.
It is certainly a work of great interest and merit. I have looked upon it with the liveliest satisfaction on account of its singularly graphic delineation of the actual scene as myself beheld it, and also because the likenesses of most of the distinguished persons presented by the painting seem to me to be very accurate and striking.
P. D. Gurley.Pastor of the N. Y. Ave. Pres. Church
I cheerfully bear testimony to the accuracy of the Portraits of the persons present on that melancholy occasion, and especially that of the martyred President.
W. T. Otto.Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
It gives me pleasure to testify to the accuracy with which you have represented the principal features of the scene in question, and to the fidelity of the portraits which you have introduced. You have been especially successful in the likeness of President Lincoln.
John Hay,Brevet Colonel, formerly A. D. C. to President Lincoln.
The truthful likeness of President Lincoln, the fidelity of the portraits of those present on that most mournful night, and the excellent grouping of the figures, render this picture peculiarly valuable in an historical point of view, apart from its merits as a work of art.
C. H. Crane,Assistant Surgeon-General U. S. Army.
Without possessing a critical capacity for judgment, I can say, in all sincerity, that the painting as a whole, is faithful to the scene of the death-chamber on that eventful night, and impressively truthful in its portraiture.
D. K. Cartter,Chief-Justice.
The above gentlemen visited President Lincoln during his last hours, and are represented in the painting.
It is admirable as a picture, and of great value for the fidelity of the portraits.
A. A. Humphreys,Major-General.
Dear Sir:—Permit me to thank you for the enjoyment of the luxury of grief afforded me in the viewing of the great picture commemorating "The Last Hours of Lincoln." It is deserving of great praise. If it has a fault, it is its high coloring. As I have personally known nearly all the forty odd persons who appear in it, I can speak with confidence of the truthfulness of the likenesses.
F. E. Spinner,Treasurer United States.
The majority of the portraits could hardly be improved.
O. O. Howard,Major-General.
I know personally a large majority of the persons represented, and take pleasure in bearing my testimony to the singular fidelity of their portraits.
Ira Harris,United States Senator.
EXTRACT FROM A CRITICISM.
[From the Washington Sunday Herald.]
Washington,March 31, 1867.
A great picture has been designed of the "Last Hours of Abraham Lincoln." The designer is Mr. John B. Bachelder, the painter Alonzo Chappel. * * The value of such a picture of such a scene is enormous, and of a kind to ever increase with time. * * Looking like himself, from his finger-nails to his hard, protruding lip, Stanton, with paper and pencil in hand, and uplifted forefinger, is giving instructions to the soldierly General Auger, the then Military Commander of the District. * * Portraits so minutely like I have never seen, even from the brush of Elliot. * * *
The grandeur in the face of Lincoln, is grand indeed. The cold hues of death are warmed to the eye by the red rays of a candle held over him, and the flickering flare causing a Rembrandt-like effect, is very felicitously managed. The eye rests in love and pity on it, turning from those around impatiently. * * *
McCulloch who turns from the scene, and Johnson who sits in the left foreground, are wonderfully like. As is the erect Dennison beyond them; and Meigs, with his hand resting on the door-post, where he stood to prevent disturbing entrances; Dr. Stone and Surgeon-General Barnes, General Todd, Judge Otto, Sumner, Farnsworth, Speaker Colfax, and Governor Oglesby, are looking down on the face of Lincoln with an expression of respectful concern. * * * Judge Cartter and Ex-Governor Farwell stand in front of Meigs, forming the right foreground of the picture; they are given in profile and seem conversing.
The greatness of the picture lies in its correct transcription of an actual scene and perfect portraiture of American men. It is just such a work as, above all others, should be American property, for if ever there was aNationalpicture, this is one.
Arc.
ADVERTISEMENT.
Sketch of the Life of Abraham Lincoln.
PRICE.
People's Edition.8vo. Steel Portrait. Cloth $1.50A Fine Edition.8vo. Proof Portrait. Fine binding, beveled boards, Levant cloth, gilt edges 3.00Memorial Edition.On heavy toned paper, large margin. India Proof Portrait. Morocco, Antique, gilt edges 7.00I am prepared to supply the Trade with the"SKETCH of the LIFE of ABRAHAM LINCOLN," and the "PORTRAIT of LINCOLN,"ON LIBERAL TERMS.
My other publications are sold exclusively by Subscription, including
The Steel Engraving of"The Last Hours of Lincoln;"The Isometrical Drawing of"The Gettysburg Battle-field;""The History of the Battle of Gettysburg."The Steel Engraving of"The Battle of Gettysburg;" (Longstreet's Repulse.)And the Steel Engravings of the Different"Episodes of the Battle of Gettysburg."
Each of the latter forming a fine business opportunity for a man of energy, who has a small amount of capital, which he would invest with a certainty ofliberal returns.
ToCanvassersofExperience, having theCapitalandBusiness Capacityto manage the canvass ofStates,Counties, orCities, I can offer superior inducements. (See separate notices of subjects.) Orders received for either of the above at the office of publication.
From my intimate business relations with thebestPainters,Designers,Steel Engravers,Wood Engravers, andLithographers, in this City, I am prepared to receive orders from my patrons, and have them executed under my immediate superintendence, in any style required.
JOHN B. BACHELDER, Publisher,59Beekman St., New York.