The Farewell to Lincoln

"Abraham Lincoln's funeral journey from Washington to Springfield, Illinois, is here related as it happened-making the reader an eyewitness to some of the most dramatic moments in American history. Beginning with the fall of Richmond on April 3, 1865, Mr. Searcher sets forth the historical moments leading to Appomattox, where the surrender of the Confederacy took place; to Ford's Theater in Washington, where Lincoln was assassinated; to the funeral services in the nation's capital; to the twelve-day journey to Springfield, where Lincoln was buried. Careful and thorough research, which has uncovered many little-known facts, has enabled the author to accurately portray the reactions of a stunned nation and the demonstrations of grief and sorrow as the funeral train slowly made its way from Washington to Springfield-reversing the route of Lincoln's inaugural journey. Not only does Mr. Searcher skillfully recount the events of those historic days but he also gives a close look into Lincoln's character, background, philosophy, policies, and the factors that molded him, as well as his lasting contributions to his country and to mankind"--Dust jacket flap.