May 04, 2017 - Sale 2446

Sale 2446 - Lot 34

Price Realized: $ 1,750
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 2,000
LEE'S SURRENDER ANNOUNCED: "TEARS STARTED IN MY EYES" (CIVIL WAR.) BEECHER, HENRY WARD. Autograph Letter Signed, to "Dear Sirs," explaining that none of the passengers of the SS Arago were aware of Robert E. Lee's surrender when the ship left New York, and that Beecher was invited to say a prayer in honor of the occasion. 2 pages, 8vo, personal stationery, with integral blank; horizontal folds. (MRS) Brooklyn, nd
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"In answer to your enquiries I would say: 1. That no one knew anything of Lee's surrender when the Arago left New York Harbor . . . . 2. When we were off Charleston, a steamer came within hailing distance & announced the surrender, & after ran along side, and more distinctly gave the news. The effect of the announcement was, at first, remarkable tears started in my eyes, then drooped the head, it was a solemn moment. I was requested to make a prayer of thanksgiving to God, for the joyful tidings. Cheer after cheer were given, and unbounded joy was felt & expressed . . . ."
On April 8, 1865, the SS Arago left New York Harbor bound for Fort Sumter, where the distinguished passengers were to participate in a ceremony at which the Union flag--which was being transported in the cargo hold of the ship--was to be restored to the fort. During festivities held at the fort on April 18, Henry Ward Beecher delivered an oration to loud cheers.