Letter from Lincoln's Cabinet to Andrew Johnson
Remembering Lincoln is an IMLS-funded project of Ford's Theatre Society that serves to engage teachers, students, enthusiasts and scholars with primary sources detailing responses to the Lincoln assassination.
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Transcription

Washington City DC

April 15, 1865, -

Sir:

Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, was shot by an assassin last evening, at Ford's Theater in this city and died at the hour of 22 minutes of seven o'clock.

About the same time at which the President was shot, an assassin entered the back chamber of the house of Wm H. Seward, Secretary of State, and stabbed him in several places,

in the throat, neck, and face, severely if not mortally wounding him. Other members of the Secretary's family were dangerously wounded by the assassin while making his escape.

By the death of President Lincoln, the office of President has devolved under the Constitution upon you. The emergency of the government demands that you should immediately qualify, according to the requirements of the Constitution and enter upon the duties of President of the United States. If you will please make known your pleasure, such arrangements as you deem proper will be made.

Your Obedient Servants,

Hugh McCulloch Secretary of the Treasury

Edwin M Stanten Secretary of War

Gideon Welles Secretary of Navy

W. Dennison Postmaster General

J.P. Usher Secretary of the Interior

James Speed Attorney General