Poetry Archives

’Twas on that sad and mournful night,
Oh! what a fearful shock!
Our country felt when news arrived,
Our President was shot!
The stores were closed, our flag was draped,
Our hearts felt sick and sore,
Such fearful news we ne’er received,
From Washington before
Such fearful news we ne’er received,
From Washington before.

He lay upon his dying bed,
His eyes were growing dim,
When with a faltering step they brought
His weeping son to him.
Weep not my boy, his friends did cry,
But put your trust in Him,
Who takes your father from your side,—Repeat
And from this world of sin.

The glorious news arrived from Grant,
Made his heart swell with joy,
And caused the loyal North to shout!
From Maine to Illinois.
But mark the change throughout the land,
Oh! curse the traitor’s hand,
That moved from earth our brightest hope,—Repeat.
And crushed our Abraham.

On Springfield’s calm and happy shore,
His sacred form shall lie,
And rest in peace from war and strife,
His name shall never die.
There Willie too may rest with him,
Their Spirits met on high,
And choicest flowers deck their graves,
And tears fill every eye.
And choicest flowers deck their graves,
And tears fill every eye.