"[From Demoplis Herald, 19th.] GLORIOUS NEWS.
Lincoln and Seward Assassinated!
LEE DEFEATS GRANT.
Andy Johnson Inaugurated President.
We have been favored with the following private dispatch, which we hasten to lay before our readers, with the hope that it may prove true:
DEMOPOLIS, April 18, 1865-TO COL. GARNER:-
SIR-The operator at Meridian has just telegraphed me that Memphis papers state, over the signature of Secretary Stanton, that Lincoln and Seward were both assassinated the same night at Washington City.
Lincoln was shot through the head in the theatre: Seward slain while sick in bed.
Andy Johnson was inaugurated as President of the United States on the 15th.
This is said to be true beyond a doubt.
I inquired particularly from the operator as to whether there was anything more in regard to Lee's capitulation, and he said nothing at all from Northern papers.
A gentleman Just from Selma says it is believed in Selma that Lee and Johnston had effected a junction and whipped Grant soundly. Passengers, wounded soldiers and officers confirm this,
This is given on the authority of the operator at Meridian.
JOHN W. HENLEY, Operator."
#OrgClassifPPUSPOTUSAbrahamLincoln
#OrgClassifPPUSPOTUSAndrewJohnson [Wikipedia]
#IRLHistoricalFigureRobertELee [Wikipedia]