There are times in our lives that we celebrate and rejoice for we have been quite fortunate. Sadly, there are other times where we are not able to be consoled, for we are wounded and forlorn.
In Concord on the evening of Monday, April 3, 1865, our ancestors were fortunate to rejoice. The citizens of Concord learned that Richmond, Va., had fallen and the war effort was nearing the end, and their husbands, sons and daughters too would certainly be home soon. The people rejoiced for they had suffered the war years and lost the peace that people desire within their hearts each day of their life. Our ancestors learned that war is hell.
The good news was immediately celebrated with the ringing of all the church bells within our city and followed by the discharge of cannons and a procession with flags. It was just a week later on April 10, that our ancestors learned Lee had surrendered at Appomattox and the war had come to an end. There would be no sorrow and peace would reign across our city as well as our country.
With the surrender there were crowds cheering in the streets, Concord Mayor Humphrey ordered yet another cannon salute as well as a 100-gun salute. The church bells were ringing and our buildings were decorated with our grand flag. On the evening of April 10, another procession formed in the State House yard and the citizens marched along with wounded veterans and young men that were newly recruited and schedule to depart, the woman and children marched and the beautiful carriages and riders on horseback followed. Yes, it must have been a grand sight to see, they had finally found that peace that they desired within their hearts. Soon the troops would be home from the war and a sense of complacency would once again become routine.
It was with this festive, light hearted period of celebration that our ancestors received word on Saturday morning, April 15, that the man they loved, their own President Abraham Lincoln, had been assassinated. Tears, yes there were tears for the man that had guided them on this war-torn journey from 1861 to 1865. They had just celebrated peace and now they found that a holiday of sorrow was bestowed upon our community. A meeting was immediately called at Phenix Hall down on Main Street and the colorful patriotic building decorations were removed and draped with emblems of mourning.
President Lincoln was celebrated at his funeral on Wednesday, April 19, in Washington, D.C. As the nation wept and the funeral proceeded our country mourned the loss of a great man. All businesses in Concord closed from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and services were held in honor of President Lincoln at both the North and South Congregational churches as well as the Unitarian and Episcopal churches. A proclamation was read by both the governor and the mayor of Concord and the Rev. Dr. Bouton offered prayer as well as a benediction.
The sad days, following the days of celebration so cruelly, left our city in mourning. As the thoughts of this tragedy continued to be discussed by our ancestors the sadness prevailed. Perhaps the discussions brought some peace to the people.
As the New Hampshire regiments started to return to Concord, there was constant reminder of the war and more sadness. The troops continued to arrive for months, collecting their last payments from the Concord paymaster, they were mustered out and returned to civilian life. The troops continued to arrive until the last soldier on Dec. 23. The war was over for the people – though it certainly lived on in each of their minds for their remaining years. The celebration of victory robbed with the assassination of our President Lincoln.
There are times in our lives that we celebrate and rejoice for we have been quite fortunate. Sadly, there are other times where we are not able to be consoled for, we are wounded and forlorn.