Attempting to find the date of the end of the Civil War for this article was quite enlightening, even though I had April 1865 in mind. Checking various online sources leads a person from the initial General Lee Surrender to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, VA, on April 9, 1865, to May 25, 1865, to Nov. 6, 1865, to Aug. 20, 1866, the final and official end of the Civil War.
For the purposes of this article, we will go with April 9, 1865, but even April 1865 was confusing to the rejoicing soldiers, families of soldiers and citizens who desperately needed an end to war. This excerpt is from State of New York Messages From The Governors, relating to Governor Reuben E. Fenton.
“On the 6th (April), Governor Fenton issued a proclamation announcing the fall of Richmond, and setting apart the 14th as a day of rejoicing for the people. This day was selected because by President Lincoln’s proclamation, it had been chosen as the day on which the national flag would be hoisted again over Fort Sumter. On the 8th, the Governor issued another proclamation postponing the date of the celebration from the 14th to the 20th. The next day, the 9th, the Confederate Army under General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox. On the 14th the flag was raised again over Fort Sumter, and on the same day President Lincoln was assassinated. He died on the morning of the 15th. On that day the Governor sent a message to the Legislature announcing the tragic event, and issuing the following proclamation:
The fearful tragedy at Washington has converted an occasion of rejoicing over National victory into one of National mourning. It is fitting, therefore, that the 20th of April, heretofore set apart as a day of thanksgiving, should now be dedicated to services appropriate to a season of National bereavement. Bowing reverently to the Providence of God, let us assemble in our places of worship on that day to acknowledge our dependence on him who has brought sudden darkness on the land in the very hour of its restoration to Union, peace and liberty.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Privy Seal of the State, at the City of Albany, this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
R.E. FENTON (1)
On July 4th, 1865, in a formal proclamation (in Albany) on the occasion of the presentation of the regimental flags to the Governor, Fenton welcomed the men home by saying, “Soldiers, your state thanks you and gives you pledge of her lasting gratitude. You have elevated her dignity, brightened her renown, and enriched her history. The people will regard with jealous pride your welfare and honor, not forgetting the widow, the fatherless, and those who were dependent upon the fallen hero.” (2)
These words can be seen on the Governor Fenton bronze statue in front of the Fenton Mansion/Museum, with the exception of these last words, “and those who were dependent upon the fallen hero.”
When you find an event memorializing this heart-rending four-year war remember that about three million people took part and about one million died. New York’s losses were approximately 39,000. According to the Chautauqua County Historical Society, McClurg Mansion, Westfield, NY, Chautauqua County’s soldiers were estimated at 4,400, and 1,400 died from wounds and disease.
Works Cited:
- Lincoln, Charles Z., STATE OF NEW YORK – MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNORS, Albany, New York, J.B. Lyon Company, State Printers, 1909, pg. 676, 677.
- Edson, Hon. Obed, History of Chautauqua County, New York, Boston, Mass., W. A. Fergusson, 1894, p.455
