THE REJOICING: How the Glorious News is Received; The Quiet and Reverent Gratitude of the People (4/11/1865)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 4/11/1865

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The surrender of LEE and his army was first announced to the people of New-York in an extra TIMES, issued at 11:30, on Sunday night. The premature announcement on Friday had the effect of making the people incredulous; the hour of the real announcement was late, and, as it was on Sunday night, the weary world was wending bedward, there was not that amount of rejoicing which would naturally have arisen at an earlier hour. Yet the excitement was equaled only by that which followed the attack upon Fort Sumter; the surrender of LEE and his army was anticipated, looked for, and to a great extent discounted in advance. The utter demoralization of the rebel army, the increased esprit of our own forces, the vigorous pursuit of the Union troops and the prophecy of Gen. GRANT had prepared us for the great news which, on Sunday night, was flashed across the wires to an expectant public. Despite this, however, the errand of the mercurial newsboys was successful; with their arms full of extras, they rushed up town and over to the neighboring cities, shouting the glad tidings as they ran, so that before the morning papers disclosed the fact, the great mass of the people were aware that LEE and his armed men no longer stood in the pathway of the Army of the Potomac. Newsboys and news extras have been detected ere this in imposing upon a credulous and a hopeful people, and at the hotels it was some little time before the cries of the little fellows were regarded with attention. But the dispatch characteristic of Secretary STANTON, settled every doubt, and the wildest delirium of joy seized everybody and held possession for the night.

AT THE POST OFFICE

the intelligence was received at eleven o'clock.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4310096/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Rejoicing: How the Glorious News is Received – 2-5
Gen. Wilson’s Expedition: Reported Capture and Burning of Selma, Ala. – 5
Stoneman’s Expedition: His Forces Said to Have Cut the Railroad Between Danville and Greensboro– 5
Army of the Potomac: The Recent Achievements – 5
The Movement Against Mobile: Success of Gen. Steele’s Expedition – 5-6
Affairs in Charleston – 6
Sherman’s Army: Reported Evacuation of Raleigh – 6
Reports from Goldsboro: Order by Gen. Sherman – 6-7
From Richmond: The Mansion of Jeff. Davis – 7
News from Washington – 7-8
Editorial: A New Epoch – The Advent of Peace – 8
Editorial: Gen. Johnston’s Army – 8-9
Rebel Surrenders – 9
The Draft – 9