April 19, 1865 funeral procession

[loetar44]

Thank you Scott, Roger and Laurie!

http://deadconfederates.com/2012/12/08/s...nd-review/

Via this link I found the description: “Spectators at side of the Capitol, which is hung with crepe and has flag at half-mast during the Grand Review of the Union Army, May 23-24, 1865. The signboard at lower center reads, “WELCOME BRAVE SOLDIERS.”

Larger version here: http://deadconfederates.files.wordpress....apitol.jpg

And another version here:
http://www.zazzle.com/grand_army_review_...0684874623

Now I wonder, why is the flag at half-mast. I suppose that might be for Lincoln ? The black crepe too ? To drape the Capitol in mourning at the Grand Review does not make sense to me. I agree with Scott that the official mourning period is 30 days, or were there back in 1865 other traditions / rules ?

Here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pnp/cwp/4a40000/4a...40197r.jpg

the same photo with caption: “The U.S. Capitol, newly constructed in 1860, was draped in black after Lincoln's shocking death.”

Is there written in the right upper corner “8th May”?

   

Who has the answers?