Willie Clark

[J. Beckert]

I just watched a YouTube video about the Petersen house and the NPS Ranger stated that when Willie Clark returned home, after helping out as much as he could, when he finally retired, he found Lincoln's clothes in a corner of the room. I always heard it was just his boots. The Ranger stated he had the clothes laundered and returned to RTL. Is that correct?

[Steve]

When Clark returned home, he found that Lincoln's clothes were still in the room. Here's a transcription of a letter by Clark to his sister describing the scene which is on the Ford's Theatre website:


Washington, DC

Wednesday Monday April 19, 1865

Dear Sister Ida.

To day the funeral of Mr. Lincoln takes place, the streets are being crowded at this early hour. (9 A M) and the procession will probably not move for 3 hours. We are moved back into the old building (Cor. 15 1/2.) It having been repaired. Ladies are thronging in here now, I have moved my desk close to my window to secure its use for myself and friends.

The past few days have been of intense excitement. Arrests are numerously made, of any party heard to utter secesh sentiments. The time has come when people cannot say what they please, the people are awfully indignant. Leinency is no longer to be thought of. A new code must be adopted.

They talk of the tyranical administration of Mr. Lincoln, but we have a man now for a president who will teach the south a lesson they will know well how to appreciate.

Since the death of our president hundreds daily call at the house to gain admission into my room.

I was engaged nearly all of Sunday with one of Frank Leslies Special Artist aiding him viz making a correct drawing of the last moments of Mr. Lincoln, as I knew the position of every one present he succeeded in executing a fine sketch, which will appear in their paper the last of this week. He intends, from this same drawing to have some fine large steel engravings executed. He also took a sketch of nearly every article in my room which will appear in their paper. He wished to mention the names of all in the room particularly the pothographs of yourself, Clara and Nannie, but I told him he must not do that, as they were members of my family and I did not wish them to be made so public. He also urged me to give him my picture or at least to allow him to take my sketch, but I could not see that. either.

Everybody has a great desire to obtain some memento from my room so that whoever comes in has to be closely watched for fear they will steal something.

I have a lock of his hair which I have had neatly framed, also a piece of linen with a portion of his brain, the pillow and case upon which he lay when he died and nearly all his wearing apparel but the latter I intend to send to Robt Lincoln as soon as the funeral is over, as I consider him the one most justly entitled to them.

The same matrass is on my bed, and the same coverlit covers me nightly that covered him while dying.

Enclosed you will find a piece of lace that Mrs. Lincoln wore on her head during the evening and was dropped by her while entering my room to see her dying husband It is worth keeping for its historical value.

The cap worked by Clara and the cushion by you, you little dreamed would be so historically connected with such an event.

I received your letter but before I answer it I must see what I can do. With that exception I have not received any letters although you blame me for not writing when to my knowledge I have written four, and you must be aware I am very anxious to hear about mothers health which in your letter you did not mention.

I wrote auntie a letter about a week ago and enclosed a love letter to Ella promising to marry her when I get to be 21.

Remember me to Henry Littlefield. Tell him I shall write him soon. Remember to Mrs . Little and family and all enquiring friends.

Love to father mother

and Clara, and dont forget you have a brother and send me a longer note soon.

I will write again soon.

Your affe. Brother

Willie

Please not give away any of this lace, out of our own family.




(Envelope addressed to Miss Ida F. Clark, No. 7 Warren Street,

Boston Mass.)


https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/707

[J. Beckert]

Thanks, Steve. I always thought it was just Lincoln's boots that were left behind. Maybe Willie thought if he returned the clothes, he'd be entitled to the boots as a finder's fee.