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| the English version of the book Father Banier gives to Walter: "Impressions of Lincoln and the Civil War" by Marquis Adolphe de Chambrun (a descendant of Lafayette) |
From page 324 of the book: I'm on my way to Biarritz. And I came across this fascinating book by Count Adolphe de Chambrun." He handed me a sealed manila envelope stuffed with the weight of a hardcover book. "It's a first edition copy of his diary when he was in America, during your Civil War. He traveled with Abraham Lincoln and wrote all about it. It's all in there," he tapped the envelope.
From page 326 of the book: Stopping, I read a few lines and translated, wondering what Owen would say when I told him about de Chambrun observing Lincoln on April 8, 1865, standing on the deck of a boat, looking at the Virginia hills along the Potomac, his face dark and silent, six days before he was murdered. What must de Chambrun have thought of us?!
An excerpt from de Chambrun's recollections:
Tuesday, April 11, 1865. "When the President saw us enter, he rose impulsively, came forward and took my hand, which he held in his own a long time as though better to show his pleasure and affection at seeing me again. ...He spoke at length of the many struggles he foresaw in the future and declared his firm resolution to stand for clemency against all opposition. ...I did not stay too long, in order to let him rest, and escorted Mrs. Lincoln down to the parlor where she habitually receives. Mrs. Lincoln...spoke with quiet confidence of the future and showed great satisfaction and pride in her husband's success."
"Our party [aboard the Silver Queen, a 536-ton steamer] dispersed on arriving at the Potomac wharf. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and I drove home in the same carriage. As we drew near Washington, Mrs. Lincoln...said: 'That city is full of enemies.' The President on hearing this, retorted with an impatient gesture: 'Enemies, never again must we repeat that word.'"
