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19 THE LETTER TO SWEDEN

-------XIX------THELETTERTOS ~DEN New DuvemaIa Settlement at Center City Post Offis, April 23, r865. Dear Sister Lydia Karlsson, Mayall be well with you is my daily Wish. You write at long Intervals but you shall not think I have forgotten my only Sister. I have been sitting a few Evenings now and writing a letter to You. First I want to tell you that the War is over and the Enemy beaten. The hard-necked Rebels are giving up everywhere. On the Battle Fields all is Stillness and all soldiers are going back to their homes. 100,000 Dollars has been promised to the one who can catch President Jefferson of the South. Much destruction has taken place but the Union between the States is safe for time ro come. Great was spread here because of all the good News but like turning a Hand it became Sorrow instead. Our greatly beloved President Abraham Lincoln fell from a murderer's Bullet the 14 April. It happened in the evening when he had gone to view a Theatre in Washington, the message flew like a bolt of lightning over the whole land by the Telegraph. That moment I shall never forget. I was in Stellwater with a load of potatoes that day. In all places oflabor the tools were laid down and each one went to his home. Stores and Houses were draped in black, and many flags on half mast to show the sorrow. Much Lamentation was heard in the streets. Old men cried like Babies. For here nothing is like in people are not ordered to Mourn when the Head of the Nation passes but all happens of free Will. Our President was called the countty's Father and we mourn him like a Father in the Flesh. He fought for the Right of the Poor, He made the Black free from Siavety, unchained their chains. The People had entrusted their government to Him. His portrait hangs in many houses for all to see. A man of Honor is honored in Our Republic. Father Abe's murderer is Taken, shot through the head, for he did not wish 163 THE LAST LETTER HOME to be taken in Life. Old Honest Abe will be brought to his home village in Springfield and will be buried there. His Corpse will be brought 1,300 miles and People will meet up and gather along the Whole way to say FarewelL This might be of small interest to My sister in Sweden, but it has just happened and my mind is full ofit. The Indian savages in Minnesota made an uproar and started a cruel war. But afterwards the Indians were told to keep 20 miles away from any house or white settlement. Now we are safe from the reds. I want to tell you about my family now since Kristina lett us. Her death I have not gotten over and don't think I will in Life. But otherwise all is well with us, I have had good luck in worldy matters, I have now 3 horses and one colt and 10 cows not counting young ones. Last year I fatted 18 Pigs. I sold most ofthe Pork, but since the war, prices are low. 20 acres ofmy claim still lies in wilderness but my Sons will help me break it. My six children are all well and full ofLife. My oldest daughter takes care ofmy house, she is 18. And my good boys will be of great help. The youngest goes to school and is learning English fast. After the end of the war the Country is improving. They are building one railroad after another through Minnesota and we can all ride the Steam Wagon. Good times are promised to us by our Government. The Astrakhan tree from Kristina's home bears every falL You can see it to the right in the Portrait I send of our House, taken by a photographing man from Stellwater. Now you can see how we live, they take portraits much like the object here in America. My hope is that my thoughts which I have tried to put on Paper will find you and Yours at good health. Hope you don't forget to write and let me know about My beloved Sister. Your Devoted Brother Karl Oskar Nilsson. ...