Tucked in a pocket at the back of the journal was a badge with the notation that it was crafted from mourning decoration adorning the church pulpit upon the death of President Lincoln.
As news of the assassination is disseminated the celebrative mood set by Lee’s surrender is quickly replaced by grief and public expression of mourning.
Illustrated at left by a simple two page view of a Portland, Maine citizen’s 1865 journal, is the joyous news of Lee’s surrender, followed only four days later by: President Lincoln was assassinated by Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater.

Expressions of mourning recovered from Maine Attics
include
The mourning ribbon worn by Jennie Stevens of
Westbrook, Maine.