146th Illinois Infantry - Lincoln's Funeral

Item CDV-11195

Description

146th Illinois Infantry 
Chester D. Marr
Corporal
Backmark: Quincy., IL
Identified in period ink

The funeral procession, drawn up in eight divisions, was headed by Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, marshal-in-chief, and Brig. Gens. John Cook and James Oakes. Lincoln had promoted Hooker to command the Army of the Potomac in early 1863 despite Hooker’s active undermining of his predecessor, Gen. Ambrose Burnside. In doing so, Lincoln wrote a letter in which he counseled Hooker to avoid rashness, but “bring us victories.” Lincoln also wrote:
 I have heard, in such way as to believe it, of your recently saying that both the Army and the Government needed a Dictator. Of course, it was not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. Only those generals who gain successes, can set up dictators. What I now ask of you is military success, and I will risk the dictatorship.
Hooker was replaced as commanding general after botching the battle of Chancellorsville; a few days later, under Gen. George Meade, the Army of the Potomac won the battle of Gettysburg. (Hooker made an impression on Springfield when the funeral train arrived May 3; spying a pickpocket in the crowd, Hooker reportedly “gave the thief a kick that sent him no less than ten to fifteen feet”).

The order of march was:

• First Division – Military escort, Guard of Honor, Local Guard of Honor (the 146th Illinois Infantry), and the 146th Illinois Regimental Band, among others.

 Source:  “Two days in May: The funeral of Abraham Lincoln.” Sangamon County History.