July 2–5, 1881: “President Garfield shot by an assassin…”
View diary entries from July 2-5, 1881 where the diarist describes the day's devastating news: the shooting of President Garfield.
President Garfield, assassination, 1881, Handwritten journal, Carolyn Porter, handwriting, Forepaughs, typography
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July 3, 2015 In Handwriting, History

July 2–5, 1881: “President Garfield shot by an assassin…”

Handwritten diary pages showing July 2 - 5, 1881 and recording assassination of President Garfield

As you may know, I collect handwritten ephemera: letters, cards, invitations, etc. I bought this pocket-size diary from 1881, thinking the writing might be a good reference source for a font […someday!]. I looked to see what the entry was for the 4th of July, hoping it would mention a parade or fireworks or a summertime luxury such as a drink with ice. It turns out the entry from July 2 is more interesting because it captures the day’s disastrous news: “President Garfield shot by an assassin twice at Depot in Washington. He got very near death…”

The next day, he wrote, “The President still lives + hopes are entertained of his recovery. Attended prayer meeting.” On the 4th of July he wrote, “News very bad from Washington all day Extras issued from all the offices…” But things look better by the 5th when he notes “News better from Pres. Garfield. Sleeps better.”

Unfortunately, eleven weeks later, Garfield would be dead.