Now wake the requiem's solemn moan,
For him whose patriot task is done!
A nation's heart stands still today
With horror, o'er his martyred clay!
O, God of Peace, repress the ire,
Which fills our souls with vengeful fire!
Vengeance is Thine--and sovereign might,
Alone, can such a crime requite!
Farewell, thou good and guileless heart!
The manliest tears for thee must start!
E'en those at times who blamed thee here,
Now deeply sorrow o'er thy bier.
O, Jesus, grant him sweet repose,
Who, like Thee, seemed to love his foes!
Those foes, like Thine, their wrath to spend,
Have slain their best, their firmest friend.
[Illustration: ST. JAMES HALL, BUFFALO, N. Y.]
The funeral train bearing the remains of President Lincoln reached
Buffalo, New York, on Thursday morning, the 27th of April. The body
was taken from the funeral car and borne by soldiers up to St. James'
Hall, where it was placed under a crape canopy, extending from the
ceiling to the floor. The Buffalo St. Cecilia Society sang with deep
pathos the dirge "Rest, Spirit, Rest," the society then placed an
elegantly formed harp, made of choice white flowers, at the head of
the coffin, as a tribute from them to the honored dead. The public
were admitted to view the remains, and the following day the remains
reached Cleveland, Ohio.
James Nicoll Johnston was born in Ardee, County Donegal, Ireland. When
two years of age the family moved to Cashelmore, Sheephaven Bay,
County Donegal. In 1847 they moved to America. He was then between
fifteen and sixteen years of age. In 1848 they settled at Buffalo,
New York, which has been his home until the present time.
He has published two editions of _Donegal Memories_, also two editions
of _Donegal Memories and Other Poems_, and a volume of Buffalo verse
collected by him under the title of _Poets and Poetry of Buffalo_. He
assisted in collections of Buffalo local literature, also devoted much
time to the production of publications of a philanthropic nature.