Elihu Washburne

by Michael Hill

That fall, on the afternoon of September 21, only seven months after Adele’s death, Washburne was found in his room “lying on the bed unconscious [and] breathing heavily.” Diagnosed with “congestion of the brain,” for days Washburne passed in and out of consciousness.

  After several weeks Washburne’s condition improved and, as he regained strength, the doctors became hopeful that he might soon make a full recovery.

  On the morning of October 23, Washburne rose from bed, dressed himself, and called for one of his servants to give him a shave. Once seated in the chair, Washburne felt a sharp pain in his chest and had to be helped back to his bed. Surrounded by members of his family, Washburne died a short time later. He was seventy-one years old.

  The next day, the Department of State in Washington, D.C., suspended all business and the department’s building was “draped in mourning.” President Grover Cleveland ordered all American diplomatic and consular offices around the world to exhibit similar “expressions of sorrow” for the former Minister.

  In Chicago an immense funeral service was held in Washburne’s honor at the Unity Church. The building was “crowded to overflowing, [with] a large number of people being obliged to stand in the aisles and vestibule.” Washburne’s casket was plain and black, “draped with a United States flag.” Facing the congregation was a platform bearing a huge American flag in the center and, in tribute, the tricolor of France to the right and the black eagle of Germany to the left. On an arrangement of flowers near the altar were the words, “Washburne, Finis.”

  After the service Washburne’s casket was drawn through the city by “four jet black horses” with the “muffled drums” of a band signaling its approach to the train depot. The procession was an “impressive and imposing pageant,” led by a “platoon of police” and members of various local German societies carrying torches in Washburne’s honor.

  At the Illinois Central station, Washburne’s coffin was placed on a train bound for Galena.

  Sixteen years earlier, as Minister to France, Elihu Washburne had been trapped in Paris, caught in the midst of insurrection, bloodshed, and a savage civil war. One night, while overcome with despair about the brutality and inhumanity all about him, he sat down to write an entry in his diary. As he began, his thoughts wandered back to memories of Galena, Illinois, and the day he first arrived with no friends or money and only a few items of clothing packed by a “careful mother.”

  Diary—April 1, 1871

  It is thirty-one years this day since I arrived in Galena. I was a passenger on the little steamwheeler “Pike,” Capt. Powers. We arrived on the little levee before daylight and when I got up in the morning it was bright and clear—and looked out upon the town [and] I shall never forget the impression made upon me. The mud in the streets knee deep, the log and frame buildings, all huddled together. The river full of steamboats, the discharging of freight, busy men running to and fro and the yelling of the draymen. Those were the high days of old Galena . . .

  With nothing “to aid him . . . except hard experience and a high resolve” to succeed, he had always cherished the “hand of friendship” extended to him by the people of Galena.

  Now, nearly fifty years later, he had returned.

  Washburne’s casket arrived at the Galena train station early on the morning of October 27 and was taken to lie in state at Turner Hall, where he had spoken many times during his long public career. The hall was “elaborately decorated,” with the flags of America and Germany once again flanking the coffin.

  After the service his casket was drawn through town followed by the longest funeral procession Galena had ever seen. He was taken to the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery, just outside of town, to join Adele and Gratiot. He was buried there on a small hill overlooking that “little, rugged, great-hearted” town he had come to know as home.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  First, and foremost, I would like to thank David McCullough. For nearly thirty years, I have had the honor and great pleasure to work as his research assistant on a variety of projects. In that time he has been a true mentor, a guiding spirit, a fellow adventurer, and, above all, an inspiration and true, steadfast friend. The idea for this book originated while David was writing his book The Greater Journey, which includes chapters on Washburne’s life and his heroic years in Paris. I shall always be grateful to him for suggesting the book to Simon & Schuster and for his guidance and encouragement along the way.

  I also want to thank David’s wife, Rosalee, who during my three decades of research adventures with David has always been kind, thoughtful, and of unending good cheer.

  My editor at Simon & Schuster, Bob Bender, and publisher Jonathan Karp deserve special thanks as well. When David McCullough first approached them about publishing the Washburne diary, they welcomed the idea without hesitation, despite my being a novice writer. Throughout the entire process, Bob has been patient and has provided wise counsel.

  To Michael Korda, my good friend, mentor, and patron, I also owe a special thanks. For years he has provided me with encouragement, invaluable assistance, and, most important, the gift of friendship.

  Jeffrey Flannery, archivist extraordinaire and good friend, helped unravel the mystery of the Washburne diary at the Library of Congress. He is a resourceful, indefatigable, and keen-eyed archivist. I am also thankful to Gerard Gawault and Patrick Kerwin at the Library of Congress, who were both extremely helpful to me while working with the Washburne Collection.

  At the Washburn-Norlands homestead and archives in Livermore, Maine, many kind people opened the doors to the research facilities, allowing David and me to dig deeper into the Washburne story. Sheri Leahan and Jennifer Colby-Morse have been especially helpful. Unfortunately, the joy of this project was tempered by the sad loss of Nancey Drinkwine, who passed away before this book was completed. Her support at Norlands during the early part of this project was a special delight.

  Terry Miller and Jamie Dimke were especially kind and helpful during a research visit to Washburne’s hometown, Galena, Illinois. I can’t thank them enough for the time they took to show my wife, Rebecca, and me around town, and to provide insight and valuable background information about the history of Galena, the Washburne family, and the relationship between Grant and Washburne.

  Throughout the drafting and editing process, there were countless people who reviewed and helped with manuscript drafts, providing invaluable guidance and suggestions along the way. They include: Nathaniel Philbrick, Dorie Lawson, James Eastwood, Richard Moe, Bryson Clevenger, Celeste Walker, Simon Watts, and, particularly, Keith Wamsley and Jonathan Levin, who both provided counsel, advice, and editorial criticism, all of which helped shape the final work. I would also like to thank Johanna Li and Gypsy da Silva at Simon & Schuster for all their help in finalizing the book.

  I must also express my sincere gratitude and joy to all those individuals who have allowed me, through good luck and good fortune, to be a part of their own creative works, whether books or films, over the last thirty years. Each of them, in his or her own way, has taught me the thrill and joy of archival and historical research and a deep respect for their craft, especially the hard work, patience, and long hours that are essential to any creative process. They include: David McCullough, Michael Korda, Ken Burns, Evan Thomas, Nathaniel Philbrick, Michael Beschloss, Dorie Lawson, George Englund, Jeff Shesol, Mark Salter, Sally Bedell Smith, Geoffrey C. Ward, Jeff Nussbaum, Richard Moe, and Caroline Kennedy.

  Finally, I would like to thank my father and mother, Clarence and Mary Hill, who early on instilled in me a love of history and books. And, above all, to my wife, Rebecca Purdy, who stood by me while I struggled to tell the story of Elihu Washburne’s heroic life and was always there with invaluable guidance, suggestions, love, and support throughout.

  ILLUSTRATION CREDITS

  Papers and Journals of Elihu Washburne, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, Maine: Frontispiece, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13.

  Library of Congress, Wash
ington, D.C.: 2, 8, 10, 11.

  Siege and Commune Collection, Special Collections, Northwestern University Library, Evanston, Illinois: 9, 14, 15, 17.

  Reprinted from Elihu Washburne, Recollections of a Minister to France, 1869–1877 (London: Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1887): 6.

  Le Monde Illustré, April 1871: 12.

  Harper’s Weekly, June 3, 1871: 16.

  (1) Representative Elihu Washburne of Galena, Illinois. First elected to Congress in 1852, he served eight consecutive terms.

  (2) President Ulysses S. Grant. A close friend and political ally from Galena, Grant appointed Washburne Minister to France in 1869.

  (3) Washburne’s calling card as Minister to France.

  (4) Daughter of one of Galena’s most prominent families, Adele Washburne was charming, well educated, and “a fine conversationalist.” The Washburnes were married for forty-two years.

  (5) The Washburne family home in Paris at 75 Avenue de l’Impératrice. Located off the Champs-Élysées and near the Bois de Boulogne, it had stables, a garden, and a little yard in front.

  (6) The American Legation in Paris at 95 Rue de Chaillot. After the outbreak of war, frightened Americans citizens and German nationals sought assistance from Washburne here. During a period of six weeks, Washburne helped over 3,000 Americans leave Paris.

  (7) Twenty-year-old Gratiot (Grack), Washburne’s oldest son. Gratiot would remain with his father throughout the siege and the terror of the Commune.

  (8) Panorama of Paris circa 1870.

  (9) Hôtel de Ville in 1870. All of Paris became one armed camp after the outbreak of war.

  (10) Napoléon III. Although ill and worn out, the reluctant Emperor led his subjects into battle against the mighty Prussian army. He was taken prisoner after the French defeat at the Battle of Sedan.

  (11) Secretary of State Hamilton Fish.

  (12) Paris butcher selling dead rats, dogs, and cats for food during the siege. Some 65,000 horses and mules would also be slaughtered to feed starving Parisians trapped in the city.

  (13) Excerpt from a letter from Washburne to his wife, Adele, on December 8, 1870. Washburne quotes from Shakespeare’s Othello: “Horrors on horror’s head accumulate.”

  (14) Raoul Rigault. Washburne described him as “one of the most hideous figures in all history.” Rigault ordered the arrest of the Archbishop of Paris, Georges Darboy.

  (15) Onlookers examine the toppled Vendôme Column. On May 16, 1870, the column was pulled down before a crowd of 10,000 who shouted, “Vive la Commune.”

  (16) Washburne visiting the doomed Archbishop Darboy in his prison cell for the last time.

  (17) Ruins of the Hôtel de Ville. During the last week of May 1871, all of Paris was “fire and battle” as government troops moved to crush the Commune.

  MICHAEL HILL is an independent historical researcher. He has worked with David McCullough, Nathaniel Philbrick, Evan Thomas, Michael Beschloss, Michael Korda, Jon Meacham, and Jeff Shesol, among others. He also worked with documentary film director and producer Ken Burns on his Civil War and Baseball series. Prior to his work in books and television, Mr. Hill worked in politics and government, including several years as press assistant to Vice President Walter F. Mondale. He lives with his family in Virginia.

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  JACKET ART: PAINTING, MUSÉE CARNAVALET PARIS / GIANNI DAGLI ORTI / THE ART ARCHIVE AT ART RESOURCE, NY; PORTRAIT, WASHBURN FAMILY PAPERS, WASHBURN-NORLANDS LIVING HISTORY CENTER, LIVERMORE, MAINE

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  NOTES

  Prologue

  PAGE

  1 During the worst days: Hoffman, Camp, Court, and Siege, 227.

  2 Reminiscent of the brutal Commune de Paris: Horne, The Fall of Paris, 293.

  3 During the final bloody week: Ibid., 15.

  4 “The gaudy butterflies”: Undated article, Chicago Journal, Scrapbooks, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  5 “This is my place where duty calls me”: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 250.

  6 Despite all the hardships and dangers: Hoffman, Camp, Court, and Siege, 271–272.

  7 “With no experience in such matters”: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 252.

  8 “a denizen of the rough west”: Undated article, Scrapbooks, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  9 His hair was “iron gray”: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 194.

  10 His eyes were “large and full”: Ibid.

  11 “The model is Yankee”: Ibid., 191–192.

  12 Although “without fortune in dollars”: Undated news article, Scrapbooks, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  13 Elihu later added the e: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 155.

  14 The family, he would recall: Ibid., 158.

  15 His father, Israel: Ibid.

  16 Elihu, twelve years old by now: Ibid., 157.

  17 “With me memories are awakened”: Elihu Washburne to Adele Washburne, Sept. 2, 1876, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  18 Although of little education: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 158.

  19 She could be “firm and resolute”: Ibid.

  20 “When I think of her labors”: Ibid.

  21 “I dug up stumps”: Ibid., 159.

  22 “I was called up every morning”: Ibid., 158.

  23 His grandfather: Ibid., 156.

  24 He would never forget: Ibid.

  25 “The sad and heavy months”: Ibid.

  26 “Witnessing the poverty”: Ibid., 159.

  27 “I determined to shift for myself”: Ibid.

  28 During the next several years: Ibid., 161.

  29 More than just a teacher: Ibid., 164.

  30 “A fellow who comes”: Ibid., 314.

  31 I was a passenger: Ibid., 172.

  32 He was a “green Yankee boy”: Elihu Washburne to Miss Clarke, March 18, 1872, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  33 In Galena, Washburne found: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 176.

  34 He took a room: Ibid., 172.

  35 At night he would be kept awake: Elihu Washburne to H. H. Houghton, March 6, 1871, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  36 Washburne soon set to work: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 172.

  37 Galena was a “horrid rough place”: Ibid.

  38 Her father, Colonel Henry Gratiot: Marsh, Galena, Illinois, 25, 55.

  39 Adele was ten years younger: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 182; undated article, Scrapbooks, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  40 An early biographer wrote: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 179.

  41 Above all, she believed: Ibid., 181.

  42 I made a canvass: Washburne, Recollections of a Minister to France, Vol. I, 283.

  43 I called one afternoon: Diary of Elihu Washburne, Dec. 28, 1870, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  44 Finally, on November 2, 1852: Washburne, Recollections of a Minister to France, Vol. I, 284.

  45 At the end of the day: Ibid.

  46 The next day Washburne: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 173.

  47 Three other brothers: Ibid., 174; McCullough, The Greater Journey, 275.

  48 Later, as chairman of the Committee on Appropriations: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 174.

  49 He was “one of the ablest”: Undated editorial, Scrapbooks, Washburne Papers, Library of Congress.

  50 “H
e steadily set his face”: Ibid.

  51 Others found him: Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Vol. I, 234.

  52 At first, Washburne was hardly impressed: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 228.

  53 He delivered a speech: Ibid., 190.

  54 In Baltimore, as his train: Donald, Lincoln, 278.

  55 “The door of the President’s house”: Chicago Tribune, Oct. 27, 1887.

  56 Washburne first met Ulysses S. Grant: Hunt, Israel, Elihu, and Cadwallader Washburn, 231.

  57 “I can assure you”: Ibid., 233.

  58 Washburne, in the middle of the battle: Ibid., 201.

  59 Never before had I such feelings: Ibid.

  60 They jumped out and tried: Ibid., 202.

  61 “A more sober set”: Ibid.

  62 “We will whip the traitors yet”: Ibid., 203.

  63 “We are in the midst”: Ibid., 219.

  64 “Such a long and awful”: Ibid., 220.

  65 After Lee surrendered: Ibid., 222–223.

  66 As the rebel prisoners: Ibid., 223.

  67 The news of Lincoln’s death: Ibid., 225–226.

  68 Selected as one of Lincoln’s pallbearers: Ibid., 227. A copy of Washburne’s ticket designating him as one of Lincoln’s pallbearers still exists in the Papers and Journals of Elihu Washburne, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, Maine.

  69 But soon, like Grant: Ibid., 236–237.

  70 Let him be impeached: Speech by Representative Elihu Washburne, delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, 1868.