Page 42 - Holyland Magazine - 2009 Edition

On the day of his assassination (Good According to Mary Todd’s diary, he turned Abraham Lincoln never made it to the
to her during the show and whispered earthly Jerusalem, but General Ulysses S.
Friday, April 14, 1865), President Abraham “How I should like to visit Jerusalem Grant, after his presidency, took a globe-
Lincoln took a carriage ride to the theater sometime!” In a letter, she later wrote that circling tour (1877-79) that included a
with his wife Mary Todd Lincoln. Now that “the President appeared to anticipate much pilgrimage to the Holy City.
the Civil War was grinding to an end, he pleasure, from a visit to Palestine,” although
thought of taking a trip and the choice was he was at least now “rejoicing in the As General Grant approached Jerusalem,
whether to travel to California or to take presence of his Savior, and was in the midst he carried three books to serve as his guides:
“a special pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” of the Heavenly Jerusalem.” the Bible, the essential text reference; a

The 19th century witnessed a major resurgence of interest in the Middle East. Some adventuresome Americans,
including author Mark Twain, shared their visits to Palestine with wit, humor and a somewhat cynical attitude.

The view from the entrance to
the Mediterranean Hotel in
Jerusalem, as Mark Twain saw
it. Note the camel caravan
heading to the Damascus Gate.
Photo: Library of Congress

TRAVETLINWGWAIITNH

42 “The one sole condition that makes spiritual happiness and preserves it is the absence of doubt” (Mark Twain)