1865-1889: Assassination and aftermath

January 31, 1865 U. S. House of Representatives passed joint resolution to U. S. Constitution to abolish slavery. The Senate had previously passed the resolution on April 8, 1864. Lincoln signed the official resolution, and several ceremonial copies. The amendment was then sent to the states for ratification, and became the Thirteenth Amendment in December. Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward met with Confederate representatives (including Vice President Alexander Hamilton Stephens) at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on February 3 to discuss possible peace terms. 2nd inauguration March 4, 1865. Visited General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters at City Point, Virginia, at Grant's invitation. Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant at Appomattox Court House. Other Confederate troops remained in the field, but the war was effectively over. April 14, shot while attending a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre. Died next day. Funeral at White House April 19.