February 24, 1861; The New York Herald
(Special Despatch to the New York Times.)
HARRISBURG, Feb. 23. – 8 A.M.
Abraham Lincoln, the President elect of the United States, is safe in the capital of the nation. By the admirable arrangement of General Scott the country has been spared the lasting disgrace, which would have been fastened indelibly upon it had Mr. Lincoln been murdered upon his journey thither, as he would have been had he followed the programme as announced in the papers and gone by the Northern Central Railroad in Baltimore.
On Thursday night after he had retired, Mr. Lincoln was aroused and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life or death. He declined to admit him unless he gave his name, which he at once did. Of such prestige did the name carry that while Mr. Lincoln was yet disrobed he granted an interview to the called.
A prolonged conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Mr. Lincoln should not be inaugurated, and that he should never leave the city of Baltimore alive, if indeed, he ever entered it.
The list of the names of the conspirators presented a most astonishing array of persons high in Southern confidence, and some whose fame is not to this country alone.
Statesmen laid the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventurers were to carry it into effect. As they understood, Mr. Lincoln was to leave Harrisburg at nine o’clock this morning by special train, and the idea was if possible to throw the cars from the road at some point where they would rush down a steep embankment and destroy in a moment the lives of all on board. In case of the failure of this project, their plan was to surround the carriage on the way from depot to depot in Baltimore, and assassinate him with dagger or pistol shot.
So authentic was the source from which the information was obtained that Mr. Lincoln after counselling his friends, was compelled to make arrangements which would enable him to subvert the plans of his enemies.
Greatly to the annoyance of the thousands who desired to call on him last night, he declined giving a reception. The final council was held at eight o’clock.
Mr. Lincoln did not want to yield, and Colonel Sumner actually cried with indignation: but Mrs. Lincoln, seconded by Mr. Judd and Mr. Lincoln’s original informant, insisted upon it, and at nine o’clock Mr. Lincoln left on a special train. He wore a Scotch plaid cap and a very long military cloak, so that he was entirely unrecognizable. Accompanied by Superintendent Lewis and one friend, he started, while all the town, with the exception of Mrs. Lincoln, Col. Sumner, Mr. Judd, and two reporters, who were sworn to secrecy, supposed him to be asleep.
The telegraph wires were put beyond the reach of anyone who might desire to use them.
At one o’clock the fact was whispered from one to another, and it soon became the theme of most excited conversation. Many thought it a very injudicious move, while others regarded it as a stroke of great merit.
The special train leaves with the original party, including the Times correspondent, at nine o’clock, and we trust it will reach Baltimore in safely.
(From the Baltimore American, Feb. 23.)
As the representative of political and sectional views which find but few adherents among our people and no sympathy from the masses, the President elect will miss here the popular ovations which have attended every step of his progress from Springfield up to the borders of Maryland. But while this is so, we believe we may say with the fullest reliance upon the good sense and orderly instincts of our people, that his transit through Baltimore will not be marked by any demonstrations of an opposite character, and that whatever degree of respect and consideration can be consistently paid to his official position will be quietly and properly rendered.