February 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The Start from Home–Speech to His Neighbors–The Presidential Cortege–Speed of the Train–Cheers for Lincoln and the Constitution, &c., &c., &c.
THE LAST DAY AT HOME.
SPRINGFIELD, ILL., Feb. 10, 1861.
The President is spending this last day of his stay in Springfield quietly in a select circle of friends. Edward Bates was invited to accompany Mr. Lincoln to Washington, but telegraphed last night that he would not be enabled to go.
Carl Schurz arrived last evening. Mr. Lincoln showed him marked courtesy, and introduced him personally to a number of prominent men as the great German orator. Major Hunter and Colonel Sumner have not yet arrived.
Invitations to accompany Mr. Lincoln to Washington have been extended to the following parties. The list comprises prominent republicans and Douglas and Breckinridge democrats:–Governor Yates, Ex-Governor Moore, Honorables O. M. Hatch, William Butler, N. Baleman and E. Peck, J. Grimshaw, William R. Morrison. L. M. Ross, M.H. Cassel, William S. Underwood, William H. Carlin, J.A. Hough, D. H. Gilman and Colonel Burgess. Carl Schurz was invited, but is obliged to decline.
TAKING LEAVE OF HIS NEIGHBORS. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., Feb. 11, 1861.
The President elect, accompanied by his lady and a number of friends, left his hotel at half past seven A. M, and rode up to the Great Western depot. Over a thousand persons of all classes were assembled in the depot building and on each side of the festivity decorated special train to bid farewell to their honored townsman.
The President elect took his station in the waiting room, and allowed his friends to pass by him and take his hand for the last time. His face was pale, and quivered with emotion so deep as to render him almost unable to utter a single word. At eight o’clock precisely he was conducted to the cars by Mr. Wood and Mr. Baker, of the Journal. After exchanging a parting salutation with his lady, he took his stand on the platform, removed his hat, and, asking silence, spoke as follows to the multitude that stood in respectful silence and with their heads uncovered:–
MR. LINCOLN’S PARTING WORDS.
MY FRIENDS–No one not in my situation can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting. To this place and to the kindness of these people I owe everything; here I have been a quarter of a century, and passed from a young man to an old man. Here my children have been born and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether I ever may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him I cannot succeed. With his assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me and remain with you and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. In that same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support, and I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive that Divine Assistance without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain: to His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
Towards the conclusion of his remarks himself and audience were moved to tears. His exhortation to pray elicited choked exclamations of ‘We will do it; we will do it.’
THE START FOR THE WHITE HOUSE.
As he turned to enter the cars three cheers were given, and a few seconds afterwards the train moved slowly out of the sight of the silent gathering. The train left at precisely half past eight o’clock.
THE PRESIDENTIAL CORTEGE.
The following gentlemen compose the party:–A. Lincoln, R. T. Lincoln, John G. Nicolay, John Hay, Secretary; N. B. Judd, O. H Browning, J. H. Dubois, E. Peck, J. Grimshaw, R. Irwin. J. Hough, Martin Cassel, L. W. Ross, Geo. Latham, Hall Wilson, E. T. Leonard, W. Jameson, Wm. Carlin, D. H. Gilman. Major Hunter, United States Army; Col. Ward H. Lamer, aid to Gov. Yates, and Col. Elsworth, L. Tilton Hall, W. R. Morrison, Wm. H. Cassell, G. A. Hough. E. V. Sumner, Jr. and G. W. Gilpin, constitute the military portion of the cortege.
Dr. W. H. Wallace accompanies the party as the physician of the President. Col. Sumner did not reach Springfield in time, but will join the party at Indianapolis. Curious crowds are stationed all along the line, endeavoring to catch a glimpse of the President as the train rushes past them. J. J. S. Wilson, Superintendent of the Caton Telegraph Company, is on the train, with an assistant and an apparatus ready to form a connection at any point.
ARRIVAL AT DECATUR.
DECATUR, Feb. 11–9:30 A.M.
An immense multitude awaited the arrival of the train at the depot, and burst out in enthusiastic cheers as it moved up. The President left his car and moved rapidly through the area shaking hands on the right and left.
ANOTHER SPEECH.
TOLONO, Feb. 11–11 A.M.
Cheers from a thousand voices, and the booming of cannon and waving of handkerchiefs, greeted the arrival of the special train at this station. In response to the cheers, the President appeared upon the platform and said:–
I am leaving you on an errand of national importance, attended, as you are aware, with considerable difficulties. Let us believe, as some poet has expressed it: –
Behind the cloud the sun is still shining.
I bid your an affectionate farewell.
The turnout of the yeomanry increases as the train progresses eastward. Most of the stations are handsomely decorated with flags.
The cheers are always for Lincoln and the constitution.
The President elect continues reserved and thoughtful, and stays most of the time alone in the private saloon prepared for his special use.
The Yankee Prince of Wales, Bob Lincoln, the heir apparent of the President elect, adheres closely to the refreshment saloon, the gayest of the gay.
THE ELECTRIC PART OF THE SUITE.
E. Cobb, Superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph company, got aboard at this place. Just before leaving Springfield Mrs. Lincoln determined to join the party with her two sons, at Indianapolis, after visiting St. Louis.
THE SPEED OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT. ON SPECIAL TRAIN, Feb. 11–11:30 A.M.
The train is under the charge of L. Tilton, President, and W. C. Whitney, conductor, and moves at the rate of thirty miles an hour. It is driven by a powerful Rogers locomotive, and consists of a baggage, smoking and passenger car. Refreshments for the thirsty are on board.