February 17, 1861; The New York Herald
BUFFALO, Feb. 16, 1861.
On arrival at Buffalo Mr. Lincoln was met at the door of the car by a deputation of citizens headed by Milliard Fillmore, between whom and himself a hearty greeting passed.
The crowd in and surrounding the depot was dense and numbered not less than ten thousand people. But one company of soldiers and a file of police were detailed to act as escort to the party, and it was with the greatest difficulty that they could protect them from being crushed by the crowd. While passing from the train to the carriages, in the jam, Major Hunter, of the United States Army, one of Mr. Lincoln’s suite, had his shoulder dislocated. The passage of the procession up Exchange and Main streets to the American Hotel, was a perfect ovation. Most of the buildings on those streets were gaily draped with flags.
The reception in this place was the most ill conducted affair witnessed since the departure from Springfield. A thick crowd had been allowed to await the arrival of the train in the depot, so that but a narrow passage could be kept open by the few soldiers and policemen detailed to protect the President. He had hardly left his car and, after heartily shaking hands with Mr. Fillmore, made a few steps towards the door, when the crowd made a rush, and overpowering the guard, pressed upon him and party with a perfect furor. A scene of the wildest confusion ensued. To and from the ruffians swayed, and soon cries of distress were heard on all sides. The pressure was so great that it is really a wonder that many were not crushed and trampled to death. As it was, Major Hunter, of the President escort, alone suffered a bodily injury by having his arm dislocated. The President elect was safely got out of the depot only by the desperate efforts of those immediately around him. His party had to struggle with might and main for their lives, and after fighting their way to the open air found some of the carriages already occupied, so that not a few had to make for the hotel afoot as best they could.
The hotel doors were likewise blockaded by immovable thousands, and they had to undergo another tremendous squeeze to get inside. The indignation of the Presidential cortege at their rough treatment is great, and they insist that Mr. Lincoln should decline all further public receptions, in case no better protection could be guaranteed.
Although somewhat exhausted, Mr. Lincoln is in good spirits. This evening he is holding a levee at the American Hotel.
Mrs. Lincoln and the family continue in good health.